2005 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
Encyclopedia
The 2005
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
season began with the team trying to improve on their 5-11 record in 2004
. Carnell Williams
won rookie of the year.
The Bucs made a complete turnaround from last season to make the playoffs. The Bucs would lose in the Wild-Card playoff game at home to the Washington Redskins
.
in the first round of the 2005 draft, and the rookie would provide a running game the Buccaneers hadn't possessed since the days of James Wilder
in the 1980s. Williams set the NFL record for most yards rushing in his first three games with 474, and was named as the AP's 2005 Offensive Rookie of the Year. His shoes and gloves from the third game of the season are now on display in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
With their 2005 campaign marking the Buccaneers' 30th Season in the NFL, the team won their first four games before entering a midseason slump hampered by a season-ending injury to starting QB Brian Griese
during a win over the Miami Dolphins
. Replacement starter Chris Simms
struggled early as the Bucs lost games to the San Francisco 49ers and Carolina Panthers, but Simms came into his own when he led the team to a last-minute win over the Washington Redskins in a 36-35 thriller to break that slump. In a gutsy move, Gruden went for the win with a two-point conversion
plunge by fullback
Mike Alstott
. A booth review of that play was inconclusive, and Redskins coach Joe Gibbs
stated after the game his belief that Alstott had not scored.
The Buccaneers followed up with important wins over their NFC South division rivals, sweeping both the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons, as well as defeating the Panthers in a rare victory at Carolina. Even with a tough loss against the Chicago Bears and a humiliating shutout
against the New England Patriots
, the Bucs finished 11-5 and won the NFC South by virtue of a tie-breaker over the Panthers. The Buccaneers' 30th Anniversary season would end on a sour note, as they lost 17-10 at home to the Redskins in the wild-card round. An apparent late Bucs touchdown pass from Chris Simms to Edell Shepherd
could have tied the game, but the play was ruled incomplete when a booth review
upheld the referee
's decision.
The Buccaneers sent three veteran players to the 2006 Pro Bowl
, including cornerback Ronde Barber
and punter
Josh Bidwell
. Outside linebacker Derrick Brooks
was named the Pro Bowl MVP, with a 59-yard interception return for a touchdown.
threw touchdowns to Alex Smith
. Tampa Bay snapped a four-game losing streak dating back to the 2004 season.
, with Cadillac Williams rushing for 128 yards and one touchdown.
since 1989, led by Cadillac Williams's 158 rushing yards. Williams went over 100 yards for the first three games, totaling an NFL record 434 yards for a rookie's first three starts. A missed extra point by Green Bay early in the game proved to be the deciding margin.
to Marcus Pollard
was called for an instant replay review. After review, the play was ruled incomplete, as Pollard was out-of-bounds, and Tampa Bay held on to win, and improve to 4-0. Cadillac Williams was held to just 13 yards, and suffered a hamstring injury.
, due in part to injuries to Cadillac Williams and Michael Clayton. Several penalties and missed opportunities led to the defeat.
was lost for the season with a knee injury.
was named starting quarterback, but despite a 78-yard touchdown pass to Joey Galloway
, the Buccaneers offense sputtered, and fell by a score of 15-10.
threw two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, in a 34-14 loss at home to division rival Carolina
.
. Trailing 28-35 with one minute to go, Chris Simms
connected with Edell Shepherd
for a 30-yard touchdown pass. As the teams lined up for the game-tying extra point, a Washington defender flinched and prompted a delay-of-game penalty. The five yard penalty was applied to the ensuing kickoff. As the two temas lined up for the second attempt at the extra point, two Washington defenders jumped offsides and blocked Matt Bryant
's extra point kick. The play was ruled dead, and officials enforced a penalty half the distance to the goal line. The ball was placed at the 1 yard line for yet another conversion attempt. Tampa Bay sent the offensive unit back on the field, and decided this time, to attempt a two-point conversion
. Fullback Mike Alstott
hit the pile up the middle, but a second effort allowed him to cross the goal line and Tampa Bay took a 36-35 lead. Officials called for an instant replay, but the video evidence was inconclusive, and the play was upheld.
then sacked Michael Vick
, and forced a fumble, which was recovered by Shelton Quarles
. With 42 seconds remaining, Matt Bryant
kicked a game-winning 45-yard field goal.
missed a game-tying 29-yard field goal with under three minutes to go, and Tampa Bay fell to the visiting Bears
13-10.
hosted Tampa Bay at Tiger Stadium
. The game was relocated from the Louisiana Superdome
due to Hurricane Katrina
. The Tampa Bay defense dominated, and the Buccaneers came away with a 10-3 victory, a key intra-division win.
intercepted Jake Delhomme
, which set up a Carnell Williams
touchdown. The Buccaneers held on to win 20-10, breaking a five-game losing streak to Carolina
, evened the season series 1-1, and moved into a tie for the NFC South
lead.
