NEW ORLEANS—The Bucs were tough on themselves after dropping a 24-20 decision to the Saints in the season opener at the Superdome.

MLB Barrett Ruud, whose crushing hit against QB Drew Brees led to Phillip Buchanon’s 26-yard TD off an interception return, said Tampa Bay’s defense needs to sharpen up its pursuit angles and tackle better in the wake of a 438-yard outburst by New Orleans.

CB Ronde Barber said he got his foot tangled up with WR Devery Henderson’s on an 84-yard TD catch late in the third quarter that marks the second-longest reception against the Bucs in franchise history.

WR Ike Hilliard, who caught six passes for 45 yards, including a 2-yard scoring catch that briefly put the Bucs ahead 20-17, lamented missed opportunities.

“We had a good game plan coming in, but I just feel we left a ton of points out there all during the game,’’ said Hilliard.

Tampa Bay converted only 2-of-12 on third down and punted eight times as Coach Jon Gruden fell to 2-5 in season openers with the Bucs.

“It’s my bad,’’ Gruden said. “It’s obviously bad coaching. We just didn’t make the plays. I didn’t call a very good game.’’

The Bucs will look to regroup in Sunday’s home opener against the Falcons, who surprised Detroit in Week 1 behind a solid effort by rookie QB Matt Ryan.

“Today was a division game and it’s important,’’ said DT Chris Hovan. “I won’t lie. But I also know we’ll take care of what we did wrong and this team will bounce back.’’