Saints GM Mickey Loomis reacts to ‘smashing’ Buccaneers in the mouth
The New Orleans Saints prevented the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, their NFC South rivals, from winning the division and securing a home playoff game in Week 17. It appeared to Saints general manager Mickey Loomis that the Bucs were undervaluing his team.
According to Jeff Nowak of WWL Radio Sports, Loomis told reporters on Wednesday that he thought Tampa was about ready to go out there and play the game and enjoy winning the division.
And for us to emerge and, you know, give them the finger, win that first drive, and establish the tone. Really, the first half was when the game was won thanks to a strong performance.
Baker Mayfield and the Bucs entered the Superdome with a clear path to the postseason: defeat Derek Carr and the Saints, clinch the NFC South for the third consecutive season, and host a playoff game.
However, a cunning New Orleans defense forced two fumbles and picked off Mayfield twice.After two quarters, the Saints were able to run out to a 17-0 lead and held on to win 23-13.
Though it was a satisfying victory, the Saints might have only momentarily stopped the Bucs from winning the NFC South.
Saints still need help
Much like Week 17, Week 18 presents a win-and-in scenario for Tampa Bay — defeat the lowly Carolina Panthers and the division again belongs to the Bucs.
For the first time since 2020, Lombis’ squad will win the division if the Saints triumph and the Bucs lose. With a victory and defeats by the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks, it can also secure a wild card position.
Loomis has faith that his group will perform well.
He remarked, “The fans have been amazing, they really have.” “And once more, the atmosphere will be fantastic because this is Atlanta. When we play Atlanta, the atmosphere is always positive, so we want to give the supporters something to cheer about.
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