2001 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
Encyclopedia
The 2001
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
season began with the team trying to improve on a 10-6 season. It was Tony Dungy's final season as the Buccaneers head coach. He was fired after losing in the playoffs to Philadelphia for the second straight season.
experiment ended about as fast as it started. Tampa Bay signed the troubled quarterback during the offseason. The Buccaneers were intrigued by his physical talent and planned to develop his abilities more slowly by having him watch and learn. However, Leaf's wrist still had not healed, and he refused to have surgery despite doctors' strong recommendations. After mediocre performances in the Buccaneers' four preseason games, the club asked Leaf to accept a lower salary. He refused, and the club released him just five days before the start of the 2001 season
.
started his first game for the Buccaneers, and led them to a 10-6 victory. Despite holding a poor Cowboys
club to only 127 yards, a fourth quarter touchdown run by Johnson was needed to seal the victory. It was the Bucs' first ever victory in Dallas.
, all week 2 games were postponed and eventually rescheduled to become week 18.
field goals and a Warrick Dunn
touchdown run game the Buccaneers a 16-13 lead in the fourth quarter. However, Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper
capped off a 96-yard drive with an 8-yard touchdown run with 1:03 remaining, and Minnesota took the victory 20-16.
intercepted Brett Favre
and returned the ball 98 yards for a touchdown, the longest such in franchise history. The Buccaneers intecepted Favre a total of three times, and Mike Alstott
clinched the victory with a 39-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter.
passed for 287 yards and three touchdown passes (including two in the final 6 minutes) and forced overtime. However, the Titans
kicked a field goal and won the game on their first possession of overtime.
sacked Brad Johnson
ten times, and Jerome Bettis
rushed for 143 yards, as the Buccaneers fell to 2-3 on the season. After trailing 17-3, Tampa Bay finally got into the endzone with 28 seconds to go, but the result was not as close as the score indicated.
. Mike Alstott
rushed for 129 yards, and three touchdowns, while Brad Johnson
threw two touchdown passes and no interceptions.
at Lambeau Field
that dated back to 1989. Brad Johnson
connected on two touchdown passes, and Martin Gramatica
scored two field goals for a 20-14 lead late in the fourth quarter. The Buccaneer defense also performed, intercepting Brett Favre
twice. With 3:03 to go, however, Allen Rossum
scored a game-winning 55-yard punt return touchdown to foil the Buccaneers' chances at victory.
for the final time to take on a pitiful 0-9 Lions
team. With 4 seconds to go, Martin Gramatica
scored a 35-yard field goal to pull out the victory, and avoid the upset. Tampa Bay improved to 4-4.
rallied the Buccaneers to a 3-point deficit. As time expired, Martin Gramatica
attempted a 48-yard game-tying field goal to force overtime. The ball hit the upright and fell no good, and Chicago
held on for a 27-24 win.
on Monday night
. It was the second rematch of the 1999 NFC Championship, and the latest installment of an increasingly popular rivally between the Buccaneers and Rams. The game went back and forth, and was tied 17-17 after three quarters. Warrick Dunn
scored a 21-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, which proved to be the winning margin.
. Despite the poor opposition, Tampa Bay's only touchdown came from a blocked punt. Martin Gramatica
scored two field goals, and the Buccaneers held a 13-6 lead, With 8 seconds left in regulation, Jon Kitna
connected with Corey Dillon
for a game-tying 6-yard touchdown pass, and forced overtime.
In the overtime period, Tampa Bay won the toss and received. They drove to the Cincinnati 35 yard line, where they punted. Punter Mark Royals
pinned the Bengals at their own 4 yard line. On the first play of the Bengals drive, Dillon fumbled the ball, and it was recovered by John Lynch
at the 3 yard line. Without hesitation, Gramatica came on to the field, and kicked a chip-shot 21-yard field goal to win the game.
came into the game 0-11 and were led by rookie quarterback Mike McMahon. The Lions never managed to reach the endzone, however, Tampa Bay's offense struggled all day and found themselves trailing 12-7. With just over a minute to go, the Buccaneers faced 4th & 8 at the Detroit 28 yard line. Brad Johnson
completed a 15-yard pass to Keyshawn Johnson
to keep the drive alive. With 45 seconds to go, the Johnson and Johnson duo connected again, this time for a game-winning touchdown pass.
, who clinched the NFC Central title.
week with a record-setting performance against the visiting Saints
. Aaron Stecker
took back the opening kickoff a then-franchise record 86 yards, but failed to make the endzone, continuing the Buccaneers' then-streak of never having a kickoff returned for a touchdown. Though he was tackled, the long return was not for naught, as two plays later, Brad Johnson
connected with Karl Williams
for a 14-yard touchdown, and a lead the Buccaneers never surrendered.
