1978 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season

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1978 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
Owner
NFC Central
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro BowlersNT Dave Pear
AP All-ProsDE Lee Roy Selmon
Team MVPLB Dewey Selmon

The 1978 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's third season in the National Football League the third playing their home games at Tampa Stadium and the third under head coach John McKay. As their two 1977 victories had been in the last two games of the season, they entered the 1978 season with the longest active winning streak in the NFC Central.

The Buccaneers entered the season with new offensive talent, having selected

John McKay, "All things being equal, Williams would have gone higher in the draft".[1] Second-year tight end Jimmie Giles, part of the trade that landed Williams, emerged as the Buccaneers’ first receiving threat and still holds several of their scoring records.[2]

Offseason

Offseason coaching changes led to continued accusations of disorganization, as vice-president of operations Ron Wolf resigned, citing only "personal matters".[3] This renewed speculation that head coach John McKay, who replaced Wolf with two of his own longtime assistants, was trying to consolidate front-office power.[4] The coaching staff was reshuffled, with Tom Bass being named defensive coordinator, and offensive coordinator Joe Gibbs hired away from the St. Louis Cardinals.[5][6] Offensive line coach Jerry Frei left to take the same position with the Chicago Bears.[7]

Tight end Bob Moore was traded, along with a 1979 first-round draft pick, for three-time All-Pro Bears defensive end Wally Chambers. The Buccaneers were widely considered to have given up too much in the trade, as Chambers was coming off of major knee surgery and was considered by many to be "damaged merchandise", and the Buccaneers were left with minimal experience at tight end.[8][9] The trade was also criticized on the grounds that the Buccaneers did not require Chambers to undergo a team physical, despite his injury history.[10] Council Rudolph, the only player who had started in all 28 of the Buccaneers’ games to date, was made expendable by the trade and was dealt to the Miami Dolphins for a draft pick.[11]

Preseason speculation ran high about what would happen with the Buccaneers’ first overall choice in the

Anthony Davis to the Oilers for Don Hardeman.[16]

NFL draft

1978 Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 17 Doug Williams  QB Grambling State from Houston
2 30 Johnny Davis  RB Alabama
2 44 Brett Moritz  G Nebraska from Houston
6 162 Elijah Marshall  WR NC State from
Los Angeles
8 196 John McGriff  LB Miami (FL)
9 223 Willie Taylor  WR Pittsburgh
10 252 Aaron Brown  LB Ohio State
12 308 Kevin McLee  RB Georgia
      Made roster  

[17]

Draft trades

The Buccaneers' first overall selection in the

1978 draft was traded to the Houston Oilers in exchange for four draft picks and tight end Jimmie Giles. The Oilers used the pick to select running back Earl Campbell. The Buccaneers’ 3rd-, 4th-, and 6th round picks were traded to the Oakland Raiders for guard Dan Medlin, tackle Jeff Winans, and linebacker Rik Bonness, respectively. Their 5th-round pick was traded to the Miami Dolphins for cornerback Jeris White. The Buccaneers received a 6th-round pick from the Los Angeles Rams for center Dan Ryczek. Their 7th-round pick was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in return for kicker Allan Leavitt. Their 11th-round pick, along with a second 10th-rounder obtained from the Raiders, were traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in return for defensive tackle Ernie Holmes.[14][18]

Draft selections

The Buccaneers had a reduced number of selections in what was considered to have been the weakest draft in a long time.

Preseason

Doug Williams’ first preseason pass, a 75-yard incompletion that sailed 10 yards past receiver

1979 3rd-round draft pick was sent to the Dolphins as NFL-ordered compensation.[28] Johnny Davis and Jimmy DuBose performed so well in the preseason that newly acquired fullback Don Hardeman was sent to the Baltimore Colts for a future draft pick. Wins in their first three preseason games, combined with the two wins at the end of the previous season, gave the Buccaneers the longest active NFL win streak going into the final preseason game.[29] That game, a loss to the Dolphins, was the first Buccaneers game to sell out.[30]

Regular season

The Buccaneers opened the season, like the other 1976 expansion team

NFC Central.[39] Nose tackle Dave Pear became the first Buccaneer selected to the Pro Bowl, finishing third in voting among defensive tackles behind Randy White and Larry Brooks.[40] Linebacker Richard Wood's 168 tackles stood for 14 years as a team record.[41]

Personnel

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1978 roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists

Practice squad

rookies in italics
starter = *

[42][43][44]

Coaching staff

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1978 coaching staff
Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

 

Defensive coaches

  • Chief assistant/defensive line – Abe Gibron
  • Defensive coordinator/linebackers – Tom Bass
  • Defensive backs – Wayne Fontes
  • Special teams –
    Phil Krueger

