Quick answer
- Winner
- New Orleans Saints
- Final score
- New Orleans Saints 35–28 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Halftime
- New Orleans Saints 28–21 Tampa Bay Buccaneers at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- D. Brees
- Top passer
- J. Freeman
- Biggest EPA play
- (6:39) 5-J.Freeman pass deep left to 83-V.Jackson to NO 1 for 95 yards (27-M.Jenkins).
- Game date
- 2012-10-21
Game summary
The New Orleans Saints beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35–28 on 2012-10-21. D. Brees posted a game-high +22.65 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 28 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q4 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 New Orleans Saints | 7 | 21 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 35 |
 Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
NONew Orleans Saints(12:27) (Shotgun) 5-J.Freeman pass short middle to 11-T.Underwood for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
(6:05) 22-D.Martin left guard for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
(1:55) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 12-M.Colston for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld.
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel.
(13:26) 5-J.Freeman pass short left to 83-V.Jackson for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld.
10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
(9:34) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 43-D.Sproles for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel.
(4:47) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 13-J.Morgan for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel.
(:21) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep middle to 85-D.Thomas for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel.
(13:31) 23-P.Thomas right guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel.
(4:16) (Shotgun) 5-J.Freeman pass short middle to 44-D.Clark for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on NO-50-C.Lofton, Defensive Holding, declined.
10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
TBTampa Bay BuccaneersFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q1 12:27TD TUT. UnderwoodPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 13
- Score
- 0-6
(12:27) (Shotgun) 5-J.Freeman pass short middle to 11-T.Underwood for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q1 12:22XP CBC. BarthPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 2
- Score
- 0-7
10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q1 6:05TD DMD. MartinPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 36
- Score
- 0-13
(6:05) 22-D.Martin left guard for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q1 5:55XP CBC. BarthPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 2
- Score
- 0-14
10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 1:55TD MCM. ColstonPoints+6
- Yard line
- TB 17
- Score
- 6-14
(1:55) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 12-M.Colston for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q1 1:46XP GHG. HartleyPoints+1
- Yard line
- TB 2
- Score
- 7-14
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q2 13:26TD VJV. JacksonPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 17
- Score
- 7-20
(13:26) 5-J.Freeman pass short left to 83-V.Jackson for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q2 13:18XP CBC. BarthPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 2
- Score
- 7-21
10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 9:34TD DSD. SprolesPoints+6
- Yard line
- TB 9
- Score
- 13-21
(9:34) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 43-D.Sproles for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 9:24XP GHG. HartleyPoints+1
- Yard line
- TB 2
- Score
- 14-21
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 4:47TD Jordan MorganPoints+6
- Yard line
- TB 48
- Score
- 20-21
(4:47) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 13-J.Morgan for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 4:35XP GHG. HartleyPoints+1
- Yard line
- TB 2
- Score
- 21-21
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 0:21TD Drake ThomasPoints+6
- Yard line
- TB 20
- Score
- 27-21
(:21) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep middle to 85-D.Thomas for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q2 0:15XP GHG. HartleyPoints+1
- Yard line
- TB 2
- Score
- 28-21
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 13:31TD PTP. ThomasPoints+6
- Yard line
- TB 5
- Score
- 34-21
(13:31) 23-P.Thomas right guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- NONew Orleans Saints
Q4 13:23XP GHG. HartleyPoints+1
- Yard line
- TB 2
- Score
- 35-21
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q4 4:16TD Dean ClarkPoints+6
- Yard line
- NO 3
- Score
- 35-27
(4:16) (Shotgun) 5-J.Freeman pass short middle to 44-D.Clark for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on NO-50-C.Lofton, Defensive Holding, declined.
