J.T. Barrett IV – Noteworthy – Transaction
QB J.T. Barrett IV was signed by the Saints to the practice squad Saturday (Dec. 8). He had been released by the Saints from the practice squad Wednesday.
*Marshon Lattimore – Noteworthy
CB Marshon Lattimore had an interception and two pass defenses against Tampa Bay.
*Michael Thomas – Noteworthy
WR Michael Thomas had his most productive game in a month as well as his second extremely productive game against the Bucs this season. Thomas caught 11 passes for 98 yards after not catching more than five passes in any of the last three games. In the season opener against Tampa he had 16 catches for 180 yards and one touchdown. Payton downplayed any significance to Thomas’ consistent success against the Bucs. “I think sometimes it’s coverage related with what they’re doing,” Payton said. “He made some plays for us on third down. There are some things he has to do better and clean up, but a lot of it has to do probably with the structure of what certain teams do defensively.”
Cameron Jordan – Noteworthy
DE Cameron Jordan continues to play at a high level week in and week out. He provided consistent pressure on Jameis Winston Sunday and finished with two sacks. Jordan has 12 sacks this season, one fewer than the career-high he set last season.
Drew Brees – Noteworthy
QB Drew Brees is being utilized more and more as a runner on the goal line. He leaped above the line of scrimmage for a 1-yard touchdown on fourth down Sunday to give the Saints their first lead of the day. It was Brees’ fourth rushing touchdown this season, a career high.
Mark Ingram II – Noteworthy
RB Mark Ingram II tied Deuce McAllister’s franchise record for career rushing touchdowns when he powered his way through a series of Bucs defenders during a 17-yard fourth-quarter touchdown run. It was the 49th rushing touchdown of Ingram’s career. “I think that was a good run to be able to tie Deuce,” Ingram said. “He had such a great career here and set the standard for running backs coming through New Orleans. He’s always been supportive of me and I appreciate him, so just to be able to have a run in that fashion to tie such a great record in this franchise, it’s good.”