The Tampa Bay Buccaneers put behind them the 48-3 disaster they suffered a week ago against the San Francisco 49ers, and now have sole possession of first place in the NFC South.

Although the Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints have identical 4-2 records, the Bucs have a half-game lead after their thrilling 26-20 win Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.

Josh Freeman (pictured) threw for 303 yards and two touchdowns, and Earnest Graham, subbing for the injured LeGarertt Blount rushed for 109 yards.

The Buc defense picked off Saints quarterback Drew Brees three times, and Tanard Jackson made sure everyone knew he was back with a 16-yard interception return.

The Bucs drew first blood when Da’Quan Bowers recovered a fumble that led to a Connor Barth 48-yard field goal. The Saints answered with Brees tossing a 38-yard touchdown strike to Marques Colston putting them up 7-3.

In the second quarter, Freeman unleashed a 65-yard strike to Arrelious Benn for a touchdown and the Bucs took the lead back, 10-7. In the fourth quarter, the Saints went for a 4th and 2 with 3:16 left in the game. That play blew up when Brees was picked off by Quincy Black in the end zone.

The major injury of the game occurred to Saints head coach, Sean Payton, who sustained a leg injury when he was rolled up on while standing on the sideline.

Before the Bucs had time to rest, they were boarding a plane and heading for London, England where they will face the Chicago Bears this Sunday at Wimbley Stadium. The game has been sold out.