The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats have one of the NFL’s most exciting rivalries, and their matchups never fail to deliver high-octane action. Fans from both sides eagerly await these games, knowing they’ll be treated to a showcase of skill, strategy, and heart. In this article, we’ll break down the player stats from their October 13, 2024, clash at the Caesars Superdome, where the Buccaneers dominated with a 51-27 victory. We’ll also touch on their January 5, 2025, game, which saw Tampa Bay clinch the NFC South title with a 27-19 win. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the numbers, this easy-to-read guide will walk you through the standout performances, key moments, and what these stats tell us about the teams. Let’s dive in!
Why This Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats Rivalry Matters
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats have been battling it out in the NFC South for decades, with their rivalry dating back to 1977. Both teams have had their moments of glory, with the Saints holding a historical edge (40-26 in regular-season games) but Tampa Bay proving they’re a force to be reckoned with in recent years. The 2024 season was no exception, with both games showcasing explosive offenses, tenacious defenses, and players stepping up when it mattered most. Let’s break down the stats from the October 13, 2024, game first, as it was a statistical masterpiece for Tampa Bay.
October 13, 2024: Buccaneers 51, Saints 27
This Week 6 matchup was a wild one, with a staggering 78 points scored between the two teams. The Buccaneers put on an offensive clinic, racking up 594 total yards compared to the Saints’ 303. Here’s how the players performed and what made this game a standout.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Offensive Firepower
The Buccaneers’ offense was firing on all cylinders, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, who had a day to remember despite a few hiccups. Mayfield completed 24 of 36 passes for 325 yards, throwing 4 touchdowns but also 3 interceptions. His ability to bounce back from turnovers was key, especially in the second half, where Tampa Bay pulled away. Mayfield also added 29 yards on 3 rushing attempts, showing his versatility.
Running back Sean Tucker was a revelation, rushing for 136 yards on 14 carries and scoring a touchdown. His 7.9 yards per carry average highlighted his explosiveness, with a long run that broke open the game. Rookie Bucky Irving complemented Tucker, gaining 81 yards on 14 carries and scoring a touchdown, while also catching 2 passes for 24 yards. This dynamic duo powered Tampa Bay’s ground game, which totaled 277 yards.
The receiving corps was equally impressive. Chris Godwin stole the show with 11 receptions for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns. His long touchdown catch in the second half shifted momentum firmly in Tampa Bay’s favor. Mike Evans, a fan favorite, added 34 yards on 2 catches, while Ryan Miller made a splash with a 39-yard reception. Sterling Shepard and Cade Otton also contributed, with Shepard gaining 23 yards on 3 catches and Otton hauling in 15 yards on 2 receptions.
Buccaneers’ Defense: Stepping Up Big
Tampa Bay’s defense was relentless, especially after a shaky second quarter where the Saints scored 27 points. Linebacker Lavonte David led with 9 tackles and a sack, setting the tone for a unit that recorded 5 sacks and 3 interceptions. Vita Vea and William Gholston each added a sack, while Zyon McCollum and Tykee Smith each picked off a pass from Saints rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler. The defense shut out New Orleans in the second half, allowing Tampa Bay to pile on 27 unanswered points.
New Orleans Saints: A Tale of Two Halves
The Saints, without starting quarterback Derek Carr due to an oblique injury, turned to rookie Spencer Rattler for his first NFL start. Rattler showed promise, completing 22 of 40 passes for 243 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions. He also scrambled for 27 yards on 4 attempts, but his inexperience showed as the game wore on, with Tampa Bay’s defense exploiting his mistakes.
Running back Alvin Kamara was a bright spot, rushing for 40 yards on 13 carries and scoring a touchdown, while also catching 5 passes for 24 yards. The Saints’ ground game struggled, managing just 81 yards total. Receivers Foster Moreau (2 catches, 54 yards) and Bub Means (5 catches, 45 yards, 1 touchdown) led the passing attack, with Juwan Johnson adding 48 yards on 3 receptions. However, the Saints’ offense stalled after a hot second quarter, unable to keep pace with Tampa Bay’s relentless attack.
Defensively, the Saints were led by Paulson Adebo and Marshon Lattimore, each with 10 tackles, and Jordan Howden with 11. Willie Gay Jr. recorded a sack, and Johnathan Abram and Cameron Jordan each nabbed an interception. Despite these efforts, the Saints couldn’t stop Tampa Bay’s balanced attack, allowing 8.2 yards per play and 5 red-zone touchdowns.
Key Team Stats
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Total Yards: Buccaneers 594, Saints 303
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Rushing Yards: Buccaneers 277, Saints 81
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Passing Yards: Buccaneers 317, Saints 222
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First Downs: Buccaneers 31, Saints 19
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Turnovers: Both teams had 3 (Buccaneers: 3 INTs; Saints: 2 INTs, 1 fumble)
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Time of Possession: Buccaneers 34:02, Saints 25:58
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Third-Down Conversions: Buccaneers 6/10 (60%), Saints 4/13 (30.8%)
This game was a statement for Tampa Bay, proving they could dominate a divisional rival on the road. The Saints showed fight but couldn’t sustain their early momentum, especially with a rookie quarterback under center.
January 5, 2025: Buccaneers 27, Saints 19
Fast forward to Week 18, and the stakes were higher. Tampa Bay needed a win to clinch the NFC South and secure a playoff berth. They delivered, overcoming a 16-6 halftime deficit to win 27-19 at Raymond James Stadium. This game was less explosive than the October matchup but equally intense, with key players stepping up to seal the division title.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Grit and Glory
Baker Mayfield was the hero, throwing for 221 yards on 21 of 32 passes, with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. His career-high 68 rushing yards, including a crucial 28-yard scramble, kept drives alive. Mayfield’s ability to rally from a 10-point deficit marked his first career win when trailing by double digits, a testament to his growth.
