http://www2.tbo.com/sports/bucs/2010/oct/15/bonding-with-brees-beneficial-for-freeman-ar-23232/
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The NFC South is looking bleaker and bleaker these days for another team outside of Atlanta to grab a hold of.
Instead, this division has turned into one of the more disappointing division since many had high hopes for the New Orleans Saints.
The Saints of course have record-setting quarterback Drew Brees certainly gave New Orleans some high hopes heading into the year.
While most experts imagine a nine or ten-win season, they look like they may be losing that many games this season.
The defense has easily been the biggest disappointment and that is because they are dead last in yards allowed (456 YPG) and third to last in points allowed (30.8 PPG).
The players are simply not performing that well, but the talent was expected to take a major dip heading into the year. Jon Vilma is still out and the likes of Will Smith can dominate without a star linebacker or interior lineman.
To make matters worse their secondary is borderline useless as Roman Harper and Michael Jenkins are not living up to their hype. It takes a team to work together in order to be effective, and a team like Tampa Bay could take advantage.
The Bucs offense is finally taking steps in the right direction now that they have Josh Freeman threading the needle with such ease.
The balanced offense has been legit thanks in large part to Doug Martin and LeGarrette Blount, who have been a solid duo reaching paydirt every weekend.
Throw in the fact that Mike Williams has returned to his rookie form in which he was a touchdown machine, and all of a sudden the offense is becoming relevant.
Vincent Jackson (20 receptions for 370 yards 4 TD) is playing well as the top target for Freeman, and he could go off against this underachieving and unproductive secondary.
Look for an entertaining matchup that should come down to the wire and make sure you throw out the records because this might just be one of the best games of the day.
Going against Drew Brees is never a smart idea, but his defense (and Jimmy Graham, game-time decision with ankle) may cost his team yet another tough loss in the NFC South.
Network: FOX (708)
Time: 1 p.m. Eastern
Experts Pick: Saints by 2.5
Danny V’s Pick: Bucs 30, Saints 28
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