[45][46]

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance
1 September 2 New York Giants L 13–19 0–1 Tampa Stadium 67,456
2 September 9 Detroit Lions L 7–15 0–2 Tampa Stadium 64,443
3 September 17 at Minnesota Vikings W 16–10 1–2 Metropolitan Stadium 46,152
4 September 24 Atlanta Falcons W 14–9 2–2 Tampa Stadium 58,073
5 October 1 Minnesota Vikings L 7–24 2–3 Tampa Stadium 65,972
6 October 8 at Kansas City Chiefs W 30–13 3–3 Arrowhead Stadium 38,201
7 October 15 at New York Giants L 14–17 3–4 Giants Stadium 68,025
8 October 22 Chicago Bears W 33–19 4–4 Tampa Stadium 68,146
9 October 29 at Green Bay Packers L 7–9 4–5 Lambeau Field 55,108
10 November 5 at Los Angeles Rams L 23–26 4–6 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 55,182
11 November 12 at Detroit Lions L 23–34 4–7 Pontiac Silverdome 60,320
12 November 19 Buffalo Bills W 31–10 5–7 Tampa Stadium 61,383
13 November 26 at Chicago Bears L 3–14 5–8 Soldier Field 42,373
14 December 3 Green Bay Packers L 7–17 5–9 Tampa Stadium 67,754
15 December 10 at San Francisco 49ers L 3–6 5–10 Candlestick Park 30,931
16 December 17 New Orleans Saints L 10–17 5–11 Tampa Stadium 51,207
Note: Division opponents in bold text.

Standings

NFC Central
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
Minnesota Vikings(3) 8 7 1 .531 5–2–1 7–4–1 294 306 L2
Green Bay Packers 8 7 1 .531 5–2–1 6–5–1 249 269 L2
Detroit Lions 7 9 0 .438 4–4 5–7 290 300 W2
Chicago Bears 7 9 0 .438 3–5 7–5 253 274 W2
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5 11 0 .313 2–6 3–11 241 259 L4

Game summaries

Week 1: vs New York Giants

Week One: New York Giants at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Giants 7 3 6319
Buccaneers 7 3 0313

at Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: September 2
  • Game time: 8:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 83 °F (28 °C)
  • Game attendance: 67,456
  • Referee: Don Wedge
  • Box score
Game information

The New York Giants scored ten points off of Buccaneer interceptions en route to an upset victory. The Buccaneers rushed for 165 yards, but were held to field goals on drives deep in Giants territory.[47] Doug Williams suffered a badly bruised shoulder when tackled by Gary Jeter in the first quarter, and was replaced by Gary Huff.[48] Terry Jackson returned Williams’ early interception, called by John McKay a "terrible blunder", for a touchdown.[49] Williams completed only one of six passes before leaving with the injury. The Buccaneers took the lead on a 2-yard Jimmy DuBose touchdown and a Neil O'Donoghue field goal, but Joe Pisarcik's 67-yard pass to Johnny Perkins gave the Giants the lead for good.[50]

Week 2: vs Detroit Lions

Week Two: Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Lions 9 3 0315
Buccaneers 7 0 007

at Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: September 9
  • Game time: 8:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 83 °F (28 °C)
  • Game attendance: 64,443
  • Referee: Cal Lepore
  • Box score
Game information

The Detroit Lions held the Buccaneers to 101 yards of total offense, 56 yards of which came on a first-quarter Ricky Bell run. Bell scored the Buccaneers’ only touchdown on a 1-yard plunge.[51] The Buccaneers were hurt by penalties and turnovers, fumbling four times in the first quarter alone. A Lions drive late in the first half was extended twice by Buc penalties, the first when Curtis Jordan ran into punter Tom Skladany, and the second when Dave Pear's late hit on Lions quarterback Greg Landry knocked Landry out of the game. This penalty nullified a Mike Washington interception, and resulted in one of Benny Ricardo's three field goals. Buc passers were sacked seven times.[52] Mike Boryla started the game for the Buccaneers, but was replaced by Gary Huff. Coming off of the previous season's knee injury, Boryla declared his recovering knee too sore to play on, and went back on injured reserve after the game.[53]

Week 3: at Minnesota Vikings

Week Three: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 3 6 7016
Vikings 7 0 0310

at Metropolitan Stadium, Bloomington, Minnesota

  • Date: September 17
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m. EDT / 1:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 59 °F (15 °C)
  • Game attendance: 46,152
  • Referee: Ben Dreith
  • Box score
Game information