Bucky Irving led the ground game with 89 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown, while Sean Tucker added 16 yards on 2 carries. The Buccaneers totaled 179 rushing yards, overpowering a tired Saints defense. In the receiving game, Mike Evans was the story, catching 9 passes for 89 yards, including a 9-yard reception on the final play to reach 1,000 yards for the 11th straight season, tying Jerry Rice’s NFL record. Jalen McMillan shone with 5 catches for 74 yards and a touchdown, despite a controversial penalty for a gun-mimicking gesture after a 33-yard catch.
Defensively, Lavonte David and Vita Vea continued their dominance, though specific tackle and sack numbers were less prominent than in October. The unit held firm in the fourth quarter, stopping the Saints on downs and allowing Tampa Bay to control the clock.
New Orleans Saints: Fighting to the End
Spencer Rattler started again, completing 26 of 42 passes for 240 yards and 1 touchdown with no interceptions. His 151 yards in the first half kept the Saints in control early, but Tampa Bay’s adjustments limited him later. Clyde Edwards-Helaire led the rush with 26 yards on 8 carries, while Jamaal Williams and Jordan Mims added minimal yardage. The Saints’ 64 rushing yards paled in comparison to Tampa Bay’s output.
Receiver Juwan Johnson led with 6 catches for 80 yards, while Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Foster Moreau contributed 33 and 31 yards, respectively. Dante Pettis caught a 5-yard touchdown pass, but the Saints’ offense couldn’t sustain drives in the second half. Defensively, Tyrann Mathieu suffered a concussion, and the unit struggled without key starters, allowing Tampa Bay to capitalize on critical plays.
Key Team Stats
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Total Yards: Buccaneers 395, Saints 292
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Rushing Yards: Buccaneers 179, Saints 64
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Passing Yards: Buccaneers 216, Saints 228
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First Downs: Buccaneers (not specified), Saints (not specified)
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Turnovers: Buccaneers 1 (1 INT), Saints 0
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Score by Quarter: Saints led 16-6 at halftime; Buccaneers outscored them 21-3 in the second half
This game showcased Tampa Bay’s resilience and ability to adjust, while the Saints fought valiantly despite a depleted roster and no playoff hopes.
What the Stats Tell Us
Tampa Bay’s Dominance
The Buccaneers’ success in both games stemmed from their balanced attack. In October, they overwhelmed the Saints with 277 rushing yards and 317 passing yards, showcasing versatility. In January, their 179 rushing yards and Mayfield’s dual-threat performance kept the Saints guessing. Chris Godwin and Mike Evans were consistent targets, with Godwin’s 125-yard, 2-touchdown game in October and Evans’ historic milestone in January. The defense, led by Lavonte David, was clutch, recording 5 sacks in October and critical stops in January.
Saints’ Struggles
The Saints’ reliance on rookie Spencer Rattler highlighted their depth issues at quarterback. While Rattler showed flashes (243 yards in October, 240 in January), his inexperience led to turnovers and stalled drives. Alvin Kamara remained a reliable weapon, but the running game lacked punch, averaging just 3.9 yards per carry in October. Defensively, the Saints struggled to contain Tampa Bay’s big plays, especially in the red zone, where the Buccaneers converted 5 of 5 attempts in October.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats Rivalry in Context
Historically, the Saints lead the series 40-26, but Tampa Bay has won 4 of their last 5 meetings, including both 2024 games. The Buccaneers’ 594 yards in October marked one of their most dominant performances against New Orleans, while the January win secured their fourth straight NFC South title. These games underscored Tampa Bay’s emergence as a divisional powerhouse, while the Saints faced challenges with injuries and coaching changes.
Standout Players to Watch
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Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers): His 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns in 2024 cemented his status as a franchise quarterback. His ability to extend plays with his legs added a new dimension.
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Chris Godwin (Buccaneers): A reliable target with 125 yards and 2 touchdowns in October, Godwin’s consistency is vital.
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Mike Evans (Buccaneers): His 1,000-yard milestone in January was a historic moment, proving he’s still elite.
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Spencer Rattler (Saints): The rookie showed promise but needs time to develop. His 483 combined yards in the two games are encouraging.
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Alvin Kamara (Saints): Despite a struggling offense, Kamara’s dual-threat ability keeps defenses honest.
Why Fans Love This Matchup
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats rivalry is a fan favorite because it’s unpredictable. From high-scoring shootouts like the 51-27 game to gritty comebacks like the 27-19 clincher, these games have it all. The stats tell a story of individual brilliance—Mayfield’s clutch plays, Godwin’s big catches, Rattler’s growing pains—and team resilience. Whether you’re cheering for the red and pewter or the black and gold, these matchups are must-watch football.
Looking Ahead
With Tampa Bay heading to the playoffs as the NFC’s No. 3 seed, their performance against the Saints bodes well for a deep run. The Saints, finishing 5-12, face a pivotal offseason with a head coaching search and questions about their quarterback situation. Both teams will meet again in 2025, and if history is any guide, the stats will tell another thrilling story.
Conclusion
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats in 2024 were a showcase of talent, strategy, and heart. From Baker Mayfield’s heroics to Chris Godwin’s touchdowns and Spencer Rattler’s debut, the player stats paint a vivid picture of this storied rivalry. Whether you’re a stats nerd or a casual fan, these numbers highlight why this matchup is one of the NFL’s best. Keep an eye on these teams in 2025—they’re sure to deliver more unforgettable moments.