Tyler Shough and the New Orleans Saints offense are the talk of the game after knocking off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It's understandable, as Shough's two rushing touchdowns were the highlight of the game. The defense, however, was the backbone of the upset.
Offense will always get the attention. They're scoring points, and Shough is the biggest ongoing storyline for the team. The defense made some of the biggest plays of the game, highlighted by Alontae Taylor's interception and multiple fourth down stops.
It's the second time this season the Saints have defended against the Buccaneers well. A highlight in both games was a forced turnover and a fourth down stop. This time the Saints didn't stop at just one turnover on downs.
The Saints nearly tied the most 4th down stops in the NFL since 2000
Tampa Bay wasn't scared to go for it on fourth down Sunday. The Saints defense stayed on the field for seven fourth downs and forced a turnover on downs on five of those attempts. That's the third most fourth down stops in a single game since the turn of the century. There's been two other games with six fourth down stops, and the Saints were one of those teams in 2023 versus the Panthers.
Sunday's numbers are only minimally inflated by the Hail Mary attempt at the end of the first half. Even without it, however, four stops on fourth down is extremely impressive. It's still an indication of how the defense rose to the occasion.
One of the biggest factors is the Saints saw critical players make plays leading to the fourth down stops. It all started with Carl Granderson. He didn't take the bait on the inside dive and instead stayed outside for the running back who received the pitch. That was the first big play of the game for the Saints defense and was a welcome back moment for Granderson.
The ageless wonder Demario Davis got in on the fun twice. He shot the gap and stalled the Buccaneers running back. On the final defensive play of the game, it was Davis playing the sticks in front of the Buccaneers receiver.
Physicality wasn’t limited to the front seven. Kool-Aid McKinstry jarred the ball loose from Chris Godwin with a big hit. What looked like a sure first down turned into a change of possession after McKinstry closed the gap and finished the play. The ensuing result was the game winning drive. It'll be remembered for Shough's touchdown run, but the defense set that drive up with a short field.