In the first half, Williams, Mike Alstott
and Warrick Dunn
each scored touchdowns, while Martin Gramatica
added three field goals. The Buccaneers took a 30-0 lead into halftime. The scoring continued into the second half, and the Saints finally got onto the board. With 2 minutes remaining in the game, Ronde Barber
intercepted Aaron Brooks pass, and returned it 36 yards for a "icing-on-the-cake" touchdown. Adding a little insult to injury, back-up quarterback Shaun King
attempted a two-point conversion
, and with its success, the Buccaneers tied the franchise record for most points in a game at 48.
The win improved Tampa Bay's record to 8-6, and put them in control of a wild card spot. One win in the final two games (coupled with an Atlanta loss) would send the Buccaneers to the playoffs.
schedule, the game was held on a Saturday night due to New Year's Eve
. The Tampa Bay defense intercepted Elvis Grbac
twice, and held the Ravens
to under 100 yards rushing. The victory game Tampa Bay their third consecutive win against a defending Super Bowl
champion: (Broncos
- XXXIII
, Rams
- XXXIV
, Ravens
- XXXV
)
, it was rescheduled for week 18. With possible playoff implications on the line, the game was moved to Sunday Night Football
. Going into the game though, both teams found themselves locked into their respective playoff seeds. Regardless of the outcome of this game, Tampa Bay would be the #6 seed in the NFC, and Philadelphia would be the #3 seed, and they would meet six days later at Veterans Stadium
. Therefore, both teams rested many of their starters, and the game was largely considered meaningless and lost a lot of its lustre.
With several players inactive, such as Keyshawn Johnson
, Warrick Dunn
, Martin Gramatica
, and with quarterback Brad Johnson
playing only in the first drive, the offense sputtered. Tampa Bay held a 13-3 lead deep into the fourth quarter. With 2:19 to go, Eagles back-up quarterback A.J. Feeley
connected with Dameane Douglas
for their first touchdown, and narrowed the lead to 13-10. On the ensuing kickoff, Karl "The Truth" Williams
fumbled the return at the Tampa Bay 24 yard line, and it was recovered by Philadelphia. Two plays later, Feeley and Douglas took the lead with their second touchdown. Philadelphia managed to score 14 points in 25 seconds, and held on to win the unusual, rather lackadaisical game.
, Philadelphia
Eagles QB Donovan McNabb
threw for 194 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also rushing for 54 yards, as Philadelphia dominated Tampa Bay from start to finish. Bucs quarterback Brad Johnson
was intercepted four times, twice by Damon Moore
. It was the second consecutive season in which Philadelphia eliminated Tampa Bay from the playoffs during the wild card round, and two days later, Buccaneers coach Tony Dungy
was fired.
On the Eagles first drive of the game, Buccaneers safety Dexter Jackson intercepted a pass from McNabb and returned it 9 yards to the Eagles 36-yard line, setting up a 36-yard field goal from Martin Gramatica
. But McNabb made up for his mistake with a 39-yard run on third down and 5 on Philadelphia's ensuing possession, setting up a field goal for David Akers
that tied the game, 3-3. In the second period, McNabb completed 4 of 4 passes for 70 yards on a 73-yard drive, including a 41-yard completion to Todd Pinkston
, that ended with a 16-yard touchdown pass to tight end Chad Lewis
. Tampa responded with a 10-play, 65-yard drive, but once again could not dent the end zone and had to settle for another Gramatica field goal, cutting their deficit to 10-6. Later in the quarter, Eagles punter Sean Landeta
pinned the Buccaneers back at their own 5-yard line and Tampa Bay could not get a first down with their next drive. After receiving Mark Royals
' short 28-yard punt at the Buccaneers 31-yard line, McNabb threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Duce Staley
with 35 seconds left in the half. But Tampa bay managed to respond with Gramatica's third field goal before halftime, set up by a 46-yard reception from Keyshawn Johnson
, cutting their deficit to 17-9.
But Tampa Bay was completely dominated in the second half. Moore recorded his first interception from Brad Johnson at the Eagles 38-yard line on the Buccaneers opening drive of the third quarter. Later on, the Eagles drove 60 yards in six plays and scored on a 25-yard touchdown run from rookie Correll Buckhalter
. Johnson tried to rally his team back with a pair of drives deep into Eagles territory, but both of them were ended with interceptions. First, defensive back Troy Vincent
picked off a pass from Johnson in the end zone with 4:09 left in the third quarter. Then late in the fourth quarter, safety Brian Dawkins
intercepted Johnson on Philadelphia's 3-yard line. Following a punt, Moore put the game away by recording his second interception and returning it 59 yards for a touchdown.
