TAMPA (SNN-TV) – The Bucs looked to clinch the NFC South with a win at home over the Saints yesterday, but the team down in New Orleans had other plans.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were shut out for the first time in nine seasons on Sunday night and, as a result, were denied their first division title in 14 years, at least for the moment.
The New Orleans Saints beat the Buccaneers, 9-0 in front of a prime-time Sunday Night Football audience, marking the first time Tampa Bay had failed to score in a game since a 41-0 loss at New Orleans on Dec. 16, 2012.
The Bucs came out flat on offense but might have found their footing if not for a confounding run of injuries in the first half. Mike Evans and Leonard Fournette were all unavailable in the second half.
Also injured during this game was Chris Godwin, who initially was ruled out for the regular season with a MCL sprain, but its now been determined that he has a torn ACL as well, sidelining him for the playoffs as well.
QB Tom Brady acknowledges the injuries for what they are, but knows they have their toughest games ahead. “You know a lot of guys got banged up tonight, but that’s part of football. (We’ve) got to try to figure out who can go in, and fill in some roles and play great football. We’re going to have to put together a great week this week.”
On Monday, two days before the entire AFC and NFC rosters will be revealed, the NFL revealed the names of five players who have been voted into the 2022 Pro Bowl. One of those five was Brady, who is now the first 15-time all-star in league history. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback had been tied for first in all-time Pro Bowl berths.
