Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler played an excellent half of football as the New Orleans Saints grabbed a 16-6 lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Rattler, a fifth-round pick out of South Carolina making his sixth start of the season in place of the injured Derek Carr, was 21 of 28 for 181 yards with a five-yard touchdown pass to Dante Pettis. Rattler connected with 10 Saints players in the half. Kicker Blake Grupe made 35-, 39-yard and 39-yard field goals to complete the scoring for New Orleans (5-11). It was Pettis' first touchdown of the season.
The Saints were three of eight on third down and two for two on fourth down. Tight end Juwan Johnson was the leading receiver with five catches for 69 yards. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire had five carries for 17 yards. The Saints had the ball for 19:15.
Tampa Bay (9-7) will get the ball to start the second half. The Buccaneers need to win to capture the NFC South and make the playoffs.
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.