The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8) beat the New Orleans Saints (8-8) 23-13 Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.
Derek Carr and the New Orleans Saints got on the scoreboard first, finding Juwan Johnson on a 4-yard touchdown pass, giving the Saints an early 7-0 lead.
The Buccaneer offense struggled throughout the second quarter; New Orleans extended their lead with Derek Carr connecting with Taysom Hill on a 22-yard touchdown pass with 1:53 remaining in the opening half, 14-0. The Saints again took advantage of great field position, allowing for a 45-yard field goal by Blake Grupe just before the end of the half.
The Buccaneer offense continued to struggle; Rachaad White fumbled the ball, eventually leading to a 28-yard field goal made by Blake Grupe with 4:25 left in the third quarter; the Saints led the Bucs 20-0.
The Buccaneers finally got on the scoreboard, as Baker Mayfield found Trey Palmer in the end zone on a 22-yard touchdown pass with 7:50 left in regulation. The Saints led 20-7 over the Bucs. New Orleans relied on Blake Grupe's 38-yard field goal to extend their lead, 23-7 late in the 4th quarter. Baker Mayfield found Chris Godwin on a 47-yard score with 1:37 left in the game. The Bucs two-point try was NO good. New Orleans prevailed 23-13.
The Buccaneers now prepare to face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, January 7th, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kickoff time is TBD- you can hear the game on 97.9 WXTB-FM - The Mighty 98 Rock.
PHOTO COURTESY: GETTY IMAGES