2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
Encyclopedia
The 2010
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
season was the club's 35th season as a franchise in the NFL
. The Buccaneers entered the season attempting to improve on their 3–13 record and last place finish in the NFC South
in 2009
, a feat they accomplished after only six games. The Buccaneers achieved the best turnaround in franchise history and became the first team since the NFL merger in 1970 to start 10 rookies and achieve a winning season. Raheem Morris
spent his second season as head coach. The Buccaneers had the third overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft
, with which they selected Gerald McCoy
.
John McKay, the team's first head coach, became the second inductee into the Ring of Honor on December 5 during a game against Atlanta
. McKay's son Rich
, a former Buccaneers general manager
, and current president of the Falcons, accepted the award for his late father. The Buccaneers wore throwback uniforms for the Falcons game.
Despite finishing the season with a 10–6 record (a seven game improvement from the year before), the team failed to sell out any of its home games at Raymond James Stadium
.
COLOR KEY & NOTES:
. In the first quarter, Jake Delhomme
completed a 41-yard touchdown pass to Mohamed Massaquoi
for a 7-0 lead. Buccaneers kicker Connor Barth
made a 49-yard field goal to trim the deficit to 7-3. In the second quarter, the Browns increased their lead with a Peyton Hillis
touchdown run. Josh Freeman
completed a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams
for a 14-10 halftime score.
The Buccaneers took the lead in the fourth quarter with Freeman's second touchdown pass, this time to Micheal Spurlock
. The Buccaneers held the Browns scoreless in the second half and won their first opening day game since 2005.
to Earnest Graham
. Carolina tied answered with Matt Moore
completing a 37-yard touchdown pass to Steve Smith. Tampa Bay scored a 35-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams to take a 14-7 lead into half time. Connor Barth
scored two field goals in the second half, and Tampa Bay won 20-7.
The Buccaneers defense dominated Carolina
, holding Jonathan Stewart
and DeAngelo Williams
to 43 and 54 yards rushing, respectively. Matt Moore
completed only 6 of 16 passes with one interception, while being sacked four times. Moore was benched in favor of rookie Jimmy Clausen
, who was unable to rally the Panthers. Josh Freeman
passed for 178 yards and two touchdowns.
With the win, Tampa Bay improved to 2-0.
's 40-yard field goal. However, Pittsburgh
dominated the remainder of the game. Mike Wallace
caught two touchdown passes of 46 yards and 41 yards, respectively. The Steelers rushed for 201 yards, and routed Tampa Bay 38-13.
. The Bengals took an early 7-0 lead after Carson Palmer
threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to Terrell Owens
. At the end the first quarter, the Buccaneers pinned the Bengals back at their own 6 yard line. One the first play of the second quarter, Cody Grimm
intercepted Palmer, and returned the ball 11 yards for a touchdown for a 7-7 tie. A Mike Nugent
31-yard field goal gave the Bengals a 10-7 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, Tampa Bay drove 80 yards for their second touchdown, and a 14-10 lead. the Bengals replied with a field goal, to trim their deficit to 14-13. Micheal Spurlock
fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and the Bengals recovered deep in Tampa Bay territory.
In the fourth quarter, the Bengals capitalized on the turnover. Palmer found Jermaine Gresham
for a 1-yard touchdown pass (along with a successful Cedric Benson
2-point conversion run) to take a 21-14 lead. The teams traded possession twice, and with 2:28 remaining, the Bengals faced 3rd down & 8 at their own 43 yard line. Tampa Bay had no timeouts, and a first down would secure the win for Cincinnati. Palmer was intercepted by Aqib Talib
at the 50 yard line. Five plays later, Josh Freeman
completed a 20-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams
. With 25 second left, the Buccaneers again intercepted Palmer. Sabby Piscitelli
returned the ball to the Cincinnati 34 yard line. With 5 second left in regulation, Connor Barth
made a 31-yard field goal to win the game 24-21.
completed touchdown passes of 41 yards and 42 yards to Lance Moore
and Robert Meachem
. New Orleans led Tampa Bay 24-0 at the end of the third quarter. Tampa Bay scored in the fourth quarter with Josh Freeman
completing 2-yard touchdown pass to Micheal Spurlock
, and avoided a shutout.
made a 35-yard field goal. The Rams, however, scored 17 unanswered points in the second quarter. Josh Brown made a 25-yard field goal. The next two Rams drives saw two Sam Bradford
touchdown passes to Danny Amendola
and Michael Hoomanawanui
, respectively. Barth nailed a 39-yard field goal at the end of the second quarter, and the Rams took a 17-6 lead into halftime.
