NFL Week 14 Preview: Saints vs Bucaneers

Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) celebrates as he scores the game winning touchdown during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay defeated Atlanta 23-19. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning Mocks Fans! And welcome to another fun round of NFL previews! Sometimes I have trouble believing it’s already week 14. We were all so excited for the start of the season that it’s nearly gone already! Winter is fast approaching and the teams in the north are already feeling it. Please tell me you understand the reference I’m making now.

Any who, we’ve got an interesting one here for you. The ever depressing New Orleans Saints travel to Tampa Bay to take on the Buccaneers. It wasn’t too long ago they the Saints were a powerhouse team in this league. Now thanks to some risky trades and players aging out this team has become everyone’s punching bag. Everyone is basically using that defense to test out offensive strategies to see what may work on future games.

Nov 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New Orleans Saints tackle Zach Strief (64) and quarterback Drew Brees (9) lie on the ground after Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) makes a sack during the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

I still can’t believe my Giants put up 49 points and lost, but that’s still seven touchdowns. The once terrifying offense now is just, well, it’s kind of like being afraid of a monster as a child and then your dad comes and shows you that there was no monster in the first place. The offense will occasionally do some damage, but that team is not nearly complete enough to truly compete for the ultimate prize this year.

Tampa on the other hand, that’s another story. This team early in the year looked like they were headed back for the top pick in the draft.

WRONG!

Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) runs out of the pocket against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay defeated Atlanta 23-19. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

This team rallied together and are making a push for a wild card spot. We have seen the return of Doug Martin from the land of misfit running backs. We’ve seen Mike Evans come out of whatever funk he has been in and return to dominance. Jameis Winston is looking like a true stud, and the defense is finally playing their part.

Are they perfect? No. But are they a team that has a shot at the last wild card spot?

Absolutely.

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I see this game being a statement type of game. Tampa will want to show the world what they can do. They are at home. They are against Drew Brees and the Saints. They’ve learned that the Saints really are not monsters, just something under the bed that looks scary at night.

We may see the best outing from Tampa yet today, and with the youth this team has, watch out NFC, this team is coming for all of you. I’m on board this pirate ship, and Jameis is taking this team on a mission to raid the rest of the league and go for the ultimate prize:

The Lombardi Trophy

Final Prediction: Tampa 38 New Orleans 27

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