New orleans saints vs Tampa bay buccaneers match player stats

The new orleans saints vs tampa bay buccaneers match player stats from January 5, 2025, tell a much more detailed story than the final score alone. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 27-19, but the numbers reveal why the game changed direction after halftime. New Orleans played well enough to lead for long stretches, while Tampa Bay eventually separated itself through a stronger rushing attack, more efficient quarterback production, and a decisive fourth quarter.

The game was also important because it represented the final regular-season matchup for both teams. Tampa Bay entered the contest at 9-7 and needed the victory to strengthen its playoff position, while New Orleans came into the game at 5-11 and was looking to finish the season on a positive note. The final result gave Tampa Bay a 10-7 record and left New Orleans at 5-12.

From a statistical perspective, the matchup provides several useful lessons. Spencer Rattler produced a respectable passing performance for New Orleans, but Tampa Bay generated 179 rushing yards compared with just 64 for the Saints. Baker Mayfield also added 68 rushing yards of his own, while rookie running back Bucky Irving produced 89 rushing yards and a touchdown.

New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats

The clearest way to understand the game is to begin with the main team and player numbers.

Category	New Orleans Saints	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Final Score	19	27
Overall Record	5-12	10-7
Passing Yards	240	221
Rushing Yards	64	179
Total Offensive Yards	304	400
Passing Attempts	42	32
Completions	26	21
Passing TDs	1	2
Interceptions Thrown	0	1
Rushing Attempts	19	31
Rushing TDs	0	1
Total Touchdowns	1	3
Field Goals	4	2
Sacks Allowed	2	1

One number immediately stands out: Tampa Bay produced 400 total offensive yards compared with 304 for New Orleans. That 96-yard advantage was driven primarily by the ground game.

New Orleans actually gained more passing yards, 240 to 221. That makes the final score particularly interesting because Tampa Bay did not need a huge passing performance to win. Instead, the Buccaneers created a more balanced offensive attack.

The Saints finished with only 64 rushing yards on 19 attempts. Tampa Bay ran the ball 31 times for 179 yards. That is a difference of 115 rushing yards and more than two yards per carry in Tampa Bay’s favor.

Spencer Rattler’s Passing Performance

Spencer Rattler completed 26 of 42 attempts for 240 yards and one touchdown. He did not throw an interception, which was an important positive for the Saints.

His basic passing line was:

• 26 completions
• 42 attempts
• 240 passing yards
• 5.7 yards per attempt
• 1 touchdown
• 0 interceptions
• 2 sacks
• 12 sack yards
• 53.9 QBR
• 85.4 passer rating

Rattler’s 61.9 percent completion rate was respectable, especially considering the circumstances surrounding New Orleans’ offense. He was asked to throw 42 passes, which represented a significant share of the team’s offensive workload.

The biggest limitation was efficiency. Rattler averaged only 5.7 yards per attempt. That figure suggests that although New Orleans moved the ball through the air, the passing game did not consistently create explosive gains.

His zero-interception performance deserves attention. Tampa Bay’s defense did not record an interception, while New Orleans did intercept Mayfield once. Turnover production therefore favored the Saints in that specific category, even though Tampa Bay still won.

The two sacks for 12 yards also mattered. They did not completely derail New Orleans, but they contributed to the difficulty of maintaining consistent offensive efficiency.

Baker Mayfield’s Passing Performance

Baker Mayfield completed 21 of 32 passes for 221 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

His statistical line included:

• 21 completions
• 32 attempts
• 221 passing yards
• 6.9 yards per attempt
• 2 touchdowns
• 1 interception
• 1 sack
• 5 sack yards
• 90.0 QBR
• 93.4 passer rating

The most important difference between the two quarterbacks was not simply yardage. Mayfield attempted 10 fewer passes than Rattler while producing 19 fewer passing yards. His 6.9 yards per attempt was substantially higher than Rattler’s 5.7.

Mayfield also produced two touchdown passes. That gave Tampa Bay more scoring value from its passing opportunities.

