The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured a dominant 23-3 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week 8 at Caesars Superdome, thanks largely to a stellar defensive performance led by Anthony Nelson.
With Haason Reddick sidelined, Nelson stepped up in his first start of the season and made an immediate impact. On New Orleans’ opening drive, he stripped rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, allowing veteran linebacker Lavonte David to recover the loose ball at Tampa Bay’s 33-yard line. Just two possessions later, Nelson delivered again with a sack on second down, pinning the Saints deep on a crucial third-and-long.
The Buccaneers’ defense continued to pressure early in the second quarter when Tampa Bay’s offense failed to convert a goal-line opportunity. Nelson took advantage on the ensuing New Orleans possession by deflecting a pass intended for tight end Foster Moreau, intercepting the ball himself. He then stiff-armed Rattler to the turf and rumbled three yards into the end zone for a pick-six. This defensive touchdown gave Tampa Bay a 7-0 lead and shifted all the momentum in their favor.
Nelson’s historic performance marked him as the first player since Pittsburgh’s Alex Highsmith in September 2023 to record a sack, forced fumble, and a pick-six all in his first start of the season, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports.
The Buccaneers’ defense continued to dominate throughout the first half. Jamel Dean forced a fumble on Rashid Shaheed, which Antoine Winfield Jr. recovered for the team’s second takeaway. The Saints managed only a 48-yard field goal from Blake Grupe, capitalizing on a strip sack of Baker Mayfield by Chase Young.
In the second half, Tampa Bay’s offense finally found its rhythm. A 10-play, 73-yard drive was capped off by Sean Tucker’s one-yard touchdown run, pushing the lead to 14-3. Kicker Chase McLaughlin then sealed the win with three long field goals from 55, 52, and 54 yards.
Tampa Bay’s defense held New Orleans without a touchdown, finishing the game with three sacks, three takeaways, and a defensive score. Mayfield completed 15 of 24 passes for 152 yards, while Tucker contributed both a touchdown and critical short-yardage conversions.
With the win, the Buccaneers improve to 6-2 and take command of first place in the NFC South. After their upcoming bye week, they will face the New England Patriots in their next matchup.
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