The rivalry intensified when both teams were assigned to the newly established NFC South division in the 2002 season, resulting in two annual meetings.

While the Buccaneers began to assert themselves with a strong defensive play, the Saints ultimately dominated the rivalry throughout the era of Sean Payton and Drew Brees.

The Buccaneers began their first five drives in Saints territory, scoring on two Dave Green field goals, and a five-yard pass touchdown from Gary Huff to Morris Owens.

[7][8][9] Before the game, John McKay had read the team an article in which Saints quarterback Archie Manning stated that it would be disgraceful to lose to Tampa Bay.

In Week 15 of 2001, Tampa Bay entered the game against the Saints needing a victory to stay in playoff contention.

In the first half, Williams, Mike Alstott and Warrick Dunn each scored touchdowns, while Martin Gramatica added three field goals.

Tampa Bay would go on to clinch a playoff spot, but eventually lost to Philadelphia in the wild card round.

In 2002, Tampa Bay began the Jon Gruden era with a home game against the Saints on a humid 90 °F afternoon.

The game hosted by New Orleans was played at Tiger Stadium at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

During the first meeting in Week 5, Tampa Bay entered the game winless, and was under the helm of rookie quarterback Bruce Gradkowski.

Tampa Bay led 21–17 late in the fourth quarter when Reggie Bush returned a punt 65-yards for a touchdown to give the Saints a 24–21 victory.

In week 13, a dramatic finish saw Tampa Bay sweep the series, and put themselves in the driver's seat for the division title.

The Saints still clinched home field advantage in the playoffs, and eventually advanced to Super Bowl XLIV, where they defeated the Indianapolis Colts to win their first championship, and likewise break the 33-year-old "Tampa Bay Curse."

In the final seconds, Josh Freeman threw a potential game-tying touchdown pass in the back of the end zone to wide receiver Mike Williams, which would have sent the game to overtime with a successful PAT.

The Saints would also sweep the Buccaneers in 2013 and 2014, extending their winning streak over their rivals to seven games, the longest by either team in the series' history.

In the week 17, Tampa Bay scored a game-winning touchdown with 9 seconds left in regulation to upset the playoff-bound Saints.

Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan was vocal in dismissing the Buccaneers' offseason additions, saying that Brady was "preparing for arthritis come Week 1", calling him the "second-best quarterback of all time", and even saying the Bucs were fighting for "second place" in the NFC South.

He also referred to rookie offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs as "fresh meat" on Twitter on the night of the 2020 NFL draft, when the Buccaneers traded up to select him with the 13th overall pick.

The Buccaneers started strong jumping to a 7–0 lead in the first quarters, but two interceptions from Brady, including a Janoris Jenkins pick six, cost Tampa Bay.

The two teams met again at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday Night Football in Week 9, and the Saints would beat the Buccaneers, 38-3, the most lopsided loss of Brady's career.

The win resulted in a regular season sweep for the Saints, marking the first time Brady was swept by a divisional rival.

The Saints gained attention for dancing in the Buccaneers' locker room, Jordan continuing to talk trash, and Winston "eating a W" as he did to motivate the Bucs to beat New Orleans before their 2017 Week 9 matchup.

Drew Brees said the matchup was "inevitable" and Tom Brady teased the game on his Instagram page, stating "Round 2 next, who do you guys want to us play?

Brady scored three total touchdowns (two passing, one rushing), while Brees threw three interceptions and Michael Thomas was held to no catches against a stout Buccaneers defense.

Injuries added fuel to the fire as in Week 8, Jameis Winston suffered a torn ACL and damaged MCL after being horse-collared by linebacker Devin White.

In Week 15, Chris Godwin suffered a torn ACL and concussion after being hit in the legs by P. J. Williams and Leonard Fournette's hamstring was injured after being brought to the ground by Christian Ringo.

In Week 2 of the 2022 NFL season, the Saints hosted Tampa Bay and tempers flared once more between Evans and Lattimore.

With 12:55 remaining in the fourth quarter, Brady complained to the ref after no flag was called when Marshon Lattimore committed defensive pass interference on Scotty Miller.

[19] After the game, many players dismissed Jordan's comments, with Tristan Wirfs stating "I guess it's not much of a rivalry anymore, according to 94...For them to downplay it?

"[20] In the 2024 season, the Buccaneers adjusted their travel plans for their game against the Saints in New Orleans on October 13 because of Hurricane Milton.