The interception was a negative, but Tampa Bay compensated for it with a stronger overall offensive performance. The Buccaneers also protected Mayfield relatively well, allowing only one sack for five yards.

The statistical profile suggests that Mayfield did not have to carry the offense by himself. Tampa Bay’s running game reduced the burden on its quarterback and helped create a more complete offensive balance.

Bucky Irving Was a Major Factor

Bucky Irving delivered one of the most important individual performances of the game.

Irving carried the ball 19 times for 89 yards and one touchdown. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry and had a long run of 25 yards.

His numbers were:

• 19 carries
• 89 yards
• 4.7 yards per carry
• 1 rushing touchdown
• 25-yard longest run

Irving’s workload was significant. His 19 carries represented more than 60 percent of Tampa Bay’s recorded rushing attempts when excluding Mayfield’s quarterback rushing volume from a conventional running-back workload comparison.

The 4.7-yard average was also important because Tampa Bay was not simply accumulating rushing yards through a large number of low-value carries. Irving consistently generated useful yardage.

His 25-yard run demonstrated the explosive element that New Orleans had difficulty containing. A running game that can repeatedly stay ahead of the chains and occasionally produce a chunk play puts pressure on the defense without requiring constant deep passing.

Baker Mayfield’s 68 Rushing Yards

One of the most overlooked numbers in the box score is Baker Mayfield’s rushing production.

Mayfield carried the ball nine times for 68 yards, averaging 7.6 yards per carry.

That is an unusually significant contribution from the quarterback position.

His rushing numbers were:

• 9 carries
• 68 yards
• 7.6 yards per carry

Mayfield’s longest individual run was part of Tampa Bay’s strong rushing output. His ability to gain yardage with his legs gave the Buccaneers another way to move the chains.

When a quarterback adds 68 rushing yards, it changes the defensive math. The defense cannot focus entirely on the running back because quarterback mobility creates another potential rushing threat.

That helped Tampa Bay finish with 179 rushing yards despite New Orleans holding Mayfield to 221 passing yards.

New Orleans Struggled to Run the Football

The biggest statistical weakness for New Orleans was its ground game.

The Saints recorded 19 rushing attempts for 64 yards, an average of 3.4 yards per carry. They did not score a rushing touchdown.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire led the Saints in rushing attempts with eight carries for 26 yards. Jamaal Williams also received eight carries but produced only 15 yards.

Jordan Mims had two carries for 12 yards, while Rattler added one carry for 11 yards.

The Saints’ rushing numbers were:

• 19 attempts
• 64 yards
• 3.4 yards per carry
• 0 rushing touchdowns
• 12-yard longest run

The lack of rushing efficiency placed additional pressure on Rattler.

New Orleans had to rely heavily on its passing attack, which explains the 42 attempts by Rattler. Tampa Bay, by comparison, could continue using its ground game because it was producing yards consistently.

That contrast is one of the most important tactical observations from the game.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jamaal Williams

Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jamaal Williams both received eight carries, but their production was limited.

Edwards-Helaire gained 26 yards, averaging 3.3 yards per carry. His longest run went for 12 yards.

Williams managed only 15 yards on eight attempts.

Neither running back scored a touchdown.

The Saints therefore had difficulty turning early-down rushing attempts into sustained offensive momentum. When the running game fails to generate enough efficiency, the offense becomes more predictable because passing situations become more frequent.

That does not mean the Saints’ loss can be blamed entirely on the running backs. Offensive line performance, defensive alignment, play design and game situation all affect rushing efficiency. However, the final numbers clearly show that Tampa Bay controlled the ground battle.

Juwan Johnson Led New Orleans Receivers

Juwan Johnson was New Orleans’ leading receiver.

He caught six passes for 80 yards on seven targets. His average was 13.3 yards per reception, and his longest reception went for 26 yards.

Johnson’s performance stood out because he combined volume with efficiency.

His line:

• 6 receptions
• 80 yards
• 13.3 yards per reception
• 7 targets
• 26-yard longest reception
• 0 touchdowns

Johnson accounted for one-third of New Orleans’ 240 receiving yards.

