Tampa, Fla. - The New Orleans Saints struggled on offense for the second consecutive game as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers grabbed a 14-3 halftime lead Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.
Tampa took its opening possession 75 yards in seven plays scoring on an 11-yard pass from Jameis Winston to tight end Cameron Brate. The Saints punted on their first two possessions before putting a nice drive that ended with a 30-yard Wil Lutz field goal. The Saints struggled running the ball in the half with eight carries for four yards and Drew Brees had a screen pass attempt intercepted by Adarius Taylor late in the second quarter. That turnover led to a 1-yard scoring pass from Winston to Brate.
Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan recorded a sack, his 11th this season. Michael Thomas set an NFL record for most catches in the first three seasons of a career with his second reception of the game. The Saints (10-2) can win the NFC South with a victory while the Buccaneers (5-7) are playing to stay in the wild card hunt.
Rain drenched the area for much of the pregame period but it stopped before the noon kickoff.
Key Saints stat leaders
Drew Brees, 10 of 15 for 101 yards with one interception
Mark Ingram, three carries for two yards
Alvin Kamara, four carries for -2 yards
Michael Thomas, five catches for 62 yards