. Chris Simms
was sacked seven times in the defeat.
met on Christmas Eve
with playoff berths for both teams at stake. The game turned into a shootout, and Atlanta led 24-17 late in the fourth quarter. Facing 4th down and 1, and trailing by 7, Cadillac Williams scored a 6-yard touchdown run with 31 seconds remaining. In overtime, Tampa Bay won the coin toss and elected to receive. Edell Shepherd
, however, fumbled the opening kickoff, and Atlanta recovered at the Buccaneers' 18-yard line. Fans began to leave the stadium as Atlanta lined up for a chip-shot 20 yard game-winning field goal attempt. Todd Peterson's field goal was blocked by Dewayne White
, and Tampa Bay recovered. Fans were seen scrambling back to their seats as the Buccaneer's hopes for victory were still alive.
Tampa Bay quickly drove to the Atlanta 9 yard line, and lined up for a game-winning field goal try. Matt Bryant
's kick sailed wide left, though, and the game continued. Both teams traded punts, then Atlanta punted to Tampa Bay with 1:08 remaining in overtime. Tampa Bay drove to the 23 yard line, and avoided a tie when Bryant connected on a 41-yard game winning field goal with 15 seconds left in the overtime period.
Meanwhile, Dallas
defeated Carolina
24-20, which meant that a win by Tampa Bay in week 17 would clinch the NFC South
title.
for the season, and clinched the 2005 NFC South
title.
, Tampa, Florida
Although the Redskins gained only 120 yards on offense, the lowest total in NFL playoff history for a winning team, they converted two turnovers into touchdowns. Midway through the first quarter, Washington linebacker LaVar Arrington
's 21-yard interception return set up running back Clinton Portis
' six-yard touchdown run. Then, Redskins linebacker Marcus Washington
recovered Tampa Bay running back Carnell Williams
' fumble and returned it seven yards before losing it himself – into the arms of Safety Sean Taylor who then ran 51 yards for the Redskins' second touchdown.
Early in the second quarter, Tampa Bay drove 38 yards to the Redskins 24-yard line where Matt Bryant
kicked a 43-yard field goal to cut their deficit to 14-3. The Redskins responded with an 10-play, 40-yard drive and scored with 40-yard field goal from John Hall
.
In the third quarter, Mark Jones gave the Buccaneers good field position by returning a punt 24 yards to the 49-yard line. Tamp Bay's offense took full advantage of the return, marching on a seven play, 51-yard drive that ended with quarterback Chris Simms
' two-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay drove to the Redskins 19-yard line, but Washington made a huge stand. First, linebacker Lemar Marshall
tackled fullback Mike Alstott
for no gain on third down and 1, and then Simms threw an incomplete pass on fourth down.. However, Buccaneers defensive back Brian Kelly gave his team another chance to drive for the tying touchdown by intercepting a pass from Mark Brunell
and returning it the Redskins 35-yard line. With 3 minutes left in the game, Tampa Bay wide receiver Edell Shepherd
caught what appeared to be a 35-yard touchdown reception, but he lost control of the ball as he was coming down in the end zone. The Buccaneers got one last chance to tie the game when they received a punt at their own 46-yard line with 1:05 left in regulation, but Simms threw a pass that was tipped at the line of scrimmage and went into the arms of Washington for an interception.
This game was widely regarded by commentators as an "ugly" performance by both teams' offenses, rendering it a largely defensive game
2005 NFL season
The 2005 NFL season was the 86th regular season of the National Football League.With the New England Patriots as the defending league champions, regular season play was held from September 8, 2005 to January 1, 2006...
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 their 5-11 record in 2004
2004 NFL season
The 2004 NFL season was the 85th regular season of the National Football League.With the New England Patriots as the defending league champions, regular season play was held from September 9, 2004 to January 2, 2005...