2001 NFL season
The 2001 NFL season was the 82nd regular season of the National Football League.Following a pattern set in 1999, the first week of the season was permanently moved to the weekend following Labor Day...
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
season began with the team trying to improve on a 10-6 season. It was Tony Dungy's final season as the Buccaneers head coach. He was fired after losing in the playoffs to Philadelphia for the second straight season.
Staff
| 2001 Tampa Bay Buccaneers staff | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Front Office
Head Coaches
Offensive Coaches
|
Defensive Coaches
Special Teams Coaches
Strength and Conditioning
|
|||||
Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | TV Time | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 9, 2001 | at Dallas Cowboys Dallas Cowboys The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas... |
W 10-6 | FOX 1:00pm | |
| 3 | September 30, 2001 | at Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960... |
L 20-16 | FOX 1:00pm | |
| 4 | October 7, 2001 | Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... |
W 14-10 | FOX 4:15pm | |
| 5 | October 14, 2001 | at Tennessee Titans Tennessee Titans The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter... |
L 31-28 | FOX 1:00pm | |
| 6 | October 21, 2001 | Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... |
L 17-10 | CBS 1:00pm | |
| 7 | October 28, 2001 | Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960... |
W 41-14 | FOX 1:00pm | |
| 8 | November 4, 2001 | at Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions... |
L 21-20 | FOX 1:00pm | |
| 9 | November 11, 2001 | at Detroit Lions Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and... |
W 20-17 | FOX 1:00pm | |
| 10 | November 18, 2001 | Chicago Bears Chicago Bears The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 27-24 | FOX 4:15pm | |
| 11 | November 26, 2001 | at St. Louis Rams St. Louis Rams The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,... |
W 24-17 | ABC 9:00pm | |
| 12 | December 2, 2001 | at Cincinnati Bengals Cincinnati Bengals The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL... |
W 16-13 | FOX 1:00pm | |
| 13 | December 9, 2001 | Detroit Lions Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and... |
W 15-12 | FOX 1:00pm | |
| 14 | December 16, 2001 | at Chicago Bears Chicago Bears The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 27-3 | FOX 1:00pm | |
| 15 | December 23, 2001 | New Orleans Saints New Orleans Saints The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League .... |
W 48-21 | FOX 1:00pm | |
| 16 | December 29, 2001 | Baltimore Ravens Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his... |
W 22-10 | ABC 9:00pm | |
| 17 | January 6, 2002 | Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 17-13 | ESPN 8:30pm | |
Standings
| NFC Central | ||||||
| Team | W | L | T | PCT | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bears 2001 Chicago Bears season The 2001 Chicago Bears season was their 82nd regular season and 23rd postseason completed in the National Football League. The club posted a surprising 13-3 record under head coach Dick Jauron en route to an NFC Central title and the number two seed in the NFC... |
13 | 3 | 0 | .812 | 338 | 203 |
| Green Bay Packers 2001 Green Bay Packers season The 2001 Green Bay Packers season ended with a loss to the St. Louis Rams in the NFC divisional playoff game, where Packers quarterback Brett Favre threw a career high 6 interceptions.-2001 NFL draft:... |
12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 390 | 266 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 9 | 7 | 0 | .562 | 324 | 280 |
| Minnesota Vikings 2001 Minnesota Vikings season 2001 was the 41st year of season play for the Minnesota Vikings and the 82nd regular season of the National Football League.Tragedy struck the Minnesota Vikings in the summer of 2001, when Offensive Lineman Korey Stringer died of heat stroke in training camp in Mankato, Minnesota... |
5 | 11 | 0 | .312 | 290 | 390 |
| Detroit Lions 2001 Detroit Lions season Marty Mornhinweg was named the twenty-first head coach in franchise history on January 21, 2001.-NFL Draft:-Staff:-Schedule:-Standings:-External links:**... |
2 | 14 | 0 | .125 | 270 | 424 |
Preseason (1-3)
The Ryan LeafRyan Leaf
Ryan David Leaf is a former American football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League for four seasons...
experiment ended about as fast as it started. Tampa Bay signed the troubled quarterback during the offseason. The Buccaneers were intrigued by his physical talent and planned to develop his abilities more slowly by having him watch and learn. However, Leaf's wrist still had not healed, and he refused to have surgery despite doctors' strong recommendations. After mediocre performances in the Buccaneers' four preseason games, the club asked Leaf to accept a lower salary. He refused, and the club released him just five days before the start of the 2001 season
2001 NFL season
The 2001 NFL season was the 82nd regular season of the National Football League.Following a pattern set in 1999, the first week of the season was permanently moved to the weekend following Labor Day...
