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Saints with another playoff exit after loss to Tampa Bay

By Matthew Beighle

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 17: Jameis Winston #2 of the New Orleans Saints throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 17, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 17: Jameis Winston #2 of the New Orleans Saints throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 17, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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The New Orleans Saints will, yet again, exit the NFL Playoffs without a Super Bowl appearance after a 30-20 loss to Tampa Bay.

The New Orleans Saints welcomed the divisional rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers and future Hall-of-Famer Tom Brady into the Superdome for the Division Round of the NFL Playoffs. This is the third meeting this season between the two teams; currently, the Saints are 2-0.

This was sure to be a showdown and it did not disappoint.

First Half

The Buccaneers got the football first, and it was a quick three and out stop by the Saints defense. The Saints took that opportunity and within the next six plays led to the first score of the game on a 23-yard field goal from Wil Lutz.

On the ensuing Buccaneer drive, Brady was sacked by Demario Davis on a huge play that led to another three and out. New Orleans again capitalized on the defensive stop with another field goal from their kicker Wil Lutz  — this time from 42 yards.

The Buccaneers matched one of the field goals on their next drive making it 6-3 New Orleans. After a Murphy-Bunting interception, Tom Brady took one pass to Mike Evans to make the score 10-6 in favor of Tampa Bay.

The Saints took the lead back on the next drive on a trick play. A direct snap to Alvin Kamara turned into a cannon fire for 56 yards from Jameis Winston to Tre’Quan Smith for a touchdown. The Buccaneers scored a field goal to end the half tied 13-13.

Second Half

The black and gold opened up the second half with another Tre’Quan Smith touchdown. This time it was a 16-yard pass from Drew Brees. Tampa Bay punted on their next drive. New Orleans tight end Jared Cook fumbled giving the ball back to Tampa Bay on the next drive.

That led to Tom Brady tying the game 20-20 after a touchdown to Leonard Fournette. The Saints punted to end the third quarter. On the first drive in the fourth quarter, Brady led the team down, but the black and gold defense got the stop for a field goal by the Buccaneers.

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The Buccaneers got their third takeaway of the game on the next possession by Devin White intercepting Brees. The Buccaneers would go on to get two more takeaways before winning this game 30-20 leading to a Saints playoff exit.

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