- TBTampa Bay Buccaneers
Q4 4:10XP CBC. BarthPoints+1
- Yard line
- NO 2
- Score
- 35-28
10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1D. Brees · New Orleans Saints · Passing · +22.65 total EPA · 37 snaps · +0.61 EPA/play
- 2J. Freeman · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +21.61 total EPA · 49 snaps · +0.44 EPA/play
- 3V. Jackson · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +14.10 total EPA · 14 snaps · +1.01 EPA/play
- 4Louis Moore · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +9.61 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.96 EPA/play
- 5Dean Clark · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +6.19 total EPA · 6 snaps · +1.03 EPA/play
- 6Darrell Henderson · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +5.48 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.83 EPA/play
- 7Jordan Morgan · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +3.93 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.97 EPA/play
- 8D. Sproles · New Orleans Saints · Receiving · +3.88 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.97 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
D. Brees — NO · Passing
D. Brees posted the highest total EPA (+22.65) in the game, the strongest overall impact for New Orleans Saints. Across 37 counted snaps, they averaged +0.61 EPA per play.
D. Brees's top snap (-5.46 EPA): (12:41) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle intended for 12-M.Colston INTERCEPTED by 20-R.Barber (93-G.McCoy) at NO 43. 20-R.Barber ran ob at NO 13 for 30 yards.
Biggest single play (+7.06 EPA): J. Freeman — (6:39) 5-J.Freeman pass deep left to 83-V.Jackson to NO 1 for 95 yards (27-M.Jenkins).
Quarterback report card
J. Freeman led all passers in efficiency for Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J. Freeman (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 49 dropbacks · 49.0% completion · +1.9% CPOE · +0.44 EPA/play · +21.61 total EPA
- D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) · 37 dropbacks · 73.0% completion · +14.3% CPOE · +0.61 EPA/play · +22.65 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | New Orleans Saints | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.303 | +0.154 |
| Offensive success rate | 53.7% | 38.5% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.612 | +0.441 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.099 | -0.115 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.154 | -0.303 |
| Defensive success rate | 61.5% | 46.3% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, New Orleans Saints generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.30 vs +0.15), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- New Orleans Saints: +0.30 EPA/play (98th percentile vs. 2012 team-game averages)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: +0.15 EPA/play (83rd percentile vs. 2012 team-game averages)
- New Orleans Saints: 10 drives, +24.83 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 11 drives, +14.05 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — T. Underwood (J. Freeman pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — D. Martin
- New Orleans Saints — M. Colston (D. Brees pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — V. Jackson (J. Freeman pass)
- New Orleans Saints — D. Sproles (D. Brees pass)
- New Orleans Saints — Jordan Morgan (D. Brees pass)
- New Orleans Saints — Drake Thomas (D. Brees pass)
- New Orleans Saints — P. Thomas
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Dean Clark (J. Freeman pass)
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 14–7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 13 (Q1 12:27) — (12:27) (Shotgun) 5-J.Freeman pass short middle to 11-T.Underwood for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q1 12:22) — 10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 36 (Q1 6:05) — (6:05) 22-D.Martin left guard for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q1 5:55) — 10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 17 (Q1 1:55); New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q1 1:46) — 5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel..
The second quarter: New Orleans Saints won the period 21–7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 17 (Q2 13:26); Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q2 13:18) — 10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-M.Koenen.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 9 (Q2 9:34) — (9:34) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 43-D.Sproles for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q2 9:24) — 5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 48 (Q2 4:47) — (4:47) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 13-J.Morgan for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q2 4:35) — 5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel.; New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 20 (Q2 0:21) — (:21) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep middle to 85-D.Thomas for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q2 0:15) — 5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. New Orleans Saints found the end zone from the TB 5 (Q4 13:31) — (13:31) 23-P.Thomas right guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New Orleans Saints added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q4 13:23) — 5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the NO 3 (Q4 4:16); Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the NO 2 (Q4 4:10) — 10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-M.Koenen..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 6:39) — (6:39) 5-J.Freeman pass deep left to 83-V.Jackson to NO 1 for 95 yards (27-M.Jenkins).
- New Orleans Saints (Q1 12:41) — (12:41) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle intended for 12-M.Colston INTERCEPTED by 20-R.Barber (93-G.McCoy) at NO 43. 20-R.Barber ran ob at NO 13 for 30 yards.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 4:47) — (4:47) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 13-J.Morgan for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 11:26) — (11:26) (Shotgun) 5-J.Freeman pass deep right to 83-V.Jackson to NO 27 for 28 yards (33-J.Greer).
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 0:21) — (:21) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep middle to 85-D.Thomas for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 6:39) — (6:39) 5-J.Freeman pass deep left to 83-V.Jackson to NO 1 for 95 yards (27-M.Jenkins).
