Bucs’ Blueprint for Success as They Prepare to Watch the Saints Take on the Chiefs
The New Orleans Saints are gearing up for a high-stakes clash against the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are taking a step back to analyze and learn. As both teams sit atop the NFC South, the Bucs have a unique opportunity to observe how their divisional rivals fare against the reigning Super Bowl champions. While the Saints aim to pull off an upset, the Buccaneers are focused on fine-tuning their own blueprint to remain competitive and dominate the division. From pass protection to pressure schemes and finishing games strong, the Buccaneers are watching closely, taking notes, and planning their strategy not just for when they face the Saints again, but for any high-powered opponent that stands in their way. Here’s how the Bucs are looking to apply what they already know, building a game plan that can help them turn the tide in crucial matchups.
1. Learn from the Saints’ Offensive Game Plan
The Saints’ challenge against the Chiefs revolves around protecting Derek Carr and controlling the tempo. As the Bucs observe the Saints’ offensive line’s performance against the Chiefs’ formidable front, they’ll analyze how to better protect Baker Mayfield in similar situations. Mayfield has already shown he can thrive with a clean pocket and a well-executed run game, but Tampa Bay will look for opportunities to optimize their pass protection schemes. By watching how the Saints handle Chris Jones and the Chiefs’ interior pressure, the Buccaneers can identify adjustments needed for their own offensive line, especially in handling stunts and blitzes. This information will be invaluable in games where the Bucs face elite defensive lines.
Strategic Focus:
Implement quick-release passes and screens to neutralize interior pressure.
Use play-action and rollouts to create better sightlines and avoid congested pockets.
2. Observing Defensive Strategies to Contain Top Quarterbacks
The Bucs are also closely observing how the Saints attempt to limit Patrick Mahomes’ effectiveness. The Chiefs thrive on big plays and improvisation, something that could pose challenges for any defense. Tampa Bay can take cues from how the Saints adjust coverages, disguise blitzes, and attempt to force Mahomes into quick, contested throws. With this insight, the Buccaneers will reinforce their own defensive schemes to prepare for facing top-tier quarterbacks. Whether it’s shifting zone coverages, using bracket coverage on tight ends like Travis Kelce, or rotating defensive line pressure, the Bucs can improve by understanding what works and what doesn’t in real-time.
Strategic Focus:
Emphasize disciplined pass rush lanes to prevent mobile quarterbacks from escaping the pocket.
Utilize versatile linebackers like Lavonte David to shadow tight ends and disrupt intermediate routes.
3. Capitalizing on Situational Football
The Saints have struggled to close out games, something the Buccaneers can relate to from recent experiences. Tampa Bay has had issues maintaining leads and performing under pressure late in games. By watching how New Orleans handles crucial moments against a team as well-coached as the Chiefs, the Bucs can refine their own approach to situational football. The key will be learning from the Saints’ successes and failures, particularly in the red zone and on third downs. The Bucs will aim to incorporate better playcalling, more effective personnel groupings, and sharper execution during these critical situations.
Strategic Focus:
Optimize personnel matchups in high-pressure scenarios to increase third-down efficiency.
Use more aggressive play calling in the red zone to secure touchdowns over field goals.
4. Planning for Divisional Matchups and Beyond
While watching the Saints take on one of the league’s best, the Bucs are also preparing for their own divisional showdowns. Every snap the Saints take against the Chiefs is a learning opportunity for Tampa Bay to gauge the strengths and vulnerabilities of their primary competition. If the Saints find success in certain areas, the Bucs will need to be prepared to counter it in their next meeting. Conversely, if the Chiefs expose flaws in the Saints’ approach, Tampa Bay can exploit those same weaknesses in future divisional games. This tactical observation allows the Bucs to be proactive in refining their game plans, not only for the Saints but also for any other team employing a similar style.
Strategic Focus:
Study the Saints' defensive adjustments to see where they leave gaps or soft spots that Tampa Bay can exploit.
Adapt offensive and defensive plays to neutralize what worked well for the Chiefs against the Saints.
The Buccaneers understand that staying competitive in the NFC South and beyond will require constant adjustments and learning from every possible scenario. As the Saints and Chiefs battle it out, the Bucs are not just passive spectators, they’re active strategists, evaluating every play and refining their own blueprint. With a clearer understanding of what works and what doesn’t against elite opponents, Tampa Bay can apply these lessons to upcoming matchups. By leveraging their strengths and mitigating weaknesses exposed in similar situations, the Buccaneers are setting themselves up to be not just a contender, but a team capable of upsetting the Chiefs or any opponent that comes their way.
