New Orleans leads 16-9, including 3-2 since the formation of the NFC South.
LAST MEETING: Led by quarterback Brian Griese, the Bucs won their first game of the season 20-17 on Oct. 10 at the Superdome. Second-year quarterback Chris Simms made his first career start but left in the first quarter with a shoulder injury. Griese was 16-of-19 for 194 yards and one touchdown in three quarters. Cornerback Ronde Barber returned a fumble 18 yards.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS: Tampa Bay has won consecutive games after losing three straight. ... The franchise got its first regular-season victory against the Saints, 33-14 on Dec. 11, 1977, at the Superdome. The team tied an NFL record, since broken, with three interceptions returned for touchdowns. More than 8,000 fans greeted the team upon its arrival at One Buc Place.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
SAINTS: Running back Deuce McAllister has given the Bucs fits in recent seasons. While the passing game has produced sporadic performances, McAllister has three 100-yard games and a 99-yard effort in the past five meetings. Defensive ends Charles Grant, Darren Howard and Will Smith have combined for 22 of the team's 27 sacks.
BUCS: Dewayne White will make his first start at defensive end after filling in the past seven games at defensive tackle. Too good to keep off the field, White had 5.5 sacks in seven games. End Greg Spires will start at under tackle. Receiver Joey Galloway, fighting through groin and hamstring injuries, has emerged as a deep threat. He has nine catches for 141 yards and three touchdowns the past two games.
