Quarterbacks: This was not one of Chris Simms' better efforts. In completing just 12 of 25 passes he nearly had a couple of balls picked off and he threw what he said was one of the "worst passes in Bucs history" when he failed to hit FB Mike Alstott in the flat down near the goal line in the second half. That said, two of Simms' completions were for touchdowns and he did a good job avoiding sacks.

Running backs: Thanks to a 64-yard run by Michael Pittman - his only carry of the day - this group had more than 100 yards by halftime. They finished with 149 yards on 26 carries and picked up another 59 yards on pass receptions. Cadillac Williams had a nice day, running for 81 yards on 22 carries, but this was a game in which Pittman and Alstott displayed the team's depth.

Receivers: This group might have had a better showing had Simms been a little sharper. As it was, the leading receiver was Joey Galloway with eight. Galloway caught a pair of touchdown passes but he failed to secure a ball in traffic that probably should have been caught. Ike Hilliard had a pair of catches and Alex Smith caught one for 22 yards.

Offensive line: As Pittman's long run indicates, these guys popped open some big holes in the running game. They also did a pretty good job in pass protection. They gave up one sack and allowed a few pressures, but overall this was a solid effort. G Sean Mahan was called three times for holding (one declined) and an illegal formation penalty negated a touchdown.

Defensive line: Dewayne White turned in the game's signature play when he forced a fumble, recovered it and carried it into the end zone to seal the victory late in the fourth quarter. Simeon Rice had a pair of sacks on a day when the pass rush was pretty good.

Linebackers: Derrick Brooks led the team with 15 tackles and was involved in some well-timed blitzes. Shelton Quarles had 10 tackles and Ryan Nece had five on a day when this group had to come up big against the run. The job these guys did in coverage was adequate, but too many Saints receivers found holes and made catches that extended drives.

Secondary: These guys have definitely played better. In the first half alone they surrendered 12.5 yards per pass play, and that was with Todd Bouman (who?) at quarterback. The group got interceptions from Juran Bolden and Will Allen, but Allen's came on a fourth down play in which the wiser move would have been to bat the ball down.

Special teams: The return units were excellent. With help from their blockers up front, PR Mark Jones averaged 12 yards per return and had a long of 22 while KR Michael Pittman averaged 28.3 yards.

Coaching: The decision to lean more on Pittman seemed to throw the Saints off a bit. Coach Jon Gruden made good use of his challenge and defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin timed his blitzes extremely well. Most importantly, the Bucs were ready to play from the start. They didn't take the Saints lightly and they played with an edge for four full quarters.

Fans' Grades UNIT Fans' Grades Quarterbacks A | B | C | D | F Running Backs A | B | C | D | F Receivers A | B | C | D | F Offensive Line A | B | C | D | F Defensive Line A | B | C | D | F Linebackers A | B | C | D | F Secondary A | B | C | D | F Special Teams A | B | C | D | F Coaching A | B | C | D | F