Game story
In Week 17 of the 2014 NFL season on 2014-12-28, the New Orleans Saints took care of business against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, pulling away with a 23–20 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 24 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) paced the passing game, with +5.71 total EPA, and +2.2% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, M. Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +8.95 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+28.0% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when New Orleans Saints changed the game: (2:05) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 12-M.Colston for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q4 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Saints | 0 | 7 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 23 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 3 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 M. Evans · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +8.95 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.49 EPA/play
- 2 D. Brees · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +5.71 total EPA · 41 snaps · +0.14 EPA/play
- 3 B. Watson · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +3.01 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.51 EPA/play
- 4 J. Graham · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +2.74 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play
- 5 M. Colston · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +1.81 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play
- 6 K. Robinson · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +1.70 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.85 EPA/play
- 7 N. Toon · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +1.51 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.75 EPA/play
- 8 R. Meachem · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +1.07 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.07 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
M. Evans — TB · Receiving
M. Evans posted the highest total EPA (+8.95) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Tampa Bay Buccaneers's efficiency. Across 6 counted snaps, they averaged +1.49 EPA per play.
The signature play (+4.85 EPA) came from New Orleans Saints: (2:05) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 12-M.Colston for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Evans (J. McCown pass)
- New Orleans Saints — K. Robinson
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Sims
- New Orleans Saints — M. Ingram
- New Orleans Saints — M. Colston (D. Brees pass)
Field goals
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — P. Murray
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — P. Murray
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 3–0. Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the NO 21 (Q1 51:08) — (6:08) (Field Goal formation) 7-P.Murray 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-M.Koenen..
The second quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 17–7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 6 (Q2 41:31) — (11:31) (Shotgun) 12-J.McCown pass short middle to 13-M.Evans for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN [57-D.Hawthorne].; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q2 41:25) — 7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 1 (Q2 35:47) — (5:47) 29-K.Robinson left end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q2 35:45) — 3-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 8 (Q2 31:54) — (1:54) 72-G.Gilkey reported in as eligible. 34-C.Sims left tackle for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q2 31:48) — 7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the NO 8 (Q2 30:11) — (:11) (Field Goal formation) 7-P.Murray 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-M.Koenen..
The fourth quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 16–0. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 1 (Q4 14:10) — (14:10) 22-M.Ingram up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q4 14:02) — 3-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 36 (Q4 2:05) — (2:05) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 12-M.Colston for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q4 1:57) — 3-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown.; New Orleans Saints registered a safety from the NO 94 (Q4 1:10) — (1:10) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 12-J.McCown sacked in End Zone for -6 yards, SAFETY (93-J.Galette)..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 2:05) — (2:05) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 12-M.Colston for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 1:10) — (1:10) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 12-J.McCown sacked in End Zone for -6 yards, SAFETY (93-J.Galette).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 1:38) — (1:38) (Shotgun) 12-J.McCown sacked at TB 6 for -6 yards (94-C.Jordan).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 5:33) — (5:33) 12-J.McCown pass short right intended for 15-T.King INTERCEPTED by 28-K.Lewis at NO 48. 28-K.Lewis to 50 for 2 yards (88-L.Stocker).
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 3:27) — (3:27) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 80-J.Graham to TB 38 for 4 yards (30-B.McDougald, 51-D.Lansanah).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 2:05) — (2:05) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 12-M.Colston for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New Orleans Saints (Q3 20:36) — (5:36) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep middle to 84-K.Stills to TB 16 for 44 yards (38-D.Goldson).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 5:33) — (5:33) 12-J.McCown pass short right intended for 15-T.King INTERCEPTED by 28-K.Lewis at NO 48. 28-K.Lewis to 50 for 2 yards (88-L.Stocker).
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 31:37) — (1:37) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle intended for 84-K.Stills INTERCEPTED by 29-L.Johnson (98-C.McDonald) at NO 28. 29-L.Johnson to NO 34 for -6 yards (84-K.Stills).
Quarterback report card
D.Brees led all passers in efficiency for New Orleans Saints, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- D.Brees (New Orleans Saints) · 41 dropbacks · 58.5% completion · +2.2% CPOE · +0.14 EPA/play · +5.71 total EPA
- J.McCown (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 28 dropbacks · 50.0% completion · +6.6% CPOE · +0.03 EPA/play · +0.95 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | New Orleans Saints | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.044 | -0.007 |
| Offensive success rate | 43.6% | 45.0% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.139 | +0.034 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.077 | -0.050 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.007 | -0.044 |
| Defensive success rate | 55.0% | 56.4% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, New Orleans Saints generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.04 vs -0.01), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- New Orleans Saints: 11 drives, +3.44 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10 drives, -0.53 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- New Orleans Saints leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- M. Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- J. McCown (TB) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q1 51:08 · NO 21 · Score 0-3
(6:08) (Field Goal formation) 7-P.Murray 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 41:31 · NO 6 · Score 0-9
(11:31) (Shotgun) 12-J.McCown pass short middle to 13-M.Evans for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN [57-D.Hawthorne]. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q2 41:25 · NO 2 · Score 0-10
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q2 35:47 · TB 1 · Score 6-10
(5:47) 29-K.Robinson left end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q2 35:45 · TB 2 · Score 7-10
3-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 31:54 · NO 8 · Score 7-16
(1:54) 72-G.Gilkey reported in as eligible. 34-C.Sims left tackle for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q2 31:48 · NO 2 · Score 7-17
7-P.Murray extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q2 30:11 · NO 8 · Score 7-20
(:11) (Field Goal formation) 7-P.Murray 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 14:10 · TB 1 · Score 13-20
(14:10) 22-M.Ingram up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 14:02 · TB 2 · Score 14-20
3-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 2:05 · TB 36 · Score 20-20
(2:05) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 12-M.Colston for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 1:57 · TB 2 · Score 21-20
3-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-7-L.McCown. - New Orleans Saints Safety (+2) — Q4 1:10 · NO 94 · Score 23-20
(1:10) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 12-J.McCown sacked in End Zone for -6 yards, SAFETY (93-J.Galette).
Frequently asked questions
Who won New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The New Orleans Saints beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 in Week 17, 2014 on 2014-12-28.
What was the final score of New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The final score was New Orleans Saints 23, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20 (NO 23-20 TB) in Week 17, 2014 on 2014-12-28.
What was the score by quarter in New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Q1: New Orleans Saints 0, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3; Q2: New Orleans Saints 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17; Q4: New Orleans Saints 16, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0; Final: New Orleans Saints 23, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — M. Evans (J. McCown pass) (Q2 41:31) New Orleans Saints touchdown — K. Robinson (Q2 35:47) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — C. Sims (Q2 31:54) New Orleans Saints touchdown — M. Ingram (Q4 14:10) New Orleans Saints touchdown — M. Colston (D. Brees pass) (Q4 2:05) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — P. Murray (Q1 51:08, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — P. Murray (Q2 30:11, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
D. Brees (New Orleans Saints), 58.5% completion, +2.2% CPOE, +0.14 EPA per dropback, +5.71 total passing EPA. J. McCown (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 50.0% completion, +6.6% CPOE, +0.03 EPA per dropback, +0.95 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
M. Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) led the game in total EPA with +8.95 on receiving plays. across 6 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+4.85 EPA): (2:05) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle to 12-M.Colston for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was +28.0%.
Was New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. New Orleans Saints won 23-20 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
New Orleans Saints
Entered 6-9 Now 7-9 W
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 2-13 Now 2-14 L
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