Will Buccaneers' Defense Show Up Against New Orleans?

Last week's opening game against the Tennessee Titans was a surprise.

I don't think anyone expected the Titans to put up 42 points on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but it happened. Teams are going to have games where they drop a bomb, and this was the case on Sunday for Tampa Bay. ESPN says that Jameis Winston flopped in his first game, but I think his play was typical of any rookie QB, and he didn't have one of his main targets. Although Mike Evans says his hamstring is 100%, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times says that Lovie Smith is cautious about that type of injury, and is still undecided if Evans will play this weekend against the Saints.

Probably more interesting than the Evans scenario is the Bucs defense, and how they are going to recover after last week's loss against the Titans. On Thursday, McCoy still seemed depressed about the poor showing.

"It was bad,’’ McCoy said. "Being a leader of the defense, it was embarrassing. It has to be better.’’

Gerald McCoy is downright angry about the loss last week against the Titans. (Photo courtesy of Cliff McBride/Getty Images)

It's great that McCoy has been taking responsibility for his team's underwhelming performance, but it wasn't just his fault. He grabbed 3 tackles last week, including a sack, and was helped by linebacker Danny Lansanah, who tallied 5 tackles in the game. Lavonte David, Chris Conte and Kwon Alexander also did their best to stop the Tennessee offense, but it seemed like the Buccaneers looked out of place, especially the secondary. In total, the Buccaneers gave up 518 yards of total offense last week.

Even though the Buccaneers didn't look good last week, they will be more prepared this week against NFC South rival New Orleans, who themselves suffered a loss at the hands of Arizona last week, 31-19. Drew Brees did throw for 355 yards, and had 1 touchdown and 1 interception, but wasn't able to get a lot of points on the board. The Saints running game looked dismal, as Mark Ingram only had 24 yards on 9 carries.

Plus, the Saints might be without running back and amazing kick returner C.J. Spiller, who had arthroscopic knee surgery a month ago.

"We’ll see," Payton told ESPN. "He's up to speed. Listen, he's doing good".

Sean Payton is staying mum about the status of running back C.J. Spiller (Photo courtesy of Matt Kartozian/USA TODAY Sports)

If the Saints running game continues to look tepid, the Buccaneers have a solid chance to improve their defensive game. Yes, Drew Brees is still one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL, and will do everything he can to torch the Bucs defense on Sunday, but without a solid running game, the Saints might be in trouble.

"Fantasy News Hour" radio host  and Florida State football expert T.J. Wilson (on 98 the Ticket in Abilene, Texas and on iTunes) doesn't think the Saints will have problems scoring at home on Sunday.

"The Saints will play very very well on Sunday against the Buccaneers", Wilson says. "Their offense at home is almost unstoppable, and the Tampa Bay defense left a lot to be desired. Yes, the Saints lost to Arizona on Sunday, but that's only because Arizona is really good. The Cardinals are my Super Bowl pick for the NFC".

Despite his pick that the Saints will beat Tampa Bay, Wilson says a few Buccaneers will shine for the Fantasy Football Faithful.

"For fantasy sake, start Doug Martin, Austin Seferian-Jenkins,  Mike Evans (if he is healthy) and Vincent Jackson at a flex if Evans is out".

I think the Buccaneers will use last week's game against Tennessee as a lesson, and play better against New Orleans. McCoy is angry, and will fire up the troops to get them ready for the potential onslaught that Drew Brees will try to bring this Sunday.

It could be a turning point in the Bucs' season.