Bucs' postseason run starts in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston figures the Buccaneers give themselves their best chance at a playoff berth by acting as if the postseason starts early - as in, Saturday in New Orleans.
''Yeah, it starts now,'' Winston said this week. ''It's a game that we've got to win.''
The Buccaneers could win one of their final two games and make the playoffs, but would need considerable help.
As it is, Tampa Bay (8-6) might not make the playoffs even by reaching 10 victories.
So, realistically, the Buccaneers figure they have to win out against the Saints (6-8) this weekend and against Carolina in the regular-season finale.
The Bucs don't seem to lack confidence in their ability to make the playoffs for the first time since 2007.
''We've shown that we can beat the best and battle with the best,'' Winston said.
Last weekend, the Bucs fell 26-20 at NFC-leading Dallas. But they might have pulled out that game if not for four turnovers, including Winston's late-game interception.
Now they're on the road again, but this time against a Saints team they beat 16-11 less than two weeks ago. New Orleans was the turnover-plagued club in the first meeting; Drew Brees threw three interceptions.
Brees bounced back last Sunday in Arizona, passing for 369 yards and four touchdowns in a 48-41 victory , and the Saints - whose playoff possibilities, however remote, are not officially extinguished - are hoping that's the kind of offense they bring to the Superdome in this unusually quick rematch with a divisional foe.
''It's not going to be something new or magical,'' said Saints running back Tim Hightower, who rushed for a pair of touchdowns against the Cardinals. ''We had three turnovers last game'' in Tampa Bay.
This time, Hightower said, the Saints don't need to alter their scheme so much as ''do a better job of executing this game and sustaining drives and get in the end zone.''
That might be easier said than done against the Buccaneers defense, whose 26 takeaways rank third in the NFL.
Here are some other story lines surrounding Tampa Bay's high-stakes visit to the Big Easy:
QUICK TURNAROUND: Not only are these teams meeting for the second time in three weeks, but also on a short week, with this game being just six days after each team's previous game.
''That's the whole chess match part of playing somebody this close together is both staffs have to decide what plays are you leaving in, what plays are you taking out and what are you replacing them with,'' Tampa Bay coach Dirk Koetter said. ''You never know how much they're going to change either. You can't just assume they're going to go out and play exactly the same.''
EAGER EVANS: The Buccaneers are hoping to get Pro Bowl receiver Mike Evans, who has a career-best 84 receptions for 1,159 yards, more involved in their offense again. The third-year pro is tied for first in the NFC with 10 touchdown receptions. However, he doesn't have any in the past three weeks while being limited to 11 receptions for 139 yards by the Chargers, Saints and Cowboys.
New Orleans limited him to four catches for 42 yards, and Evans - a first-time Pro Bowl selection - sounds eager for another shot at the Saints' secondary.
''It's a big game for us, our biggest one of the year,'' Evans said. ''Last time I had some opportunities I wish I could have capitalized on. I look forward to capitalizing on them this Saturday.''
QB COMPARISON: Saints coach Sean Payton asserts that Winston is having an exceptional season - particularly for a second-year pro - even if his statistical accomplishments have fallen far short of the numbers an elite QB such as Brees has put up.
Winston has 948 fewer yards passing, nine fewer TDs and one more interception than Brees, who also has completed a significantly higher percentage of throws (71.1 percent) than Winston (60.8 percent).
''The first thing you measure a quarterback by is success,'' Payton said of Winston. ''He's a fantastic leader. There's a way about him that understands and appreciates winning and you kind of feel it when you watch him play. ... There's a little magic about him that I think rubs off on his teammates.''
NO TIME FOR COMPLACENCY: Tampa Bay not only intercepted Brees three times, but also held the Saints star without a TD pass in the first meeting.
Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who trains with the New Orleans quarterback during the offseason, noted how well his friend played last Sunday.
''He went and did what Drew does. He bounced back and had an incredible game,'' McCoy said, adding that he's pretty sure Brees is looking forward to having another crack at the Bucs defense.
