Quarterback: Chris Simms' performance is best judged by the numbers he didn't produce. While completing 12 of 21 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown, he avoided turning the ball over and took just one sack. The way in which Simms managed the offense and avoided mistakes against a tough defense provided further evidence he may have the poise necessary to get this team to the playoffs.

Running backs: Cadillac Williams took another step toward regaining the form he had early in the season. He slipped on a couple runs early but got his footing late and churned out some big gains. He was also a factor in the passing game (two catches) and as a blocker. Michael Pittman turned in a big play almost every time he touched the ball, accounting for 59 yards on six touches. Mike Alstott was seldom involved, except as a blocker.

Receivers: Joey Galloway continues to play at a Pro Bowl level. He's getting great separation from defensive backs and making big yards after the catch. Ike Hilliard was hard to stop on slant routes, but Michael Clayton was a no-show again. The tight ends weren't as involved as they have in recent games, but with more throws going to the running backs they didn't need to be.

Offensive line: The game tape will reveal a lot of room for improvement. Penalties were a problem at times, and the pass protection was no more than adequate. Their effort in the run game was solid, but this group has and must play better. The effort Sunday was good enough against a lesser opponent, but improvement is needed if the Bucs are going to continue winning on the road.

Defensive line: This group did a good job of getting after Saints QB Aaron Brooks. They sacked him once on a rush by Greg Spires and flushed him out of the pocket often enough to keep him from finding a comfort zone. The effort against the run was one of the better ones this unit has produced this year. The Saints tried attacking the middle but Anthony McFarland or Chris Hovan was usually there to prevent any damage.

Linebackers: Shelton Quarles and Derrick Brooks combined for 19 tackles but they and fellow LB Ryan Nece have definitely played better, especially on third down. These guys weren't totally responsible for the success the Saints had in that area, but they must shoulder some of the blame. Like everybody else on defense, these guys proved tough when they had to be, but they need to regain their consistency and level of play.

Secondary: Ronde Barber may have turned in his best game. In addition to the three picks, he had a couple of key runs stuffs and finished with eight tackles. He missed a tackle on a 41-yard screen pass to Aaron Stecker and got nabbed for holding once, but he was easily the best player on the field. The rest of this group had good and bad moments, but the fact that Aaron Brooks threw a lot of balls away can be attributed to solid coverage.

Special teams: Todd France hit his first field-goal attempt low and it was blocked, but he made good on his other one and his lone PAT attempt. The play of the coverage units, especially the punt team, was excellent. The return game was adequate and these guys did a good job of avoiding penalties. P Josh Bidwell has had better games, but overall he did a good job of forcing the Saints to work with a long field.

Coaching: Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin timed his blitzes perfectly Sunday, firing them off just when it seemed like the Bucs were content to stay in their base scheme and let Brooks work the ball downfield. Coach Jon Gruden remained committed to the run, and he continues to provide his QB with plenty of protection. Keeping a team focused in the atmosphere of Sunday's game is a difficult task, but the staff did that adequately.