The Bucs and Saints game was delayed due to lightning, but the final big spark didn't come until the end of the game as New Orleans won, 16-14, on a 27-yard field goal by Garrett Hartley to end the game.
Saints vs. Buccaneers 2013 game recap: New Orleans mounts late comeback, improves to 2-0
It looked like Tampa Bay was going to pull out the victory, but instead the Saints gave themselves a two-game lead over the Bucs in the NFC South.
Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
The Saints led for most of the game and were driving deep into Bucs territory in the fourth quarter with a 13-7 lead. That's when things finally turned for Tampa, as linebacker Mason Foster picked off Drew Brees and returned it 85 yards for a touchdown to give the Buccaneers a 14-13 lead with under 13 minutes to go. The Bucs held that lead for most of the rest of the game but gave it back to New Orleans with no timeouts and only 1:06 to go.
Brees led the offense 54 yards down the field to setup the game-winning kick.
Fantasy studs and duds
Doug Martin didn't score but ran for 144 yards.
Jimmy Graham was by far the most valuable player for the Saints, catching 10 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown.
Brees mostly struggled, finishing with 322 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Josh Freeman wasn't very effective overall, completing only 9 of 22 passes for 125 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Injury report
Saints cornerback Patrick Robinson was carted off of the field with a leg injury. Defensive lineman Tom Johnson also suffered a leg injury and was helped off of the field.
Bucs defensive lineman Derek Landri left with a knee injury. Bucs Nation has more on the impact of the injury, should Landri miss any games.
Did they cover?
The Buccaneers were 3-point favorites at home according to OddsShark.com.
What’s next?
Tampa Bay at New England, Sept. 22, 1 p.m. ET
New Orleans vs. Arizona Cardinals, Sept. 22, 1 p.m. ET
More from SB Nation NFL:
See More:
