Tom Brady threw away a tablet computer in frustration after dropping another game to the New Orleans Saints.
However, it’s not just any loss because the Tampa Bay Buccaneers failed to score a point.
It’s the first time since Week 15 of the 2006 NFL season that the 44-year-old quarterback experienced a shutout.
While the Buccaneers defeated the Saints in last year’s Divisional Round, the Bruce Arians-coached squad hasn’t had much success against their NFC South rivals.
Brady is 0-4 against the Saints in regular-season games since he joined Tampa Bay in 2020.
FINAL: @Saints defense dominates in a shutout win on SNF! #NOvsTB pic.twitter.com/YsUvQBMsas
— NFL (@NFL) December 20, 2021
The games weren’t even close as New Orleans won by an average of 16 points in those four wins.
While the Buccaneers will still likely claim the division title for the first time since 2007, they can’t figure out their nemesis from The Big Easy.
Brady and company are lucky that their losses to the Saints do not hamper their playoff hopes.
That said, why are the Saints having so much success against arguably the best quarterback of all time?
Never Underestimate The Saints Defense
The Saints are the first NFL team to defeat Brady in four straight regular-season games, and their defense has a huge role to play in that feat.
They’re not scared to play against a surefire Hall of Famer because they’ve been playing him a lot.
The Saints have more game tape to review against Tampa Bay since they face each other at least twice a year.
Dennis Allen appreciation post👏
Saints’ defense last night:
⚜️ Shut out the NFL’s highest-scoring team
⚜️ 4 Sacks
⚜️ 2 Turnovers pic.twitter.com/fsJTy3u1Vr— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 20, 2021
Having a volume of snaps against Brady allows New Orleans’ defense to memorize the Buccaneers’ cadence and nuances on offense.
That’s why they won’t hesitate to go after the seven-time Super Bowl winner because he will make them pay if he gets comfortable in the pocket.
More importantly, the Saints have the personnel to make Brady think twice in executing his throws.
Defensive coordinator and emergency head coach Dennis Allen kept the pressure by dialing up the blitz all game long.
The variations on their pass rush had Brady trying to figure out where the blitz was coming or if it will come at all.
Dennis Allen’s defense vs. Brady —
Aggressive man-coverage (2-Man, Man-Free). Interior stunts/pressure. And robbers/lurkers to get extra numbers in the middle of the field.
Winning matchups in both rush & coverage. @NFLMatchup pic.twitter.com/OUNLgbrjMp
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) December 20, 2021
As a result, Cameron Jordan got two sacks to become only the second player in Saints history to have over 100 career sacks.
Likewise, Brady must make accurate throws, or the Saints’ secondary will make him pay.
Marcus Williams had five tackles while Marshon Lattimore defended two passes.
But C.J. Gardner-Johnson made the biggest play with an interception on the G.O.A.T.
CJGJ, trolling through the years pic.twitter.com/0SpPJJRf03
— Luke Johnson (@ByLukeJohnson) December 20, 2021
The efforts of the Saints’ defense kept them in playoff contention with a 7-7 record.
Their season could be over if Brady somehow led his rag-tag team to victory.
The System Is Solid
Allen took over head coach Payton who tested positive for COVID-19.
Despite his absence, the Saints stuck to their schemes to win.
Payton’s system continues to thrive in New Orleans despite the change in starting quarterback and various injuries affecting their roster.
“This is total Kryptonite for Superman.”
@RealSkipBayless looks at Tom Brady’s career against the New Orleans Saints following last night’s 9-0 loss: pic.twitter.com/W1bTuamGZC— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) December 20, 2021
That the Saints kept on winning with Teddy Bridgewater and Taysom Hill under center is no accident.
They have a solid system that runs well regardless of who plays.
This consistency helps them compete every week, especially against stronger teams like the Buccaneers.
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