The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats have one of the fiercest rivalries in the NFL, especially since both teams were placed in the NFC South division in 2002. Their matchups are always packed with excitement, showcasing incredible athletic talent, strategic plays, and moments that keep fans on the edge of their seats. In this article, we’ll break down the player stats from their most recent clashes, focusing on key performances, standout players, and what the numbers tell us about this heated rivalry. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the game, this guide is written in a simple, engaging way to help everyone understand the action.
A Brief History of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats Rivalry
Before diving into the stats, let’s set the stage. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats first met in 1977, with Tampa Bay earning their first-ever franchise win after a brutal 0-26 start over their first two seasons. Since then, the rivalry has grown, with the Saints leading the all-time series 40-27, including a playoff game. The intensity ramped up when both teams joined the NFC South, facing off twice a year. From Drew Brees’ precision passing to Tom Brady’s leadership in Tampa Bay, this matchup has seen legendary performances. Now, let’s look at the stats from their most recent games in the 2024-2025 season to see who’s making waves.
Recent Matchups: Setting the Scene
The 2024-2025 NFL season saw two thrilling games between the Buccaneers and Saints. The first game, on October 13, 2024, ended with a dominant 51-27 victory for Tampa Bay at the Caesars Superdome. The second, on January 5, 2025, saw the Buccaneers clinch the NFC South title with a 27-19 win at Raymond James Stadium. These games showcased standout performances from quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, and defensive players. Let’s break down the player stats from both games to highlight the stars and key moments.
Game 1: October 13, 2024 – Buccaneers 51, Saints 27
This high-scoring affair was a testament to Tampa Bay’s offensive firepower, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield. Despite a challenging second quarter where the Bucs lost a 17-point lead, they rallied back to dominate. Here’s how the players performed:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Key Stats
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Baker Mayfield (QB): Mayfield was the star of the show, throwing for 325 yards and 4 touchdowns, though he had 3 turnovers. His ability to bounce back after mistakes was crucial, completing passes to multiple receivers and spreading the ball effectively. His performance reflected the resilience of a team that had to evacuate to New Orleans early due to Hurricane Milton.
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Mike Evans (WR): The veteran wide receiver continued his stellar career, hauling in 9 receptions for 89 yards. While he didn’t score in this game, his catches were critical in moving the chains and setting up scoring drives.
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Rachaad White (RB): White contributed 72 rushing yards on 15 carries and added 3 receptions for 28 yards. His versatility as a runner and receiver kept the Saints’ defense guessing.
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Chris Godwin (WR): Godwin had 6 catches for 79 yards, including a touchdown. His ability to find open spaces in the Saints’ secondary was a key factor in Tampa’s offensive success.
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Lavonte David (LB): On defense, David was a tackling machine with 9 tackles and a pass defended. His leadership helped the Bucs’ defense hold firm in the second half.
New Orleans Saints Key Stats
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Spencer Rattler (QB): With Derek Carr sidelined, rookie Spencer Rattler stepped up, completing 26 of 43 passes for 240 yards and 1 touchdown. While he showed promise, he struggled against Tampa’s aggressive defense.
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Juwan Johnson (TE): Johnson led the Saints’ receiving corps with 6 catches for 80 yards. His ability to find gaps in the Bucs’ defense kept New Orleans competitive early on.
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Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB): Edwards-Helaire managed 26 yards on 8 carries, but the Saints’ run game struggled to gain traction against Tampa’s front seven.
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Blake Grupe (K): Grupe was perfect on field goals, drilling 4 kicks, including a long of 48 yards. His accuracy kept the Saints in the game during the first half.
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Cam Jordan (DE): The veteran defensive end made his presence felt with a tackle for loss, disrupting Tampa’s run game early. However, the Saints’ defense couldn’t contain the Bucs’ passing attack.
Game Highlights
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Tampa Bay’s offense was explosive, averaging over 5 yards per carry and completing 70% of their passes, a rare feat in NFL history.
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The Bucs’ third-down conversion rate was an NFL-best 50.9%, showcasing their ability to sustain drives.
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The Saints blocked a punt, giving them a spark, but Tampa’s second-half adjustments overwhelmed New Orleans’ depleted roster.
Game 2: January 5, 2025 – Buccaneers 27, Saints 19
This game was closer, with the Buccaneers trailing 16-6 at halftime before mounting a comeback to secure the NFC South title. Mike Evans’ historic 1,000-yard season was a highlight, as he tied Jerry Rice’s record for consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Let’s look at the stats.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Key Stats
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Baker Mayfield (QB): Mayfield’s exact stats for this game aren’t fully detailed, but he orchestrated a comeback, throwing crucial passes, including a 9-yard completion to Mike Evans on the final play to secure Evans’ 1,000-yard season.
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Mike Evans (WR): Evans had 9 receptions for 89 yards, tying his season-high. His 1,004 receiving yards for the season cemented his place in NFL history alongside Jerry Rice.
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Jalen McMillan (WR): The rookie wideout had 8 receiving touchdowns for the season, third-most in Bucs history for a rookie, though specific game stats weren’t highlighted.
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Lavonte David (LB): David led with 9 tackles and finished the season with 122 tackles and 5.0 sacks, one of only two players in the NFL with 120+ tackles and 5.0+ sacks in 2024.
