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Black and Gold running backs combined for nearly 200 yards in the win. Chris Ivory led the way with Pierre Thomas and Darren Sporles close behind.
Ivory had 15 carries for 67 yards. Thomas ran eight times for 66 and a score. Sproles had four runs for 42 yards. Brees even took off once and ran for 20.
Graham caught six passes for those 78 yards. Sproles had five grabs for 57 and a touch down. Marques Colston hauled in five Drew Brees' passes for 52. Thomas had 25 receiving yards on four throws and Lance Moore caught three for 20 yards and a TD.
The Bucs had a late push to bring the game within eight points (24 - 16) after trailing 24 - 6 at the end of the third quarter.
They wouldn't get any closer, and the Saints added a field goal to win 27 - 16.
The Saints defense showed very strong tackling and aggressive play. They held Tampa Bay to just two of 12 on third down conversions. The bucs only had 84 rushing yards.
Click here to see all the stats and the box score...
