Check out the game action photos from the New Orleans Saints game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Week 18 of the 2024 NFL Season on Jan. 5, 2025 at Raymond James Stadium.
The New Orleans Saints' attempt to play spoiler in the season finale came up short as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rallied for a 27-19 win Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
The Bucs, who trailed 16-6 at halftime, finished the regular season 10-7, won the NFC South and qualified for the playoffs. The Saints finished the season 5-12. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi went 3-5 after taking over for Dennis Allen. The Saints lost the final four games of the season.
Quarterback Spencer Rattler, a fifth-round pick out of South Carolina making his sixth start of the season in place of the injured Derek Carr, was 26 of 43 for 240 yards with a five-yard touchdown pass to Dante Pettis. Rattler connected with 10 Saints players. Tight end Juwan Johnson was the leading receiver with six catches for 80 yards. Clyde Edwards-Helaire carried eight times for 26 yards. The Saints, who were missing seven offensive players who started the opener, were 0-7 in games when Carr didn't start.
Saints kicker Blake Grupe made four field goals - 35, 39, 39 and 49 yards.
Tampa quarterback Baker Mayfield was 20 of 31 for 212 yards with two touchdown passes. Saints safety Jordan Howden had an interception and linebacker Nephi Sewell had the lone sack of Mayfield, who scrambled nine times for 68 yards. Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu was ruled out in the second half with a concussion. Tight end Foster Moreau, who had four catches 31 yards, left the game on the final Saints possession.