That makes his contribution particularly significant. Even though the Saints did not produce enough offensive scoring, Johnson gave Rattler a reliable option capable of generating meaningful yardage.

His 26-yard reception was also the longest reception recorded by a New Orleans player in the provided statistics.

Dante Pettis Provided the Saints’ Receiving Touchdown

Dante Pettis finished with two receptions for 16 yards and scored New Orleans’ only receiving touchdown.

His touchdown became especially important because the Saints’ offense did not score a rushing touchdown.

Pettis also contributed in the return game, recording one punt return for nine yards.

His statistical contribution therefore extended beyond the receiving totals.

While his two receptions were modest in volume, one of them produced a touchdown, showing why raw reception totals do not always tell the full story of a player’s impact.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Foster Moreau

Marquez Valdes-Scantling caught three passes for 33 yards, while Foster Moreau recorded four receptions for 31 yards.

Cedrick Wilson Jr. added three catches for 22 yards.

The Saints distributed the ball among several players, but no other New Orleans receiver reached Johnson’s 80-yard total.

That distribution is consistent with Rattler’s 42 passing attempts. The Saints were able to complete 26 passes, but the offense did not generate enough explosive production to match Tampa Bay’s overall yardage advantage.

Mike Evans Remained Tampa Bay’s Receiving Leader

Mike Evans was the most productive receiver for Tampa Bay.

He caught nine passes for 89 yards on 14 targets.

His receiving line included:

• 9 receptions
• 89 yards
• 9.9 yards per reception
• 14 targets
• 14-yard longest reception
• 0 touchdowns

The 14 targets are especially notable.

Evans received nearly half of Mayfield’s 32 passing attempts as targets. That shows how central he was to Tampa Bay’s passing strategy.

Even without a touchdown, Evans consistently generated receptions and helped Tampa Bay sustain offensive possessions.

His 89 receiving yards represented approximately 40 percent of Tampa Bay’s 221 passing yards.

Jalen McMillan Made a Significant Contribution

Jalen McMillan caught five passes for 74 yards and scored a touchdown. His longest reception was 33 yards.

The 33-yard reception was the longest completed pass listed for Tampa Bay.

McMillan’s performance complemented Evans’ high-volume work. While Evans provided consistent target volume, McMillan supplied additional explosive production.

That combination gave Mayfield two different types of receiving support.

Evans handled heavy target volume, while McMillan provided a more explosive element.

Payne Durham Added Another Touchdown

Payne Durham caught two passes for 16 yards and recorded a touchdown.

His reception total was small, but his scoring contribution was significant because Tampa Bay finished with two passing touchdowns.

Devin Culp added two catches for 36 yards, while Sterling Shepard recorded one reception for 11 yards.

Bucky Irving also caught two passes, although they resulted in negative five receiving yards.

Overall, Tampa Bay completed 21 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns on 31 recorded targets.

Defensive Performance

The defensive statistics show a relatively competitive game despite Tampa Bay’s eventual offensive advantage.

New Orleans recorded:

• 60 total tackles
• 48 solo tackles
• 1 sack
• 6 tackles for loss
• 6 pass defenses
• 1 quarterback hit
• 1 interception

Tampa Bay recorded:

• 61 total tackles
• 41 solo tackles
• 2 sacks
• 7 tackles for loss
• 6 pass defenses
• 6 quarterback hits
• 0 interceptions

Tampa Bay’s six quarterback hits are particularly notable.

The Buccaneers were able to create pressure without relying heavily on sacks alone. That type of pressure can influence quarterback decision-making and reduce the time available for receivers to develop routes.

Demario Davis Led the Saints in Tackles

Demario Davis led New Orleans with nine total tackles, including six solo tackles.

His performance reflected the workload placed on the Saints’ defense.

New Orleans faced an offense that generated 400 total yards, meaning defenders had to remain active throughout the contest.

Davis’ nine tackles made him the team’s most productive tackler in the provided defensive statistics.

Jordan Howden Produced New Orleans’ Interception

Jordan Howden recorded the Saints’ only interception.

