The Bucs go marching into New Orleans

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4) travel west this weekend to take on New Orleans Saints, a team that sits at 2-2 after being blown out by the lowly Arizona Cardinals last week.

This game will mark the first career start for second year Tampa Bay signal caller Chris Simms.

Tampa Bay head coach Jon Gruden will look to use Simms' mobility and arm strength to jump-start what has been a stagnant Tampa offense with Brad Johnson at the helm.

Expect Gruden's play calling to not put too much pressure on the young Simms.

Look for a lot of running plays to Michael Pittman and some play action passing.

Expect rookie-receiving sensation Michael Clayton to also see extended time on the field.

Clayton and Simms appeared to be developing quite a cohesiveness during the preseason and together are the lone hopes for the future on the Buc offense.

Defensively, the Bucs will have to contain Deuce McAllister, who should play despite an ankle injury.

They will also look to control Joe Horn who has killed the Bucs in the past.

Horn has 100 yard receiving efforts in three of the last four meetings between the teams.

Defensive tackle Anthony McFarland has been bothered by a groin injury, but he should be out there on Sunday.

The Bucs also need to get strong play out of DE Simeon Rice who has been all but invisible this season.

So far Rice has only six tackles and one sack.

He has had some of his best games against the Saints, however, so he may be ready for a breakout performance.

The Saints are coming off an embarrassing loss last Sunday at Arizona and reports of a heated confrontation between quarterback Aaron Brooks and defensive end Charles Grant.

While head coach Jim Haslett has tried to downplay the confrontation this week, this Saint team is teetering on the edge.

A win and they are above .500, a loss and the whole team could implode and take Haslett down with it.

The Saints will also be without newly acquired cornerback Mike McKenzie who is out with a hamstring injury.

The Saints acquired McKenzie this week from Green Bay for third string QB J.T. O'Sullivan and a second round draft pick.

So at least for this week the Saints will continue to go with Fred Thomas and Ashley Ambrose at the corners.

This game is a gut check for both teams.

It should come down to who can control the ball the best and who doesn't turn it over.

As much as I feel that Gruden made the right decision making the switch to Simms, his inexperience may cost them in a game like this.

My pick: The Saints 23, Tampa Bay 17.