Saints vs. Buccaneers Week 14 Preview: Tyler Shough’s Second Shot at Tampa’s Opportunistic Defense
Week 14 brings an NFC South rematch with plenty of intrigue as the 2-10 New Orleans Saints head to Tampa to face the 7-5 Buccaneers. For rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, it’s not just another divisional game-it’s a chance at redemption.
The last time these two teams met, back in Week 8, Shough was thrown into the fire. He took over for an ineffective Spencer Rattler in the second half of a 23-3 loss and got his first real taste of NFL action. The numbers weren’t pretty-17-of-30 for 128 yards and a pick-but since then, he’s been the starter, showing flashes of promise in a tough situation.
Now, with four starts under his belt, Shough returns to face a Tampa Bay defense that’s far from airtight but knows how to make quarterbacks uncomfortable. Let’s break down where the Saints’ passing game stands heading into this one-and what kind of challenge the Bucs defense presents.
Tampa Bay’s Pass Defense: Leaky but Dangerous
Statistically, the Buccaneers’ pass defense looks exploitable. They’re giving up 247.5 yards per game through the air-29th in the league.
Opposing quarterbacks are completing nearly 67% of their throws, and Tampa has already allowed four 300-yard passers and another four with at least 240. Sixteen different players have topped 60 receiving yards against them, with four hitting triple digits.
But don’t let the yardage totals fool you-this is a defense that thrives on creating chaos. They’ve forced 18 turnovers, including 11 interceptions, good for top-10 in that category. And they’ve got talent all over the secondary, starting with one of the best safeties in the league: Antoine Winfield Jr.
Winfield is a playmaker in every sense-two interceptions, six pass breakups, and the kind of range that makes quarterbacks think twice. Tykee Smith, the team’s leading tackler, has been just as impactful. With a team-high 12 passes defended and the versatility to play deep or slide into the slot, Smith gives Tampa flexibility in coverage.
On the outside, veteran corner Jamel Dean is having a quietly excellent season. He’s allowing just a 44% completion rate when targeted and leads the team with three interceptions.
He’s also forced two fumbles and broken up six passes. Zyon McCollum has been more up-and-down, but he excels in man coverage and has held his own.
Behind them, the Bucs have solid depth with Jacob Parrish, Kindle Vildor, and rookie Benjamin Morrison.
Linebackers Lavonte David and SirVocea Dennis are the glue in the middle. They’ve had some issues covering backs and tight ends at times, but their speed and awareness make them tough to consistently exploit. Even edge rusher Anthony Nelson has shown he can drop into coverage-he took a pick-six to the house in the first meeting with New Orleans.
Up front, Todd Bowles keeps the pressure coming with a deep group of pass rushers. Yaya Diaby leads the way with six sacks and 13 QB hits.
His burst off the edge is a problem for any tackle. Haason Reddick, though slowed by injuries, still demands attention with his quickness and ability to collapse the pocket.
Vita Vea remains a force inside, with 3.5 sacks and 10 QB hits, and Elijah Roberts has stepped up nicely in place of the injured Calijah Kancey. The production from the rest of the defensive line has been limited-Logan Hall and Greg Gaines have combined for just 1.5 sacks-but the Bucs’ front still generates enough pressure to disrupt rhythm.
New Orleans’ Passing Game: Growing Pains with Glimpses of Promise
The Saints’ passing numbers don’t jump off the page-205.9 yards per game (20th), 13 touchdowns (27th), and 10 interceptions (21st)-but there’s been a noticeable uptick since Shough took over. In his four starts, he’s averaged 235 yards per game and is completing 68% of his passes. The rookie is still making his share of mistakes, but he’s also showing poise, touch, and a willingness to take shots downfield.
Chris Olave remains the primary target, and while his numbers-73 catches for 781 yards on 115 targets-suggest solid production, he’s left some big plays on the field. Still, he’s the clear WR1 in an offense that desperately needs more consistent weapons.
That’s where Devaughn Vele comes in. After being underutilized for most of the season, Vele finally got a chance to shine last week against Miami, posting 8 catches for 93 yards.
At 6’5”, he’s the kind of physical, intermediate target that Shough needs, especially with Olave dealing with a back injury that limited him in practice. If Vele continues to get opportunities, he could be a key piece down the stretch.
Mason Tipton, an undrafted second-year player, adds a different flavor. He’s elusive in space and could see more work on quick throws, particularly if Olave is limited or out.
Tight end Juwan Johnson is another name to watch. He’s second on the team in every receiving category and has historically fared well against Tampa Bay.
Given the Bucs’ struggles against tight ends, Johnson could be a go-to option in the middle of the field.
Foster Moreau and Taysom Hill might also factor in as short-yardage or red-zone targets, especially with Alvin Kamara sidelined. Rookie running back Devin Neal will see more snaps, and while he’s still learning the ropes, he’s already shown he can be a reliable check-down option. His ability to pick up blitzes will be tested against Bowles’ aggressive schemes, but if he holds up, he could give Shough a vital safety valve.
The Protection Problem
Pass protection remains one of the biggest concerns for New Orleans. The Saints have allowed 32 sacks this season, and with right tackle Taliese Fuaga out due to an ankle injury, things could get dicey.
Asim Richards will step in on the right side, lining up next to Cesar Ruiz, who’s struggled all season. That’s a vulnerable edge, and you can bet the Bucs will send pressure that way.
On the left, rookie Kelvin Banks has shown flashes of excellence, but he’s had a few rough outings lately. He’ll need to bounce back in a big way to give Shough a clean pocket. The Saints may need to slide protection to the right and rely on Devin Neal or Foster Moreau to help in blitz pickup.
Kellen Moore, the Saints' offensive coordinator, has to get creative. Quick reads, fast-developing routes, and designed rollouts could help Shough avoid the worst of Tampa’s pass rush. But the receivers have to do their part, too-getting separation quickly and giving the rookie multiple viable options.
Final Thoughts
This game is a measuring stick for Tyler Shough. The first time he faced Tampa, he was thrown into a tough spot. Now, with more experience and a better grasp of the offense, he’ll get a chance to show how far he’s come.
The Bucs defense isn’t perfect-they give up yards and have holes to exploit-but they’re opportunistic and aggressive. For Shough and the Saints’ offense to have a shot, it starts up front with protection, continues with smart reads, and ends with playmakers like Olave, Vele, and Johnson stepping up.
It’s a tall task, but if Shough can stay composed and the Saints can keep him upright, this rematch could look a lot different than the last one.