.
Week 1: at Dallas Cowboys (won 10-6)
Brad JohnsonBrad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
started his first game for the Buccaneers, and led them to a 10-6 victory. Despite holding a poor Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
club to only 127 yards, a fourth quarter touchdown run by Johnson was needed to seal the victory. It was the Bucs' first ever victory in Dallas.
Week 2: Philadelphia Eagles
Initially the game was a highly-anticipated rematch from last season's wild card round. However, after 9/11September 11, 2001 attacks
The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/119/11 is pronounced "nine eleven". The slash is not part of the pronunciation...
, all week 2 games were postponed and eventually rescheduled to become week 18.
Week 4: at Minnesota Vikings (lost 16-20)
After 21 days, the Buccaneers finally played their second game of the season. Three Martin GramaticaMartin Gramatica
Martín Gramática is an Argentine-American former football placekicker.Gramática was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft after playing college football at Kansas State, and has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Dallas...
field goals and a Warrick Dunn
Warrick Dunn
Warrick De'Mon Dunn is a former American football running back, and current minority owner of the Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12th overall in the 1997 NFL Draft, after playing college football at Florida State...
touchdown run game the Buccaneers a 16-13 lead in the fourth quarter. However, Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper
Daunte Culpepper
Daunte Rachard Culpepper is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He last played for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League . Prior to joining the UFL, Culpepper enjoyed a successful National Football League career after being drafted 11th overall in...
capped off a 96-yard drive with an 8-yard touchdown run with 1:03 remaining, and Minnesota took the victory 20-16.
Week 5: Green Bay Packers (won 14-10)
Tampa Bay finally played their first home game, five weeks into the season. Shelton QuarlesShelton Quarles
Shelton Eugene Quarles is a former linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team he played for in his ten-year career from 1997 to 2006. He now serves as a scout for the Buccaneers.-High school years:...
intercepted Brett Favre
Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...
and returned the ball 98 yards for a touchdown, the longest such in franchise history. The Buccaneers intecepted Favre a total of three times, and Mike Alstott
Mike Alstott
Michael Joseph Alstott , nicknamed "A-Train", is a former American football fullback in the National Football League. He spent his entire 12-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played college football at Purdue...
clinched the victory with a 39-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter.
Week 6: at Tennessee Titans (lost 28-31, OT)
Brad JohnsonBrad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
passed for 287 yards and three touchdown passes (including two in the final 6 minutes) and forced overtime. However, the Titans
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
kicked a field goal and won the game on their first possession of overtime.
Week 7: Pittsburgh Steelers (lost 10-17)
The SteelersPittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
sacked Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
ten times, and Jerome Bettis
Jerome Bettis
Jerome Abram "The Bus" Bettis is a retired American football halfback who played for the NFL's Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers. Bettis is considered one of the best big backs ever because his footwork and power, and is currently fifth on the National Football League's all-time...
rushed for 143 yards, as the Buccaneers fell to 2-3 on the season. After trailing 17-3, Tampa Bay finally got into the endzone with 28 seconds to go, but the result was not as close as the score indicated.
Week 8: Minnesota Vikings (won 41-14)
After slumping for several weeks, the Buccaneers rolled over their division rivals, the Minnesota VikingsMinnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
. Mike Alstott
Mike Alstott
Michael Joseph Alstott , nicknamed "A-Train", is a former American football fullback in the National Football League. He spent his entire 12-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played college football at Purdue...
rushed for 129 yards, and three touchdowns, while Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
threw two touchdown passes and no interceptions.
Week 9: at Green Bay Packers (lost 20-21)
Tampa Bay looked to break a winless streak against Green BayGreen Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
at Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field...
that dated back to 1989. Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
connected on two touchdown passes, and Martin Gramatica
Martin Gramatica
Martín Gramática is an Argentine-American former football placekicker.Gramática was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft after playing college football at Kansas State, and has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Dallas...
scored two field goals for a 20-14 lead late in the fourth quarter. The Buccaneer defense also performed, intercepting Brett Favre
Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...
twice. With 3:03 to go, however, Allen Rossum
Allen Rossum
Allen Bonshaca Lamont Rossum is an American football cornerback and return specialist who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
scored a game-winning 55-yard punt return touchdown to foil the Buccaneers' chances at victory.