The Buccaneers offense continued to sputter in the second half. Barth connected on two more field goals (53 yards and 38 yards) to trim the score to 17-12. The Tampa Bay defense held the Rams scoreless in the third quarter.
With 4:45 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Buccaneer offense finally broke through. Josh Freeman
led the team on a 16-play, 81-yard drive, capped off by a 1-yard touchdown pass to "Cadillac" Williams
with 10 seconds left in the game. A failed two-point conversion followed, but the Buccaneers held on to win 18-17.
Jerramy Stevens
was left inactive for the game, following a drug-related arrest the night before the game. A day later, Stevens
was released.
.
Arizona took the early lead after a 3-yard touchdown pass from Max Hall
to Larry Fitzgerald
. On their next drive, Geno Hayes
intercepted Hall, and returned 41-yards for a touchdown. Early in the second quarter, Buccaneers returner Sammie Stroughter
muffed a punt and the ball was recovered by the Cardinals at the Tampa Bay 16 yard line. Beanie Wells scored a 1-yard touchdown run off the turnover, and the Cardinals led 14-7. On the ensuing drive, Josh Freeman
drove the Buccaneers 80 yards in only three plays, completing a 47-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams
and a 14-14 tie. Four plays later, Aqib Talib
returned Hall's second interception 45 yards for a touchdown and the Buccaneers led 21-14. Hall was benched in favor of Derek Anderson
. Anderson drove the Cardinals to the Tampa Bay 3 yard line, but threw incomplete on a 4th down & 2 and turned the ball over on downs. Tampa Bay drove 94 yards in the final three minutes, and Connor Barth
kicked a field goal as the half expired.
In the third quarter, Tampa Bay increased their lead to 31-14 after a LeGarrette Blount
touchdown run. Arizona rallied, however. LaRod Stephens-Howling
rushed for a 30-yard touchdown with one minute left in the third quarter. Blount
fumbled the ball on the first play of the ensuing drive, and Gerald Hayes
recovered the ball 21 yards for a Cardinals touchdown.
With 9:46 left in the game, Arizona took the lead 35-31 following Anderson
's 5-yard touchdown pass to Fitzgerald
. Tampa Bay answered with Blount's
second touchdown run, and a 38-35 lead. Barrett Ruud
intercepted Anderson
on the first play of the next drive, which set up a 53-yard field goal attempt by Barth
. Tampa Bay chose to attempt the long field goal instead of punting. The kick was blocked, and the Cardinals took over with 3:16 remaining in good field position. Anderson drove the Cardinals to the Tampa Bay 20 yard line, but he was intercepted by Aqib Talib
, who clinched the win for Tampa Bay.
held off the Buccaneers 27-21 in an NFC South
division rivalry game. The Falcons took an early 14-0 lead after Turner's two touchdown runs of 2 and 10 yards. Micheal Spurlock
took the next kickoff return 66 yards to the Atlanta 32 yard line, which set up Tampa Bay's first score. Josh Freeman
completed a 14-yard touchdown pass to Arrelious Benn
to make the score 14-7. Atlanta drove to the Tampa Bay 13, and Matt Bryant
made a 31-yard field goal to increase the lead to 17-7. With two minutes remaining in the half, Freeman
found Mike Williams
for a 58-yard touchdown pass, and a 17-14 halftime score.
On the first drive of the third quarter, Freeman
was intercepted by Jonathan Babineaux
at the Tampa Bay 30 yard line. Matt Ryan
threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Michael Palmer
. After another field goal Atlanta led 27-14. On the ensuing kickoff, Maurice Stovall
bobbled the ball, and Micheal Spurlock
scooped it up at the 11 yard line. Spurlock avoided tackles, and tightroped down the sideline for a 89-yard kickoff return touchdown.
