By The Numbers: Buccaneers Head to New Orleans

Every season, the pair of matchups with the Saints get a lot of attention and focus from everyone involved and watching the Bucs organization. This year, however, with the added expectations and, of course, the arrival of Tom Brady, the pair of matchups in 2020 against New Orleans has added significance.

Tom Brady and Drew Brees Chasing History (and each other)

Not only will they face each other at least twice this season, but Brady and Drew Brees will also be competing against one another in more than one way. Currently, Brees sits at the top of the quarterback passing ranks with 77,416 yards and 547 touchdowns. Second is Brady with 74,571 yards and 541 touchdowns.

The winner of this race will likely be the player who doesn’t retire first but it will be entertaining to see the two pass the lead in touchdowns back-and-forth while they are both still play. Plus, with the added significance of both players competing for the same division title as well as to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, it adds many more levels of intrigue.

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Saints Pass Rush Against Buccaneers

In two losses to the Saints in 2019, the Bucs allowed eight sacks for 61 yards. Conversely, the Bucs only picked up one sack in both matchups. The Bucs hope to have bolstered their line with the drafting of Tristan Wirfs in the spring but it is a tall order to have to protect Tom Brady in your first NFL start. However, the Saints will be without Marcus Davenport who accounted for two of the eight sacks, four quarterback hits, and one forced fumble in those two matchups a year ago. His absence will help the line and Brady but the Bucs can’t allow the Saints to hit Brady at will.

Bucs in New Orleans

In their last four meetings in the ‘Big Easy’, the Buccaneers have a record of 1-3 with their only win coming in Week One of 2018. In those four matchups, the Bucs have been outscored 132-106 with 48 of the Buccaneers points coming in their 2018 season opener win.

More Tom Brady

It may be the quarterbacks first season in Tampa but he has been around the block a few times. Currently, Brady has 283 (yes, 283) career starts. He sits just 15 starts shy of Brett Favre’s record of 298. Those 298 games started are the most of any player, not just quarterback, in NFL history. Assuming Brady plays a full season, he’s missed games due to injury just once in his career, he will break that record in Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons.