Tempers Flare In New Orleans Saints Home Opener

The storylines for the New Orleans Saints heading into week two with a win under their belts, the defense needed to tighten up and the offense needed to find their identity early. That was railroaded with the announcement of running back Alvin Kamara missing the week two game due to a rib injury. Both Saints running backs struggled in week one with the Saints" offense having to rely heavily on the passing game.

Dennis Allen and the Saints took the field versus the Tom Brady lead Buccaneers and the first half was a defensive showdown. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints defenses went toe to toe for three quarters, the Saints scored an opening drive field goal to take a 3-0 lead that held up until the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finally tied it up. 

Both defenses made plays and the Saints" defense looked much better than it did in week one. A Saints stuff on fourth and one to get the ball back in their own half of the field was a major highlight of the first half. However, the biggest issue for New Orleans was still the lack of production from the offense.

Offense Struggles

Jamies Winston got the nod and was unable to solidify any type of rhythm outside of the opening drive. The run game was non-existent with the stout defensive play from Tampa Bay, Mark Ingram managed a total of 60 yards on ten carries in week 2. Jameis Winston was 25-40 with 236 and 1 TD scored late in the 4th quarter. New Orleans rookie receiver Chris Olave was a glimmer of hope for the Saints in week two as he had 5 catches for 80 yards, while Michael Thomas secured six catches for 65 yards including the only touchdown for the Saints.

Defense Shines

Among the Saints" defensive standouts in week 2, defensive tackle Shy Tuttle lead the team with nine tackles and assisted on a sack, and linebacker Pete Werner was again all over the field in week two racking up 8 tackles as the defense forced a fumble stuffed the Buccaneers offensive progress multiple times and the Saints offense couldn"t find a way to score.

The biggest takeaway was the pot of tempers boiling over after what looked like Marshon Lattimore of the Saints chirping back and forth with Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady in the second half. It appears as Buccaneers Mike Evans stepped up for his quarterback which caused a scuffle to break out. Punches were thrown at multiple Saints players including Leanord Fournette and a Buccaneers defensive back landing punches on Saints Players. 

This led to ejections for cornerback Marshon Lattimore and Buccaneers Mike Evans which leaves the NFL league office with lots to unpack following the heated game in New Orleans on Sunday. Suspensions are likely on the way and rumors of Buccaneers coaches facing suspensions as well, a wild one in New Orleans ends in a 20-10 Buccaneers win.

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