- New Orleans Saints (Q1 12:41) — (12:41) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle intended for 12-M.Colston INTERCEPTED by 20-R.Barber (93-G.McCoy) at NO 43. 20-R.Barber ran ob at NO 13 for 30 yards.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 4:47) — (4:47) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 13-J.Morgan for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- New Orleans Saints (Q2 0:21) — (:21) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep middle to 85-D.Thomas for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q1 12:27 · NO 13 · Score 0-6
(12:27) (Shotgun) 5-J.Freeman pass short middle to 11-T.Underwood for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q1 12:22 · NO 2 · Score 0-7
10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q1 6:05 · NO 36 · Score 0-13
(6:05) 22-D.Martin left guard for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q1 5:55 · NO 2 · Score 0-14
10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q1 1:55 · TB 17 · Score 6-14
(1:55) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 12-M.Colston for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q1 1:46 · TB 2 · Score 7-14
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 13:26 · NO 17 · Score 7-20
(13:26) 5-J.Freeman pass short left to 83-V.Jackson for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q2 13:18 · NO 2 · Score 7-21
10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-M.Koenen. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q2 9:34 · TB 9 · Score 13-21
(9:34) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short right to 43-D.Sproles for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q2 9:24 · TB 2 · Score 14-21
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q2 4:47 · TB 48 · Score 20-21
(4:47) 9-D.Brees pass deep right to 13-J.Morgan for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q2 4:35 · TB 2 · Score 21-21
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q2 0:21 · TB 20 · Score 27-21
(:21) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass deep middle to 85-D.Thomas for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q2 0:15 · TB 2 · Score 28-21
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel. - New Orleans Saints TD (+6) — Q4 13:31 · TB 5 · Score 34-21
(13:31) 23-P.Thomas right guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - New Orleans Saints XP (+1) — Q4 13:23 · TB 2 · Score 35-21
5-G.Hartley extra point is GOOD, Center-47-J.Drescher, Holder-10-C.Daniel. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 4:16 · NO 3 · Score 35-27
(4:16) (Shotgun) 5-J.Freeman pass short middle to 44-D.Clark for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on NO-50-C.Lofton, Defensive Holding, declined. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q4 4:10 · NO 2 · Score 35-28
10-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-M.Koenen.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- New Orleans Saints earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- D. Brees (NO) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers on 2012-10-21?
The New Orleans Saints beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35-28 in Week 7, 2012.
What was the score by quarter in New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Q1: New Orleans Saints 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14; Q2: New Orleans Saints 21, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Q4: New Orleans Saints 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Final: New Orleans Saints 35, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — T. Underwood (J. Freeman pass) (Q1 12:27) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — D. Martin (Q1 6:05) New Orleans Saints touchdown — M. Colston (D. Brees pass) (Q1 1:55) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — V. Jackson (J. Freeman pass) (Q2 13:26) New Orleans Saints touchdown — D. Sproles (D. Brees pass) (Q2 9:34) New Orleans Saints touchdown — J. Morgan (D. Brees pass) (Q2 4:47) New Orleans Saints touchdown — D. Thomas (D. Brees pass) (Q2 0:21) New Orleans Saints touchdown — P. Thomas (Q4 13:31) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — D. Clark (J. Freeman pass) (Q4 4:16) 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?
J. Freeman (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 49.0% completion, +1.9% CPOE, +0.44 EPA per dropback, +21.61 total passing EPA. D. Brees (New Orleans Saints), 73.0% completion, +14.3% CPOE, +0.61 EPA per dropback, +22.65 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
D. Brees (New Orleans Saints) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +22.65 total EPA on Passing plays. across 37 snaps. Their top snap (-5.46 EPA): (12:41) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass short middle intended for 12-M.Colston INTERCEPTED by 20-R.Barber (93-G.McCoy) at NO 43. 20-R.Barber ran ob at NO 13 for 30 yards..
Was New Orleans Saints vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. New Orleans Saints won 35-28 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.
Season records after this game
New Orleans Saints
Entered 1-4 Now 2-4 W
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 2-3 Now 2-4 L
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