NEW ORLEANS -- A few thoughts on the New Orleans Saints' 37-31 overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome:
What it means: The Saints are still alive -- but they still have serious issues.
The Saints (2-3) salvaged their season with a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback Sunday, rallying from an 11-point deficit. But they never should have been in that position -- especially after jumping to a 13-0 lead.
This was supposed to the Saints' easiest chance for a victory, at home, where they're normally dominant. Instead, they allowed Tampa Bay to rattle off 24 consecutive points at one point, with quarterback Drew Brees throwing three interceptions (two of them ugly).
To make matters worse, the Saints lost tight end Jimmy Graham to a shoulder injury Sunday (the severity still unknown) after losing safety Jairus Byrd to a season-ending knee injury on Thursday.
Stock watch: Brees had actually been playing fairly well during the first four games of the season, with the best completion percentage of any full-time starter in the NFL. But he really started to press in this game.
His first two interceptions were both awful decisions to try to force a pass while being hit -- especially the second one, early in the third quarter while he was being swallowed up in the pocket. That one was returned 33 yards for a touchdown by Tampa Bay linebacker Danny Lansanah and drew a rare tongue-lashing from coach Sean Payton on the sideline.
Brees also struggled to connect on his deep throws (including the third pick on a third-and-long prayer in regulation). But he ultimately led the Saints to a gutty victory and finished with 371 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Defense highs/lows: Overall, it was another shaky game for the Saints' defense, which had too many gaping holes in coverage throughout the day. But since we've started grading this unit on a curve, they at least deserve credit for showing signs of life with a first-half interception by Patrick Robinson, of all people, and a fourth-quarter safety by Junior Galette.
The Saints never would have had a chance to come back if the defense didn't play some of its best football to date down the stretch of this game.
Game ball: Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson. The running backs were clutch when the Saints lost Graham and couldn't get the ball downfield to their receivers. Thomas scored two touchdowns in regulation, including a 27-yard run in the fourth quarter. Robinson powered in the 18-yarder in overtime. They combined for more than 200 yards from scrimmage.
What's next: A badly needed bye week. It remains to be seen whether players will get the full week off, which has been a successful formula for the Saints in recent years. They obviously have a lot of retooling to do as they head toward a schedule that only gets tougher over the final 11 games. Up next: a road trip to face the Detroit Lions in Week 7.
