It’s no secret that the Saints 9-0 record is due largely in part to the defense’s ability to wreak havoc on the opposition.

The fleur-di-lis D has caused 25 turnovers so far(17 INT’s, 8 forced fumbles). The Saints defense has also piled up 21 sacks and has scored an astonishing 7 touchdowns.

A guy who has been making his presence felt is Will Smith. He is thriving in the new defensive scheme and is once again playing like one of the top defensive ends in the league.

Smith struggled last year with just 3 sacks, because he was hurt. You try doing anything; much less play football with a sports hernia.

This year has been a whole different story. Now healthy, “Big Will” is responsible for 7.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and even has an interception.

Smith will look to add to his stats this week against Tampa Bay. The Bucs are just 1-8 on the season and their rookie QB Josh Freeman will be making just his 3rd career start.

The Saints will dial up the blitz often looking to pressure young Freeman into making poor decisions and getting rid of the ball before he wants to.

One thing I look for the Bucs to do is use the Wildcat offense. They have experimented with it, and I think they’ll try to throw the Saints off balance with it and control the clock.

What the Saints need to do is stop turning the ball over. They’ve been their own worst enemy of late and if they have dreams of a trip to Miami in February, it has to stop.

The Bucs run defense is awful, so look for a big day on the ground. Tampa is giving up 5 yards per rush on the year, which ranks 2nd to last in the NFL.

PREDICTION: Saints 34 Buccaneers 23