The Buccaneers won the overtime coin toss, but based on the team's defensive performance to that point, Perkins decided to kick off in overtime to get the advantage of having the 25-mph wind at their backs. The unusual move backfired, as a pair of Irving Fryar receptions set up Jason Staurovsky's 27-yard field goal that won the game for the Patriots without the Buccaneers ever getting a chance to touch the ball. It was the first overtime win in franchise history for the Patriots, who were facing playoff elimination with a loss.
The Buccaneers secured the upper hand in overtime with the coin toss win, but their solid defensive performance prior to the extra period led Perkins to initiate a kickoff, which would give them an advantage of playing into the wind. Unfortunately for the Buccaneers, this tactic ultimately proved unsuccessful.