While the Bucs' secondary isn't spectacular, theirs is certainly better than the Saints'. Safety Jermaine Phillips led the Bucs with four interceptions, and the secondary is led by seasoned veteran Ronde Barber.
EDGE: BUCCANEERS
Special Teams
The Saints put a fork into the Olindo Mare experiment and are going with Martin Gramatica after his impressive showing at the end of 2007 and throughout training camp. Punter Steve Weatherford averages nearly 44 yards per punt and pins almost a third of his punts inside the 20.
Expect for Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, and Terry Porter to return kicks this season. Bush's first career touchdown was a game-winning punt return against the Bucs in the Superdome in 2006.
Michael Spurlock recorded the first kickoff return for a touchdown in Buccaneers' history last season. Kicker Matt Bryant missed only three field goals within 50 yards, and punter Josh Bidwell pinned 30 of his 77 punts inside the 20.
EDGE: SAINTS
Coaching
Jon Gruden already has his Super Bowl ring, and I believe that Sean Payton will eventually get his. Both coaches are offensive-minded and handle their quarterbacks well. Both arrive with excellent game plans and adjust well at halftime.
Gruden gets the edge because of his experience. Payton still needs to learn that there are certain times when it is better to pound the ball, play straight up, and not get fancy (see Bucs @ Saints, 2007).
EDGE: BUCCANEERS
Predictions
The Saints must gain at least a split of the season series with the Buccaneers in order to have a chance to win the division and make it back to the playoffs. Their high-powered offense and home turf will be enough to hold off a tough Buccaneer team and gain a leg up in the division race.
Saints 27-24
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