''I just know him,'' McCoy said. ''I've been around him, so I'm mentally prepared.''
Bucs middle linebacker Kwon Alexander, a second-year pro out of LSU, agreed.
''We know we're going to get his best shot,'' Alexander said, ''but he's going to get our best shot, too.''
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston figures the Buccaneers give themselves their best chance at a playoff berth by acting as if the postseason starts early - as in, Saturday in New Orleans.
''Yeah, it starts now,'' Winston said this week. ''It's a game that we've got to win.''
The Buccaneers could win one of their final two games and make the playoffs, but would need considerable help.
As it is, Tampa Bay (8-6) might not make the playoffs even by reaching 10 victories.
So, realistically, the Buccaneers figure they have to win out against the Saints (6-8) this weekend and against Carolina in the regular-season finale.
The Bucs don't seem to lack confidence in their ability to make the playoffs for the first time since 2007.
''We've shown that we can beat the best and battle with the best,'' Winston said.
Last weekend, the Bucs fell 26-20 at NFC-leading Dallas. But they might have pulled out that game if not for four turnovers, including Winston's late-game interception.
Now they're on the road again, but this time against a Saints team they beat 16-11 less than two weeks ago. New Orleans was the turnover-plagued club in the first meeting; Drew Brees threw three interceptions.
Brees bounced back last Sunday in Arizona, passing for 369 yards and four touchdowns in a 48-41 victory , and the Saints - whose playoff possibilities, however remote, are not officially extinguished - are hoping that's the kind of offense they bring to the Superdome in this unusually quick rematch with a divisional foe.
''It's not going to be something new or magical,'' said Saints running back Tim Hightower, who rushed for a pair of touchdowns against the Cardinals. ''We had three turnovers last game'' in Tampa Bay.
This time, Hightower said, the Saints don't need to alter their scheme so much as ''do a better job of executing this game and sustaining drives and get in the end zone.''
That might be easier said than done against the Buccaneers defense, whose 26 takeaways rank third in the NFL.
Here are some other story lines surrounding Tampa Bay's high-stakes visit to the Big Easy:
QUICK TURNAROUND: Not only are these teams meeting for the second time in three weeks, but also on a short week, with this game being just six days after each team's previous game.
''That's the whole chess match part of playing somebody this close together is both staffs have to decide what plays are you leaving in, what plays are you taking out and what are you replacing them with,'' Tampa Bay coach Dirk Koetter said. ''You never know how much they're going to change either. You can't just assume they're going to go out and play exactly the same.''
EAGER EVANS: The Buccaneers are hoping to get Pro Bowl receiver Mike Evans, who has a career-best 84 receptions for 1,159 yards, more involved in their offense again. The third-year pro is tied for first in the NFC with 10 touchdown receptions. However, he doesn't have any in the past three weeks while being limited to 11 receptions for 139 yards by the Chargers, Saints and Cowboys.
New Orleans limited him to four catches for 42 yards, and Evans - a first-time Pro Bowl selection - sounds eager for another shot at the Saints' secondary.
''It's a big game for us, our biggest one of the year,'' Evans said. ''Last time I had some opportunities I wish I could have capitalized on. I look forward to capitalizing on them this Saturday.''
QB COMPARISON: Saints coach Sean Payton asserts that Winston is having an exceptional season - particularly for a second-year pro - even if his statistical accomplishments have fallen far short of the numbers an elite QB such as Brees has put up.
Winston has 948 fewer yards passing, nine fewer TDs and one more interception than Brees, who also has completed a significantly higher percentage of throws (71.1 percent) than Winston (60.8 percent).
''The first thing you measure a quarterback by is success,'' Payton said of Winston. ''He's a fantastic leader. There's a way about him that understands and appreciates winning and you kind of feel it when you watch him play. ... There's a little magic about him that I think rubs off on his teammates.''
NO TIME FOR COMPLACENCY: Tampa Bay not only intercepted Brees three times, but also held the Saints star without a TD pass in the first meeting.
Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who trains with the New Orleans quarterback during the offseason, noted how well his friend played last Sunday.
