Game story
In Week 13 of the 2007 NFL season on 2007-12-02, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took care of business against the New Orleans Saints, pulling away with a 27–23 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
L. McCown (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) paced the passing game, with +6.87 total EPA, and +8.3% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, J. Galloway (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +11.84 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+43.8% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Tampa Bay Buccaneers changed the game: (:17) 12-L.McCown pass short right to 86-J.Stevens for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 3 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 27 |
| New Orleans Saints | 7 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 23 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 J. Galloway · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +11.84 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.69 EPA/play
- 2 L. McCown · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +6.87 total EPA · 46 snaps · +0.15 EPA/play
- 3 D. Henderson · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +5.79 total EPA · 1 snaps · +5.79 EPA/play
- 4 J. Stevens · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +2.86 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.43 EPA/play
- 5 A. Stecker · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +2.63 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.66 EPA/play
- 6 B. Askew · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +2.59 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.86 EPA/play
- 7 E. Graham · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Rushing · +1.63 total EPA · 23 snaps · +0.07 EPA/play
- 8 E. Graham · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +1.53 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.22 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
J. Galloway — TB · Receiving
J. Galloway posted the highest total EPA (+11.84) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Tampa Bay Buccaneers's efficiency. Across 7 counted snaps, they averaged +1.69 EPA per play.
The signature play (-7.01 EPA) came from Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (3:15) (Shotgun) 12-L.McCown pass short right intended for 84-J.Galloway INTERCEPTED by 34-M.McKenzie at NO 47. 34-M.McKenzie for 53 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- New Orleans Saints — T. Copper (D. Brees pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — A. Becht (L. McCown pass)
- New Orleans Saints — D. Henderson (D. Brees pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — E. Graham
- New Orleans Saints — M. McKenzie
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — J. Stevens (L. McCown pass)
Field goals
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Bryant
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Bryant
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 7–3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the NO 9 (Q1 54:58) — (9:58) 3-M.Bryant 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 4 (Q1 47:10) — (2:10) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 18-T.Copper for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q1 47:05) — 2-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-7-S.Weatherford..
The second quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 10–7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 1 (Q2 44:26) — (14:26) 12-L.McCown pass short right to 88-A.Becht for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q2 44:20) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the NO 13 (Q2 37:55) — (7:55) 3-M.Bryant 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 45 (Q2 33:29) — (3:29) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep middle to 19-D.Henderson for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q2 33:21) — 2-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-7-S.Weatherford..
The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 25 (Q3 24:44); Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q3 24:36) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the NO 55 (Q3 18:15); New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q3 18:05) — 2-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-7-S.Weatherford..
The fourth quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 7–2. New Orleans Saints registered a safety from the NO 93 (Q4 3:52) — (3:52) 12-L.McCown sacked in End Zone for -7 yards, SAFETY (91-W.Smith).; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 4 (Q4 0:17) — (:17) 12-L.McCown pass short right to 86-J.Stevens for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q4 0:14) — 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 0:17) — (:17) 12-L.McCown pass short right to 86-J.Stevens for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 18:15) — (3:15) (Shotgun) 12-L.McCown pass short right intended for 84-J.Galloway INTERCEPTED by 34-M.McKenzie at NO 47. 34-M.McKenzie for 53 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New Orleans Saints (Q4 3:36) — (3:36) 25-R.Bush FUMBLES (Aborted) at NO 37, RECOVERED by TB-71-J.Haye at NO 37. 71-J.Haye to NO 37 for no gain (9-D.Brees).
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 33:29) — (3:29) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep middle to 19-D.Henderson for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 45:38) — (:38) 12-L.McCown pass short left to 84-J.Galloway to NO 1 for 60 yards (29-J.Bullocks).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 18:15) — (3:15) (Shotgun) 12-L.McCown pass short right intended for 84-J.Galloway INTERCEPTED by 34-M.McKenzie at NO 47. 34-M.McKenzie for 53 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 33:29) — (3:29) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep middle to 19-D.Henderson for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 45:38) — (:38) 12-L.McCown pass short left to 84-J.Galloway to NO 1 for 60 yards (29-J.Bullocks).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 50:17) — (5:17) 3-M.Bryant 53 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell.