. Carnell Williams
Carnell Williams
Carnell Lamar "Cadillac" Williams is an American football running back for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
won rookie of the year.
The Bucs made a complete turnaround from last season to make the playoffs. The Bucs would lose in the Wild-Card playoff game at home to the Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
.
Summary
In the 2005 season, the Bucs returned to their winning ways. The Buccaneers selected Carnell "Cadillac" WilliamsCarnell Williams
Carnell Lamar "Cadillac" Williams is an American football running back for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
in the first round of the 2005 draft, and the rookie would provide a running game the Buccaneers hadn't possessed since the days of James Wilder
James Wilder
James Curtis Wilder is a former professional American football running back in the National Football League for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Redskins, and the Detroit Lions.-High school career:...
in the 1980s. Williams set the NFL record for most yards rushing in his first three games with 474, and was named as the AP's 2005 Offensive Rookie of the Year. His shoes and gloves from the third game of the season are now on display in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
With their 2005 campaign marking the Buccaneers' 30th Season in the NFL, the team won their first four games before entering a midseason slump hampered by a season-ending injury to starting QB Brian Griese
Brian Griese
Brian David Griese is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played high school football at Christopher Columbus High School and later college football at Michigan....
during a win over the Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Replacement starter Chris Simms
Chris Simms
Christopher David Simms is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas.Simms has also played for the Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers...
struggled early as the Bucs lost games to the San Francisco 49ers and Carolina Panthers, but Simms came into his own when he led the team to a last-minute win over the Washington Redskins in a 36-35 thriller to break that slump. In a gutsy move, Gruden went for the win with 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...
plunge by fullback
Fullback (American football)
A fullback is a position in the offensive backfield in American and Canadian football, and is one of the two running back positions along with the halfback...
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...
. A booth review of that play was inconclusive, and Redskins coach Joe Gibbs
Joe Gibbs
Joe Jackson Gibbs is a former American football coach, NASCAR Championship team owner, and two time NHRA Pro Stock team owner. He was the 20th and 26th head coach in the history of the Washington Redskins...
stated after the game his belief that Alstott had not scored.
The Buccaneers followed up with important wins over their NFC South division rivals, sweeping both the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons, as well as defeating the Panthers in a rare victory at Carolina. Even with a tough loss against the Chicago Bears and a humiliating shutout
Shutout
In team sports, a shutout refers to a game in which one team prevents the opposing team from scoring. While possible in most major sports, they are highly improbable in some sports, such as basketball....
against the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
, the Bucs finished 11-5 and won the NFC South by virtue of a tie-breaker over the Panthers. The Buccaneers' 30th Anniversary season would end on a sour note, as they lost 17-10 at home to the Redskins in the wild-card round. An apparent late Bucs touchdown pass from Chris Simms to Edell Shepherd
Edell Shepherd
Edell Eugene Shepherd is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
could have tied the game, but the play was ruled incomplete when a booth review
Instant replay
Instant replay is the replaying of video footage of an event or incident very soon after it has occurred. In television broadcasting of sports events, instant replay is often used during live broadcast, to show a passage of play which was important or remarkable, or which was unclear on first...
upheld the referee
Referee
A referee is the person of authority, in a variety of sports, who is responsible for presiding over the game from a neutral point of view and making on the fly decisions that enforce the rules of the sport...
's decision.
The Buccaneers sent three veteran players to the 2006 Pro Bowl
2006 Pro Bowl
The 2006 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl was played on February 12, 2006 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. It marked the 27th consecutive time that the National Football League's all-star game was held in Honolulu...
, including cornerback 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...
and punter
Punter (football position)
A punter in American or Canadian football is a special teams player who receives the snapped ball directly from the line of scrimmage and then punts the football to the opposing team so as to limit any field position advantage. This generally happens on a fourth down in American football and a...
Josh Bidwell
Josh Bidwell
Joshua John Bidwell is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft...