Week 10: at Detroit Lions (won 20-17)
Tampa Bay traveled to the SilverdomePontiac Silverdome
The Silverdome is a domed stadium located in the city of Pontiac, Michigan, USA, which sits on . It was the largest stadium in the National Football League until FedEx Field in suburban Washington, D.C...
for the final time to take on a pitiful 0-9 Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
team. With 4 seconds to go, Martin Gramatica
Martin Gramatica
Martín Gramática is an Argentine-American former football placekicker.Gramática was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft after playing college football at Kansas State, and has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Dallas...
scored a 35-yard field goal to pull out the victory, and avoid the upset. Tampa Bay improved to 4-4.
Week 11: Chicago Bears (lost 24-27)
Tampa Bay trailed 24-16 entering the fourth quarter, but Brad JohnsonBrad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
rallied the Buccaneers to a 3-point deficit. As time expired, Martin Gramatica
Martin Gramatica
Martín Gramática is an Argentine-American former football placekicker.Gramática was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft after playing college football at Kansas State, and has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Dallas...
attempted a 48-yard game-tying field goal to force overtime. The ball hit the upright and fell no good, and Chicago
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
held on for a 27-24 win.
Week 12: St. Louis Rams (won 24-17)
Tampa Bay traveled to St. LouisSt. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
on Monday night
Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series...
. It was the second rematch of the 1999 NFC Championship, and the latest installment of an increasingly popular rivally between the Buccaneers and Rams. The game went back and forth, and was tied 17-17 after three quarters. Warrick Dunn
Warrick Dunn
Warrick De'Mon Dunn is a former American football running back, and current minority owner of the Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12th overall in the 1997 NFL Draft, after playing college football at Florida State...
scored a 21-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, which proved to be the winning margin.
Week 13: at Cincinnati Bengals (won 16-13, OT)
Following the short week, Tampa Bay traveled to Cincinnati to take on the less-than-mediocre Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
. Despite the poor opposition, Tampa Bay's only touchdown came from a blocked punt. Martin Gramatica
Martin Gramatica
Martín Gramática is an Argentine-American former football placekicker.Gramática was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft after playing college football at Kansas State, and has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Dallas...
scored two field goals, and the Buccaneers held a 13-6 lead, With 8 seconds left in regulation, Jon Kitna
Jon Kitna
Jon K. Kitna is an American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1996...
connected with Corey Dillon
Corey Dillon
Corey James Dillon is a former American football running back. He played his ten-season career for the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots, wearing jersey number 28 for both teams. Dillon played college football the University of Washington where he wore the number 4.-High school...
for a game-tying 6-yard touchdown pass, and forced overtime.
In the overtime period, Tampa Bay won the toss and received. They drove to the Cincinnati 35 yard line, where they punted. Punter Mark Royals
Mark Royals
Mark Alan Royals is a former American football punter in the National Football League. He is currently a color commentator for coverage of the Arena Football League's Tampa Bay Storm on the regional sports television network Bright House Sports Network. He has also co-hosted various sports radio...
pinned the Bengals at their own 4 yard line. On the first play of the Bengals drive, Dillon fumbled the ball, and it was recovered by John Lynch
John Lynch (American football)
John Terrence Lynch, Jr. is a former National Football League strong safety and current NFL on Fox color commentator. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Stanford.A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Lynch earned a Super...
at the 3 yard line. Without hesitation, Gramatica came on to the field, and kicked a chip-shot 21-yard field goal to win the game.
Week 14: Detroit Lions (won 15-12)
The LionsDetroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
came into the game 0-11 and were led by rookie quarterback Mike McMahon. The Lions never managed to reach the endzone, however, Tampa Bay's offense struggled all day and found themselves trailing 12-7. With just over a minute to go, the Buccaneers faced 4th & 8 at the Detroit 28 yard line. Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
completed a 15-yard pass to Keyshawn Johnson
Keyshawn Johnson
Joseph Keyshawn Johnson is a former American football wide receiver, interior designer, business executive, author and current television broadcaster for sports channel ESPN. He retired from football on May 23, 2007 after an eleven-year career in the National Football League...
to keep the drive alive. With 45 seconds to go, the Johnson and Johnson duo connected again, this time for a game-winning touchdown pass.
Week 15: at Chicago Bears (lost 3-27)
Tampa Bay gave up 27 unanswered points, and was swept by the BearsChicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, who clinched the NFC Central title.