The Buccaneers took advantage of Minnesota Vikings mistakes to get an upset and their first win of the season. The Buccaneers scored on a 5-yard pass from Doug Williams to Morris Owens, after a live ball that had hit a Viking on a punt return was recovered by Billy Cesare on the Vikings’ 5-yard line. Vikings coach Bud Grant later claimed that returner Kevin Miller never touched the ball, and blamed the loss on the officials.[54] Fran Tarkenton completed 23 of 31 passes for 180 yards, but threw two interceptions and was replaced by Tommy Kramer in the final two minutes. Kramer promptly threw an interception to Cecil Johnson.[55] Tarkenton also hit Ahmad Rashad for a 4-yard touchdown to finish a 63-yard first-quarter drive. Later, Jeris White's interception of a Tarkenton pass would lead to a 2-yard Ricky Bell touchdown run. The Buccaneers’ defense, still steamed over Tarkenton's comments two years earlier that the Buccaneers would be his preferred AFC opponent in the Super Bowl, held the Vikings to 73 yards rushing and sacked Tarkenton four times.[56] They also came through big by holding the Vikings to a field goal, following a bizarre play in which the Vikings recovered a live ball on a failed field goal attempt and returned it for 80 yards.[57] Grant called the game a defensive contest, saying that there were no good offensive plays in the entire match. John McKay said that "when we shut off their running game, we knew we were in the game and could get 'em", and that the Buccaneers should have a 3–0 record. The game left the two teams tied with 1–2 records.[58]

Week 4: vs Atlanta Falcons

Week Four: Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Falcons 2 0 709
Buccaneers 7 0 0714

at Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: September 24
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 78 °F (26 °C)
  • Game attendance: 58,073
  • Referee: Gordon McCarter
  • Box score
Game information

Larry Franklin was signed to fill his roster spot.[63]

Week 5: vs Minnesota Vikings

Game information

Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton completed 20 of 31 passes for 213 yards. He passed for a touchdown to Sammy White, and set up a rushing touchdown by Robert Miller. Doug Williams completed a Buccaneer-record 16 of 35 passes for 311 yards, including a 56-yard touchdown to Morris Owens.[64] Alan Page blocked a Dave Green punt that was returned for the final touchdown. The Vikings also blocked an earlier field goal attempt, described by John McKay as looking like "The ball was snapped like a dying quail and about 25 men came through to block it".[65] As opposed to the previous meeting, the Vikings played error-free football.[66]

Week 6: at Kansas City Chiefs

Week Six: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 10 02030
Chiefs 3 0 01013

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: October 8
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m. EDT / 1:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C)
  • Game attendance: 38,201
  • Referee: Gene Barth
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Thacker and Roman Gabriel
  • Box score
Game information

The Buccaneers, playing with the goal of keeping the Kansas City ChiefsWing-T offense on the bench as much as possible, held them to little more than half of their regular rushing average. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers’ offense had their most productive day ever, setting a team record with three fourth-quarter touchdowns. Jimmy DuBose ran for two touchdowns and Louis Carter for one, and Doug Williams threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Morris Owens. Kansas City was held to a pair of Jan Stenerud field goals for most of the game. A fourth-quarter Tony Adams pass was ruled a touchdown, although replays showed that receiver Henry Marshall failed to keep both of his feet inbounds.[67] Richard Wood was given much of the credit for stifling the Chiefs’ league-leading rushing attack. Wood correctly expected that Chiefs offensive coordinator Tom Pagna would run the offense straight at him, as he did when Wood played at USC and Pagna coached at Notre Dame. Pagna assumed incorrectly that the undersized Wood would be overpowered, but Wood instead responded by making 12 tackles.[68] This was the Buccaneers’ third consecutive road win, and came one day after the Kansas City Royals were eliminated from the American League pennant race.[69]

Week 7: at New York Giants

Week Seven: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Giants – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 14 0014
Giants 3 0 01417

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

  • Date: October 15
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 49 °F (9 °C)
  • Game attendance: 68,025
  • Referee: Jerry Markbreit
  • Box score

The New York Giants capitalized on two late turnovers to come from behind for the win. Giants linebacker Harry Carson intercepted a Doug Williams pass, then recovered a Louis Carter fumble. Both turnovers led to touchdown runs by Larry Csonka.[70] Neil O'Donoghue missed on a last-minute 42-yard field goal attempt into strong winds.[71] Doug Williams was 7-for-27 passing, with two interceptions. The second of these interceptions proved very costly, as Jimmy DuBose suffered what turned out to be a career-ending knee injury while trying to make a tackle on the return. This occurred only four plays after DuBose's 109 yards rushing made him the first Buccaneer rusher to pass the 100-yard mark in a game.[72] Jerry Golsteyn replaced Joe Pisarcik at quarterback for the Giants, and led both of the fourth-quarter winning drives.[73]

