In a game that felt like a metaphor for their week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers weathered more than just a tough New Orleans Saints team—they overcame the chaos of Hurricane Milton and a rollercoaster game to deliver a 51-27 victory at the Superdome. Led by Baker Mayfield, who threw for 325 yards and four touchdowns despite three turnovers, the Buccaneers treated their fans to a win that lifted spirits after a challenging week. Tampa Bay had relocated to New Orleans early to escape the storm’s path, which wreaked havoc back home, making the victory all the more significant.
Mayfield’s performance was emblematic of the Buccaneers‘ resilience. After building a 17-point lead early, Tampa Bay saw the Saints rally back, taking a 27-24 lead by halftime. But Mayfield remained undeterred, orchestrating a second-half comeback that began with a pivotal 55-yard touchdown to Chris Godwin. The play was as much about Godwin’s elusiveness as it was about Mayfield’s precise throw, with the receiver turning a short pass into a long run, evading three would-be tacklers.
The Bucs dominated on the ground as well, amassing 277 rushing yards. Sean Tucker led the way with 136 yards and a touchdown, while Bucky Irving added 81 yards and a short rushing score. Tucker also turned a short reception into a 36-yard touchdown, contributing to the Bucs’ high-octane offense that overwhelmed the Saints‘ defense.
Tampa Bay’s offensive explosion was historic. They became just the fifth team in NFL history to post over 300 yards passing and 275 yards rushing in a single game. Their 594 total yards of offense marked the second-most ever allowed by the Saints, leaving the Superdome mostly empty by the time Tucker’s second touchdown sealed the final margin.
For the Saints, the defeat marred rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler’s NFL debut. With starter Derek Carr sidelined indefinitely due to an oblique injury, Rattler took the reins but struggled to keep pace with Tampa Bay’s offense. Rattler showed flashes of potential, but his efforts couldn’t stop New Orleans from dropping its fourth straight game after opening the season with two dominant wins. Despite the tough debut, Saints head coach Dennis Allen confirmed Rattler would start again in their upcoming Thursday night matchup against the Denver Broncos.
The Bucs‘ victory was more than just a win in the standings; it was a much-needed morale boost for fans dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. While many supporters were unable to attend due to the widespread damage, those who made it to the Superdome celebrated a decisive victory that served as a reminder of their team’s grit. Tampa Bay improved to 4-2 on the season, solidifying their position in the NFC South race.
The Buccaneers‘ ability to regroup and pull off a decisive win after losing a lead mirrored their broader determination in the face of adversity, both on the field and off. Mayfield’s four-touchdown performance was a testament to his resilience, even as he dealt with three turnovers. And with a dynamic ground game complementing his passing, Tampa Bay showed just how dangerous they can be when everything clicks.
As the Buccaneers return home to assess the damage left by Milton, they do so with a victory that brought smiles to their fans and hope for the challenges still ahead.