New Orleans is looking to rebound after blowing a 17-0 lead in the fourth quarter. As hard as it is to win a game in the NFL, the Saints let that one get away from them. The question marks are still prevalent on the offensive line and whether quarterback Derek Carr will be on the field this weekend against Tampa Bay in week four.

Carr suffered a sprained AC joint that resulted in him missing the majority of the second half, and quarterback Jameis Winston had to step in to finish the game. The Saints will face their second NFC South opponent of the season, with already playing the Carolina Panthers in week two. New Orleans will look to right the ship against the Buccaneers in Caesar’s Superdome.

Saints Offensive Woes Continue:

Saints WRs Olave, Thomas and Shaheed look to exploit a Panthers secondary without CB Jaycee Horn

Saints QB Derek Carr (4) and WR Chris Olave (12) – Butch Dill/AP Photo

The Saints, in their three games so far, have scored 16, 20, and 17 points on the season. There was some optimism heading into the season with the offseason additions, including Carr, running back Jamaal Williams, and tight ends Foster Moreau and Jimmy Graham. New Orleans was finally able to get off to a fast start as Carr was able to find Graham in the end zone, and wide receiver Rashid Shaheed took a punt return to the house.

New Orleans’ offense went stalemate as soon as Carr went out as they were held scoreless, which ultimately led the Packers to their comeback victory. Carr finished the contest with 103 passing yards and a touchdown. The running game hasn’t been able to get going all season, especially behind an offensive line that has struggled this season. The Saints’ offensive line has to be able to allow their quarterback to have time in the pocket. These struggles have resulted in more sacks and a decrease in third-down conversion rates.

There is some good news for this Saints offense heading into their week four matchup against Tampa Bay, and that is running back Alvin Kamara will be active after serving a three-game suspension to start the season. Outside of Kamara, it is still up in the air who will be the starting signal caller for this game. This Saints offense has to figure it out quickly, or they could be in for a long season.

Know Your Foe: Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield looks over to the sideline

Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (6) – Kim Klement Netizel/USA Today Sports

Tampa Bay comes into their week four matchup on a short week, coming off a 25-11 loss at home to the Philadelphia Eagles. Like the Saints, the Buccaneers are 2-1 in this matchup. Tampa Bay has been able to take care of the Minnesota Vikings in week one and the Chicago Bears in week two. As the two teams are 2-1 heading into this matchup, this is an important game early in the season that will go a long way in deciding who takes the NFC South division.

This team had some unknowns heading into the season as Tom Brady decided to retire, and that left a quarterback competition. The competition was between Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask. Mayfield ended up getting the nod to be the starting quarterback heading into the season.

Tampa Bay had to reshuffle their offensive line, and the offense continues to be a work in progress. Mayfield has been able to find a connection with wide receiver Mike Evans. Outside of Evans, running back Rachaad White and wide receiver Chris Godwin has been in the mix in this offense.

On the other side of the ball, the matchup to watch against the Saints will be if New Orleans will be able to find any rhythm in the running game against the Buccaneers rush defense. Tampa Bay’s rush defense is giving up 103 yards per game and 4.2 carries per game to start the season. With the offenses still trying to figure out their identity, both squads could be in for a defensive battle.

Prediction: Saints 17, Buccaneers 13