2024-10-14 03:20:05
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers threw the first punch in racing to a 17-point lead Sunday at the Caesars Superdome but the New Orleans Saints hit back and grabbed a 27-24 halftime lead. The Saints scored all 27 of their points in the second quarter, helped by intercepting Tampa quarterback Baker Mayfield three times, the last one picked by defensive end Cameron Jordan.
The Saints (2-3) will get the ball to start the second half.
The Saints started rookie quarterback Spencer Rattlerin place of injured starter Derek Carr. Rattler, a fifth-round draft pick out of South Carolina, completed his first pass for 27 yards but his second completion, to star receiver Chris Olave, was fumbled and returned for a 57-yard touchdown after Olave took a head shot. The hit gave Olave a concussion and he was ruled out for the game.
Tampa, which practiced in New Orleans all week to get away from Hurricane Milton and was playing its first game in 10 days, was sharp early. Quarterback Baker Mayfield completed all six passes on the opening drive, the final one a 4-yard touchdown pass to Chris Godwin. The fumble return touchdown gave the Bucs a 14-0 lead and then they tacked on a 26-yard field goal.
The Saints started their comeback with a 32-yard field goal by Blake Grupe and then another special teams play got the Saints back in the game. Returner Rashid Shaheed fielded a Bucs punt at his 46-yard line and returned down the right side for a 54-yard touchdown. It was the second punt return touchdown of Shaheed’s career.
