NEW ORLEANS, La. | October 26,2025  — In a performance that showcased defensive dominance and opportunistic playmaking, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rolled to a 23-3 victory over the struggling New Orleans Saints on Sunday afternoon at Caesars Superdome. Edge rusher Anthony Nelson delivered one of the most memorable games of his seven-year career, spearheading a Bucs defense that forced four turnovers and never allowed the Saints to find offensive rhythm.

Nelson recorded an interception returned for a touchdown, two sacks, and a forced fumble—an all-around masterclass that left even the 27-year-old pass rusher amazed at his own stat line.
“I hit the ball up and then I guess I caught it. I don’t really remember what happened,” Nelson said postgame. “I just remember getting into the end zone. So, it’s all good.”

Nelson’s Heroics Spark Defensive Masterclass

Nelson’s pick-six came midway through the second quarter after Tampa Bay had been stuffed at the goal line on four consecutive plays. With the Saints attempting to build momentum, quarterback Spencer Rattler rolled right looking for tight end Foster Moreau, only to have Nelson leap, deflect, and snag the pass before bulldozing into the end zone for the game’s first score.

It was the spark the Buccaneers (6-2) needed. According to the team, Nelson became the first player to record an interception for a touchdown, a sack, and a forced fumble in a single game since Pittsburgh’s Alex Highsmith accomplished the feat in 2023.

“Nelson probably got every single stat you want as a defensive player,” said quarterback Baker Mayfield, who acknowledged the defense carried the day. “He played lights out, and everybody else on that side of the ball did, too.”

Buccaneers Capitalize on Saints’ Mistakes

The Saints (1-7) once again found themselves undone by turnovers and poor execution. Rattler completed 15 of 21 passes for 136 yards before being replaced late in the third quarter by rookie Tyler Shough, but his costly mistakes set the tone early.

Tampa Bay safety Antoine Winfield Jr. added an interception and a fumble recovery, while the Buccaneers’ front line harassed both Saints quarterbacks throughout the contest. Rattler also lost a fumble to Nelson, while Shough’s late interception—when Winfield ripped the ball away from receiver Chris Olave—sealed New Orleans’ fate.

Even when the Saints briefly gained momentum—recovering a fumble by Mayfield and converting it into a Blake Grupe 48-yard field goal before halftime—the Buccaneers’ defense quickly slammed the door.

Offense Does Enough to Finish the Job

While Tampa Bay’s offense wasn’t sharp, it didn’t need to be. Mayfield threw for 152 yards, completing key third-down throws when necessary but lamented his unit’s lack of rhythm.
“Wins are great. They’re very hard to come by in this league,” Mayfield said. “But we have to be better on offense.”

Running back Sean Tucker scored on a 1-yard plunge in the third quarter after Tampa Bay was stopped on three prior goal-line attempts. Kicker Chase McLaughlin added three field goals—each from beyond 50 yards—to help the Buccaneers pull away in the second half.

Saints’ Struggles Continue Under Kellen Moore

For first-year head coach Kellen Moore, the loss marked another painful step in what’s quickly becoming a disastrous debut season. After dropping to 1-7, the Saints now share the league’s worst record with the Jets and Titans.

The decision to bench Rattler was a move born of frustration more than strategy.
“The change had more to do with the whole offense just not playing well and hopefully trying to generate some sort of spark,” Moore said. “These are never easy things, but we’re just trying to find a formula that works to our advantage.”

Shough, in limited action, went 17-for-30 for 128 yards but was intercepted late. The Saints failed to score a touchdown for the second time this season, managing just 264 total yards against one of the NFL’s stingiest defenses.

Looking Ahead

The Buccaneers, who remain firmly in the NFC playoff mix, will return home next week to host the Atlanta Falcons in a pivotal divisional matchup. The Saints, meanwhile, will try to regroup on the road against the Carolina Panthers, still searching for an identity—and any spark—on offense.

With Nelson’s breakout and Winfield’s consistency anchoring a surging Tampa Bay defense, the Buccaneers continue to prove they can win ugly. And on Sunday in New Orleans, ugly was more than enough.