Game story
In Week 9 of the 1999 NFL season on 1999-11-07, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took care of business against the New Orleans Saints, pulling away with a 31–16 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
B. Tolliver (New Orleans Saints) paced the passing game, with -3.20 total EPA.
On the individual side, T. Dilfer (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +15.90 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+51.2% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Tampa Bay Buccaneers changed the game: D.Brien kicks 65 yards from NO 30 to TB 5. Y.Murphy to NO 40 for 55 yards.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 7 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 31 |
| New Orleans Saints | 3 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 16 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 T. Dilfer · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +15.90 total EPA · 21 snaps · +0.76 EPA/play
- 2 W. Dunn · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +7.13 total EPA · 3 snaps · +2.38 EPA/play
- 3 D. McDonald · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +6.63 total EPA · 3 snaps · +2.21 EPA/play
- 4 A. Hastings · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +4.83 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.41 EPA/play
- 5 J. Green · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +4.79 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.80 EPA/play
- 6 B. Tolliver · New Orleans Saints · Rushing · +2.45 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.49 EPA/play
- 7 M. Alstott · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Rushing · +1.78 total EPA · 28 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
- 8 M. Alstott · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +1.73 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.73 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
T. Dilfer — TB · Passing
T. Dilfer posted the highest total EPA (+15.90) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Tampa Bay Buccaneers's efficiency. Across 21 counted snaps, they averaged +0.76 EPA per play.
The signature play (-7.16 EPA) came from Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (15:00) W.Dunn right end to NO 27 for no gain (J.Tomich). FUMBLES (J.Tomich), RECOVERED by NO-A.Ambrose at NO 27. A.Ambrose to TB 44 for 29 yards (J.Wunsch).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — unlisted player
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — unlisted player
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — unlisted player
- New Orleans Saints — unlisted player
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — unlisted player
Field goals
- New Orleans Saints — unlisted player
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — unlisted player
- New Orleans Saints — unlisted player
- New Orleans Saints — unlisted player
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 7–3. New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the TB 11 (Q1 53:54) — (8:54) D.Brien 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 62 (Q1 50:35) — (5:35) T.Dilfer pass to J.Green for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN. (pass 50, run 12); Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q1 49:01) — M.Unutoa extra point is GOOD, Center-M.Unutoa, Holder-M.Royals..
The second quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 10–3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the NO 17 (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) M.Gramatica 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-M.Unutoa, Holder-M.Royals.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 1 (Q2 39:36) — (9:36) T.Dilfer pass to J.Davis for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q2 34:27) — M.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-M.Unutoa, Holder-M.Royals.; New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the TB 21 (Q2 30:35) — (:35) D.Brien 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt..
The third quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 7–0. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 10 (Q3 25:30) — (10:30) T.Dilfer pass to D.McDonald for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. (pass 10, run 0); Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q3 22:48) — M.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-M.Unutoa, Holder-M.Royals..
The fourth quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 10–7. New Orleans Saints connected on a field goal from the TB 19 (Q4 11:00) — (11:00) D.Brien 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 1 (Q4 0:52) — (:52) (Shotgun) B.Tolliver pass to K.Poole for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. (pass 1, run 0); New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q4 0:48) — D.Brien extra point is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 25 (Q4 0:21) — (:21) M.Alstott left guard for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q4 0:15) — M.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-M.Unutoa, Holder-M.Royals..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 60:00) — D.Brien kicks 65 yards from NO 30 to TB 5. Y.Murphy to NO 40 for 55 yards.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 60:00) — (15:00) W.Dunn right end to NO 27 for no gain (J.Tomich). FUMBLES (J.Tomich), RECOVERED by NO-A.Ambrose at NO 27. A.Ambrose to TB 44 for 29 yards (J.Wunsch).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 50:35) — (5:35) T.Dilfer pass to J.Green for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN. (pass 50, run 12)
- New Orleans Saints (Q3 27:01) — (12:01) (Shotgun) B.Tolliver pass intended for C.Cleeland INTERCEPTED by D.Brooks at TB 37. D.Brooks to NO 25 for 38 yards (T.Ackerman).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 27:34) — (12:34) T.Dilfer sacked at NO 39 for -2 yards (J.Tomich). FUMBLES (J.Tomich), RECOVERED by NO-B.Smith at NO 39. B.Smith to NO 39 for no gain (J.Diaz). Yardline changed on change of possession
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 60:00) — (15:00) W.Dunn right end to NO 27 for no gain (J.Tomich). FUMBLES (J.Tomich), RECOVERED by NO-A.Ambrose at NO 27. A.Ambrose to TB 44 for 29 yards (J.Wunsch).
- New Orleans Saints (Q3 27:01) — (12:01) (Shotgun) B.Tolliver pass intended for C.Cleeland INTERCEPTED by D.Brooks at TB 37. D.Brooks to NO 25 for 38 yards (T.Ackerman).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 50:35) — (5:35) T.Dilfer pass to J.Green for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN. (pass 50, run 12)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 0:21) — (:21) M.Alstott left guard for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
B.Tolliver led all passers in efficiency for New Orleans Saints, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- B.Tolliver (New Orleans Saints) · 38 dropbacks · 47.4% completion · -0.08 EPA/play · -3.20 total EPA
- T.Dilfer (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 21 dropbacks · 71.4% completion · +0.76 EPA/play · +15.90 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | New Orleans Saints |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.120 | -0.087 |
| Offensive success rate | 44.3% | 43.0% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.714 | -0.031 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.191 | -0.180 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.087 | -0.120 |
| Defensive success rate | 57.0% | 55.7% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Tampa Bay Buccaneers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.12 vs -0.09), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- New Orleans Saints: 11 drives, -7.46 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 11 drives, +10.54 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- T. Dilfer (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q1 53:54 · TB 11 · Score 0-3
(8:54) D.Brien 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q1 50:35 · NO 62 · Score 6-3
(5:35) T.Dilfer pass to J.Green for 62 yards, TOUCHDOWN. (pass 50, run 12) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q1 49:01 · NO 2 · Score 7-3
M.Unutoa extra point is GOOD, Center-M.Unutoa, Holder-M.Royals. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q2 45:00 · NO 17 · Score 10-3
(15:00) M.Gramatica 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-M.Unutoa, Holder-M.Royals. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 39:36 · NO 1 · Score 16-3
(9:36) T.Dilfer pass to J.Davis for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q2 34:27 · NO 2 · Score 17-3
M.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-M.Unutoa, Holder-M.Royals. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q2 30:35 · TB 21 · Score 17-6
(:35) D.Brien 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q3 25:30 · NO 10 · Score 23-6
(10:30) T.Dilfer pass to D.McDonald for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. (pass 10, run 0) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q3 22:48 · NO 2 · Score 24-6
M.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-M.Unutoa, Holder-M.Royals. - New Orleans Saints FG (+3) — Q4 11:00 · TB 19 · Score 24-9
(11:00) D.Brien 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 0:52 · TB 1 · Score 24-15
(:52) (Shotgun) B.Tolliver pass to K.Poole for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. (pass 1, run 0) - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 0:48 · TB 2 · Score 24-16
D.Brien extra point is GOOD, Center-K.Gammon, Holder-T.Barnhardt. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 0:21 · NO 25 · Score 30-16
(:21) M.Alstott left guard for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 0:15 · NO 2 · Score 31-16
M.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-M.Unutoa, Holder-M.Royals.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the New Orleans Saints 31-16 in Week 9, 1999 on 1999-11-07.
What was the final score of Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints?
The final score was Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31, New Orleans Saints 16 (TB 31-16 NO) in Week 9, 1999 on 1999-11-07.
What was the score by quarter in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints?
Q1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7, New Orleans Saints 3; Q2: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10, New Orleans Saints 3; Q3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7, New Orleans Saints 0; Q4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7, New Orleans Saints 10; Final: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31, New Orleans Saints 16.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — unlisted player (Q1 50:35) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — unlisted player (Q2 39:36) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — unlisted player (Q3 25:30) New Orleans Saints touchdown — unlisted player (Q4 0:52) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — unlisted player (Q4 0:21) New Orleans Saints field goal — unlisted player (Q1 53:54, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — unlisted player (Q2 45:00, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — unlisted player (Q2 30:35, 3 pts) New Orleans Saints field goal — unlisted player (Q4 11:00, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints?
B. Tolliver (New Orleans Saints), 47.4% completion, -0.08 EPA per dropback, -3.20 total passing EPA. T. Dilfer (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 71.4% completion, +0.76 EPA per dropback, +15.90 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints?
T. Dilfer (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) led the game in total EPA with +15.90 on passing plays. across 21 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-7.16 EPA): (15:00) W.Dunn right end to NO 27 for no gain (J.Tomich). FUMBLES (J.Tomich), RECOVERED by NO-A.Ambrose at NO 27. A.Ambrose to TB 44 for 29 yards (J.Wunsch).. The biggest win-probability swing was +51.2%.
Season records after this game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 3-4 Now 4-4 W
New Orleans Saints
Entered 1-6 Now 1-7 L
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