While it's tempting to try and match the Saints blow for blow, Tampa Bay Buccaneers players know better heading into Sunday's matchup against unbeaten New Orleans.
The Saints are 9-0 and appear destined to lead the NFL in total offense for the third time in the past four seasons under head coach Sean Payton, one of the league's premier play-callers.
Since joining New Orleans in 2006, Drew Brees leads the league in passing yards and completions while posting 28 games with at least 300 passing yards. He is blessed with solid targets in rangy WR Marques Colston and TE Jeremy Shockey, who has regained his Pro Bowl form.
And don't forget versatile running back Reggie Bush, who has scored six touchdowns.
"The key is to keep the ball in your hands and don't give a team like New Orleans too many opportunities,'' said Tampa Bay RT Jeremy Trueblood. "You just can't keep giving a guy like Drew Brees the ball time after time. We have to maintain ball control. And turnovers will be critical because the Saints are a team that can make you pay quickly for being sloppy.''
Bucs wide receiver Michael Clayton agreed with Trueblood, suggesting time of possession will be a critical component of Sunday's game plan.
"We've got to be able to run the ball in this game - that's going to be key,'' Clayton said. "We know this team well and it's going to be a battle Sunday. We have to prepare ourselves and fight for next year.
"Right now, we're going to try and make it seem like we're going on a playoff run. That's our mentality. To be able to beat a team that is undefeated would definitely create some positives in this room and set the tone for the future around here.''
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