Trailing 27-21 with 2:44 remaining, Freeman
had driven the Buccaneers 89 yards in 12 plays to the Atlanta 2 yard line. Facing 4th down & 1 at the Atlanta 2, LeGarrette Blount
was tackled for no gain, and held at the line of scrimmage, which turned the ball over on downs. Atlanta remained undefeated at home, winning 27-21.
made an 8-yard TD pass to WR Arrelious Benn
. The Panthers narrowed the lead with kicker John Kasay
hitting a 46-yard field goal. The Buccaneers increased their lead in the second quarter with RB LeGarrette Blount
getting a 17-yard TD run; but the Panthers replied with RB Josh Vaughan
making a 2-yard TD run. Tampa Bay scored again when Freeman found TE Kellen Winslow
on a 20-yard TD pass. The lead was narrowed with Kasay's 28 and 48 yard field goals, but the Buccaneers pulled away in the fourth quarter with kicker Connor Barth
nailing a 32-yard field goal, and with RB Cadillac Williams getting a 45-yard TD run.
With the win, Tampa Bay not only improved to 6-3, but achieved a season sweep over the Carolina Panthers
.
six times, forced two turnovers, and held the 49ers
to only 189 total yards of offense, in a shutout win by the score of 21-0. It was the Buccaneers first win at San Francisco since 1980, and the 49ers first home shutout since 1977.
Early in the second quarter, Tampa Bay drove 80 yards in 14 plays, culminating in a 6-yard touchdown run by "Cadillac" Williams
. Tampa Bay took a 7-0 lead into halftime.
With 3:36 remaining in the third quarter, Josh Freeman
completed a pass 33 yards to Mike Williams
to the San Francisco 33 yard line. Four plays later, Freeman completed to Williams for an 8-yard touchdown pass, and a 14-0 lead. The Tampa Bay defense forced a turnover on downs, and on San Francisco's next possession, Ronde Barber
intercepted Troy Smith
. The turnover led to Tampa Bay's third touchdown, a 1-yard pass to offensive tackle Donald Penn
.
With the shut out win, Tampa Bay improved to 7-3
Wide receiver Mike Williams
was arrested two days before the game for DUI
charges, but was released on bail and played in the game.
to face the Baltimore Ravens
. In a largely defensive game, the teams traded field goals in the second quarter. The game was tied 3-3 with 4:32 remaining in the first half. Quarterback Joe Flacco
struck quickly, however, completing touchdown passes of 65 yards and 10 yards, to Todd Heap
and Derrick Mason
respectively, just before half time.
Trailing 17-3 with about three minutes left in the game, Josh Freeman
completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to Kellen Winslow
. The Buccaneers were unable to get the ball back on offense, and fell by a score of 17-10.
, wearing their orange throwback uniform
s. Tied 7-7 in the second quarter, Matt Ryan
completed a 17-yard touchdown pass to Ovie Mughelli
and a 14-7 Atlanta lead. With two minutes left in the first half, Ryan
was intercepted by Sean Jones
. With 15 seconds left in the half, Josh Freeman
threw a touchdown pass to Mike Williams, to tie the score at 14-14.
Connor Barth
kicked a 33-yard field goal, and Tampa Bay took a 17-14 lead in the third quarter. With 12:33 left in the game, Corey Lynch
intercepted Matt Ryan
. The turnover led to a 2-yard touchdown pass to John Gilmore, and Tampa Bay led 24-14 with 10:24 remaining.
Eric Weems
returned the ensuing kickoff 102 yards for a touchdown. That trimmed the lead to 24-21. On Atlanta's next drive, Ronde Barber
was called for pass interference, and Quincy Black
was penalized for a "horse-collar tackle
." Atlanta quickly scored a 9-yard touchdown pass to Michael Jenkins, and took a 28-24 lead with 4:31 left.
Josh Freeman
led Tampa Bay on a hopeful go-ahead drive. Facing 4th down and 12 at the Atlanta 46 yard line, Freeman completed a 19-yard pass to Sammie Stroughter
to keep the drive alive. On the next play, however, Freeman was intercepted by Brent Grimes
at the 19 yard line, securing the victory for Atlanta.
, on a cold, rainy afternoon. The wet conditions saw Redskins kicker Graham Gano
miss two field goals early. One hit the upright, and the second sailed wide left. Despite Ryan Torain
already having rushed for 133 yards to that point, the score still remained 0-0.
