Buccaneers vs. Saints: Drew Brees ends Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes

Over at Bucs Nation, the reaction had shades of 2011 as the bloggers felt this much-improved team reminded them too much of last year’s 4-12 edition of the Buccaneers.

As SB nation’s Canal Street Chronicles explains, the victory keeps some faint hopes alive for a playoff bid for New Orleans, but it is unlikely:

While the Buccaneers and Saints rank fifth and sixth in points scored, respectively, they are each in the bottom four of the NFL in yardage allowed. The combination is a formula for a game that many believe will be one of the highest scoring in Week 15, similar to the 35-28, come-from-behind victory that the Saints had over the Buccaneers in Week 7.

As has been the case since his arrival in New Orleans, the Saints offense revolves around the play of quarterback Drew Brees. In his seventh season with the team, Brees is averaging more than 300 yards per game and has a 90.8 quarterback rating. However, he has been sacked 23 times and is on-pace to be dropped more times than any season since he’s joined the Saints.

Sunday, Dec. 16, 1 p.m. ET

Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana.