Brees, Saints beat Buccaneers 24-17 to end 4-game skid

The New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Bucs game kicks off in the first batch of Sunday NFL games today. Brees finished 31-of-41 for 312 yards. The Saints are also tied for fourth in the league with 57 plays of 20 or more yards, sixth in yards per play (5.86), fourth in third-down conversion percentage (44.5) and third in red zone touchdown percentage (62.5).

Speaking of Winston (221 of 337 for 2,877 yards and 17 touchdowns), he only has thrown four of his 11 interceptions in the last eight games. The Bucs got the ball back with just over five minutes remaining, punted four plays later, then watched New Orleans grind out three first downs to end the game.

“I’d say it was one of the team games we’ve been waiting for”, coach Sean Payton said. It would not shock me if Manziel played lights out as he would probably be released or traded at the end of the season, so playing well would be beneficial for his career and the Browns organization as a whole.

ABOUT THE SAINTS (4-8): Running back Mark Ingram was placed on injured reserve with a season-ending shoulder injury and questions abound over wideout Brandin Cooks, who is missed Thursday’s practice with a concussion.

The special teams struggled again, allowing Tampa to return a kickoff to the 33 with just 1:02 left before the half on a drive that ended in a field goal to keep it close at 17-10.

The Saints stole their division rival’s momentum and their hope, taking advantage of Tampa Bay’s mistakes and misfires and not giving it too much kindling to start a fire that would burn down New Orleans’ chances of victory, as was the case against Carolina last week. Not only is this a critical game for the 6-6 Buccaneers but New Orleans (4-8) appears to have its offensive mojo back.

Details for Sunday’s game are below.

Drew Brees took advantage.

It would have been understandable, maybe even forgivable, if the Saints came here to bask in the Florida sun and begin the long, slow fade to a postseason vacation. Willie Snead had seven receptions for 122 yards, and Benjamin Watson had seven catches for 70 yards.

Winston completed 18 of 32 passes for 182 yards, including the 11-yard TD to Humphries midway through the fourth.

On the season, the New Orleans Saints average 304.5 yards in passing and 96.6 yards in rushing. A loss would severely damage the team’s attempt at making the playoffs for the first time since 2007. He threw six interceptions in two games against the Bucs last year, but just one in two games this year, and none in Sunday’s win.