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Team Offense: Tampa Bay’s season totals were impressive, with 4,000+ passing yards and 2,000+ rushing yards, joining elite company like the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens.
New Orleans Saints Key Stats
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Spencer Rattler (QB): Rattler threw for 240 yards, completing 26 of 43 passes with a 5-yard touchdown to Dante Pettis. He connected with 10 different receivers, showing poise despite the loss.
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Juwan Johnson (TE): Johnson again led with 6 receptions for 80 yards, proving to be a reliable target for Rattler.
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Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB): The running game remained limited, with Edwards-Helaire gaining 26 yards on 8 carries.
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Demario Davis (LB): Davis was a standout on defense, recording 120+ tackles for the second straight season, a rare feat for a Saints player.
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Blake Grupe (K): Grupe was 4-for-4 on field goals, keeping the Saints in the game with consistent kicking.
Game Highlights
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The Saints led 16-6 at halftime, thanks to Grupe’s field goals and a blocked punt, but Tampa Bay’s second-half surge was too much.
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Mike Evans’ final catch to reach 1,000 yards sparked a wild celebration, highlighting his importance to the team.
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The Saints were missing seven offensive starters from their opening game, which hampered their ability to keep up with Tampa’s offense.
Comparing the Teams: What the Stats Tell Us
Offensive Firepower
Tampa Bay’s offense was a juggernaut in 2024, ranking among the NFL’s best in several categories:
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Third-Down Conversion Rate: 50.9% (1st in the NFL)
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Yards After Contact Per Rush: 3.80 (1st in the NFL)
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Points Per Game: 29.53 (4th in the NFL)
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Passing Yards Per Game: 250.4 (3rd in the NFL)
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Rushing Yards Per Game: 149.2 (4th in the NFL)
The Buccaneers became the first team in NFL history to complete 70% of their passes and average over 5 yards per carry in a season, a testament to their balanced attack. Baker Mayfield’s leadership and Mike Evans’ consistency were key drivers.
The Saints, meanwhile, struggled offensively, especially without Derek Carr. Spencer Rattler showed potential, but the team’s depleted roster limited their output. Their running game was lackluster, with Edwards-Helaire and others unable to break through Tampa’s defense.
Defensive Standouts
Tampa Bay’s defense, led by Lavonte David, was relentless. David’s 122 tackles and 5.0 sacks placed him among the NFL’s elite, and the Bucs’ ability to pressure quarterbacks disrupted the Saints’ rhythm.
For New Orleans, Demario Davis and Cam Jordan remained defensive anchors. Davis’ 120+ tackles and Jordan’s knack for disrupting plays kept the Saints competitive, but they couldn’t stop Tampa’s second-half surges.
Special Teams
Blake Grupe was a bright spot for the Saints, going 8-for-8 on field goals across both games. His reliability gave New Orleans points when their offense stalled. Tampa Bay’s special teams had moments, like a blocked punt they overcame in the January game, but their offensive dominance often overshadowed these contributions.
Standout Players to Watch
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Mike Evans (Buccaneers): His 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season is a historic achievement. Evans remains a go-to target for Mayfield and a leader in the locker room.
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Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers): Mayfield’s 325 yards and 4 touchdowns in the October game showed his growth as a quarterback. His ability to rebound from turnovers is a big reason for Tampa’s success.
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Lavonte David (Buccaneers): A defensive stalwart, David’s tackling and sack numbers make him one of the NFL’s best linebackers.
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Spencer Rattler (Saints): The rookie showed flashes of brilliance, connecting with 10 receivers in the January game. He could be a future star for New Orleans.
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Juwan Johnson (Saints): Johnson’s consistent receiving (6 catches, 80 yards in both games) makes him a key weapon for the Saints.
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Demario Davis (Saints): His tackling prowess keeps the Saints’ defense competitive, even in tough losses.
Why This Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats Rivalry Matters
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats rivalry is more than just stats—it’s about passion, pride, and regional bragging rights. Tampa Bay’s recent dominance, with four straight NFC South titles, has shifted the balance, but the Saints’ historical edge (40-27 series lead) keeps the fire burning. Every game is a chance for players to etch their names in history, like Mike Evans tying Jerry Rice’s record or Baker Mayfield leading a storm-weary Tampa team to victory.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats Both Teams?
For the Buccaneers, their 10-7 record and playoff berth set the stage for a deep postseason run. Their balanced offense and stout defense make them a formidable opponent. The Saints, finishing 5-12, face a rebuilding year but have young talent like Spencer Rattler and reliable veterans like Demario Davis to build around. The next matchup, scheduled for October 26, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome, promises more fireworks.
Conclusion
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints Match Player Stats in the 2024-2025 season were a showcase of talent, resilience, and historic moments. From Baker Mayfield’s 325-yard, 4-touchdown performance to Mike Evans’ record-tying season and Spencer Rattler’s promising rookie outings, the player stats tell a story of competition and heart. Whether you’re rooting for the Bucs or the Saints, these games remind us why this rivalry is one of the NFL’s best. Keep an eye on these teams as they gear up for their next clash, and expect more unforgettable moments on the field.
