While it’s not a rivalry with a ton of history, the rivalry between the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers is as hostile as any in the NFL right now. Ever since they were put into the NFC South together, the intensity has grown exponentially. Today, they are among each other’s biggest rivals, and things aren’t likely to cool off anytime soon. Let’s look back at how that happened with the unforgettable games that built the Buccaneers-Saints rivalry.
Buccaneers 33, Saints 14 (1977)
This game is only important because it was the first Bucs-Saints game ever, as well as Tampa’s first win in franchise history. After the Bucs lost their first 26 games, the Saints had the indignity of being the first team to lose to Tampa late in the 1977 season.
Before the game, New Orleans quarterback Archie Manning said it would be disgraceful if the Saints lost, and indeed it was.
Buccaneers 48, Saints 40 (2018)
This was perhaps the best shootout we’ve ever seen between these two teams. It seemed like every time the Bucs extended their lead, the Saints would have an answer.
Even at 48-24, New Orleans scored two touchdowns and two two-point conversions in the final 10 minutes before Tampa finally ran out the clock. Drew Brews and Ryan Fitzpatrick combined for 856 passing yards and seven touchdowns with no interceptions.
Buccaneers 31, Saints 24 (2017)
On New Year’s Eve, these two teams delivered a classic with Tampa coming from behind in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Saints 18-7 in the final 15 minutes. On the final drive, the Buccaneers only needed a field goal to win.
But with nine seconds left, Jameis Winston threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Chris Godwin, which worked just as well.
Saints 26, Buccaneers 20 (2002)
This was a compelling Week 1 game between the teams with Jon Gruden making his debut as Tampa’s coach. The Saints thought they had the game won with a 20-10 lead and time running out. But behind Brad Johnson, Tampa scored 10 points in less than three minutes to force overtime.
However, when the Bucs were punting in overtime, Tom Tupa threw an interception in his own end zone after Fred McAfee was unblocked on the play. The Saints won the game on a James Allen interception while he was standing in the end zone. Of course, the Bucs would end that season with a Super Bowl win.
Buccaneers 20, Saints 17 (2009)
This might be the most shocking result in this rivalry. The Saints were 13-1 and facing the 2-12 Buccaneers. New Orleans was also up 17-0 midway through the second quarter.
But they put things on cruise control too soon, as the Bucs stormed back thanks to a 77-yard punt return by Michael Spurlock. Tampa won the game in overtime, although the loss didn’t keep the Saints from winning the Super Bowl that season.
Buccaneers 30, Saints 20 (2020 Divisional Round)
It took until 2020 for the Buccaneers and Saints to meet in the playoffs for the first time. New Orleans beat Tampa twice during the regular season but couldn’t beat Tom Brady and company a third time.
Drew Brees, in what ended up being the last game of his career, threw three interceptions. Meanwhile, a one-yard touchdown run by Brady helped give the Bucs the last 17 points of the game on their way to a comeback win and eventually a Super Bowl win.