The New Orleans Saints fell to 0-2 on the season with a 26-19 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Saints' home opener Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

It was a total team effort.

The Saints offense turned the football over three times and gave up four sacks.  The defense allowed a quick touchdown at the end of the half and another with the first possession of the second half to give Tampa all the momentum.  And, the Saints missed a field goal and had an extra point blocked when trying to rally in the fourth quarter.

And, the Saints picked up over 100 yards in penalties.

Jameis WInston was 14-21 for 194 yards and one touchdown.  He also ran for a score as Tampa built a 17-7 lead early in the third quarter.  Doug Martin led the Bucs in rushing with 78 yards on 21 carries.

Drew Brees completed 24-38 for 255 yards and one touchdown.  He was intercepted once and also fumbled twice, although the Saints recovered both.  New Orleans fumbled the football five times in the contest.  Mark Ingram led the Saints on the ground with 53 yards on 16 carries with one touchdown.

After the Bucs got back to back touchdowns to take a 17-7 lead, the Saints turned it over twice, leading to field goals and a 23-7 lead.  The Saints fought back to get a touchdown but missed the two point conversation.  After recovering a fumble, the Saints offense couldn't come away with points after missing a field goal.  Then, another turnover came the Saints' way, but the extra point was blocked and the Saints still trailed 23-19

The defense gave the Saints another chance, but New Orleans fumbled which led to a field goal for the final margin.

The Saints are 0-2.  Tampa is 1-1.  The Saints travel to Carolina next week.

 

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