WEEK #2 PREVIEW: By Barry Hirstius (a.k.a., “HarahanWhoDat”)

WHEN: Sunday, September 15th, 2013 3:05 p.m. CST (Central Standard Time)

WHERE: Raymond James Stadium ; Tampa, Florida

WHO: New Orleans Saints (1-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1)

ANALYSIS: The Saints travel to Tampa to face the Buccaneers this week, a venue that has proved to be beneficial to the road team in this series in recent years. Saints QB Drew Brees has had some huge individual performances against Tampa Bay — and with the Buccaneers coming off a mild upset loss to the Jets last week, this is a golden opportunity for the Saints to jump out of the gate with a 2-0 record (overall and within the division) to start the season.

XHarahan WhoDat, AKA Barry, Staff Saints & Pelicans Writer

I believe that the Saints formula for success in this game can be a rather simple one: rattle the nerves of Tampa’s inconsistent starting QB Josh Freeman by applying constant pressure on him, and also to allow Tampa Bay’s reckless style of play to be used against themselves (a costly personal foul call last week allowed the Jets to get into position to kick the game-winning field goal). Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano looks to be in over his head somewhat after coming into the NFL 3 years ago from Rutgers University, and this week won’t be any easier going against a seemingly rejuvenated Saints team.

MATCHUP TO WATCH WHEN THE SAINTS HAVE THE BALL: Saints QB Drew Brees vs. the ENTIRE Tampa Bay defensive secondary

As I noted up above, Brees has had a recent history of some HUGE individual performances against the Buccaneers secondary. The Bucs made some rather bold moves during the off-season to rebuild that weak secondary with the trade for All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis, along with the free-agent signing of 49’ers All-Pro safety Dashon Goldson. Paired with last year’s top draft choice, All-American strong safety Mark Barron from Alabama, the Buccaneers should have the league’s top secondary. It will be interesting to see whether or not they can manage to finally stop Brees, or continue the trend of being BURNED by him instead.

MATCHUP TO WATCH WHEN THE BUCCANEERS HAVE THE BALL: Buccaneers RB Doug Martin vs. the Saints “new” linebacking corps; Buccaneers WR Vincent Jackson vs. Saints CB Jabari Greer

The Buccaneers have struggled to score points on offense in their most recent games dating back to last year. They will likely go after the Saints with a two-headed plan of attack: pounding the Saints’ defensive line and young linebacker corps inside the offensive tackles with All-Pro RB Doug Martin; and utilizing the advantage of size and speed that WR Vincent Jackson has over Saints CB Jabari Greer (or ANY Saints defensive back). Jackson lit up the Saints last year when they played there in Tampa, and I would expect that they’ll follow through with the same plan again unless the Saints show that they can stop it. If Tampa can be successful on those two fronts, then this could be a barn-burner. However if they do not, then it could end up being a very long day for them instead.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: Saints 34, Buccaneers 20

OTHER NOTES AND INTANGIBLES: The Saints swept the Buccaneers in 2012 and currently have won 3 straight against them………The Saints lead the overall series with a 25-17 record………..The Saints have an 11-7 record in games played AT Tampa Bay

Picture Credit: Pic courtesy of westgateownerevents.com

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