. Outside linebacker Derrick Brooks
Derrick Brooks
Derrick Dewan Brooks is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buccaneers 28th overall in the 1995 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State....
was named the Pro Bowl MVP, with a 59-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Results | Stadium | Attendance | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | ||||||
| 1 | September 11, 2005 | 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... |
W 24-13 | 1-0 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University... |
63,939 | |
| 2 | September 18, 2005 | Buffalo Bills Buffalo Bills The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 19–3 | 2–0 | Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events... |
64,777 | |
| 3 | September 25, 2005 | 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... |
W 17-16 | 3–0 | 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... |
70,518 | |
| 4 | October 2, 2005 | 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 17-13 | 4–0 | Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events... |
64,994 | |
| 5 | October 9, 2005 | at New York Jets New York Jets The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
L 14-12 | 4–1 | The Meadowlands Giants Stadium Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to... |
77,852 | |
| 6 | October 16, 2005 | Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 27-13 | 5–1 | Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events... |
65,168 | |
| 7 | Bye | ||||||
| 8 | October 30, 2005 | at San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and... |
L 15-10 | 5–2 | Monster Park | 63,358 | |
| 9 | November 6, 2005 | Carolina Panthers Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion... |
L 34-14 | 5–3 | Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events... |
65,014 | |
| 10 | November 13, 2005 | Washington Redskins Washington Redskins The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,... |
W 36-35 | 6–3 | Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events... |
65,421 | |
| 11 | November 20, 2005 | at Atlanta Falcons Atlanta Falcons The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 30-27 | 7–3 | Georgia Dome Georgia Dome The Georgia Dome is a domed stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between downtown to the east and Vine City to the west. It is primarily the home stadium for the NFL Atlanta Falcons and the NCAA Division I FCS Georgia State Panthers football team. It is owned and operated by the... |
70,794 | |
| 12 | November 27, 2005 | 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 13-10 | 7–4 | Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events... |
65,506 | |
| 13 | December 4, 2005 | at 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 10-3 | 8–4 | Tiger Stadium Tiger Stadium (LSU) Tiger Stadium is an outdoor stadium located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It is best known as the home stadium of the Louisiana State University football team.Tiger Stadium opened with a capacity of 12,000 in 1924... |
34,411 | |
| 14 | December 11, 2005 | at Carolina Panthers Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion... |
W 20-10 | 9–4 | Bank of America Stadium Bank of America Stadium Bank of America Stadium is a 73,778-seat football stadium located on of land in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. It is the home facility of the Carolina Panthers NFL franchise. It also hosts the annual Belk Bowl which features teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big East... |
73,467 | |
| 15 | December 17, 2005 | at New England Patriots New England Patriots The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National... |
L 28-0 | 9–5 | Gillette Stadium Gillette Stadium Gillette Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, 21 miles southwest of downtown Boston and from downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It serves as the home stadium and administrative offices for the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution... |
68,756 | |
| 16 | December 24, 2005 | Atlanta Falcons Atlanta Falcons The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
W 27-24 OT | 10-5 | Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events... |
65,482 | |
| 17 | January 1, 2006 | 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 27-13 | 11-5 | Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events... |
65,379 | |
| Postseason | |||||||
| WC | January 7, 2006 | Washington Redskins Washington Redskins The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,... |
L 17-10 | 11-6 | Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events... |
||
Week 1 at Minnesota Vikings
Rookie Cadillac Williams rushed for 148 yards, including a game-clinching 71-yard touchdown run with 1:23 remaining. Starting quarterback Brian GrieseBrian Griese
Brian David Griese is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played high school football at Christopher Columbus High School and later college football at Michigan....
threw touchdowns to Alex Smith
Alex Smith (tight end)
Edwin Alexander "Alex" Smith , is an American football tight end for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
. Tampa Bay snapped a four-game losing streak dating back to the 2004 season.
Week 2 Buffalo Bills
Tampa Bay dominated the visiting BillsBuffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, with Cadillac Williams rushing for 128 yards and one touchdown.
Week 3 at Green Bay Packers
Tampa Bay won for the first time at Lambeau FieldLambeau 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...
since 1989, led by Cadillac Williams's 158 rushing yards. Williams went over 100 yards for the first three games, totaling an NFL record 434 yards for a rookie's first three starts. A missed extra point by Green Bay early in the game proved to be the deciding margin.
Week 4 Detroit Lions
Tampa Bay led 17-13 late in the game as Detroit drove to the Tampa Bay 12 yard line. An apparent game-winning touchdown pass from Joey HarringtonJoey Harrington
John Joseph "Joey" Harrington, Jr. is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions third overall in the 2002 NFL Draft, where he played for most of his professional career. He ranks third all-time in Detroit history in pass completions, with 986...
to Marcus Pollard
Marcus Pollard
Marcus LaJuan Pollard is a former American football tight end.-College career:Pollard attended Bradley University, where he played basketball. Bradley did not have a football program at the time he matriculated there...
was called for an instant replay review. After review, the play was ruled incomplete, as Pollard was out-of-bounds, and Tampa Bay held on to win, and improve to 4-0. Cadillac Williams was held to just 13 yards, and suffered a hamstring injury.
