Buccaneers receive a very early dose of great news

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers don’t play the New Orleans Saints until Week 4, but they received a big win on Wednesday.

It was announced that veteran safety Marcus Maye was suspended three games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. It’s a big blow to the Saints defense.

#Saints S Marcus Maye was suspended without pay for the next 3 games for violating the NFL Policy on Substances of Abuse.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 20, 2023

Maye has the third-most tackles on the team (13) and is tied for the team lead in interceptions (1). He has the second-most sacks (1) and his third quarter interception against the Tennessee Titans helped seal the Saints’ Week 1 win.

Things get even more serious when looking at the depth, or lack thereof, behind him. Saints head coach Dennis Allen knows how to build an effective secondary, so it’ll be interesting to see how they make up for the loss.

They’ll also have to now worry even more about covering Mike Evans, who is fourth in the NFL with 237 receiving yards through two games.

Marcus Maye is a significant loss for Saints for next three games while suspended. Led team with seven tackles in Monday’s win over the Panthers, including a sack, and had six tackles and an interception in opening win over Titans. Hasn’t missed a defensive snap in two games.

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) September 20, 2023

The Bucs will take any advantage they can get when facing off against their top rival and this is undoubtedly a big advantage. Here’s to seeing if they can take full advantage in Week 4.