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NFL Scores Week 6: Bucs Assert NFC South Supremacy Against Saints, 26-20

Tampa Bay stopped New Orleans to claim first place in the NFC South behind a strong day from Josh Freeman.

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers passes against the New Orleans Saints October 16, 2011 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers passes against the New Orleans Saints October 16, 2011 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers passes against the New Orleans Saints October 16, 2011 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Getty Images

The Saints came into Week 6's showdown with the Buccaneers looking to reassert themselves in the NFC South. But Josh Freeman and his upstart Tampa Bay squad had other ideas.

Freeman threw for 303 yards and two touchdowns, Earnest Graham ran for 109 yards, and the Bucs defense picked off Drew Brees three times in a 26-20 victory that installed the Bucs ad the NFC South's leaders.

New Orleans outgained Tampa Bay slightly, but four turnovers to the Bucs’ zero helped doom the Saints. And having a diminished Sean Payton, who suffered serious injuries and was forced to coach from a cart, probably didn’t help.

Mark Ingram ran for 22 yards and a touchdown in the loss. Brees threw for 383 yards and a touchdown to go with his three picks.

Both the Saints and Bucs are 4-2 after today’s game, but only the Bucs are undefeated in the NFC South.

For more on the Bucs, head to SB Nation’s Bucs Nation; for more on the Saints, head to Canal Street Chronicles. For Week 6 NFL scores and news, Week 6 NFL video highlights, and Week 6 fantasy football stats and updates visit our comprehensive StoryStreams.

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