The Saints believe they're finding their way after an 0-4 start. But they have deep-rooted problems on defense that don't seem easily repairable. They're allowing 172.8 rushing yards per game, creating an opportunity for the Bucs to get their 17th-ranked running game going. New Orleans' defensive breakdowns have put too much pressure on an offense that's still one of the best.
Saints' top offensive player
QB Drew Brees, right, remains at the top of his game despite a 58.9 completion percentage, his lowest since 2003. Brees, 32, and in his 12th season, has a quick release that neutralizes even the best pass rush.
Saints' top defensive player
Curtis Lofton, replacing the injured/suspended Jonathan Vilma at middle linebacker, has stepped right into the middle of the defense and leads the club in tackles with 54.
Bucs must avoid ...
Getting too far away from their running game. This game provides an opportunity to get both Doug Martin and LeGarrette Blount going.
What the Saints do best
The Saints can throw the ball with the best of them. Drew Brees has thrown a touchdown in an NFL-record 48 consecutive games, and the passing offense is first in the league. The running game, though, has been disappointing.
How you beat the Saints
Move the ball consistently, which is possible given the weaknesses of their defense. Keeping QB Drew Brees on the sideline is the best defense.
Projected starters
BUCS
OFFENSE
WR: Vincent Jackson
LT: Donald Penn
LG: Carl Nicks
C: Jeremy Zuttah
RG: Jamon Meredith
RT: Demar Dotson
TE: Dallas Clark
WR: Mike Williams
QB: Josh Freeman
RB: Doug Martin
FB: Erik Lorig
DEFENSE
LDE: Michael Bennett
DT: Gerald McCoy
DT: Roy Miller
RDE: Daniel
Te'o-Nesheim
SLB: Quincy Black
MLB: Mason Foster
WLB: Lavonte David
CB: E.J. Biggers
CB: Eric Wright
SS: Mark Barron
FS: Ronde Barber
special teams
PR: Roscoe Parrish
KR: Arrelious Benn
PK: Connor Barth
P/KO: Michael Koenen
SAints
OFFENSE
WR: Marques Colston
LT: Jermon Bushrod
LG: Ben Grubbs
C: Brian De La Puente
RG: Jahri Evans
RT: Zach Strief
TE: David Thomas
WR: Devery Henderson
QB: Drew Brees
FB: Jed Collins
RB: Darren Sproles
DEFENSE
LDE: Cameron Jordan
DT: Brodrick Bunkley
DT: Sedrick Ellis
RDE: Will Smith
SLB: Scott Shanle
MLB: Curtis Lofton
WLB: Jonathan Casillas
CB: Jabari Greer
CB: Patrick Robinson
SS: Roman Harper
FS: Michael Jenkins
special teams
PR: Darren Sproles
KR: Darren Sproles
PK: Garrett Hartley
P/KO: Thomas Morstead
Injury report
Bucs — Probable: WR Vincent Jackson (calf), G Carl Nicks (foot).
Saints — Out: LB David Hawthorne (hamstring), TE Jimmy Graham (ankle). Probable: RB Travaris Cadet (shoulder), LB Jonathan Casillas (neck), G Jahri Evans (toe), CB Jabari Greer (groin), DE Turk McBride (ankle), WR Lance Moore (hamstring), LB Scott Shanle (illness).
Stat pack
1 p.m., Raymond James Stadium, Tampa | TV/radio: Ch. 13; 620-AM, 103.5-FM | Line, O/U: Saints by 2, 49½
Prediction
Bucs 29, Saints 27
Rushing yards
passing yards
total yards
Rushing yards allowed
passing yards allowed
total yards allowed
Bucs
Saints
101.8 (17th)
75.2 (30th)
211.6 (25th)
326.8 (1st)
313.4 (27th)
402.0 (4th)
75.0 (3rd)
172.8 (31st)
312.2 (31st)
283.2 (26th)
387.2 (25th)
456.0 (32nd)
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