Buccaneers beat the Saints and look like legitimate contenders

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers pulled off a big division win at home against the New Orleans Saints, strengthening their postseason position.

The Bucs took a 13-8 lead into the half after holding Drew Brees and the New Orleans offense to a safety and two field goals. Tampa Bay and the Saints traded field goals in the second half to finish with a 16-11 victory.

Strong special teams play in the fourth quarter helped thwart the Saints’ efforts at a comeback. The Buccaneers pulled off a nearly flawless punt save to pin New Orleans deep on their own 1-yard line, then downed a punt at the 3-yard line on the Saints’ last two offensive series.

With two minutes left to play, New Orleans did have a shot to drive down the field and score a touchdown to win. Buccaneers strong safety Keith Tandy had other plans, picking off Brees to seal the win for Tampa Bay.

The win improves the Bucs’ record to 8-5, and Tampa Bay will continue to duke it out with the 8-5 Atlanta Falcons for the top spot in the NFC South.