Tom Brady has lost all four games of the regular season against the New Orleans Saints since his move to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’s becoming clear that the Saints’ defence is not to be trifled with, even for the G.O.A.T – and is increasingly becoming the superstar’s kryptonite.

Munich – In the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ bizarre 9-0 loss to the New Orleans Saints, Tom Brady and Co. caught their offensive nadir of the season so far.

Among other things, the superstar quarterback suffered a costly fumble, which was ultimately a decisive factor in the defeat. After Brady’s ball loss, Saints cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson stood right in front of the G.O.A.T.’s face and grinned maliciously.

Instead of reacting aggressively, Brady simply laughed along. Why he did that in this situation, I don’t think he really knows himself. It was emblematic of the perplexity with which the Buccaneers’ offense operated that night.

This might be the greatest moment in Saints history pic.twitter.com/gL7k2CXxm8

– Jeff Asher (@Crimealytics) December 20, 2021

Saints defence defies all odds

The fact that the “Bucs” looked almost perplexed on the scoreboard at the end also had to do with the different conditions of both teams before the game. While the Saints were struggling with injuries in all parts of the team and Corona had to play without head coach Sean Payton, the Buccaneers went into the game as favourites.

Brady’s offence has been running at full speed in recent weeks, with the veteran even moving to the top of the MVP conversation. But there was little of that against the Saints. The 44-year-old ended up with 214 passing yards and, in addition to the fumble, also had an interception.

Defensive end Cameron Jordan, on the other hand, had a great day and, in addition to the forced fumble, scored two more sacks against an unusually shaky Buccaneers offensive line. It seemed as if the Saints defence was pushing itself to the limit with every successful play.

A look at the past shows how historic the success ultimately was. For the first time since 2006, a Tom Brady-directed offence scored 0 points. What is striking here is that Brady has had visible problems, especially with the New Orleans Saints in the recent past.

Always those Saints

In “Trash Talk” with Gardner-Johnson, Brady probably would have won any argument by listing his seven Super Bowl triumphs. The fact that he ultimately didn’t go for it probably also has to do with his recent record against the Saints. The Buccaneers have won only one of their past five games against their New Orleans rivals.

“I don’t want to talk about all the things we do to be successful against Brady because then we give him an advantage,” interim head coach Dennis Allen said after the game. The actual defensive coordinator once again gave Brady a leg up with his defence.

“It wasn’t because of any particular scheme,” he continued. Still, he frequently resorted to a simple yet effective trick. Instead of sending out a fifth pass rusher against Brady, he regularly left the middle of the field blocked and sent only four defenders at Brady.

As “ESPN” reports, all four sacks occurred when only four defenders were rushing Brady: “That was very important. When you attack him with a fifth man, he knows exactly where to throw the ball,” Allen explained of his master plan.

Although the reigning Super Bowl champions went on to win the decisive game in the Divisional Round last year, the Buccaneers’ record against the Saints is worrying – especially because Gardner-Johnson and Co. could also prove to be an unpleasant opponent in this year’s playoffs.

Bucs are running on fumes – another duel possible

After five straight losses previously, the Saints have finally caught themselves and are making an impressive return to the playoff race with a record of 7-7. With a remaining schedule against the Miami Dolphins, the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons, the Wild Card Round is suddenly within reach again.

The Buccaneers, on the other hand, like the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals and possibly the Los Angeles Rams, are on ten wins and four losses. So it is quite possible that a constellation will emerge in the coming weeks that will see both opponents meet in the first round of the playoffs.

That it could be even more difficult for Bruce Arians’ team became apparent during the game on Sunday. With Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay will have to do without three essential offensive pillars in the coming weeks.

“I’m more concerned about the players we lost than the game, if I’m honest,” the head coach said after the game.

Because the Buccaneers also know: Another duel against these Saints – possibly not in their best line-up – could mean an early exit from the playoffs.