NEW ORLEANS, La. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could not keep pace with Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints offense Saturday, falling 31-24. At 8-7, their chances at the postseason have taken a severe hit. With the Atlanta Falcons' 33-16 win over the Carolina Panthers, the NFC South title is no longer within reach. A shot at a wild card is also now very slim.
The Bucs knew this game was "must-in" with playoff implications They also knew they likely wouldn't see the same Saints offense they saw two weeks ago when they held them to 11 points.