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Enduring a ton of adversity this season and still in the process of figuring out their quarterback situation in wake of Drew Brees' retirement, the New Orleans Saints have still managed to hold their own and stay in the playoff mix this season. They showed that once again in their big win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 15.
From Jameis Winston to Trevor Siemian to now Taysom Hill, the Saints' quarterback situation this season has been anything but ideal. However, they've started to gain some momentum with Hill under center for them, especially after knocking off the powerful Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football.
As they start to find their way back into the playoff mix and fight to save their season, we'll now take a look at the three biggest takeaways from the Saints' Week 15 upset win against the Buccaneers.
New Orleans Saints Week 15 Takeaways vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. The Saints have been Tom Brady's kryptonite since he joined the Buccaneers
Even though the Bucs were able to beat the Saints during their historic Super Bowl run last season, there's no denying that they've had all kinds of trouble with them during their regular season match-ups.
Whatever the reason may be, the Saints have had Brady's number ever since he suited up for Tampa last season. With Sunday night's loss to the Saints, Brady and the Bucs are now 0-4 against New Orleans over the past two regular seasons.
Tom Brady sacked 4x in Buc's loss pic.twitter.com/L6g5g7ZIay
— Onsite Sports (@OnsitesportsUS) December 20, 2021
However, it is just the regular season and it won't truly matter until the playoffs. But then again, this success could translate over to the postseason. So if Brady and the gang do wind up crossing paths with the Saints in the playoffs, then this could spell trouble for them the second time around.
2. New Orleans showed a ton of grit and perseverance in Week 15
Between Hill playing with a broken finger, Alvin Kamara still trying to get back to the top of his game, and Cameron Jordan and Marshon Lattimore starting to play Pro Bowl-caliber football once again, the Saints have definitely shown how tough of a team they truly are. With everything they've had to battle through this season, it really is amazing that they've managed to stay in the NFC playoff mix and have a legitimate shot at nabbing a wild card spot.
Last night's big upset over the Buccaneers just goes to show what this team is made of and how hard they'll fight to keep their season alive. If anything has been true this year, it's that no team is as predictable as they seem and the Saints have without a doubt been the ultimate wild card this 2021.
1. Dennis Allen proved he can succeed as a head coach in the NFL
With head coach Sean Payton out due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen stepped in and did a bang-up job filling in for Payton. It wasn't the prettiest win, but they did deliver a shutout and locked down one of the league's most explosive offenses. This win definitely didn't come the way they were hoping or how they initially drew it up by any means, but regardless they still earned a hard-fought victory to improve to 7-7 on the year.
Looks like Tom Brady goes to the #Saints sideline and says: "Go f*** yourself." pic.twitter.com/CA2tDakqXn
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 20, 2021
Even in the absence of coach Payton, the Saints still were able to pull out a crucial win against their long-time division rival and Allen proved he has the chops to succeed as a head coach in the NFL. His masterful play-calling and patience throughout the game were truly a joy to watch. After he helped the Saints pull off a major upset in Week 15, he may wind up having a ton of suitors this offseason that'll come inquiring about his services to fill a head coaching vacancy.
