There have been a handful of close losses for the New Orleans Saints this season, tangible evidence that the team has the ability to put itself in position for success as often as not.

But the fact that those games have still been losses — four one-score decisions and a 14-point loss to Atlanta that the Saints gift-wrapped — is also tangible evidence that the team hasn't figured out how to close in what has been a trying season.

Sunday's game against NFC South Division-leading Tampa Bay (7-5) at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., offers another chance for New Orleans (2-10) to do enough right to win a game. Here's some of the right that must occur:

1. WIN EARLY DOWNS

Offensively, New Orleans has to be more efficient on first and second down. The Saints are spending too much time behind the chains and, accordingly, become more predictable when relegated to obvious passing situations. If this team wants to help rookie quarterback Tyler Shough develop, that has to be the top priority, because we've seen what happens when it does. A better run game would help — New Orleans has averaged 80 rushing yards, on three yards per carry, the last two games — but given the unlikelihood that will happen on Sunday (Tampa Bay allows 97 rushing yards per game), the Saints have to be sharp in the short passing game. Tight end Juwan Johnson could be the target.

2. PROTECT TO PRODUCE

The Saints have changed a bit since their first meeting this season with the Bucs, a 23-3 loss in the Caesars Superdome. New Orleans has a new starter at quarterback, a new starter at left guard (Dillon Radunz) and a better idea how receiver Devaughn Vele can be utilized. Vele showed how effective he can be against Miami, with eight catches for 93 yards and a touchdown. The 1-2 punch that can be offered by Vele and Chris Olave could be beneficial against a Tampa Bay defense that allows 248 passing yards per game, fourth most in the league. But Shough can't throw effectively if he's on his back; protection needs to be there.

3. BRING THE HEAT

One thing the Saints did very well in the first meeting was stifle the Bucs' offense. In addition to one goal line stand (almost two; the Bucs scored on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line), New Orleans held Tampa Bay to 212 yards and sacked quarterback Baker Mayfield three times. New Orleans is coming off a four-sack game against Miami (two by edge rusher Cameron Jordan) and if similar success as the first game is achieved, it'll be because the Saints shut down the run again and harassed Mayfield when he had to throw. Beginning with that Saints game, Mayfield has thrown for less than 200 yards in four of his last five games, completed 61 percent of his passes and thrown for six touchdowns, with three interceptions and 10 sacks. Hopefully, the Saints are catching him at the right time.

4. NOTHING TO LOSE

Not suggesting that the Saints should be reckless, but there also isn't any reason for the team to hold back. New Orleans is 2-10, building toward the future and sitting in the spoiler's seat. There are obviously elements Tampa Bay is expecting based on what it has seen on film, but the Saints don't have to abide by any previous script. Playing loose and free and having fun could turn out to be a good road recipe.