He returned the interception three yards and did not score a touchdown.

The turnover was important because it represented a direct defensive win against Mayfield. However, New Orleans could not turn the advantage into enough overall scoring to change the final result.

This is an important reminder that turnovers matter, but one turnover does not necessarily outweigh a substantial difference in offensive production.

Josh Hayes Led Tampa Bay in Tackles

Josh Hayes recorded 12 total tackles, including 10 solo tackles.

His 12 tackles were the highest total for either team according to the provided defensive statistics.

Hayes’ performance reflects Tampa Bay’s defensive workload, particularly against a Saints passing game that attempted to remain aggressive.

The Buccaneers also recorded two sacks and six quarterback hits, providing a stronger pressure profile than New Orleans.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

The scoring pattern provides another explanation for the final result.

Quarter	New Orleans Saints	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
First	3	3
Second	13	3
Third	3	7
Fourth	0	14
Final	19	27

The first quarter was even at 3-3.

New Orleans then controlled the second quarter, outscoring Tampa Bay 13-3. At halftime, the Saints had built a 16-6 advantage.

That made the second half particularly important.

Tampa Bay responded with a 7-3 advantage in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to six points.

Then came the decisive fourth quarter.

The Buccaneers scored 14 points while New Orleans was held scoreless.

That fourth-quarter swing transformed a game that appeared to be under New Orleans’ control into a Tampa Bay victory.

Why the Fourth Quarter Changed Everything

The final-quarter numbers are perhaps the most important part of the entire box score.

New Orleans led 19-13 entering the fourth quarter based on the quarter scoring sequence.

Tampa Bay then scored 14 unanswered points while preventing the Saints from adding any fourth-quarter points.

That combination produced the final 27-19 score.

The comeback was not based on one statistical category alone. Tampa Bay had the stronger rushing attack, better touchdown production from the passing game, more defensive pressure and greater total offensive yardage.

The fourth quarter therefore appears to have been the point where those advantages translated into the scoreboard.

Total Offensive Efficiency

Tampa Bay finished with 400 total yards.

New Orleans finished with 304.

The 96-yard difference is substantial.

The Saints gained 240 yards through the air and 64 on the ground. Tampa Bay gained 221 through the air and 179 on the ground.

This creates an interesting contrast.

New Orleans produced 79 percent of its recorded offensive yardage through passing.

Tampa Bay produced only about 55 percent through passing, with the rest coming from the ground.

That balance gave Tampa Bay more flexibility.

When an offense can run effectively, it can control tempo, reduce pressure on the quarterback and continue using multiple offensive approaches.

Passing Volume vs Passing Efficiency

Rattler attempted 42 passes compared with 32 for Mayfield.

That 10-attempt difference is significant.

Rattler completed five more passes than Mayfield, but Mayfield produced two passing touchdowns compared with Rattler’s one.

The difference in yards per attempt was also meaningful.

Rattler: 5.7 yards per attempt.

Mayfield: 6.9 yards per attempt.

This is a useful example of why completion totals alone should not be used to evaluate quarterback performance.

Rattler completed 26 passes, while Mayfield completed 21. Yet Mayfield’s offense generated more total yards and more passing touchdowns.

Volume can indicate opportunity, but efficiency helps explain what happened with that opportunity.

The Importance of the Rushing Differential

The 179-64 rushing-yard advantage was the defining statistical difference.

Tampa Bay gained 115 more rushing yards than New Orleans.

The Buccaneers also averaged 5.8 yards per rushing attempt compared with 3.4 for the Saints.

That difference means Tampa Bay gained 2.4 more yards per carry on average.

Over 31 rushing attempts, that efficiency adds up quickly.

Bucky Irving and Mayfield were the biggest contributors. Irving supplied consistent running-back production, while Mayfield’s mobility created additional problems for the Saints defense.

New Orleans did not have an equivalent rushing performance.

Scoring Without Rushing Touchdowns

New Orleans scored 19 points despite not recording a rushing touchdown.

The Saints scored one passing touchdown through Pettis and converted four field goals.

