Bucs Fall to Saints, 24-20: Key Takeaways from a Costly NFC South Loss
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a golden opportunity to take control of the NFC South on Sunday - and let it slip right through their fingers. A 24-20 loss to the New Orleans Saints not only stings in the standings, but it also raises serious questions with just four games left in the regular season.
Now sitting at 7-6, the Bucs are tied with the Carolina Panthers atop the division. And with two head-to-head matchups still to come, the NFC South crown will be decided on the field. But if Tampa Bay plays like they did on Sunday, they’ll be watching the postseason from home.
Let’s break down the winners and losers from a frustrating afternoon in Tampa.
Loser: Emeka Egbuka’s Costly Drop
Emeka Egbuka’s rookie season started with fireworks - the kind of early production that had folks whispering about Offensive Rookie of the Year potential. But over the past few weeks, the shine has started to fade. And on Sunday, the rookie wideout had a moment he’ll want back.
With the Bucs trailing late in the fourth quarter, Egbuka found himself wide open in the end zone on a crucial play. Baker Mayfield delivered a slightly high but very catchable pass - and Egbuka couldn’t haul it in. What should’ve been a game-tying touchdown turned into a field goal, and Tampa Bay never recovered.
Drops have become a recurring issue for Egbuka in the second half of the season. The Bucs need him to shake it off and find his early-season form, especially with the playoff race tightening.
Loser: Third-Down Defense Fails in the Clutch
The Saints came into the game struggling on third downs, converting just 37.6% of their attempts - one of the worst marks in the league. But you wouldn’t have known it watching this game.
Tampa Bay’s defense allowed New Orleans to convert 5-of-11 third downs, including a pair of back-breakers - a 3rd-and-10 and a 3rd-and-8 - on the Saints’ go-ahead touchdown drive in the fourth quarter.
This wasn’t just about giving up yards; it was about failing to close when it mattered most. That lack of a killer instinct on defense has haunted the Bucs in tight games, and it could be what ultimately costs them the division.
Winner: Ground Game Shows Real Promise
If there was one silver lining in the loss, it was Tampa Bay’s rushing attack. The Bucs racked up 179 yards on the ground, averaging 4.6 yards per carry - a performance that could serve as a blueprint moving forward.
Rookie Bucky Irving led the way with 55 yards, while Rachaad White added 53. Sean Tucker chipped in 29 yards and a touchdown, and even Baker Mayfield contributed with 42 rushing yards of his own.
It was a balanced, effective effort that kept the Saints’ defense honest. If the Bucs can consistently run the ball like this, they’ll have a serious weapon to lean on down the stretch.
Loser: Run Defense No Longer Elite
For years, Tampa Bay’s defense under Todd Bowles has been defined by its ability to stop the run. That identity was nowhere to be found on Sunday.
Despite missing Alvin Kamara, the Saints rushed for 139 yards and three touchdowns. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough did most of the damage, scrambling for 55 yards and two scores - consistently eluding Bucs defenders in key moments.
This isn’t what we’re used to seeing from a Bowles defense. Tampa Bay has finished top-five in rushing defense in five of the last seven seasons, including two years as the league’s best. But right now, that dominance feels like a distant memory.
Winner: Vita Vea Does the Dirty Work
One guy who continues to bring it every week? Vita Vea.
The big man in the middle was a force once again, recording five tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack - all while dealing with constant double teams from the Saints’ offensive line.
Vea has been one of the few consistent bright spots on a defense that’s struggling to find its identity. He’s doing his job. The question is whether the rest of the front seven can match his level of play.
Loser: Lavonte David’s Rough Afternoon
Lavonte David has been the heart and soul of this Bucs defense for over a decade. But on Sunday, the 14-year veteran looked a step slow - and it cost the team in a big way.
David missed multiple tackles, including one on a crucial 3rd-and-8 that led to the Saints’ go-ahead touchdown. It was a tough outing for a player who’s been remarkably steady throughout his career.
At 35, David is still the leader of this defense. But the Bucs need more from him on the field, especially with so much on the line in these final weeks.
Winner: Chris Braswell Gets On the Board
It took a while, but Chris Braswell finally notched his first sack of the season - a small but meaningful step forward for the second-year edge rusher.
Braswell has underwhelmed so far in his young career, with just 2.5 sacks to his name. But he’s only 24, and the potential is still there. Sunday’s sack could be the confidence boost he needs to start stringing together more impactful plays.
The Bucs need someone to step up on the edge, and Braswell has the tools. Now it’s about putting it all together.
Loser: Kam Johnson’s Costly Mistake
Kam Johnson isn’t a major part of the Bucs’ receiving rotation - he made the roster primarily for his work on special teams. But when he gets his number called on offense, he has to be dependable.
That wasn’t the case on Sunday.
On the opening drive of the second half, Johnson appeared to give up on his route, leading to a miscommunication with Mayfield and a costly interception. The Saints turned that turnover into a go-ahead touchdown - a swing that ultimately decided the game.
Moments like that erode trust between quarterback and receiver. If Johnson wants more snaps on offense, he’ll need to show he can be counted on in high-leverage situations.
Looking Ahead
With four games left, including two massive matchups against the Panthers, the Bucs still control their own destiny in the NFC South. But Sunday’s loss to the Saints showed just how thin the margin for error is.
If Tampa Bay wants to repeat as division champs, they’ll need sharper execution, better discipline on defense, and more consistency from their young playmakers. The talent is there - but time is running out to put it all together.