Week 5 at New York Jets
Tampa Bay lost their first game of the season to the JetsNew York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, due in part to injuries to Cadillac Williams and Michael Clayton. Several penalties and missed opportunities led to the defeat.
Week 6 Miami Dolphins
Tampa Bay returned to their winning ways, but quarterback Brian GrieseBrian Griese
Brian David Griese is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played high school football at Christopher Columbus High School and later college football at Michigan....
was lost for the season with a knee injury.
Week 8 at San Francisco 49ers
Chris SimmsChris Simms
Christopher David Simms is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas.Simms has also played for the Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers...
was named starting quarterback, but despite a 78-yard touchdown pass to Joey Galloway
Joey Galloway
Joseph Scott Galloway is an American football wide receiver. He most recently played for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks eighth overall in the 1995 NFL Draft...
, the Buccaneers offense sputtered, and fell by a score of 15-10.
Week 9 Carolina Panthers
Chris SimmsChris Simms
Christopher David Simms is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas.Simms has also played for the Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers...
threw two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, in a 34-14 loss at home to division rival Carolina
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
.
Week 10 Washington Redskins
Tampa Bay broke their two-game losing streak, and mid-season slump, with a shootout victory against the Washington RedskinsWashington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
. Trailing 28-35 with one minute to go, Chris Simms
Chris Simms
Christopher David Simms is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas.Simms has also played for the Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers...
connected with Edell Shepherd
Edell Shepherd
Edell Eugene Shepherd is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
for a 30-yard touchdown pass. As the teams lined up for the game-tying extra point, a Washington defender flinched and prompted a delay-of-game penalty. The five yard penalty was applied to the ensuing kickoff. As the two temas lined up for the second attempt at the extra point, two Washington defenders jumped offsides and blocked Matt Bryant
Matt Bryant
Steven Matt Bryant is an American football placekicker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Frankfurt Galaxy as a street free agent in 2002...
's extra point kick. The play was ruled dead, and officials enforced a penalty half the distance to the goal line. The ball was placed at the 1 yard line for yet another conversion attempt. Tampa Bay sent the offensive unit back on the field, and decided this time, to attempt 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...
. Fullback 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...
hit the pile up the middle, but a second effort allowed him to cross the goal line and Tampa Bay took a 36-35 lead. Officials called for an instant replay, but the video evidence was inconclusive, and the play was upheld.
Week 11 at Atlanta Falcons
With 1:55 left, Cadillac Williams tied the game 27-27 with a 9-yard touchdown run. Derrick BrooksDerrick Brooks
Derrick Dewan Brooks is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buccaneers 28th overall in the 1995 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State....
then sacked Michael Vick
Michael Vick
Michael Dwayne Vick is an American football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League...
, and forced a fumble, which was recovered by Shelton Quarles
Shelton 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:...
. With 42 seconds remaining, Matt Bryant
Matt Bryant
Steven Matt Bryant is an American football placekicker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Frankfurt Galaxy as a street free agent in 2002...
kicked a game-winning 45-yard field goal.
Week 12 Chicago Bears
Matt BryantMatt Bryant
Steven Matt Bryant is an American football placekicker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Frankfurt Galaxy as a street free agent in 2002...
missed a game-tying 29-yard field goal with under three minutes to go, and Tampa Bay fell to the visiting 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...
13-10.
Week 13 at New Orleans
New OrleansNew 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 ....
hosted Tampa Bay at Tiger Stadium
Tiger Stadium (LSU)
Tiger Stadium is an outdoor stadium located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It is best known as the home stadium of the Louisiana State University football team.Tiger Stadium opened with a capacity of 12,000 in 1924...
. The game was relocated from the Louisiana Superdome
Louisiana Superdome
The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA...
due to Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was a powerful Atlantic hurricane. It is the costliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Among recorded Atlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall...
. The Tampa Bay defense dominated, and the Buccaneers came away with a 10-3 victory, a key intra-division win.
Week 14 at Carolina Panthers
With 11:47 remaining in the fourth quarter, Ronde BarberRonde 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 Jake Delhomme
Jake Delhomme
Jake Christopher Delhomme is an American football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Delhomme played college football at Louisiana-Lafayette before being signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 1997...
