Canal Street Chronicles
The New Orleans Saints came away with their third win of the season after a messy 24-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the pouring rain. The Saints showed plenty of fight in getting their second win under rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, and there were plenty of positives on the day.
Tyler Shough has put up impressive tape over his five starts, likely earning him another chance at starting for the Saints in 2026. From his impressive arm talent to his ability to make plays with his legs, Shough’s athleticism is undeniable, and he put it on display against the Buccaneers.
Shough finished the day completing 13/20 of his passes for 144 yards and a touchdown. While his passing stats aren’t popping off the box score, his decisiveness and accuracy were put on display. The rookie quarterback’s lone interception came on a miscommunication with wide receiver Chris Olave. It wasn’t just his arm that won the day for the black and gold on Sunday. Shough was lethal on the ground, rushing seven times for 55 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner. The second-round pick has stacked multiple strong performances and has shown flashes of potential to lead the Saints offense for years to come.
Running back Alvin Kamara was ruled out once again after his knee injury suffered against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 12. Without their veteran, the Saints turned to sixth-round pick Devin Neal to lead the run game. Neal was a force on the day, running the ball 70 times and getting in the endzone for the first time in his career. The rookie running back also made plays as a receiver, converting a big third-down conversion with a 14-yard reception. The Saints’ rookie class has been promising, and the sixth-round pick has played a big part in why.
Tampa Bay dropped back to pass 30 times, and the Saints weren’t able to bring Baker Mayfield down in the backfield once. Rather, if it was the total lack of pressure or the defense’s inability to contain Mayfield, the defense came away with no sacks on the day and continued to let Mayfield beat them with his legs. If it hadn’t been for the rain, the veteran quarterback could have made the defense’s lack of pressure pay.
The weather was at its peak as the second quarter hit, raining hard. With the conditions worsening, each team had to turn to the run game as the footballs became more slippery and receivers began to slip on their routes. The Buccaneers looked as if they were going to replicate how most games for the Saints have started this season, with Tampa Bay finding a successful run game. The Buccaneers ended the day rushing for 179 yards and a touchdown as three Buccaneers running backs and quarterback Baker Mayfield all put together 30+ yard games on the day.
Slowing down the...