Week 8: vs Chicago Bears

Week Eight: Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bears 0 10 6319
Buccaneers 6 7 61433

at Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: October 22
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C)
  • Game attendance: 68,146
  • Referee: Fred Wyant
  • Box score

The Chicago Bears expected to face the mistake-prone Buccaneer team they had seen in game films, but were instead confronted with an efficient team that controlled the ball and took advantage of Bears mistakes.[74] Doug Williams threw touchdown passes to Jim Obradovich and Morris Owens, and unexpectedly ran for some key first downs. Gary Fencik intercepted him at the goal line on one drive, but the Bears failed to gain a first down on the ensuing possession.[75] Ricky Bell, until recently seeing primary duty blocking for Jimmy DuBose, returned to his lead runner spot and gained 95 yards on 28 carries. He was awarded a game ball for his effort.[76] Dave Lewis intercepted Bob Avellini twice in the final two minutes, and the Buccaneers’ defense held Walter Payton to a season-low 34 yards rushing in the Bears’ fifth consecutive loss.[77] The Buccaneers made several changes in starting lineup going into the game: Wally Chambers made his first start of the year, Johnny Davis replaced the injured DuBose at fullback, and recently acquired Frank Grant got the start at wide receiver.[78]

Week 9: at Green Bay Packers

Week Nine: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 0 707
Packers 6 0 039

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

  • Date: October 29
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m. EST / 1:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 40 °F (4 °C)
  • Game attendance: 55,108
  • Referee: Fred Silva
  • Box score

The Green Bay Packers held the Buccaneers without a first down or completed pass for the first 37 minutes of the game. The Buccaneers took the lead on a 2-yard Ricky Bell run that was set up by a Morris Owens reception of a 53-yard Doug Williams pass. Chester Marcol kicked the game-winning field goal. Neil O'Donoghue missed two field goals in the contest.[79] Williams’ final pass was intercepted by Willie Buchanon. The Buccaneers shut down running back Terdell Middleton and knocked quarterback David Whitehurst dizzy, but Whitehurst returned to lead the game-winning 50-yard drive.[80] Tampa Bay's uncharacteristic move to a man-to-man defense left Steve Odom open to catch Whitehurst's 18-yard pass on a fourth down during that drive.[81]

Week 10: at Los Angeles Rams

Week Ten: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Los Angeles Rams – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 6 31423
Rams 3 14 3626

at

Los Angeles, California

  • Date: November 5
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST / 1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 64 °F (18 °C)
  • Game attendance: 55,182
  • Referee: Jim Tunney
  • Box score

Three Buccaneer starters went out with injuries, most significantly Doug Williams, who suffered a broken jaw on a Jack Youngblood blitz. Darryl Carlton separated a shoulder, and Dewey Selmon broke his wrist. Mike Rae played in relief of Williams, completing 9 of 17 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown. The Rams double-covered both Buccaneer receivers, leaving no coverage to prevent Rae from rushing for 95 yards on four carries. Ricky Bell had his first 100-yard rushing day, with 21 carries for 104 yards.[82] The Buccaneers set several team records in this game: 209 yards was their highest rushing total yet, Bell's 555 yards were a Buccaneer single-season rushing record, and Neil O'Donoghue's 38 points were a new season scoring record.[83] Although the Rams were not on McKay's list of 18 teams that he felt the Buccaneers were competitive with,[84] Tampa Bay rallied to a 23–23 fourth-quarter tie before losing on a late Frank Corral field goal. It was the Buccaneers’ third fourth-quarter collapse in four weeks.[85] The Buccaneers’ performance drew cheers from the Los Angeles crowd, among whom McKay was still a popular figure.[86]

Week 11: at Detroit Lions

Week Eleven: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 13 01023
Lions 7 14 7634

at Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan

  • Date: November 12
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: None (played indoors)
  • Game attendance: 60,320
  • Referee: Gordon McCarter
  • Box score

Bubba Baker. The Buccaneers scored on touchdown passes from Mike Rae to Jim Obradovich and from Gary Huff to George Ragsdale. Neil O'Donoghue kicked three field goals, including a club-record 49-yarder.[89] The loss left the Buccaneers and Lions tied for last place in the NFC Central.[90][91]

Week 12: vs Buffalo Bills

Following two subpar defensive performances, the Buccaneers held the Bills without a touchdown until the fourth quarter, when the Buccaneers already had a 31–3 lead. Buc defenders cheered a return to their regular 3–4 alignment.[92] Johnny Davis gained 78 yards on 18 carries after a Bills player fell on Ricky Bell's knee. The injury to Bell, combined with the earlier injuries to Doug Williams and Jimmy DuBose, left the Buccaneers without their entire starting backfield. Buccaneers running backs nevertheless combined for 204 yards.[93] Bell and Davis ran for a touchdown each. Mike Rae threw two touchdown passes; one to Morris Owens, and another to Jimmie Giles for the first of Giles’ career.[88]

