Saints vs. Bucs: 5 Second-Half Adjustments Tampa Bay Must Make

After last year's late surge, you could forgive Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans for having high expectations. But the truth is, this is still a young team. And though they come off their bye week 4-3, they can take first place in the NFC South with a win today on the road.

This is exactly the kind of game a playoff team should win. Can the Bucs pull it off? So far they've struggled, but they're not out of the game just yet.

Here are 5 adjustments the Bucs must make to send the New Orleans Saints to their second straight loss.

1. Clamp Down on Darren Sproles

Sean Payton's offense is extremely innovative in the way it creates space for shifty running backs like Darren Sproles to run wild. So far today, the Bucs have been bitten by the diminutive Sporles a few times.

Expect more of that in the second half if Tampa can't find a defensive answer. Hint: Trying to cover the lightning-fast Sproles with linebackers won't work.

2. Take a Few Deep Shots to Mike Williams

With LeGarrette Blount back in the fold, the Bucs have their battering ram back. When he's on, Blount can pound defenses into submission, opening up the play action pass for Josh Freeman and his receivers. 

There's no way Tampa can win a game against the high-octane Saints without a few big plays. A bomb to Williams is there best hope for some quick points. Now that Tracy Porter is out of the game, a long pass should be an even greater possibility. 

3. Get LeGarrette Blount in Space

With apologies to Josh Freeman, Blount is the most dynamic player on the Bucs offense. But if they continue to pound him between the tackles, the Saints will adjust. Tampa Bay should mix it up by putting Blount in motion, pitching it to him on the edge, and getting him the ball on screen plays.

4. Find an Answer for the Saints' Two-Headed Monster

Chris Ivory and Pierre Thomas are filling in admirably for the injured Mark Ingram. New Orleans is mixing the two backs nicely, and Raheem Morris' defense has no answer.

It's a damned if they do, damned if they don't situation for Tampa Bay since putting eight men in the box could allow Drew Brees to kill them through the air. So Tampa Bay's front seven will simply have to play more physical and win the battle up up front. If they don't, it'll be a long day in New Orleans.

5. Get the Typical Josh Freeman Comeback

In his two seasons in the NFL, Josh Freeman has earned a reputation as a comeback artist. For whatever reason, the 2-minute drill just seems to be in his DNA.

Down big, Tampa needs their usual Josh Freeman second half—and then some. In reality, Tampa can't keep falling behind and expecting to comeback. But for at least one more game, the formula will have to work.