Week 16: New Orleans Saints (won 48-21)
After hitting their low point the previous week, Tampa Bay rebounded during ChristmasChristmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
week with a record-setting performance against the visiting Saints
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
. Aaron Stecker
Aaron Stecker
Aaron Stecker is a former American football running back. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He played college football at Western Illinois....
took back the opening kickoff a then-franchise record 86 yards, but failed to make the endzone, continuing the Buccaneers' then-streak of never having a kickoff returned for a touchdown. Though he was tackled, the long return was not for naught, as two plays later, Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
connected with Karl Williams
Karl Williams
Karl "The Truth" Williams is a former professional American football player who played wide receiver for nine seasons for the Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He currently plays in the Arena Football League for the Tampa Bay Storm. His nickname was The Truth.His cousin, Mondray Gee, is...
for a 14-yard touchdown, and a lead the Buccaneers never surrendered.
In the first half, Williams, Mike Alstott
Mike Alstott
Michael Joseph Alstott , nicknamed "A-Train", is a former American football fullback in the National Football League. He spent his entire 12-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played college football at Purdue...
and Warrick Dunn
Warrick Dunn
Warrick De'Mon Dunn is a former American football running back, and current minority owner of the Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12th overall in the 1997 NFL Draft, after playing college football at Florida State...
each scored touchdowns, while Martin Gramatica
Martin Gramatica
Martín Gramática is an Argentine-American former football placekicker.Gramática was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft after playing college football at Kansas State, and has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Dallas...
added three field goals. The Buccaneers took a 30-0 lead into halftime. The scoring continued into the second half, and the Saints finally got onto the board. With 2 minutes remaining in the game, Ronde Barber
Ronde Barber
Jamael Orondé "Rondé" Barber is an American football cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers...
intercepted Aaron Brooks pass, and returned it 36 yards for a "icing-on-the-cake" touchdown. Adding a little insult to injury, back-up quarterback Shaun King
Shaun King
Shaun Earl King is a former Tulane University and National Football League quarterback.-High School:King is a 1995 graduate of Gibbs High School .-College:...
attempted a two-point conversion
Two-point conversion
In American and Canadian football, a two-point conversion is a play a team attempts instead of kicking a one-point convert immediately after it scores a touchdown...
, and with its success, the Buccaneers tied the franchise record for most points in a game at 48.
The win improved Tampa Bay's record to 8-6, and put them in control of a wild card spot. One win in the final two games (coupled with an Atlanta loss) would send the Buccaneers to the playoffs.
Week 17: Baltimore Ravens (won 22-10)
Though it was part of the Monday Night FootballMonday Night Football
Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series...
schedule, the game was held on a Saturday night due to New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is observed annually on December 31, the final day of any given year in the Gregorian calendar. In modern societies, New Year's Eve is often celebrated at social gatherings, during which participants dance, eat, consume alcoholic beverages, and watch or light fireworks to mark the...
. The Tampa Bay defense intercepted Elvis Grbac
Elvis Grbac
Elvis M. Grbac is a retired American football quarterback who played in the NFL. During his career he was a starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, the Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens...
twice, and held the Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
to under 100 yards rushing. The victory game Tampa Bay their third consecutive win against a defending Super Bowl
Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League , the highest level of professional American football in the United States, culminating a season that begins in the late summer of the previous calendar year. The Super Bowl uses Roman numerals to identify each game, rather...
champion: (Broncos
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
- XXXIII
Super Bowl XXXIII
Super Bowl XXXIII was an American football game played on January 31, 1999, at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida to decide the National Football League champion, following the 1998 regular season. The American Football Conference champion Denver Broncos defeated the National Football...
, Rams
St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
- XXXIV
Super Bowl XXXIV
Super Bowl XXXIV featured the National Football Conference champion St. Louis Rams and the American Football Conference champion Tennessee Titans in an American football game to decide the National Football League champion for the 1999 regular season...
, Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
- XXXV
Super Bowl XXXV
Super Bowl XXXV was played on January 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida to decide the National Football League champion following the 2000 regular season. The American Football Conference champion Baltimore Ravens defeated the National Football Conference champion New York...
)
Week 18: Philadelphia Eagles (lost 13-17)
Originally this game was to be played back in week 2 and was thought to be a highly-anticipated rematch from last season's wild card round. But due to 9/11September 11, 2001 attacks
The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/119/11 is pronounced "nine eleven". The slash is not part of the pronunciation...