''He went and did what Drew does. He bounced back and had an incredible game,'' McCoy said, adding that he's pretty sure Brees is looking forward to having another crack at the Bucs defense.
''I just know him,'' McCoy said. ''I've been around him, so I'm mentally prepared.''
Bucs middle linebacker Kwon Alexander, a second-year pro out of LSU, agreed.
''We know we're going to get his best shot,'' Alexander said, ''but he's going to get our best shot, too.''
Today at 2:18 pm by Rocky
» utube MM&C 4/26/24 Iraqi Dinar - US Treasury Exchange Rates- Focus - Banking Partnerships - Rate C
Today at 2:17 pm by Rocky
» Parliamentary efforts to transform Iraq into a global market for transferring Internet capacities
Today at 2:07 pm by Rocky
» A parliamentary committee that enriches the political forces: Stop plundering Iraq’s wealth and work
Today at 1:56 pm by Rocky
» Politician: Salem Al-Issawi is the most likely to assume the presidency of Parliament
Today at 1:55 pm by Rocky
» The price of the dollar is close to 145 thousand dinars؛ how much is $100 worth of transactions؟
Today at 11:57 am by wciappetta
» Al-Sudani: The world today is witnessing crises whose impact has been reflected in the global econo
Today at 9:50 am by Rocky
» The Federal Court responds to an inquiry by Al-Sudani regarding the powers of the provincial council
Today at 9:40 am by Rocky
» Among them are the Iraqis... a list of the most sought-after immigrants to America
Today at 9:38 am by Rocky
» An expert talks about the "biggest barrier" and the positives of merging Iraqi and Arab banks
Today at 9:29 am by Rocky
» The House of Representatives adjourns its session
Today at 9:24 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary demands to expedite the legislation of the Eid al-Ghadir holiday law (documents)
Today at 9:23 am by Rocky
» Parliament adds the paragraph “Electing the Speaker of the House of Representatives” to its agenda
Today at 9:21 am by Rocky
» Alsumaria publishes the text of the law against prostitution and homosexuality
Today at 9:20 am by Rocky
» A parliamentarian reveals the reason for the failure of the Speaker of Parliament to pass during tod
Today at 9:19 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The government has launched many strategies and initiatives that will improve the reality
Today at 8:42 am by Rocky
» International Business: Iraq has made progress in supporting businesses through investment and priva
Today at 8:33 am by Rocky
» Association of Banks: Iraq is witnessing great development in the transition to electronic governmen
Today at 8:25 am by Rocky
» The House of Representatives votes to add an item to its agenda (election of the Speaker of the Hous
Today at 8:22 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary integrity: Combating corruption requires parliamentary legislation
Today at 8:15 am by Rocky
» Al-Karaawi: America is trying to restrict Iraq
Today at 8:13 am by Rocky
» The State of Law coalition moves to form the local government in Diyala
Today at 8:12 am by Rocky
» The Sudanese and his battle against corruption.. Where is the fault with the government or with the
Today at 8:11 am by Rocky
» Prime Minister's Advisor: We will see the dollar fall on the black market soon
Today at 8:09 am by Rocky
» The Sunni blocs are resolute. The presidency of the Council is ours, away from Al-Halbousi
Today at 8:08 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani discusses with a workers’ organization his government’s steps in this field
Today at 7:58 am by Rocky
» Parliament holds its session in the presence of 170 deputies
Today at 7:57 am by Rocky
» In the presence of Nechirvan Barzani and Al-Sudani... the State Administration Coalition holds an “i
Today at 7:55 am by Rocky
» The UAE company ADNOC resorts to Iraqi oil. Find out the reasons
Today at 7:53 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi Parliament votes to add an item to elect a president to its agenda
Today at 7:52 am by Rocky
» The Federal Court responds to an inquiry by Al-Sudani regarding the powers of the provincial council
Today at 7:51 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: It is necessary to attract women to work as a productive energy that cannot be disrupted
Today at 7:47 am by Rocky
» Zebari regarding targeting the Kormor field: a systematic attack on the economy of Kurdistan
Today at 7:46 am by Rocky
» Saudi Arabia tops, and this is Iraq's rank... a list of major suppliers of crude oil to South Korea
Today at 7:45 am by Rocky
» With a value of 125 million dollars.. Iraq is at the forefront of countries importing Iranian textil
Today at 7:44 am by Rocky
» More than a billion dollars in sales from the Iraqi Central Bank within a week
Today at 7:43 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani stresses the need for the expertise of the International Labor Organization to legislate a
Today at 7:29 am by Rocky
» Including the return of 21 wanted persons.. The Iraq Money Recovery Fund counts its achievements in
Today at 7:27 am by Rocky
» The path to development is the criterion between true patriotism and political clowning.
