The New Orleans Saints are looking to rebound from the 41-10 beat down that the Colts applied to them on opening night.  The Bucs are also trying to get on the winning track as they were soundly beaten 20-6 last week in Seattle.  The Saints will likely try to get their running game going early against the Bucs.  Reggie Bush will likely challenge OLBs Derrick Brooks and Cato June on the edges of the defense and Deuce McCallister will take on Barrett Ruud on the inside.  The Bucs allowed 139 yards rushing on 34 carries (4.1 ypc) against the Seahawks last week so the Saints should find running room.  The Bucs will likely be without starting cornerback Brian Kelly so look for the Saints to try to stretch the defense with Brees throwing deep more this week to Marques Colston and Devery Henderson.  The safeties of the Bucs will also have to be sharp as TE Eric Johnson was the Saints leading receiver last week with 8 catches for 57 yards (7.1 avg).

The Bucs would really like to run the football this week but Cadillac Williams is doubtful with a rib injury.  That means Michael Pittman and Earnest Graham would likely have to carry the load in the running game.  Pittman is an underrated football player but he probably doesn’t strike fear in the Saints defense.  The Saints did allow 164 yards rushing on 29 carries (5.7 ypc) last week to the Colts but the Bucs don’t have Joseph Addai so the Saints aren’t likely too concerned about it.  QB Jeff Garcia will be looking to match up WR Joey Galloway against CB Jason David who allowed 3 TDs last week but the Saints will likely have a lot of help over the top against him. 

PREDICTION:  The Saints swept the Bucs last season by a combined score of 55-35 including a 31-14 beat down in Tampa.  The Bucs just have too many problems on offense to think they can deal with the Saints.  The Saints will win this football game by at least a TD.