New Orleans Saints: Bucs rivalry now on entirely different level
After such a heated battle earlier this season, the New Orleans Saints playing the Bucs again adds another level of tension to their rivalry.
The New Year might be upon us, but that doesn’t mean everything will stay in the past. After such an explosive battle in their last meeting, the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have only fostered a larger and more brutal rivalry. In the big picture, the New Orleans Saints have dominated the Buccaneers. Of their 50 meetings, the Saints are 32-18. With meeting 51 approaching, the Saints look to head to 33-18. The history is important, but the present is where all the excitement is at.
Looking back at their last meeting, it was a good game. Well, a good game for the Saints who outscored the Bucs by 20. As impressive as the game was, no one really talked about the score. It was all about the fight between Mike Evans and Marshon Lattimore. The same week A.J. Green would chokeslam Jalen Ramsey, Jameis Winston would go after Lattimore who pushed Winston. In retaliation, Evans came from behind and slammed into Lattimore.
Neither player received a punishment during the game. Eventually, Evans would be suspended for a game. Since the game, the bad blood has been building up and an explosion will come on the field on New Year’s Eve.
More than likely, the explosion will come via the Saints defense and offense. The team has already clinched their playoff spot and might even rest their starters. Considering the Bucs record, who can blame them?
It’s doubtful the teams will get into a scuffle again. Their battle will be fought out on the field and with words. The Saints will most definitely have Lattimore covering Evans and try to shut him down. In their last meeting, Evans was held to only 1 reception for 13 yards so expectations are high.
Even if the players don’t see it this way, their rivalry is on a different level. Evans and Lattimore might dislike each other now, but it could get even worse. With how successful the Saints have been this season, they’ll likely be a contender next season too.
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As for the Bucs, they’re going to be lucky if they win a game. Maybe next season, they’ll contend for the NFC South. Either way, the Saints and the Bucs have created a new and exciting rivalry in the NFC South.
Hopefully, they leave it on the field and don’t try to get in cheap shots off the field. Either way, the upcoming New Year’s Eve game is a can’t-miss for Saints and Bucs fans alike.