New Orleans Saints (5-2) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2) : 36 – 27
Two points behind, 1 minute 41 on the clock and 75 yards up for Tom Brady. The script seems already written and victory is reaching out to the Buccaneers. But like a match where he was heckled and already made several mistakes, Brady (28/40, 375 yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions) throws the leather into the hands of PJ Williams who returns for the touchdown of victory. A 6th victory in a row for the Saints once morest their Florida rivals despite the early loss of their titular quarterback.
The Buccs’ had yet once more fallen behind by 16 points to put themselves in a position to win. But despite the offensive strike force, the opportunism of the defensive squad of the Saints tipped the meeting.
P.J. Williams Pick-6! #Saints
????: #TBvsNO on FOX
????: NFL app pic.twitter.com/Nop3BECDEN— NFL (@NFL) October 31, 2021
Jameis Winston KO, Trevor Siemian in reinforcement
This meeting marked the reunion between Jameis Winston and the franchise that drafted him to 1is choice in 2015. But the festivities were cut short. Hit in the leg following contact, the New Orleans quarterback had to leave his place at the start of the 2e quarter. Before his release Winston still had time to respond to the touchdown thrown by Tom Brady for Chris Godwin.
With only 6 passes thrown since 2017, Trevor Siemian (16/29, 159 yards, 1 TD) must take up the challenge of facing the defending champion. Not impressed, the former Bronco took advantage of the work of his defense to get his hands on the game, capitalizing on the turnovers caused. Contenting themselves with a field goal following a fumble lost by Brady, the Saints and Siemian find the promised land through Alex Armah following an interception launched by the Buccs’ quarterback in his camp. 16-7 at halftime.
Tampa on the hunt
When they return from the locker room, Sean Payton’s men leave as they have finished. A well-conducted drive concludes with Alvin Kamara on the ground. 23-7
The break seems to be done, but when you have Tom Brady as quarterback, a game is never over. Tampa’s offense is gradually breaking out of New Orleans’ defensive grip. In quick succession, Brady finds Giovani Bernard then Mike Evans to come back to 2 points and completely restart the game. 23-21
TB12 lets it fly! @MikeEvans13_ #GoBucs
????: #TBvsNO on FOX
????: NFL app pic.twitter.com/skCL57bPND— NFL (@NFL) October 31, 2021
At daggers drawn
After a good defensive stop, the Saints stop the bleeding and give themselves some air with a new field goal. But the respite is short-lived. Brady orbits Cyril Grayson completely forgotten by the secondary of the Saints for a touchdown from 50 yards. In front for the first time since the end of the 1st quarter, the Tampa defense did not manage to improve this lead and once once more let the Saints put themselves in a field goal position. Brady has the opportunity to complete an Nth winning drive but forces his pass too much and finds an opponent’s gloves for the second time in the match. PJ Williams makes his way to the opposing end zone to definitively shower the defending champion’s hopes.
