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Halftime Update: New Orleans Saints 27, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24


Halftime Update: New Orleans Saints 27, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers struck first and took a 17-point lead at Caesars Superdome on Sunday, but the New Orleans Saints fought back to take a 27-24 halftime lead. The Saints scored all 27 points in the second quarter, helped by three interceptions by Tampa quarterback Baker Mayfield, with the final score coming from defensive end Cameron Jordan.

The Saints (2-3) will get the ball to start the second half.

The Saints started rookie quarterback Spencer Rattlerin in place of injured starter Derek Carr. Rattler, a fifth-round draft pick out of South Carolina, completed his first pass for 27 yards, but his second pass to star receiver Chris Olave was fumbled and returned for a 57-yard touchdown after Olave took a headshot . The hit caused Olave a concussion and he was ruled out for the game.

Tampa, which trained all week in New Orleans to escape Hurricane Milton and was playing its first game in 10 days, was strong early. Quarterback Baker Mayfield completed all six passes on the first drive, the last being a 4-yard touchdown pass to Chris Godwin. The fumble return touchdown gave the Bucs a 14-0 lead and then they scored a 26-yard field goal.

The Saints started their comeback with a 32-yard field goal from Blake Grupe, and then another special teams play brought the Saints back into the game. Returnee Rashid Shaheed fielded a Bucs punt at their 46-yard line and returned it down the right side for a 54-yard touchdown. It was the second punt return touchdown of Shaheed's career.

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