, it was rescheduled for week 18. With possible playoff implications on the line, the game was moved to Sunday Night Football
ESPN Sunday Night Football
ESPN Sunday Night Football is the ESPN cable network's weekly television broadcasts of Sunday evening National Football League games. The first ESPN Sunday night broadcast occurred on November 8, 1987, while the last one aired on January 1, 2006....
. Going into the game though, both teams found themselves locked into their respective playoff seeds. Regardless of the outcome of this game, Tampa Bay would be the #6 seed in the NFC, and Philadelphia would be the #3 seed, and they would meet six days later at Veterans Stadium
Veterans Stadium
Philadelphia Veterans Stadium was a professional-sports, multi-purpose stadium, located at the northeast corner of Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex...
. Therefore, both teams rested many of their starters, and the game was largely considered meaningless and lost a lot of its lustre.
With several players inactive, such as Keyshawn Johnson
Keyshawn Johnson
Joseph Keyshawn Johnson is a former American football wide receiver, interior designer, business executive, author and current television broadcaster for sports channel ESPN. He retired from football on May 23, 2007 after an eleven-year career in the National Football League...
, Warrick Dunn
Warrick Dunn
Warrick De'Mon Dunn is a former American football running back, and current minority owner of the Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12th overall in the 1997 NFL Draft, after playing college football at Florida State...
, Martin Gramatica
Martin Gramatica
Martín Gramática is an Argentine-American former football placekicker.Gramática was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft after playing college football at Kansas State, and has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Dallas...
, and with quarterback Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
playing only in the first drive, the offense sputtered. Tampa Bay held a 13-3 lead deep into the fourth quarter. With 2:19 to go, Eagles back-up quarterback A.J. Feeley
A.J. Feeley
Adam Joshua Feeley is an American football quarterback for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
connected with Dameane Douglas
Dameane Douglas
Dameane Douglas is a former American football wide receiver the National Football League. Drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the 1999 NFL Draft, Douglas played 4 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles...
for their first touchdown, and narrowed the lead to 13-10. On the ensuing kickoff, Karl "The Truth" Williams
Karl Williams
Karl "The Truth" Williams is a former professional American football player who played wide receiver for nine seasons for the Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He currently plays in the Arena Football League for the Tampa Bay Storm. His nickname was The Truth.His cousin, Mondray Gee, is...
fumbled the return at the Tampa Bay 24 yard line, and it was recovered by Philadelphia. Two plays later, Feeley and Douglas took the lead with their second touchdown. Philadelphia managed to score 14 points in 25 seconds, and held on to win the unusual, rather lackadaisical game.
Wild Cards Playoffs: at Philadelphia Eagles (lost 9-31)
at Veterans StadiumVeterans Stadium
Philadelphia Veterans Stadium was a professional-sports, multi-purpose stadium, located at the northeast corner of Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex...
, Philadelphia
- Game time: Saturday January 12, 2002, 4:30 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 46 °F (7.8 °C), clear
- TV announcers (ABCESPN on ABCESPN on ABC is the brand used for sports programming on the ABC television network. Officially the broadcast network retains its own sports division; however, for all practical purposes, ABC's sports division has been merged with ESPN, a sports cable network majority-owned by ABC's parent, The...
): Mike PatrickMike PatrickMike Patrick is an American sportscaster.-Career:Patrick began his broadcasting career in the fall of 1966 at WVSC-Radio in Somerset, Pa. In 1970, he was named Sports Director at WJXT-TV in Jacksonville, Fla., where he provided play-by-play for Jacksonville Sharks' World Football League telecasts...
(play-by-play), Joe TheismannJoe TheismannJoseph Robert "Joe" Theismann is a former quarterback in the National Football League and Canadian Football League . He achieved his most enduring fame in his 12 seasons playing for the Washington Redskins, where he was a two-time Pro Bowler and quarterback of the winning team in Super Bowl XVII...
and Paul MaguirePaul MaguirePaul Leo Maguire is a former American football player and current television sportscaster.-Early sports career:Maguire attended Ursuline High School in Youngstown,Ohio and was recruited to play at The Citadel by the late Al Davis who was then an assistant coach and chief recruiter...
(color commentatorColor commentatorA color commentator is a sports commentator who assists the play-by-play announcer, often by filling in any time when play is not in progress. The color analyst and main commentator will often exchange comments freely throughout the broadcast, when the play-by-play announcer is not describing the...
s) - Referee: Larry Nemmers
- Game attendance: 65,846
Eagles QB Donovan McNabb
Donovan McNabb
Donovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
threw for 194 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also rushing for 54 yards, as Philadelphia dominated Tampa Bay from start to finish. Bucs quarterback Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson (American football)
James Bradley Johnson is a former National Football League Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.-Early years:Brad went to Charles D...
was intercepted four times, twice by Damon Moore
Damon Moore
Damon Moore is a former American football safety in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ohio State....