Week 13: at Chicago Bears

Week Thirteen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 3 003
Bears 0 0 7714

at

Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: November 26
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m. EST / 1:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 35 °F (2 °C)
  • Game attendance: 42,373
  • Referee: Don Wedge
  • Box score

The Bears held the Buccaneers to a season-low 92 yards of total offense. Tampa Bay repeatedly failed to score, despite getting the ball with good field position.[94] Mike Rae was sacked seven times in his first 11 pass attempts. The Bears controlled the ball for 22:26 of the second half, consistently breaking Walter Payton and Roland Harper for short gains. Payton finished the day with 105 yards rushing and Harper 144, the first time the Buccaneers had allowed two 100-yard rushers in a single game. It was only the second time in history that the Bears had two backs each rush for 100 yards.[95][96] McKay declined to give the Bears much credit, saying that "they had a lot of success running and holding at the same time".[96]

Week 14: vs Green Bay Packers

Week Fourteen: Green Bay Packers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Packers 10 7 0017
Buccaneers 0 7 007

at Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: December 3
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 76 °F (24 °C)
  • Game attendance: 67,754
  • Referee: Chuck Heberling
  • Box score

Again playing without their entire starting backfield, the Buccaneers outgained Green Bay in several major offensive statistics, including a 321–173 yardage advantage, but were outscored by the Packers. A knee injury to Lee Roy Selmon meant that all three of their players selected with first-round draft picks were out with injuries. George Ragsdale, Johnny Davis, Jim Obradovich, Neil O'Donoghue, and Danny Reece were also injured during the game, which left the Buccaneers with only three running backs on the roster.[97] The Buccaneers finished the game with only 37 healthy players, eight under the NFL roster limit. The 173 yards allowed was one of several team records set during the game, and the season total to date of 228 points equaled the team's total scoring of the first two seasons combined. Ragsdale's 14-yard touchdown run was their longest touchdown run of the year. Ragsdale, having been knocked cold, was unable to hear the crowd's applause.[98] The Packers scored on a 10-yard David Whitehurst pass to James Lofton, a 27-yard Chester Marcol field goal, and a 1-yard Barty Smith run. The win broke the Packers’ four-game losing streak.[99]

Week 15: at San Francisco 49ers

Week Fifteen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 3 003
49ers 0 3 036

at

San Francisco, California

  • Date: December 10
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST / 1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: 44 °F (7 °C)
  • Game attendance: 30,931
  • Referee: Bob Frederic
  • Box score

In a meeting between the NFL's two worst offenses, the San Francisco 49ersRay Wersching kicked a fourth-quarter field goal to win the first game in which the Buccaneer defense held their opposition without a touchdown.[100] The Buccaneers committed ten fumbles, were intercepted five times, allowed eleven sacks, and scored no touchdowns. McKay was so upset that he cancelled his regular press conference the Monday following the game, and indicated that he would not be present at his Friday press conference.[101] The 49ers fumbled six times, were intercepted twice, and allowed five sacks. Mark Cotney's 28-yard interception return set up Tampa Bay's only score, a 35-yard Dave Green field goal. The previous week's injury to Neil O'Donoghue became an issue, as Green's limited range prevented the Buccaneers from attempting potential game-winning or -tying field goals.[102] Bill Kollar started and led the team in tackles for the second week in a row. The boredom of the game was such that one of the coaches spoke of setting himself on fire on the sideline, prompting a Buccaneer publicist to request that the team band be ready to play "You Light Up My Life".[103]

Week 16: vs New Orleans Saints

Week Sixteen: New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Saints 3 0 7717
Buccaneers 3 0 0710

at Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: December 17
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 65 °F (18 °C)
  • Game attendance: 51,207
  • Referee: Gordon McCarter
  • Box score

New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning completed 25 of 38 passes for 250 yards, the most passing yards yet allowed by the Buccaneers, and a touchdown to Henry Childs.[104] Chuck Muncie broke four tackles while scoring on a 21-yard run. The Buccaneer defense played uncharacteristically poorly, allowing 421 yards of offense. Special teams also broke down on several occasions. McKay called it the worst game the team had yet played, and promised that changes would be made.[105] Buccaneer receivers blamed lack of concentration for missed routes and dropped balls.[106] Doug Williams returned to the starting lineup, but Tampa Bay was able to control the ball for only 19 of the game's 60 minutes.[107] Williams, playing with his jaw still wired shut, threw a 2-yard fourth-down pass to Jimmie Giles for the Buccaneers’ only touchdown.[108]

