Quarterbacks: Don't blame Chris Simms for this one. He seldom had time to even find open receivers, much less throw the ball accurately to them. Still, he completed 21 of 34 passes with no interceptions. Considering the pressure the Patriots applied, that's not bad. And given the pounding he took, that he finished the game was quite a feat.

Running Backs: Cadillac Williams had very few holes to exploit. Seemingly bothered by the unsteady footing, he was a step slow getting to the line, didn't cut very well and didn't always get the job done as a pass blocker. Same goes for Michael Pittman. They really weren't all that effective as pass catchers either, gaining just 15 yards on six receptions.

Receivers: This might have been Joey Galloway's worst game as a Buc. He had trouble separating himself from defensive backs and when he did get open he dropped some very catchable passes. As he has in recent weeks, Ike Hilliard distinguished himself as a go-to guy on third down. Next to Simms he was the Bucs' most consistent offensive player. Michael Clayton had two catches for 26 yards but he's still not playing up to expectations.

Offensive Line: Though they played hard against the Patriots' more-experienced defensive front, the offensive linemen weren't physical enough to win key battles. Creating holes for the running game certainly was a big problem.

Defensive Line: Simeon Rice had a sack, but this group didn't do a good enough job pressuring Patriots QB Tom Brady. These guys needed to force a big play and they failed. Chris Hovan had seven tackles on a day when the effort against the run was strong. Greg Spires and Ellis Wyms were sound as rush defenders but they did miss a couple chances to make big plays and that proved costly.

Linebackers: Derrick Brooks' seven tackles included a big run stuff and Shelton Quarles had seven tackles and a key pressure. Overall, this unit turned in a solid effort. On another day it might have been a winning effort.

Secondary: Juran Bolden had a bad day, and it wasn't just because he dropped a potential game-altering interception. Brady picked on him in nickel situations all day and regularly beat him. The play elsewhere was acceptable, but not quite up to the Bucs' usual standards. FS Dexter Jackson led the team with eight tackles.

Special Teams: Two punt returns, including one for a touchdown, were called back because of penalties. A roughing-the-punter penalty allowed the Patriots to continue a drive that resulted in their second touchdown. Mark Jones had a good day as a punt returner but the kick-return game was only ordinary and for the first time all year, so was P Josh Bidwell. The coverage units were solid.

Coaching: Jon Gruden tried a lot of things, but few seemed to work. He may have been outschemed by Bill Belichick in this one. Monte Kiffin's defense did an excellent job of keeping the Bucs in the game early. They had the Patriots scratching their heads for a while but turnovers, penalties and blown opportunities allowed New England to pull away.