On the Buccaneers next possession, LeGarrette Blount
fumbled away the ball, which led to a Washington score. Donovan McNabb
completed a touchdown pass to Logan Paulsen
, and the Redskins took the lead 7-0. On the next play, Josh Freeman
completed a 64-yard pass to Arrelious Benn
, which led to a field goal, and the game went to halftime with Washington leading 10-3.
Connor Barth
scored field goals on Tampa Bay's first two possessions of the second half. At the end of the third quarter, Washington clung to a 10-9 lead.
In the fourth quarter, Freeman
drove the Buccaneers 79 yards to the Washington 1 yard line. After a 43-yard pass to Benn
, which gave them 1st & Goal at the 1 yard line, Freeman fumbled away the ball and Washington recovered. However, Washington failed to score on their next two drives. With less than 4 minutes left, Tampa Bay took the lead 17-10 when Freeman
threw a touchdown pass to Kellen Winslow II
, then rushed in himself for the two-point conversion.
In the final minutes, Donovan McNabb
drove the Redskins 75 yards for a potential game-tying score. McNabb threw a touchdown pass to Santana Moss
with 9 seconds left in regulation. On the extra point try, the snap sailed over the head of holder Hunter Smith
, and the attempt failed, giving the Buccaneers the victory by a score of 17-16.
7-0 after the first quarter. The Buccaneers rallied in the second quarter, as Josh Freeman
completed a 24-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams, followed by 39-yard touchdown run by LeGarrette Blount
.
In the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay trailed 17-14. Freeman
drove the Buccaneers to the Detroit 1 yard line. Kellen Winslow
caught a touchdown pass, but it was nullified by an offensive pass interference
penalty, and the Buccaneers settled for a field goal and a 17-17 tie. Tampa Bay took a 20-17 lead with 1:44 remaining in regulation. However, Detroit drove down the field, and Dave Rayner
kicked a field goal for Detroit, and tied the game as time expired.
Detroit won the coin toss in overtime, and Rayner
kicked the game-winning field goal on the first possession.
threw for 237 yards and threw five touchdown passes, tying a franchise record, as Tampa Bay routed Seattle
38-15.
In the first quarter, Matt Hasselbeck
scrambled for a 1-yard touchdown to give Seattle a 7-0 lead. However, Hasselbeck suffered a muscle strain on the play, and was sidelined for the remainder of the game. Backup quarterback Charlie Whitehurst
was forced to take over for Seattle.
Micheal Spurlock
returned the ensuing kickoff 79 yards to the Seattle 17 yard line, setting up a Connor Barth
field goal. Tampa Bay scored 31 unanswered points, including two touchdown passes apiece from Freeman
to Kellen Winslow
and Mike Williams.
completing a 2-yard touchdown pass to Dezmon Briscoe
. The Saints tied the game after Garrett Hartley
's 45-yard field goal in the third quarter. Tampa Bay re-took the lead after another field goal, then stretched their lead with Freeman's second touchdown pass of the day. The Saints tried to narrow the gap with Hartley making a 38-yard field goal, but the Buccaneers held on to win.
With the win, the Buccaneers finished with a 10–6 record, but the Green Bay Packers
victory over the Chicago Bears
later that day gave them the 6th seed due to a strength of victory tie-breaker and eliminated the Buccaneers from playoff contention.
to the Chicago Bears
, a fifth round pick from the New England Patriots
in a trade that sent tight end Alex Smith
to the Patriots, and two additional seventh round picks; one from the Jacksonville Jaguars
for quarterback Luke McCown
, and one from the Baltimore Ravens
for defensive end Marques Douglas
. The Buccaneers traded their 2010 fifth-round selection and a 2009 second-round selection to the Browns for TE Kellen Winslow II
.
on local television because the games failed to sell out prior to 72 hours before kickoff. The affiliates affected include WTVT
, WTSP
, and WFLA
(preseason) in the Tampa/St. Pete market
, as well as WOFL
, WKMG
and WFTV
(preseason) in the Orlando market. Despite their improvement and being in the playoff hunt, Tampa Bay Buccaneers became the first NFL team of the 2010 season to not sell out a single home game.
The Week 1 blackout against Cleveland
marked the first regular season game at Raymond James Stadium
that failed to sell out. The last TV blackout occurred in 1997.