Today at 7:25 am by Rocky
» The file of the Presidency of Parliament is on the state administration table... this evening
Today at 7:22 am by Rocky
» Director General of the International Labor Organization: Many challenges in the world of work and t
Today at 7:20 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The world is witnessing crises that reflect negatively on the Arab and international peop
Today at 7:11 am by Rocky
» Prime Minister: Our government has provided great support for the success of the activities, program
Today at 7:08 am by Rocky
» Al-Asadi: Iraq places the social protection file among its priorities
Today at 7:07 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: Iraq is one of the first countries in the region to join the International Labor Organiza
Today at 7:05 am by Rocky
» In the presence of Al-Sudani and Barzani, the State Administration Coalition holds an “important” me
Today at 7:03 am by Rocky
» Appreciating the presence of Al-Sudani... Director General of the Arab Labor Organization: Here from
Today at 5:29 am by Rocky
» Prime Minister: Our government has provided great support for the success of the activities, program
Today at 5:28 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The world is witnessing crises that reflect negatively on the Arab and international peop
Today at 5:24 am by Rocky
» The Parliamentary Development Institute organizes a workshop on the political role of the representa
Today at 5:22 am by Rocky
» With Arab and international participation. Tomorrow will be the start of the Fourth Baghdad Internat
Today at 5:21 am by Rocky
» OPEC Secretary General: The end of oil is not on the horizon
Today at 5:19 am by Rocky
» Closing a number of unlicensed offices and companies south of Baghdad
Today at 5:16 am by Rocky
» Repercussions of the bombing...intensive government movements to resume work in the “Kormor” field
Today at 5:15 am by Rocky
» In the presence of Al-Sudani...the opening of the Arab Labor Conference in its 50th session in Baghd
Today at 5:14 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: We are working on drawing future visions regarding the “green and digital” economic secto
Today at 5:13 am by Rocky
» Barzani after the Kormor attack: We are ready to coordinate with Baghdad to put an end to these atta
Today at 5:10 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani directs the formation of an investigative committee into the circumstances of the Kormo fi
Today at 5:08 am by Rocky
» Bismayah is confused about the new electronic portal.. What about the landlord and the subcontracts?
