Bucs Fall 27-16 as Saints Gain Ground in Tight NFC South Race

Self-inflicted wounds ran deep today, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell to 4-4 on the season. With a 27-16 victory, the Saints led themselves into first place while pushing the Bucs down into third place within the NFC South.

This past week, head coach Raheem Morris focused on correcting the penalty problem that was slowing down his young team. Wind sprints throughout practice and game-tape that solely focused on the yellow flags weren't enough, however, to curb the Bucs' mistakes this Sunday.

Nine penalties for 80 yards. Yep, these Bucs really do have it figured out.

Multiple drives were stalled and pushed back by false starts and holding penalties, leaving QB Josh Freeman with too much room to work with for first downs. 

The Buccaneer offense was only able to convert on two third downs the entire game and struggled with pushing the ball down the field, only reaching the redzone on two occasions. 

This week, the New Orleans Saints rushed for 195 yards, while QB Drew Brees aired it out for 258 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The Bucs' defense couldn't find any way to stop Sean Payton's perfectly orchestrated screen plays and swing passes to RB Darren Sproles. Underneath routes and intermediate passing plays also wore down the Buccaneers' defense.

LeGarrette Blount was ineffective once the Bucs fell back, but he was still able to rush for 72 yards on 13 totes. QB Josh Freeman threw for 249 yards and one touchdown but was heavily pressured from start to beginning.

Even with the "pretty" statistics, the inconsistent Buccaneers weren't able to overcome their typical slow start. They have been plagued by slow beginnings all season, often leaving it up to Josh Freeman to reign comeback king.   

However, place another L in the win-loss column for Raheem Morris' young Buccaneers, the only statistic that matters to the fiery head coach.

The Buccaneers better tighten up this week with one of the most high-powered offenses in the NFL coming to Raymond James next Sunday. The Houston Texans lead the AFC South, mounting a top 10 defense, and look to knock the Bucs down another notch.

Hopefully, the Bucs will wipe their hands clean on one of those yellow flags. Well, if they want to make the playoffs, anyway.