An Observation of how the Saints and Bucs have Changed Since their Week 9 Game.

Games 1-8
Saints scored 30.5 PPG and gave up 25
Bucs scored 30.8 PPG and gave up 20.6

Games 9-16
Saints scored 29.7 PPG and gave up 17.1
Bucs scored 30.6 PPG and gave up 23.7

The first 8 games included playing the Bucs twice because of our earlier bye. By the points per game stats shown above, this Bucs team actually played worse through the second half of the season vs when we played them twice in the first half.

The PPG stats show the Saints are giving up 8 fewer points a game since we last played them. We scored on average a half of a point less in the second half of the season, but it's not surprising considering all the injuries to offensive skill positions.

I did this research because of how much the narrative about the Bucs being a different team is being pushed. They are definitely riding a wave of momentum after clobbering the 5-11 Lions, the 4-12 Falcons, and a decent win against a sub .500 Washington team. I'm sure they are super fired up about a chance to get revenge on us, also. We need to bring our A game, no doubt. I don't buy them being a different team, but maybe playing with slightly more confidence. All we can hope is we play fired up and play a great game. I hope we show Tom once and for all who is king down in these parts!