, which set up a Carnell Williams
Carnell Williams
Carnell Lamar "Cadillac" Williams is an American football running back for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
touchdown. The Buccaneers held on to win 20-10, breaking a five-game losing streak to Carolina
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
, evened the season series 1-1, and moved into a tie for the NFC South
NFC South
The NFC South is a division in the National Football Conference of the National Football League. It was created prior to the 2002 NFL season, when the league realigned divisions after expanding to 32 teams. The NFC South currently has four members: the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New...
lead.
Week 15 at New England Patriots
The Buccaneers suffered their worst shutout since 1999, falling 28-0 to New EnglandNew England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
. Chris Simms
Chris Simms
Christopher David Simms is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas.Simms has also played for the Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers...
was sacked seven times in the defeat.
Week 16 Atlanta Falcons
Tampa Bay and AtlantaAtlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
met on Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve refers to the evening or entire day preceding Christmas Day, a widely celebrated festival commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth that takes place on December 25...
with playoff berths for both teams at stake. The game turned into a shootout, and Atlanta led 24-17 late in the fourth quarter. Facing 4th down and 1, and trailing by 7, Cadillac Williams scored a 6-yard touchdown run with 31 seconds remaining. In overtime, Tampa Bay won the coin toss and elected to receive. Edell Shepherd
Edell Shepherd
Edell Eugene Shepherd is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
, however, fumbled the opening kickoff, and Atlanta recovered at the Buccaneers' 18-yard line. Fans began to leave the stadium as Atlanta lined up for a chip-shot 20 yard game-winning field goal attempt. Todd Peterson's field goal was blocked by Dewayne White
DeWayne White
DeWayne White is an American defensive end for the Omaha Nighthawks who is currently a free agent. He entered the league as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers top overall selection in the 2003 NFL Draft. White tied a team record by recording at least half-a-sack in six consecutive games in 2004. He has...
, and Tampa Bay recovered. Fans were seen scrambling back to their seats as the Buccaneer's hopes for victory were still alive.
Tampa Bay quickly drove to the Atlanta 9 yard line, and lined up for a game-winning field goal try. Matt Bryant
Matt Bryant
Steven Matt Bryant is an American football placekicker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Frankfurt Galaxy as a street free agent in 2002...
's kick sailed wide left, though, and the game continued. Both teams traded punts, then Atlanta punted to Tampa Bay with 1:08 remaining in overtime. Tampa Bay drove to the 23 yard line, and avoided a tie when Bryant connected on a 41-yard game winning field goal with 15 seconds left in the overtime period.
Meanwhile, Dallas
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...
defeated Carolina
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
24-20, which meant that a win by Tampa Bay in week 17 would clinch the NFC South
NFC South
The NFC South is a division in the National Football Conference of the National Football League. It was created prior to the 2002 NFL season, when the league realigned divisions after expanding to 32 teams. The NFC South currently has four members: the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New...
title.
Week 17 New Orleans Saints
The Buccaneers swept the SaintsNew 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 ....
for the season, and clinched the 2005 NFC South
NFC South
The NFC South is a division in the National Football Conference of the National Football League. It was created prior to the 2002 NFL season, when the league realigned divisions after expanding to 32 teams. The NFC South currently has four members: the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New...
title.
NFC Wild Card Playoff: Washington Redskins
at Raymond James StadiumRaymond James Stadium
Raymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events...
, Tampa, Florida
Tampa, Florida
Tampa is a city in the U.S. state of Florida. It serves as the county seat for Hillsborough County. Tampa is located on the west coast of Florida. The population of Tampa in 2010 was 335,709....
- Game time: 4:30 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 52°F (Clear, cool, breezy)
- 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), Suzy KolberSuzy KolberSuzanne Lisa "Suzy" Kolber is a football sideline reporter, co-producer, and sportscaster for ESPN. She was one of the original anchors of ESPN2 when it launched in 1993. Three years later, she left ESPN2 to join Fox Sports, but rejoined ESPN in late 1999....
(field reporter) - Referee: Mike CareyMike Carey (American football official)Michael "Mike" Carey is an American football official in the National Football League since the 1990 NFL season. His uniform number is 94. Prior to his officiating career, he played college football as a running back for Santa Clara University .Carey is a respected official in the NFL for his...
