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Bucs vs. Saints: By the numbers, what they're saying

 
Published Oct. 20, 2012

Bucs vs. Saints

1 p.m., Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

TV/radio: Ch. 13; 620-AM, 103.5-FM

Line/over-under: Saints by 2; 49½

Week 1 Week 2Week 3Week 4Week 6Week 7Week 8Week 9Week 10Week 11Week 12Week 13Week 14Week 15Week 16Week 17
Panthers

Bucs 16, Panthers 10

1-0

Giants 41, Bucs 34

1-1

Cowboys 1 6, Bucs 10

1-2

Redskins 24, Bucs 22

1-3

Bucs 38, Chiefs 10

2-3

1 p.m. today, Ch. 13

8:20 p.m. Oct. 25, Ch. 32, NFL

4 p.m. Nov. 4, Ch. 13

1 p.m. Nov. 11, Ch. 10 *

1 p.m. Nov. 18, Ch. 13

1 p.m. Nov. 25, Ch. 13 *

4 p.m. Dec. 2, Ch. 13 *

1 p.m. Dec. 9, Ch. 13 *

1 p.m. Dec. 16, Ch. 13 *

1 p.m. Dec. 23, Ch. 13 *

1 p.m. Dec. 30, Ch. 13

Is it time for the Bucs to part ways with troubled cornerback Aqib Talib?

Yes, he has had more than enough second chances: 48 percent

No, as long as he's eligible to play, you play him: 28 percent

Not yet, give him one more chance to turn himself around: 24 percent

Total: 997 votes

Inside the numbers

4 Consecutive times the Bucs and Saints have split the regular-season series; last season, the Bucs won 26-20 at home and the Saints won 27-16 at home

17-23 Bucs' record against the Saints

22.1 Yards per catch for Bucs receiver Mike Williams, second in the NFL, 0.7 behind the Browns' Josh Gordon

222 Starts, including today, for Bucs safety Ronde Barber, surpassing the franchise record set by linebacker Derrick Brooks from 1995-2008; today marks Barber's 205th consecutive start

What they're saying

Josh Freeman and Mike Williams finally showed the chemistry they displayed in 2010, and the running back combination of LeGarrette Blount and Doug Martin is balancing out.

Brian Billick Fox Sports

For the first time since last December, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have a home game televised locally. Is this a sign that fans are starting to warm up to new coach Greg Schiano and his new team? I think that's part of it. Last week's impressive victory against the Kansas City Chiefs had to help some at the box office. I think the Saints also are a drawing card. Although New Orleans isn't off to a good start, the Saints still are a popular team with a large amount of fans in the Tampa Bay area.

Pat Yasinskas ESPN.com

The picks

You can thank Aqib Talib for this loss, Bucs fans. I'm not positive Tampa would have beaten New Orleans with Talib covering Marques Colston. But their best chance flew out the window when Talib was suspended four games last week for using Adderall. Bucs, 31-20.

Peter King Sports Illustrated

The Saints come off the bye with a chance to start turning things around. But Tampa Bay seemed to find its passing game last week against the Chiefs. Josh Freeman should be able to keep it going against a Saints defense that can't stop anybody — especially against the pass. Bucs take it in a wild one. Bucs, 35-34.

Pete Prisco CBSSports.com

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Chatter in this game's preamble centered on whether Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, Bountygate poster child, might make his season debut while appealing his suspension. Whatever. The result, for me, turns on this: Drew Brees vs. a Bucs team allowing 313.4 passing yards per game. N'Awlins is 0-2 on the road and Tee Bees have won three of the past five in the series but still like the Fleur de Lis. Saints, 34-27.

Greg Cote Miami Herald