Bruce Gradkowski played good enough to win his first start, but in the 4th quarter Reggie Bush showed why he was the best player in college football last season.  The Bucs punted late in the 4th quarter with a 21-17 lead, when Reggie Bush caught a punt at his own 35 yard-line and took it to the house to beat the Bucs.  Gradkowski played real well, completing 20 of 31 passes for 225 yards and 2 TDs.  Cadillac Williams finally had a good game, carrying the ball 20 times for 111 yards (5.6 ypc).  Mike Alstott scored a TD rushing, even though he only had 3 yards on 4 carries.  Joey Galloway had a great game catching 5 passes for 118 yards (23.6 avg) and a TD.  Galloway did however get called for a pick play late in the game that negated a long completion to Ike Hilliard.  TE Alex Smith caught 5 passes for 16 yards and a TD.

The defense had a rough time stopping the Saints offense.  The Saints pushed them around in the running game, carrying the ball 25 times for 143 yards (5.7 ypc).  The Saints completed 21 of 33 passes for 171 net yards passing.

The Bucs played a pretty good game, but close only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades.