National Football League
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC/South
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Buccaneers History
The expansion team Tampa Bay Buccaneers took the field for their first game on September 12, 1976 and were led by legendary USC coach John McKay. Even coach McKay could not help the startup team as they failed to produce a win going 0-14 while being outscored 412-125. The next season, the losing continued and would continue for 26 games until a 33-14 victory over the hapless New Orleans Saints. They would win one more game and finished their sophomore season at 2-12
It would not be until the Buccaneers 4th season (1979) that the team would make the playoffs with a 9-7 record. In the first round they faced the Philadelphia, defeating the Eagles 24-17. They moved on to face LA Rams in a torrential downpour. The Rams sailed by the Bucs 9-0 dashing the Bucs hope of a championship year.
The Bucs would not find themselves in the NFC Championship game for two decades as the team finished out the 1999 season with a franchise best 11-5 record. The team again met up with the LA Rams and both teams battled until a controversial call kept the Bucs from achieving a first down and allowing the Rams to squeak out an 11-6 victory.
In 2002, the Bucs would finally emerge from the NFC after beating the Eagles 27-10 and earning the right to face the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVIII. The Bucs enjoyed success early as their defense shut down the number one rated Oakland offense taking a 20-3 lead into halftime. The second half saw the Raiders fight back as they closed within 14 points at 34-21. The Bucs defense again stiffened as Derrick Brooks returned an interception 44 yards for a touchdown and 41-21 lead. The defense then intercepted another Rich Gannon pass and Dwight Smith returned it 50 yards for a touchdown. The final outcome, Buccaneers 48, Rams 21 and the Bucs were crowned Super Bowl Champions. The Bucs have failed to make it back to the NFC Championship game.
The Saints have made the playoffs 10 times in 33 years and have won their division 1 time (2002). They have won their conference 1 time (1998), and have appeared and won in their only Super Bowl (2002).
The team has had 2 Hall of Famers on their rosters: (1982 Lee Roy Selmon and 2006 Derrick Brooks)
The team has retired 2 jerseys: #40 Mike Alstott and #63 Lee Roy Selmon.
Team Awards include 2 Offensive Rookie of the Year Awards (1997 Warrick Dunn and 2005 Carnell Williams) and 3 Defensive Player of the Year Awards (1979 Lee Roy Selmon, 1999 Warren Sapp and 2002 Derrick Brooks).
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