For the second time in a few weeks I caught up with Nick Houllis of BucStop. Make sure to check out their blog on the Bloguin Network, which is pretty much the greatest network in the history of man, and give BucStop some love on twitter.
I sure hope we beat them this weekend because I’m getting pretty sick of the Bucs holding the edge over the Saints lately. Another season split is the bare minimum.
Here’s my 5 questions to BucStop:
Saints Nation: I figure no one better to ask than you after that shocking loss to the Rams last weekend. You remember that blowout the Bucs suffered in San Fran, and they were able to come back home and play their best game of the season and beat the Saints the following weekend. What’s the key to bouncing back from such a horrible and embarrassing performance?
BucStop: Taking the tape and burning it! Look, im not sure if it was under the same circumstances; the Bucs were hung over from a short week MNF game, trip to the west coast. After the win over you guys we went out to London and laid an egg for 3 quarters, something we’ve been doing a lot. I’m actually very scared the Saints will bounce back from that last week. At the same time, momentum can do that to any team. This is a new game.
SN: The bye week was huge for the Bucs getting some guys back, especially LeGarrette Blount. Do you expect a big game out of him based on what you saw Steven Jackson do to the Saints this weekend?
BS: Regardless, I’d expect Blount to have a big day because the Bucs know he is a vital part of the offense and has to get going for the passing game to click too. If Blount struggles it’s not going to be a good day for Tampa Bay.
SN: Atlanta is showing signs of life and coming off a bye week as well. The Saints were surging before they all of a sudden imploded last weekend very unexpectedly. This NFC South race has been very confusing so far. The 3 contenders have all three looked solid at times, and shockingly bad at others. How do you see this playing out?
BS: I think Atlanta has OL problems, and the Saints have defensive problems. The Bucs have consistency problems. Put them all together and you have a division that can be won with a 9-7 record this year.
SN: Do you have added confidence going into this game based on how the Bucs did against the Saints a few weeks ago and how they’ve done in New Orleans the last two years?
BS: ME? Yes, I do. The Bucs don’t though. They believe in what you did in the past is the past. It has nothing to do with today.
SN: The Bucs were the only team so far this year that seemed able to slow down the Saints’ offense until the Rams again this weekend. What’s the key to making Drew Brees and the troops struggle in your mind?
BS: Pressure on Brees. Don’t give him time to set up and throw. That and break Sean Payton’s other leg!
Thanks to Nick!
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