2010 NFL season
The 2010 NFL season was the 91st regular season of the National Football League.The regular season began with the NFL Kickoff game on NBC on Thursday, September 9, at the Louisiana Superdome as the New Orleans Saints, Super Bowl XLIV champions, defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14–9.Tom Brady,...
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 was the club's 35th season as a franchise in the NFL
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. The Buccaneers entered the season attempting to improve on their 3–13 record and last place finish in 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...
in 2009
2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
The 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 34th season as a franchise in the NFL. The Buccaneers looked to improve on their 9–7 record from their 2008 season and 3rd place finish in the NFC South but failed to do so as they finished the season at 3–13, missing the playoffs for the...
, a feat they accomplished after only six games. The Buccaneers achieved the best turnaround in franchise history and became the first team since the NFL merger in 1970 to start 10 rookies and achieve a winning season. Raheem Morris
Raheem Morris
Raheem Morris is the head coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was hired by the Buccaneers as head coach on January 17, 2009 after previous head coach Jon Gruden was fired after seven seasons....
spent his second season as head coach. The Buccaneers had the third overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft
2010 NFL Draft
The 2010 NFL Draft was the 75th annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. Unlike previous years, the 2010 draft took place over three days, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, with the first round on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at 7:30 pm...
, with which they selected Gerald McCoy
Gerald McCoy
McCoy was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 3rd overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft. McCoy and the Buccaneers agreed to a five-year, $63 million contract on July 31, 2010.-Tampa Bay Buccaneers:...
.
John McKay, the team's first head coach, became the second inductee into the Ring of Honor on December 5 during a game against Atlanta
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...
. McKay's son Rich
Rich McKay
Rich McKay is the president, CEO, and former general manager of the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was the general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when they won Super Bowl XXXVII.-Early years:...
, a former Buccaneers general manager
General manager
General manager is a descriptive term for certain executives in a business operation. It is also a formal title held by some business executives, most commonly in the hospitality industry.-Generic usage:...
, and current president of the Falcons, accepted the award for his late father. The Buccaneers wore throwback uniforms for the Falcons game.
Despite finishing the season with a 10–6 record (a seven game improvement from the year before), the team failed to sell out any of its home games at 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...
.
Preseason
The Buccaneers preseason schedule was announced on March 31, 2010.| Week | | Date | | Kickoff | | Opponent | | Results | | Game site | | TV | | NFL.com recap |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | August 14 | 7:00 p.m. EDT North American Eastern Time Zone The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time... |
at Miami Dolphins 2010 Miami Dolphins season The 2010 Miami Dolphins season was the organization's 41st season in the National Football League and 45th overall. The Dolphins are entering the 2010 season coming off a third place finish in the AFC East 7–9-Staff Changes:... |
L 7–10 | 0–1 | Sun Life Stadium | WFLA WFLA-TV WFLA-TV, virtual channel 8, is the NBC-affiliated television station in Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida. The station is the flagship station of its owner and operator, Media General. Its transmitter is located in Riverview, Hillsborough County, Florida. WFLA is the only station in the market to be... |
Recap |
| 2 | August 21 | 7:30 p.m. EDT | Kansas City Chiefs 2010 Kansas City Chiefs season The 2010 Kansas City Chiefs season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League, the 51st overall and the second under the head coach/general manager tandem of Todd Haley and Scott Pioli. The team improved on its 4–12 record from 2009, and won their first AFC West division title... |
W 20–15 | 1–1 | 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... |
WFLA | Recap |
| 3 | August 28 | 7:30 p.m. EDT | Jacksonville Jaguars 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars season The 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars season was the 16th season for the team in the National Football League. The Jaguars, who are in their second year of "rebuilding" under general manager Gene Smith, improved upon their 7–9 record from 2009, but narrowly missed the playoffs with an 8–8 record... |