Quarterback report card
L.McCown led all passers in efficiency for Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- L.McCown (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 46 dropbacks · 63.0% completion · +8.3% CPOE · +0.15 EPA/play · +6.87 total EPA
- D.Brees (New Orleans Saints) · 29 dropbacks · 58.6% completion · +6.9% CPOE · +0.02 EPA/play · +0.66 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 | +0.059 | -0.055 |
| Offensive success rate | 46.0% | 47.8% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.149 | +0.023 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.132 | -0.149 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.055 | -0.059 |
| Defensive success rate | 52.2% | 54.0% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Tampa Bay Buccaneers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.06 vs -0.06), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- New Orleans Saints: 11 drives, -3.77 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 11 drives, +5.16 total EPA, 7 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.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- J. Galloway (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- L. McCown (TB) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- D. Brees (NO) 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 54:58 · NO 9 · Score 3-0
(9:58) 3-M.Bryant 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 47:10 · TB 4 · Score 3-6
(2:10) 9-D.Brees pass short left to 18-T.Copper for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 47:05 · TB 2 · Score 3-7
2-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-7-S.Weatherford. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 44:26 · NO 1 · Score 9-7
(14:26) 12-L.McCown pass short right to 88-A.Becht for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q2 44:20 · NO 2 · Score 10-7
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q2 37:55 · NO 13 · Score 13-7
(7:55) 3-M.Bryant 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q2 33:29 · TB 45 · Score 13-13
(3:29) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep middle to 19-D.Henderson for 45 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q2 33:21 · TB 2 · Score 13-14
2-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-7-S.Weatherford. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q3 24:44 · NO 25 · Score 19-14
(9:44) 34-E.Graham right guard for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on NO-91-W.Smith, Personal Foul, offsetting. Penalty on TB-70-D.Penn, Personal Foul, offsetting. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q3 24:36 · NO 2 · Score 20-14
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q3 18:15 · NO 55 · Score 20-20
(3:15) (Shotgun) 12-L.McCown pass short right intended for 84-J.Galloway INTERCEPTED by 34-M.McKenzie at NO 47. 34-M.McKenzie for 53 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q3 18:05 · TB 2 · Score 20-21
2-O.Mare extra point is GOOD, Center-47-K.Houser, Holder-7-S.Weatherford. - New Orleans Saints Safety (+2) — Q4 3:52 · NO 93 · Score 20-23
(3:52) 12-L.McCown sacked in End Zone for -7 yards, SAFETY (91-W.Smith). - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 0:17 · NO 4 · Score 26-23
(:17) 12-L.McCown pass short right to 86-J.Stevens for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 0:14 · NO 2 · Score 27-23
3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the New Orleans Saints 27-23 in Week 13, 2007 on 2007-12-02.
What was the final score of Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints?
The final score was Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27, New Orleans Saints 23 (TB 27-23 NO) in Week 13, 2007 on 2007-12-02.
What was the score by quarter in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints?
Q1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3, New Orleans Saints 7; Q2: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10, New Orleans Saints 7; Q3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7, New Orleans Saints 7; Q4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7, New Orleans Saints 2; Final: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27, New Orleans Saints 23.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints?
New Orleans Saints touchdown — T. Copper (D. Brees pass) (Q1 47:10) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — A. Becht (L. McCown pass) (Q2 44:26) New Orleans Saints touchdown — D. Henderson (D. Brees pass) (Q2 33:29) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — E. Graham (Q3 24:44) New Orleans Saints touchdown — M. McKenzie (Q3 18:15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — J. Stevens (L. McCown pass) (Q4 0:17) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — M. Bryant (Q1 54:58, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — M. Bryant (Q2 37:55, 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?
L. McCown (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 63.0% completion, +8.3% CPOE, +0.15 EPA per dropback, +6.87 total passing EPA. D. Brees (New Orleans Saints), 58.6% completion, +6.9% CPOE, +0.02 EPA per dropback, +0.66 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints?
J. Galloway (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) led the game in total EPA with +11.84 on receiving plays. across 7 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-7.01 EPA): (3:15) (Shotgun) 12-L.McCown pass short right intended for 84-J.Galloway INTERCEPTED by 34-M.McKenzie at NO 47. 34-M.McKenzie for 53 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was +43.8%.
Was Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints a close game?
Yes — the margin was 4 points. Tampa Bay Buccaneers won 27-23 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 7-4 Now 8-4 W
New Orleans Saints
Entered 5-6 Now 5-7 L
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