New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Live New Orleans Score and Analysis

The New Orleans Saints ended their 2014 season on a winning note, as they went on the road and defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 23-20, in a Sunday afternoon divisional matchup. 

New Orleans was slow to get its offense going in this one, as the Saints trailed 20-7 at the half. 

The Saints received significantly improved play from their defense in the second half, however, and they eventually capitalized on the offensive end after a couple of mistakes by quarterback Drew Brees. 

The New Orleans signal-caller tossed interceptions on consecutive drives in the third quarter, but the Saints rode their running game to pull within six in the early portion of the fourth quarter. 

A Keenan Lewis interception set up the next New Orleans touchdown, as the Saints corner caught a tipped ball and returned it into Tampa territory. 

Brees found Marques Colston on a crossing route for a touchdown to give the Saints their first lead of the game just before the two-minute warning.

On Tampa Bay's next possession, New Orleans pass-rushers Cam Jordan and Junior Galette came up big with consecutive sacks. Galette's stop of Buccaneer quarterback Josh McCown resulted in a safety, and after Tampa received a penalty on the ensuing free kick, the Saints were able to kneel the ball and run the clock out. 

The Saints yielded 148 rushing yards in the first half, as Doug Martin and Charles Sims both gashed the New Orleans front seven. The unit dug its heels in in the second half, however, and its improved play spurred the visitors to the victory. 

With the win, New Orleans closes out its season at 7-9. The Saints dropped their last five home contests, but they ended their 2014 campaign with their fourth consecutive road victory.