- Game Attendance: 65,514
Although the Redskins gained only 120 yards on offense, the lowest total in NFL playoff history for a winning team, they converted two turnovers into touchdowns. Midway through the first quarter, Washington linebacker LaVar Arrington
LaVar Arrington
LaVar RaShad Arrington is a former American football linebacker of the National Football League. He was drafted second overall by the Washington Redskins in the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Penn State for coach Joe Paterno.A two-time All-American at Penn State, Arrington played...
's 21-yard interception return set up running back Clinton Portis
Clinton Portis
Clinton Earl Portis is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
' six-yard touchdown run. Then, Redskins linebacker Marcus Washington
Marcus Washington
Marcus Cornelius Washington is an American football linebacker. After completing his college career with Auburn he was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft...
recovered Tampa Bay running back Carnell Williams
Carnell Williams
Carnell Lamar "Cadillac" Williams is an American football running back for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
' fumble and returned it seven yards before losing it himself – into the arms of Safety Sean Taylor who then ran 51 yards for the Redskins' second touchdown.
Early in the second quarter, Tampa Bay drove 38 yards to the Redskins 24-yard line where Matt Bryant
Matt Bryant
Steven Matt Bryant is an American football placekicker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Frankfurt Galaxy as a street free agent in 2002...
kicked a 43-yard field goal to cut their deficit to 14-3. The Redskins responded with an 10-play, 40-yard drive and scored with 40-yard field goal from John Hall
John Hall (American football)
John Hall is a former American football placekicker in the National Football League. He kicked for Port Charlotte High School and played college football at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. While at Wisconsin, Hall played and won three bowl games...
.
In the third quarter, Mark Jones gave the Buccaneers good field position by returning a punt 24 yards to the 49-yard line. Tamp Bay's offense took full advantage of the return, marching on a seven play, 51-yard drive that ended with quarterback Chris Simms
Chris Simms
Christopher David Simms is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas.Simms has also played for the Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers...
' two-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay drove to the Redskins 19-yard line, but Washington made a huge stand. First, linebacker Lemar Marshall
Lemar Marshall
Lemar Willie Marshall is a former American football linebacker. He was originally signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He played college football at Michigan State....
tackled fullback 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...
for no gain on third down and 1, and then Simms threw an incomplete pass on fourth down.. However, Buccaneers defensive back Brian Kelly gave his team another chance to drive for the tying touchdown by intercepting a pass from Mark Brunell
Mark Brunell
Mark Allen Brunell is an American football quarterback who currently plays for the New York Jets. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington....
and returning it the Redskins 35-yard line. With 3 minutes left in the game, Tampa Bay wide receiver Edell Shepherd
Edell Shepherd
Edell Eugene Shepherd is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
caught what appeared to be a 35-yard touchdown reception, but he lost control of the ball as he was coming down in the end zone. The Buccaneers got one last chance to tie the game when they received a punt at their own 46-yard line with 1:05 left in regulation, but Simms threw a pass that was tipped at the line of scrimmage and went into the arms of Washington for an interception.
This game was widely regarded by commentators as an "ugly" performance by both teams' offenses, rendering it a largely defensive game
- Scoring
- 1st Quarter
- WAS - PortisClinton PortisClinton Earl Portis is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
6 run (HallJohn Hall (American football)John Hall is a former American football placekicker in the National Football League. He kicked for Port Charlotte High School and played college football at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. While at Wisconsin, Hall played and won three bowl games...
kick), 8:40. Redskins 7-0. Drive: 1 play, 6 yards, :05. - WAS - Taylor 51 fumble return (Hall kick), Redskins 14-0.
- WAS - Portis
- 2nd Quarter
- TB - FG BryantMatt BryantSteven Matt Bryant is an American football placekicker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Frankfurt Galaxy as a street free agent in 2002...
43, 4:15. Redskins 14-3. Drive: 11 plays, 38 yards, 5:28. - WAS - FG Hall 47, 10:02. Redskins 17-3. Drive: 10 plays, 40 yards, 4:28.
- TB - FG Bryant
- 3rd Quarter
- TB - SimmsChris SimmsChristopher David Simms is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas.Simms has also played for the Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers...
2 run (Bryant kick), 9:40. Redskins 17-10. Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 3:23.
- TB - Simms
- 4th Quarter
- None.
- 1st Quarter