Awards and records

References

  1. ^ Marshall, Joe. "It Was the Same Old Song and Dance". Sports Illustrated. 15 May 1978
  2. ^ [1] Its A Man's World...: A Blast from the Past: Number 88 TE, Jimmie Giles. Accessed 27 March 2009
  3. ^ "Sports in Brief". Spokane Daily Chronicle. 23 February 1978
  4. ^ Zier, Patrick. "Wolf's Resignation An Indication That All's Not Well". The Lakeland Ledger. 23 February 1978
  5. ^ "Bucs name Tom Bass defensive coordinator". St. Petersburg Times. 25 February 1978
  6. ^ Notes from the sports world". The Boca Raton News. 9 February 1978
  7. ^ UPI. "Frei to Bears". Ellensburg Daily Record. 14 March 1978
  8. ^ Martz, Ron. "Bay Bucs sign Chambers but give up Moore". St. Petersburg Times. 14 April 1978
  9. ^ "No tearful goodbyes in Chicago". St. Petersburg Times. 14 April 1978
  10. ^ Martz, Ron. "Are the Bucs sure of what they're doing?" St. Petersburg Times. 14 April 1978
  11. ^ Zier, Patrick. "Rudolph's Trade End Of An Era". The Lakeland Ledger. 7 July 1978
  12. ^ Times staff. "Oilers’ eyes upon Campbell". St. Petersburg Times. 4 February 1978
  13. ^ Martz, Ron. "Chandler is ‘secret’ No. 1 with Bucs". St. Petersburg Times. 7 April 1978
  14. ^ a b Mizell, Hubert. "Rams, Oilers eager to trade for Bucs’ No. 1". St. Petersburg Times. 20 April 1978
  15. ^ Wire services. "Oilers make a deal". Eugene Register-Guard. 25 April 1978
  16. ^ Associated Press. "Oilers obtain Anthony Davis from Tampa". Eugene Register-Guard. 30 April 1978
  17. ^ [2] Buccaneers 1978 draft at pro-football-reference.com. Accessed 20 September 2009
  18. ^ [3] 1978 Draft at bucpower.com. Accessed 27 March 2009
  19. ^ Associated Press. "Dallas Brass Agree Draft Pickings Were Slim". The Lakeland Ledger. 4 May 1978
  20. ^ Zier, Patrick. "Bucs Make History By Taking Williams". The Lakeland Ledger. 3 May 1978
  21. ^ Martz, Ron. "Bucs use picks for offensive talent". St. Petersburg Times. 3 May 1978
  22. ^ Martz, Ron. "Johnny Davis". St. Petersburg Times. 3 May 1978
  23. ^ Martz, Ron. "Brett Moritz". St. Petersburg Times. 3 May 1978
  24. ^ Zier, Patrick. "Buccaneers Give Little For Holmes". The Lakeland Ledger. 4 May 1978
  25. ^ Meyer, John. "Bucs Aren't Knocking the Deal". St. Petersburg Evening Independent. 4 May 1978
  26. ^ Associated Press. "Bucs Trade For Piece of 'Rock'". St. Petersburg Evening Independent. 11 May 1978
  27. ^ a b Tierney, Mike. "30 Seasons: 1976–2005. From Sinking Ship to World-Class Cruise. St. Petersburg Times. 11 September 2005
  28. ^ Martz, Ron. "Crowder joins Buccaneers; Holmes cut to make room". St. Petersburg Times. 22 August 1978
  29. ^ Stiff, Robert. "The Bowl Talk is Premature". St. Petersburg Evening Independent. 23 August 1978
  30. ^ Martz, Ron. "Midday visitor gives Bucs their first sellout". St. Petersburg Times. 22 August 1978
  31. ^ Wire reports. "200-to-1: Bay Bucs’ Super odds". St. Petersburg Times. 29 August 1978
  32. ^ Tierney, Mike. "Even McKay didn't foresee Bucs' dandy record". St. Petersburg Times. 20 November 1979. p. 6C
  33. ^ Martz, Ron. "Bucs could be ‘upset’ by Giants". St. Petersburg Times. 29 August 1978
  34. ^ Ledman, Gary. "Even McKay's Patience Has Its Limit". St. Petersburg Evening Independent. 12 September 1978
  35. ^ Sewell, Dan. "Growing up". The Boca Raton News. 30 September 1978
  36. ^ Zier, Patrick. "In Time, Williams Will Call Buccaneers’ Plays In Huddle". The Lakeland Ledger. 26 October 1978
  37. ^ Martz, Ron. "Injuries: how a team is able to cope with them can determine how successful the team is". St. Petersburg Times. 26 October 1978
  38. ^ Zier, Patrick. "Injuries Have Kept Buccaneers Unimpressive". The Lakeland Ledger. 2 December 1978
