By Adrian Manguit
EBC Florida Bureau
TAMPA, FL (Eagle News) – After starting the season with two straight losses, many fans of the New Orleans Saints questioned the direction of their team. The Saints, however, answered doubters by pulling off an 8-game winning streak with a defense that improved from 31st in 2016 to as spot in the top ten in the league this season. In the last game of the regular season, New Orleans looked to clinch the NFC South with a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-11).
The Saints came up short of the victory, losing to Tampa Bay 31-24, by a last minute drive conducted by Buc’s quarterback, Jameis Winston, who went for 363 yards with three interceptions and a last second 39-yard touchdown pass to Chris Godwin. Winston continues with his inconsistent play, showing flashes of greatness at times, then making us wonder if he can be the future of the franchise at other times.
The Saint’s offense struggled during the first half of the game and Head Coach, Sean Payton, was not too pleased with his team’s performance.
“We obviously didn’t finish the season as we would’ve liked. I think our offense played sluggish in the first half. We have to have a good week of preparation and move onto a new season,” Payton said.
Although the Saints didn’t win the game, rookie sensation running back, Alvin Kamara, continued to shine. Kamara finished the game with 283 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. Kamara and co-running back Mark Ingram both finished the season with over 1,500 yards
from scrimmage, a feat that has never been accomplished in NFL history.
“We talk about making history. It’s monumental. It’s an honor to be a part that,” Kamara said after the game.
Despite ending the regular season with a loss, the Saints are very optimistic. Next week, in the NFC Wildcard Round, they face the Carolina Panthers (11-5) whom they have already beaten twice this season. Add to that, they have the most-feared running back tandem in the NFL, a top ten defense, and Drew Brees, the only remaining quarterback in the NFC who has won a Super Bowl.
“We’ve had our moments,” Brees said during his closing remarks of the season. “Offensively, defensively, and special teams to be the best. Now we have to do it on a consistent basis for us to move on. The only game that is important to us is the one in front of us. ”
As for the match-up with the Panthers, Brees stated, “We’ll play Carolina and give our best and we’ll see how it goes from there.”
(Eagle News Service)
