The Saints defense played exceptional football in the first half, not allowing the Bucs’ offense to score while sacking quarterback Baker Mayfield three times and forcing him to fumble once. Tampa had just 80 yards of offense in the first half. The Saints defense also had a goal-line stand and came close to a second one before Tampa scored on a 1-yard dive in the third quarter.
Saints running back Alvin Kamara joined another exclusive list Sunday when he became the fourth running back in NFL history to have 600 or more receptions. He entered Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers needing two receptions to hit the milestone and accomplished that in the final minute of the second quarter. He had two receptions for 24 yards and six carries for 21 yards.
Luke Fortner started at center for the Saints, replacing longtime starter Erik McCoy, who is out for the season with a biceps injury. Running back Devin Neal saw his most extensive action of the season as the Saints played without Kendre Miller, who was lost for the season last week because of a knee injury. Rashid Shaheed had nine receptions for 75 yards and Olave added eight for 63 yards.
The Saints will play at the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Nov. 2.