Today at 5:07 am by Rocky
» Kurdistan Government: Loss of 2,500 megawatts of electricity due to targeting the Kormor field
Today at 5:06 am by Rocky
» Crisis in Kurdistan: 12-hour daily power outage and complaints of “confusion”
Today at 5:05 am by Rocky
» The Supreme Anti-Corruption Commission demands Nineveh for the contracts concluded by “Najm Al-Jubou
Today at 5:04 am by Rocky
» Al-Khanjar, Al-Samarrai, and Abu Mazen are hosted by Shaalan Al-Karim to discuss accelerating the se
Today at 5:03 am by Rocky
» Iraq asks the countries of the world to respond to its requests to extradite wanted persons: We have
Today at 5:02 am by Rocky
» “It is coming soon.” The Sudanese advisor sets the date for the referral of the Baghdad metro and th
Today at 5:01 am by Rocky
» Al-Mubarqa: Iraq reserves its full right to respond to the Australian behavior
Today at 5:00 am by Rocky
» Dollar exchange rates on Iraqi stock exchanges... recorded a decline, and this is the list
Today at 4:58 am by Rocky
» Mr. Al-Sadr supports the position of American university students
Today at 4:56 am by Rocky
» Iraqis are ranked 7th in the Arab world on the list of those most seeking immigration to America. He
Today at 4:55 am by Rocky
» Soon.. 3 new hospitals will open in Baghdad
Today at 4:52 am by Rocky
» Sponsored by Al-Sudani...the opening of the Arab Labor Conference in its fiftieth session in Baghdad
Today at 4:51 am by Rocky
» Al-Shammari chairs a meeting at the controlling headquarters to review the results of the security o
Today at 4:49 am by Rocky
» Arab Labor Organization: We commend Iraq's interest in the Arab Labor Conference
Today at 4:48 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The development road project will provide many job opportunities
Today at 4:47 am by Rocky
» Sudanese advisor criticizes Kuwaiti analyzes regarding the development road project
Yesterday at 2:21 pm by Rocky
» Al-Mandalawi stresses the need to strengthen economic and trade cooperation between Iraq and Poland
Yesterday at 2:04 pm by Rocky
» Power maneuvers: America provides defensive weapons to Kurdistan in exchange for withholding from Ba
Yesterday at 10:26 am by Rocky
» Kuwait is drilling an oil well near Umm Qasr, towards Iraqi territory
Yesterday at 10:24 am by Rocky
» In the document... the first Iraqi ministry identifies the obstacles to changing the new official wo
Yesterday at 10:22 am by Rocky
» Italian Institute: Iraq is stuck in its own crises, including Baghdad’s efforts to undermine the “au
Yesterday at 10:21 am by Rocky
» The head of the Integrity Commission announces the holding of an international Interpol conference i
Yesterday at 10:18 am by Rocky
» Planning: Iraqi companies are not efficient in conducting the population census
Yesterday at 10:14 am by Rocky
» MM&C 4/25/24 National Bank of Iraq goes live with Temenos core banking and payments
Yesterday at 8:06 am by Rocky
» A banking official indicates a "danger" to Iraq by depriving more than half of its banks of dollars
Yesterday at 7:55 am by Rocky
» With the participation of the Association of Private Banks, investment opportunities are on the tabl
Yesterday at 7:45 am by Rocky
» Within a month... an Iranian border crossing recorded a noticeable increase in exports of goods to I
Yesterday at 7:44 am by Rocky
» The Association of Private Banks appreciates the efforts of the government and the Central Bank to c
Yesterday at 7:43 am by Rocky
» Al-Maliki's coalition presents a third candidate for the position of governor of Diyala
Yesterday at 6:57 am by Rocky
» Arab gathering: The Kirkuk problem is getting complicated and the Sudanese must intervene
Yesterday at 6:56 am by Rocky
» Next week.. a Kurdish delegation will visit Baghdad to meet with the Minister of Finance
Yesterday at 6:54 am by Rocky
» Under the pretext of salaries... Al-Party refrains from handing over port revenues to Baghdad
Yesterday at 6:53 am by Rocky
» Association of Banks: For the first time, we are witnessing a clear targeting of depriving half of t
Yesterday at 6:51 am by Rocky
» Parliament does not know the reason for the delay in sending the 2024 budget schedules: Voting takes
Yesterday at 6:49 am by Rocky
» Applicants for the 2024 Hajj are demanding that the Central Bank secure the dollar for them through
Yesterday at 5:09 am by Rocky
» Governmental and private banks will showcase their services tomorrow during Financial Inclusion Week
Yesterday at 5:08 am by Rocky
» Iraq's oil exports rise despite OPEC+ cuts
Yesterday at 5:06 am by Rocky
» A study explodes a "surprise"... Iraq is among the countries that export oil to "Israel": How is the
Yesterday at 5:04 am by Rocky
» Al-Araji emphasizes working to strengthen national identity
Yesterday at 5:02 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani visits Saudi Arabia to participate in the World Economic Forum in Riyadh
Yesterday at 5:01 am by Rocky