  39. ^ Martz, Ron. "McKay's one-word summary of '78 season: frustration". St. Petersburg Times. 18 December 1978
  40. ^ Associated Press. "A First for Bucs and Pear". St. Petersburg Evening Independent. 15 December 1978
  41. ^ [4] 1978 season at bucpower.com. Accessed 27 March 2009
  42. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on September 16, 2009. Retrieved April 5, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) All-time player roster on the Buccaneers’ official website. Accessed 8–27–09. Archived 2009-09-03.
  43. ^ [5]. pro-football-reference.com. Accessed 8–27–09. Archived 2009-09-03.
  44. ^ [6]. 1978 roster on bucpower.com. Accessed 8–27–09. Archived 2009-09-03.
  45. ^ [7] Buccaneers All-Time Coaches Roster. Accessed 27 August 2009. Archived 2012-03-03.
  46. ^ [8] 1978 coaches roster on bucpower.com. Accessed 27 August 2009
  47. ^ Martz, Ron. "Bucs, fans are back from Cloud 9". St. Petersburg Times. 4 September 1978
  48. ^ Martz, Ron. "Williams may miss two games". St. Petersburg Times. 4 September 1978
  49. ^ Holliman, Ray. "Injury and interception put a dismal end to Williams’ debut". St. Petersburg Times. 3 September 1978
  50. ^ Associated Press. "Pisarcik Stars In Opener As Giants Prevail". Toledo Blade. 3 September 1978
  51. ^ Associated Press. "Tampa's tumbled by Detroit". The Spokesman-Review. 10 September 1978
  52. ^ LeNoir, Bob. "Anything can happen when two inept offenses tangle". St. Petersburg Times. 10 September 1978
  53. ^ Wire services. "People in Sports". Eugene Register-Guard. 12 September 1978
  54. ^ Associated Press. "Fumbling Officiating Cost Us Game – Grant". Victoria Advocate. 20 September 1978
  55. ^ Associated Press. "Tampa Bay Stuns Minnesota". The Victoria Advocate. 18 September 1978
  56. ^ Martz, Ron. "This win was especially sweet for 'bread and butter’ defense". St. Petersburg Times. 18 September 1978
  57. ^ Martz, Ron. "Bizarre plays? Bucs lead the league". St. Petersburg Times. 18 September 1978
  58. ^ Wire reports. "Bucs make Vikings walk plank, 16–10". The Eugene Register-Guard. 18 September 1978
  59. ^ Chick, Bob. "Sneak Attack". St. Petersburg Evening Independent. 25 September 1978
  60. ^ a b The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Public Relations Department. 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Media Guide
  61. ^ Ledman, Gary. "Woe Be Gone, Wow Begins". St. Petersburg Evening Independent. 25 September 1978
  62. ^ Martz, Ron. Hail, hail to Bucs- two in row". St. Petersburg Times. 26 September 1978
  63. ^ Zier, Patrick. "Bucs Don't Believe Underdog Status". The Lakeland Ledger. 27 September 1978
  64. ^ Martz, Ron. "Vikes thrash Bucs 24–7". St. Petersburg Times. 2 October 1978
  65. ^ Staff writers. "Locker Room Q & A". St. Petersburg Times. 2 October 1978
  66. ^ LeNoir, Bob. "Vikes give Bucs energy conservation lesson". St. Petersburg Times. 2 October 1978
  67. ^ Martz, Ron. "Bucs humiliate Chiefs 30–13". St. Petersburg Times. 9 October 1978
  68. ^ Martz, Ron. "Beware, Gotham: Bucs’ Batman is back in town". St. Petersburg Times. 14 October 1978
  69. ^ Mizell, Hubert. "Grambling Gun drills the Chiefs". St. Petersburg Times. 9 October 1978
  70. ^ Chick, Bob. "Ironing Out His Problems". St. Petersburg Evening Independent. 16 October 1978
  71. ^ Chick, Bob. "The Answer Was Blowin’ In The Wind". St. Petersburg Evening Independent. 16 October 1978
  72. ^ Martz, Ron. "DuBose out for season; Bay Bucs sign Maxson". St. Petersburg Times. 18 October 1978
  73. ^ Chick, Bob. "A Psyche Job". St. Petersburg Evening Independent. 16 October 1978
  74. ^ Chick, Bob. "They Waited, But The Bucs Didn't Stop". St. Petersburg Evening Independent. 23 October 1978