L 13–19 | 1–2 | Raymond James Stadium | WFLA | Recap |
| 4 | September 2 | 8:00 p.m. EDT | at Houston Texans 2010 Houston Texans season The 2010 Houston Texans season was the team's 9th season in the National Football League. The Texans claimed their first winning season in franchise history, with a 9–7 record in 2009, but narrowly missed the playoffs. The Texans selected Kareem Jackson CB from Alabama, with the 20th overall all... |
W 24–17 | 2–2 | Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface.... |
WFLA | Recap |
Regular season
The Buccaneers' schedule was announced on April 20, 2010.| Week | | Date | | Kickoff | | Opponent | | Results | | Game site | | TV | | NFL.com recap |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | September 12 | 1:00 p.m. EDT North American Eastern Time Zone The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time... |
Cleveland Browns 2010 Cleveland Browns season The 2010 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 64th season as a professional sports franchise and its 60th season as a member of the National Football League . The team failed to break the longest playoff appearance drought in franchise history, a current streak of eight seasons without reaching... |
W 17–14 | 1–0 | 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... |
CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
Recap |
| 2 | September 19 | 1:00 p.m. EDT | at Carolina Panthers 2010 Carolina Panthers season -Coaching staff:-Preseason:The Panthers preseason schedule was announced on March 31, 2010.-Regular season:-Week 1: at New York Giants:The Panthers began their season at New Meadowlands Stadium for an NFC duel with the New York Giants. In the first quarter, Carolina got the stadium's very first... |
W 20–7 | 2–0 | 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... |
Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap |
| 3 | September 26 | 1:00 p.m. EDT | Pittsburgh Steelers 2010 Pittsburgh Steelers season The 2010 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the team's 78th season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League and the eleventh season under the leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the fourth under head coach Mike Tomlin... |
L 13–38 | 2–1 | Raymond James Stadium | CBS | Recap |
| 4 | Bye Bye (sports) A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing... |
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| 5 | October 10 | 1:00 p.m. EDT | at Cincinnati Bengals 2010 Cincinnati Bengals season The 2010 Cincinnati Bengals season was the 41st season for the team in the National Football League , and their 43rd overall. The Bengals looked to improve on their 10–6 record in 2009, during which they swept the AFC North for the first time in team history and made the playoffs as division... |
W 24–21 | 3–1 | Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and... |
Fox | Recap |
| 6 | October 17 | 1:00 p.m. EDT | New Orleans Saints 2010 New Orleans Saints season The 2010 New Orleans Saints season was the 44th season for the franchise in the National Football League and city of New Orleans, Louisiana, and was the 35th to host home games in the Louisiana Superdome. The Saints entered their season for the first time as defending Super Bowl and National... |
L 6–31 | 3–2 | Raymond James Stadium | Fox | Recap |
| 7 | October 24 | 1:00 p.m. EDT | St. Louis Rams 2010 St. Louis Rams season -Schedule:-Week 1: vs. Arizona Cardinals:The St. Louis Rams began their season at home for an NFC West match against the Arizona Cardinals. The Rams trailed in the 2nd quarter with Cardinals kicker Jay Feely nailing a 22-yard field goal, which was replied when Rams kicker Josh Brown made a 46-yard... |
W 18–17 | 4–2 | Raymond James Stadium | Fox | Recap |
| 8 | October 31 | 4:15 p.m. EDT | at Arizona Cardinals 2010 Arizona Cardinals season The 2010 Arizona Cardinals season is the 91st season for the team in the National Football League, and their 23rd season in Arizona. The Cardinals failed to improve on their 10–6 record from 2009, and were eliminated from postseason contention in Week 15.... |
W 38–35 | 5–2 | University of Phoenix Stadium University of Phoenix Stadium University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl... |
Fox | Recap |
| 9 | November 7 | 1:00 p.m. EST | at Atlanta Falcons 2010 Atlanta Falcons season The 2010 Atlanta Falcons season was the 45th season for the team in the National Football League. In 2009, the team posted consecutive winning seasons for the first time in franchise history, with a 9–7 record, but did not make the playoffs... |
L 21–27 | 5–3 | 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... |
Fox | Recap |
| 10 | November 14 | 1:00 p.m. EST | Carolina Panthers 2010 Carolina Panthers season -Coaching staff:-Preseason:The Panthers preseason schedule was announced on March 31, 2010.-Regular season:-Week 1: at New York Giants:The Panthers began their season at New Meadowlands Stadium for an NFC duel with the New York Giants. In the first quarter, Carolina got the stadium's very first... |
