TAMPA, Fla. — The Buccaneers' quest for a third consecutive NFC South title is off to a surprisingly strong start.

A 26-9 road victory at New Orleans left quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers (3-1) alone atop the division as it entered a bye week that gives several key players, including star receiver Mike Evans, an opportunity to get healthier.

“Again, it’s only the first quarter of the season — 3-1 is good, better than 1-3,” coach Todd Bowles said, reflecting on a solid opening month of the season that few outside the Bucs' locker room anticipated following the retirement of quarterback Tom Brady.

“We have to get some guys nursed up. We have to scheme some things up, iron some things out,” Bowles added. “But we are morphing into kind of a physical team that’s hard to beat. We just have to continue that without the mistakes.”

Mayfield has been a big part of the early success, proving to be a good fit for a system installed by first-year offensive coordinator Dave Canales while avoiding the type of costly mistakes that hampered the No. 1 overall pick from the 2018 draft in three previous NFL stops.

Through four games, the 28-year-old has completed nearly 70% of his passes for 882 yards, seven touchdowns and just two interceptions.

“Baker is tough. He fits in here," Bowles said. "He understands the offense very well. The guys love to play for him. He works for us.”

What's working?

The defense rebounded from allowing 201 yards on the ground in a loss to Philadelphia, limiting the Saints to 70 yards rushing on 19 attempts Sunday. The Bucs expected New Orleans to lean on Alvin Kamara in his return from a suspension. The defense was up for that challenge, too, limiting the versatile running back to 51 yards rushing and just 33 yards receiving on 13 receptions.

What needs help?

Punter Jake Camarda has been outstanding. The team’s kick coverage units, however, have been inconsistent. Bowles cited improvement against the Saints, who did have one punt return of 29 yards.

“I felt we held our own against them,” the coach said.

Stock up

With wide receiver Mike Evans leaving in the first half because of a hamstring injury, the team’s depth at receiver was tested. While Chris Godwin finishing with eight receptions for 114 yards wasn’t a surprise, Mayfield got a lift from second-year tight end Cade Otton and young backup receivers Trey Palmer and Deven Thompkins, who all caught TD passes against the Saints.

Stock down

The Bucs were penalized 11 times for 91 yards Sunday. “They weren’t going to play a perfect game, ... but we can get better at that going forward,” Bowles said.

Injuries

The bye week will give several key players — including Evans, cornerback Jamel Dean and rookie defensive lineman Calijah Kancey — an opportunity to rest and get healthier.

Key number

33. One of the goals this season has been to try to become more balanced on offense, even if an inconsistent running attack isn’t always as productive as Bowles and offensive coordinator Dave Canales would like. The Bucs threw 33 times at New Orleans, with Mayfield going 25 of 32 for 246 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. They also ran it 33 times, finishing with 114 yards rushing.

“We wanted to be a lot more aggressive. We were trying to take what they gave us,” Bowles said. “If they crowded for the run, we threw it. If they tried to take away the pass, we ran it. It was a good balance with that.”

Next steps

The team will not practice at all before reconvening next week to begin preparation to face the Detroit Lions on Oct. 15. The Lions currently are also 3-1 and lead the NFC North.