Buccaneers: Two Big Plays from the Win Over New Orleans

Another win for the Buccaneers in the books. Here are two plays that were key to making that happen.

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The Buccaneers keep rolling off the wins, don’t they? The tally is up to five and we are keeping pace with the Atlanta Falcons. The Rams couldn’t help us out and they fired their coach, but the Bucs are controlling what they can control.

They have cut down the mistakes and the defense is becoming dominant. So dominant, in fact, that the numbers have begun to resemble a certain Super Bowl team of our past. No we aren’t there yet, but things are on an upward trajectory, and fast.

On defense, we often talk about the big names, like Kwon Alexander and Noah Spence to name a couple. Today, however, we are going to look at a different guy.

The “Eye in the Sky” is back with his weekly report, and today we are going to look at one of Tandy’s big plays from late in the game on Sunday. First, we are going to look at the go-ahead touchdown by Doug Martin. Another unsung hero made a key block to spring him. His name is Alan Cross. Let’s head into the film room.

All screen shots courtesy of NFL Game Pass (subscription required).

Go-Ahead Touchdown

Here we have the Bucs down deep in the Saints end. Two backs are lined up behind Jameis Winston in the “Offset I” formation. Doug Martin in straight behind Winston while Alan Cross is offset to the left. Martin is going to take the handoff to the left, with Cross leading the way.

First we have the elusive Martin as he makes a guy miss in the backfield. But now, watch Cross as he makes his lead block at the point of attack in the hole.

Look at Cross in the circle. He is taking on two guys at the same time, and doing it effectively. The lane for Martin is as clear as day, right to the end zone.

It’s a touchdown for the Bucs, and a lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.

Now let’s take a look at the newest man to step up on defense, Keith Tandy.

Tandy With a Dandy

The Bucs are playing a two-deep safety look with man coverage on the receivers. Brent Grimes has coverage on the outside receiver. Tandy has his eyes in the backfield ready to make a play on the ball if given the opportunity. The receiver runs an in-route, and Grimes is right with him, leaving Tandy available to watch Drew Brees.

Brees has taken an three-step drop. See how he has planted on his back foot? He is ready to make a quick throw, and Tandy sees it. This is where his instincts come into play. Zach Sauers wrote that Tandy could be a permanent starter, and he is right. Once he sees Brees plant his back foot, he knows that ball is coming out. Once Tandy catches Brees’ eyes, he drives on the spot!

Here he comes as the ball is getting released.

Tandy makes a play on the ball. He overruns it a bit so he doesn’t make the catch, but he is able to get a hand up to deflect the pass.

Grimes puts the interception away to help preserve the Bucs lead, but it doesn’t happen without Tandy.

Tandy goes on to make a similar play with less than a minute to play, actually intercepting that one to preserve the win.

When everybody, and I mean everybody, starts to contribute, your team is getting it right. This team is becoming a group that deserves national respect. Sunday night is going to be fun.