The New Orleans Saints needed a strong fourth quarter to secure a 23-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the final game of the NFL regular season this evening.
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After Patrick Murray kicked an early field goal, the Buccaneers extended their lead to 10 points when Josh McCown found Mike Evans with a deep pass, giving the rookie wide receiver his 12th touchdown of the season.
Drew Brees struggled to get the Saints' passing game going, but Khiry Robinson managed to force his way over from a few yards out to get New Orleans in the game.
However, Charles Sims sprinted down the sideline just before half time, while Murray kicked another field goal to ensure that the home side had a comfortable lead at the break.
The New Orleans offense had the majority of the time of the field in the third quarter, but Brees threw two interceptions while trying to make deep passes into the endzone.
The visitors did get another touchdown on the board at the start of the fourth, though, when Mark Ingram burst through the Buccaneers defense for a rushing score.
Inside the final two minutes, Brees finally found his accuracy to connect with Marques Colston, putting the Saints in front for the first time.
The visitors then extended their advantage when Junior Galette sacked McCown inside the endzone for a two-point safety.
Both teams were already eliminated from playoff contention before the start of play, but the defeat ensures that the Buccaneers finish the season with the worst record in the NFL at 2-14, so will hold the first pick in next year's Draft.
Sian Cowper