  75. ^ Ledman, Gary. "Doug Dashed Past Chicago". St. Petersburg Evening Independent. 23 October 1978
  76. ^ Ledman, Gary. "His Running Wasn't Sickly". St. Petersburg Evening Independent. 23 October 1978
  77. ^ Chick, Bob. "They Can't Bear To Talk About It". St. Petersburg Evening Independent. 23 October 1978
  78. ^ Martz, Ron. "New look for Bucs: Chambers, Grant are starters against Bears". St. Petersburg Times. 21 October 1978
  79. ^ Associated Press. "Field Goal Lifts Pack in Battle of the Bays". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 30 October 1978
  80. ^ Lea, Bud. "Dame Fortune Can Visit In Green Bay Any Day". The Milwaukee Sentinel. 30 October 1978
  81. ^ Ledman, Gary. "Bucs Unwittingly Outwit Themselves". St. Petersburg Evening Independent.
  82. ^ Cobb, Mike. "McKay Isn't Too Worried About Injuries". The Lakeland Ledger. 7 November 1978
  83. ^ Staff writers. "Despite setback, Buc records fall". St. Petersburg Times. 7 November 1978
  84. ^ Zier, Patrick. "Rams Aren't Among the 18 Bucs Can Beat". The Lakeland Ledger. 5 November 1978
  85. ^ Martz, Ron. "Unpredictable Bucs frighten Rams, but falter – of course – 26–23". St. Petersburg Times. 6 November 1978
  86. ^ Mizell, Hubert. "A miracle fades into L.A. smog". St. Petersburg Times. 6 November 1978
  87. ^ Martz, Ron. "Bucs’ goal now: not contention, but survival". St. Petersburg Times. 14 November 1978
  88. ^ a b Zier, Patrick. "Bucs Able To Defense The Bills". The Lakeland Ledger. 20 November 1978
  89. ^ Martz, Ron. "Bucs find losing key, fall 34–23". St. Petersburg Times. 13 October 1978
  90. ^ Associated Press. "McKay Out Looking For Bucs’ Defense". The Ocala Star-Banner. 13 November 1978
  91. ^ Associated Press. "‘Sack Time’ Has Appeal To Rookie". Ludington Daily News. 14 November 1978
  92. ^ Mizell, Hubert. "Bay Bucs’ defense roars back". St. Petersburg Times. 20 November 1978
  93. ^ Martz, Ron. "Bucs’ Bell sidelined indefinitely". St. Petersburg Times. 21 November 1978
  94. ^ Zier, Patrick. "Rae Says Bucs Had Bad Plan". The Lakeland Ledger. 27 November 1978
  95. ^ Zier, Patrick. "Victory Slips From Buccaneers’ Grasp". The Lakeland Ledger. 27 November 1978
  96. ^ a b Zier, Patrick. "Nothing Stopped The Bears’ Backs". The Lakeland Ledger. 27 November 1978
  97. ^ Mizell, Hubert. "Bucs deserve red badge of courage". St. Petersburg Times. 4 December 1978
  98. ^ Martz, Ron. "Packers pound Bucs". St. Petersburg Times. 4 December 1978
  99. ^ Hofmann, Dale. "Packers Keep Tampa at Bay". The Milwaukee Sentinel. 4 December 1978
  100. ^ Mizell, Hubert. "Bucs’ defense deserved better". St. Petersburg Times. 11 December 1978
  101. ^ Martz, Ron. Sh-h-h-h: McKay left speechless by Sunday's debacle". St. Petersburg Times. 12 December 1978
  102. ^ Martz, Ron. "Buccaneers outblunder 49ers 6–3". St. Petersburg Times. 11 December 1978
  103. ^ Ledman, Gary. "It's a Matter of Time Past, Present, Future". St. Petersburg Evening Independent. 12 December 1978
  104. ^ Associated Press. "Eagles attain goal, secure playoff berth". The Boca Raton News. 18 December 1978
  105. ^ Zier, Patrick. "Bucs’ 17–10 Loss Irritates McKay". The Lakeland Ledger. 18 December 1978
  106. ^ Ledman, Gary. "Bottomed Out And Out Of Work". St. Petersburg Evening Independent. 18 December 1978
  107. ^ Zier, Patrick. "Tampa Bay's Hannah Anxious For Return To Offensive Duties". The Lakeland Ledger. 18 December 1978
  108. ^ Associated Press. "Wild Cards Deter Falcons". The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 18 December 1978
  109. ^ UPI. "Bucs’ Williams All-Rookie QB". St. Petersburg Times. 8 December 1978