Bryant's Touchdown Catch Helps Bucs Edge Saints

Kareem Shaker - AHN Sports Reporter

Tampa Bay, FL (AHN) - Jeff Garcia went 9-for-23 for just 119 yards passing, but the Buccaneers made all the right plays at the right times with a close 23-20 win over the New Orleans Saints.

Despite his erratic passing performance, Tampa Bay improved to 6-1 with Garcia behind center.

Drew Brees, on pace to break Dan Marino's single-season passing yards record, tossed for 296 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted three times, including twice in the final minutes.

The timeless Warrick Dunn got 22 carries for 74 yards and Garcia carried the ball seven times for 42 yards, more than either of the Saints running backs.

Antonio Bryant finished with just three catches, but gained 74 yards and caught the Bucs lone touchdown pass.

Marques Colston had a game-high 106 receiving yards on six receptions and Jeremy Shockey caught four passes for 52 yards in the loss.

The Saints (6-6) are falling out contention in the astonishingly competitive NFC South, now three games out of the first-place Bucs.

The Buccaneers (9-3) kept pace in the same division, sitting in first due to a defeat of Carolina (9-3) with a game against the Panthers next Sunday on the road.