Bucs coach Todd Bowles.

How good has the Bucs’ defense been this year through eight games? Very good, the numbers say. [read more]

Todd Bowles has never been a more powerful NFL head coach than he is right now. [read more]

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BY IRA KAUFMAN

Take a bow, Buccaneers.

Despite a flurry of injuries that could have crippled many other teams, Tampa Bay stands 6-2 at the break after cruising past the hapless Saints 23-3. Unlike their first four victories, the Bucs didn’t need a last-minute comeback engineered by Baker Mayfield.

Instead, an inspired defensive effort led by Anthony Nelson provided a comfortable cushion as New Orleans fell to 1-7. The Bucs had five sacks and four takeaways to compensate for another ho-hum effort by an offense that sorely needs Bucky Irving to return. [read more]

Edge rusher YaYa Diaby.

That tomb the slimy Saints play in is no longer haunted for the Bucs. [read more]

The Bucs are a better team than they were a year ago — while Baker Mayfield has been a less productive quarterback.

It’s a good sign. [read more]

Historic season coming?

Holy smokes, Joe’s eyes damn near bugged out when researching this. [read more]

Key play in scoring drive.

OK, this is a way old school reference. But addicts of NFL Films may catch Joe’s take. [read more]

Antoine Winfield was on his way to a scoop-and-score Sunday but the zebras called his return back, claiming an inadvertent whistle.

Man, the NFL zebras are getting shady. [read more]

Four years ago the Bucs entered the bye week with a 6-2 record. They were fresh off getting skewered by the slimy Saints after Tom Brady threw a late pick-6 and the Bucs lost 36-27 in New Orleans. [read more]

Anthony Nelson holds the ball aloft after walking into the end zone with his first NFL pick-six Sunday.

Veteran Bucs outside linebacker Anthony Nelson had his first start of the season. He may never forget it. Bucs fans will remember his start for a long time. [read more]

The Bucs have fixed many aspects of their team, especially special teams. But a new problem has arisen.

And it has a name. [read more]

The Bucs’ glorious 23-3 blowout of the slimy Saints today left nearly every Bucs fan scratching their head about the Tampa Bay offense.

What’s going on with the offensive line? [read more]

Here’s a list that will make you drool: [read more]

Haason who? [read more]

Suffocating defense ruled the day and Tampa Bay got the job done with relative ease for a division game.

The Bucs are 6-2! They’ve officially avoided the Todd Bowles midseason meltdown and now rule the NFC South by two games entering the bye week.

What a glorious Sunday it is! [read more]

Comment all game long after this critical 4:05 p.m. kickoff in New Orleans.

Be decent to each other. It’s easy.

Go Bucs!!!!