Blake Grupe was perfect on his field-goal attempts, going 4-for-4 with a long of 49 yards. He also converted his lone extra-point attempt and finished with 13 points.

That made Grupe one of the most productive individual scorers in the game.

Tampa Bay, meanwhile, scored three touchdowns and converted three extra points. Chase McLaughlin also made two field goals, including a long of 52 yards.

The contrast demonstrates the difference between touchdown production and field-goal production.

New Orleans was able to score consistently through field goals, but Tampa Bay ultimately generated more touchdowns.

Special Teams Contributions

Special teams were not the central storyline, but several players contributed.

New Orleans punter Matthew Hayball recorded three punts for 131 yards, averaging 43.7 yards per punt. Two of his punts were placed inside the 20-yard line.

Dante Pettis returned one punt for nine yards.

For Tampa Bay, Jack Browning recorded two punts for 66 yards, averaging 33.0 yards per punt. He had a longest punt of 52 yards.

Sean Tucker handled Tampa Bay’s kick returns, recording three returns for 88 yards. His average was 29.3 yards per return, with a long of 36 yards.

Trey Palmer recorded one punt return for Tampa Bay for zero yards.

These numbers show that New Orleans had some useful field-position contributions from its punting unit, while Tampa Bay received strong kick-return production from Tucker.

Fumbles and Ball Security

New Orleans did not record a fumble.

Tampa Bay had one fumble by Jack Browning, but it was not lost and was recovered by Tampa Bay.

This means neither team suffered a lost fumble in the game.

New Orleans’ defense did record one interception, while Tampa Bay did not intercept Rattler.

Therefore, the turnover battle did not explain Tampa Bay’s victory as strongly as the rushing and scoring differences did.

What the Player Statistics Reveal

Looking beyond the headline numbers reveals three major themes.

Tampa Bay Was More Balanced

The Buccaneers did not need Mayfield to throw for 300 or 400 yards.

Instead, they combined 221 passing yards with 179 rushing yards.

That balance produced 400 total yards.

New Orleans’ offense was much more dependent on passing. The Saints threw 42 passes while recording only 19 rushing attempts.

Tampa Bay Finished Better

New Orleans scored 16 points in the second quarter and held Tampa Bay to three.

Yet the Buccaneers responded in the second half.

The 14-0 fourth quarter was the decisive stretch.

Individual Efficiency Mattered

Mayfield’s 6.9 yards per attempt exceeded Rattler’s 5.7.

Irving averaged 4.7 yards per carry.

Mayfield averaged 7.6 yards per carry.

Tampa Bay’s offense consistently generated more yards per rushing attempt than New Orleans.

These efficiency differences help explain the final result better than simply comparing completion totals or individual yardage.

A Closer Look at the Receiving Distribution

New Orleans recorded 26 completions spread across multiple players.

Juwan Johnson led with six receptions and 80 yards.

Foster Moreau had four receptions for 31 yards.

Jordan Mims caught three passes for 13 yards.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Cedrick Wilson Jr. each caught three passes.

The Saints therefore did not rely on a single receiver for every completion.

Tampa Bay also distributed its passing production, but Evans clearly received the largest workload with 14 targets.

McMillan’s five catches for 74 yards provided the biggest complementary receiving performance.

The combination of Evans’ volume and McMillan’s explosive production gave Tampa Bay a useful passing structure.

What the Game Means From a Statistical Perspective

This matchup is a strong example of how a team can lose despite winning some individual statistical categories.

New Orleans had:

• More passing yards
• More completions
• No interceptions thrown
• Four successful field goals
• One defensive interception

Tampa Bay still won because it dominated several higher-impact areas:

• Total offense
• Rushing production
• Rushing efficiency
• Passing touchdowns
• Fourth-quarter scoring
• Quarterback rushing production
• Defensive pressure

The lesson is simple: not every statistic carries the same weight.

A team can win the passing-yardage category and still lose if the opponent dominates the running game and produces more touchdowns.

How to Read These Numbers Correctly

When evaluating NFL player statistics, it is useful to follow a consistent process.