. It was the second consecutive season in which Philadelphia eliminated Tampa Bay from the playoffs during the wild card round, and two days later, Buccaneers coach Tony Dungy
Tony Dungy
Anthony Kevin "Tony" Dungy [DUN-jee] is a former professional American football player and coach in the National Football League. Dungy was head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1996 to 2001, and head coach of the Indianapolis Colts from 2002 to 2008...
was fired.
On the Eagles first drive of the game, Buccaneers safety Dexter Jackson intercepted a pass from McNabb and returned it 9 yards to the Eagles 36-yard line, setting up a 36-yard field goal from Martin Gramatica
Martin Gramatica
Martín Gramática is an Argentine-American former football placekicker.Gramática was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft after playing college football at Kansas State, and has also been a member of the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Dallas...
. But McNabb made up for his mistake with a 39-yard run on third down and 5 on Philadelphia's ensuing possession, setting up a field goal for David Akers
David Akers
David Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
that tied the game, 3-3. In the second period, McNabb completed 4 of 4 passes for 70 yards on a 73-yard drive, including a 41-yard completion to Todd Pinkston
Todd Pinkston
Todd Pinkston is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League. He played five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles where he caught 184 passes for 2,816 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Eagles went to the playoffs every year that he started, including an appearance in...
, that ended with a 16-yard touchdown pass to tight end Chad Lewis
Chad Lewis
Chad Wayne Lewis is a former American football tight end in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Rams.-Early life:...
. Tampa responded with a 10-play, 65-yard drive, but once again could not dent the end zone and had to settle for another Gramatica field goal, cutting their deficit to 10-6. Later in the quarter, Eagles punter Sean Landeta
Sean Landeta
Sean Edward Landeta is a former American football punter who played in both the United States Football League and the National Football League...
pinned the Buccaneers back at their own 5-yard line and Tampa Bay could not get a first down with their next drive. After receiving Mark Royals
Mark Royals
Mark Alan Royals is a former American football punter in the National Football League. He is currently a color commentator for coverage of the Arena Football League's Tampa Bay Storm on the regional sports television network Bright House Sports Network. He has also co-hosted various sports radio...
' short 28-yard punt at the Buccaneers 31-yard line, McNabb threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Duce Staley
Duce Staley
Duce Staley is a former American football running back in the National Football League best known for his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles. He also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played college football at University of South Carolina...
with 35 seconds left in the half. But Tampa bay managed to respond with Gramatica's third field goal before halftime, set up by a 46-yard reception from Keyshawn Johnson
Keyshawn Johnson
Joseph Keyshawn Johnson is a former American football wide receiver, interior designer, business executive, author and current television broadcaster for sports channel ESPN. He retired from football on May 23, 2007 after an eleven-year career in the National Football League...
, cutting their deficit to 17-9.
But Tampa Bay was completely dominated in the second half. Moore recorded his first interception from Brad Johnson at the Eagles 38-yard line on the Buccaneers opening drive of the third quarter. Later on, the Eagles drove 60 yards in six plays and scored on a 25-yard touchdown run from rookie Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter
Correll Buckhalter is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska....
. Johnson tried to rally his team back with a pair of drives deep into Eagles territory, but both of them were ended with interceptions. First, defensive back Troy Vincent
Troy Vincent
Troy Darnell Vincent is a former Defensive Back for the Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dolphins with the 7th overall pick in the 1992 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin.Mr...
picked off a pass from Johnson in the end zone with 4:09 left in the third quarter. Then late in the fourth quarter, safety Brian Dawkins
Brian Dawkins
Brian Patrick Dawkins is an American football safety for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...
intercepted Johnson on Philadelphia's 3-yard line. Following a punt, Moore put the game away by recording his second interception and returning it 59 yards for a touchdown.
- Scoring
- TB - field goal Gramatica 36 TB 3-0
- PHI - field goal Akers 26 Tie 3-3
- PHI - Lewis 16 pass from McNabb (Akers kick) PHI 10-3
- TB - field goal Gramatica 32 PHI 10-6
- PHI - Staley 23 pass from McNabb (Akers kick) PHI 17-6
- TB - field goal Gramatica 27 PHI 17-9
- PHI - Buckhalter 25 run (Akers kick) PHI 24-9
- PHI - Moore 59 interception return (Akers kick) PHI 31-9