Three and Out

1. BOWING OUT: Aaron Kromer would like nothing more than to win in his final game as the interim to the interim coach. Kromer has done an admirable job keeping his team together through tough moments.

2. HELLO AGAIN: After beating former teammate Robert Meachem in their last outing, the Saints can turn the tables on Bucs guard Carl Nicks, another ex-Saints player who left in free agency last March.

3. THE TIE-BREAKER: The Saints and Bucs have played 20 times since joining the NFC South in 2002. Each has won 10 games, so Sunday’s winner has the edge -- until they meet again on Dec. 16.

WHO HAS THE EDGE

Offense -- Saints

Defense -- Bucs

Special teams -- Saints

Intangibles -- Bucs

PREDICTION

It might not seem like much, but the Saints can move into second place in the NFC South race. At this point, anything is a positive and they would like to welcome interim coach Joe Vitt back Monday on a high note.

SAINTS 28, BUCS 21

Sheldon Mickles