First, look at the final score.

Second, compare total offensive yardage.

Third, separate passing and rushing production.

Fourth, examine efficiency rather than volume alone.

Fifth, review touchdowns and turnovers.

Finally, examine when the scoring occurred.

Using that approach for this game makes the result easier to understand.

The final score was 27-19.

Tampa Bay gained 400 yards.

The Buccaneers dominated rushing production 179-64.

Mayfield threw two touchdowns.

Tampa Bay scored 14 fourth-quarter points.

Those numbers collectively explain the victory much better than any single player statistic.

Most Important Player Performances

Several players stand out from the statistical record.

Baker Mayfield

Mayfield produced 221 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and 68 rushing yards. His combination of passing and rushing production made him one of the game’s most influential players.

Bucky Irving

Irving recorded 89 rushing yards and one touchdown on 19 carries. His 25-yard longest run added an explosive element to Tampa Bay’s ground attack.

Mike Evans

Evans caught nine passes for 89 yards on 14 targets. His target volume made him the centerpiece of Tampa Bay’s passing game.

Juwan Johnson

Johnson led New Orleans with 80 receiving yards on six receptions. His 26-yard longest catch and 13.3 yards per reception gave the Saints an important downfield option.

Demario Davis

Davis recorded nine tackles, including six solo tackles, leading New Orleans’ defense.

Josh Hayes

Hayes led all listed tacklers with 12 total tackles and 10 solo tackles.

Blake Grupe

Grupe converted all four of his field-goal attempts and scored 13 points, providing nearly 70 percent of New Orleans’ total scoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Saints vs Buccaneers game on January 5, 2025?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 27-19 on January 5, 2025.

How many passing yards did Spencer Rattler have?

Spencer Rattler completed 26 of 42 passes for 240 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

How many passing yards did Baker Mayfield have?

Baker Mayfield completed 21 of 32 passes for 221 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

Who was the leading rusher in the game?

Bucky Irving led Tampa Bay with 89 rushing yards on 19 carries and scored one rushing touchdown. Baker Mayfield added 68 rushing yards.

Who led the Saints in receiving?

Juwan Johnson led New Orleans with six receptions for 80 yards on seven targets.

Why did Tampa Bay win?

Tampa Bay’s 179 rushing yards, 400 total offensive yards, three touchdowns and 14 fourth-quarter points were major factors in the 27-19 victory.

Conclusion

The new orleans saints vs tampa bay buccaneers match player stats show that Tampa Bay’s victory was built on balance, efficiency and a strong finish.

Spencer Rattler delivered 240 passing yards without throwing an interception, and Juwan Johnson led the Saints with 80 receiving yards. Blake Grupe also had a perfect field-goal performance, converting all four attempts.

However, Tampa Bay controlled the most important offensive difference. The Buccaneers rushed for 179 yards compared with only 64 for New Orleans. Bucky Irving contributed 89 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Baker Mayfield added 68 rushing yards to his 221 passing yards and two touchdown passes.

The fourth quarter ultimately settled the contest. After trailing for much of the game, Tampa Bay scored 14 points in the final period while New Orleans failed to score.

The new orleans saints vs tampa bay buccaneers match player stats therefore provide a useful case study in why NFL games cannot be judged by passing numbers alone. New Orleans produced more passing yards, but Tampa Bay generated greater overall offensive efficiency, stronger rushing production and more touchdowns.

For anyone analyzing this matchup, the most meaningful numbers are the 400-304 total-yard advantage, the 179-64 rushing difference, the two-to-one passing-touchdown edge and the decisive 14-0 fourth quarter. Together, those figures explain how Tampa Bay turned a 19-13 deficit into a 27-19 victory.

The new orleans saints vs tampa bay buccaneers match player stats also highlight the difference between volume and efficiency. Rattler threw 42 passes, while Mayfield threw only 32. Yet Tampa Bay created more total offense because its rushing attack consistently produced positive yardage and its quarterback contributed significantly as a runner.

That statistical balance was ultimately the defining feature of the game.