W 31–16 | 6–3 | Raymond James Stadium | Fox | Recap |
| 11 | November 21 | 4:05 p.m. EST | at San Francisco 49ers 2010 San Francisco 49ers season The 2010 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 65th season, and the second full year with Mike Singletary as the head coach. The 49ers were looking to build upon their 8–8 season in 2009 that ended their streak of seven consecutive losing seasons and to get into the postseason for the... |
W 21–0 | 7–3 | Candlestick Park | Fox | Recap |
| 12 | November 28 | 4:15 p.m. EST | at Baltimore Ravens 2010 Baltimore Ravens season The 2010 Baltimore Ravens season was the 15th for the team in the National Football League and city of Baltimore, Maryland, and the 13th to host home games at M&T Bank Stadium. They played in the NFL's American Football Conference North Division... |
L 10–17 | 7–4 | M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. Served by the Hamburg Street station of... |
Fox | Recap |
| 13 | December 5 | 4:15 p.m. EST | Atlanta Falcons 2010 Atlanta Falcons season The 2010 Atlanta Falcons season was the 45th season for the team in the National Football League. In 2009, the team posted consecutive winning seasons for the first time in franchise history, with a 9–7 record, but did not make the playoffs... |
L 24–28 | 7–5 | Raymond James Stadium | Fox | Recap |
| 14 | December 12 | 1:00 p.m. EST | at Washington Redskins 2010 Washington Redskins season The 2010 Washington Redskins season was the 78th season for the team in the National Football League , and their first under new head coach Mike Shanahan, who also began his term as the team's Vice President of Football Operations... |
W 17–16 | 8–5 | FedEx Field | Fox | Recap |
| 15 | December 19 | 1:00 p.m. EST | Detroit Lions 2010 Detroit Lions season The 2010 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 81st season in the NFL. It was Jim Schwartz's second season as head coach. The Lions spent most of the season at the bottom of their division, but with more division wins than the Vikings , the Lions ended up at 3rd place on the final day of the... |
L 20–23 (OT) | 8–6 | Raymond James Stadium | Fox | Recap |
| 16 | December 26 | 4:15 p.m. EST | Seattle Seahawks 2010 Seattle Seahawks season The 2010 Seattle Seahawks season was the 35th season for the team in the National Football League. Jim Mora was fired on January 8, 2010, leading the Seahawks to come to an agreement with Pete Carroll, instating him as head coach the following day. This marks the 9th season that the Seahawks will... |
W 38-15 | 9-6 | Raymond James Stadium | Fox | Recap |
| 17 | January 2 | 1:00 p.m. EST | at New Orleans Saints 2010 New Orleans Saints season The 2010 New Orleans Saints season was the 44th season for the franchise in the National Football League and city of New Orleans, Louisiana, and was the 35th to host home games in the Louisiana Superdome. The Saints entered their season for the first time as defending Super Bowl and National... |
W 23-13 | 10-6 | 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... |
Fox | Recap |
COLOR KEY & NOTES:
- Bold indicates division games.
- Orange indicates designated throwback uniformThrowback uniformThrowback uniforms and jerseys are one-time or limited-time variations on a sports team's uniforms styled to resemble uniforms from that team's past. They have proven popular in all major pro and college sports in the USA, not only with fans, but with the teams' marketing and merchandising...
game. - Gray indicates that the game was blacked outBlackout (broadcasting)Blackout usually relates to the broadcasting of sports events, television programming, that is prohibited in a certain media market.The purpose is theoretically to generate more revenue by obliging certain actions from fans, either by making them buy tickets or watch other games on TV...
locally due to low ticket sales.
Week 1: vs. Cleveland Browns
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers began the 2010 season against the BrownsCleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, 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...
completed a 41-yard touchdown pass to Mohamed Massaquoi
Mohamed Massaquoi
Mohamed Jah Massaquoi is a wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns. He is currently the second string receiver in Head Coach Pat Shurmur's new offense.-High school:...
for a 7-0 lead. Buccaneers kicker Connor Barth
Connor Barth
Connor Thomas Barth is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at North Carolina....
made a 49-yard field goal to trim the deficit to 7-3. In the second quarter, the Browns increased their lead with a Peyton Hillis
Peyton Hillis
Hillis was selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft.-2008 Season:At the start of the 2008 season, Hillis was listed as the Broncos' starting fullback...
touchdown run. Josh Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
completed a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams
Mike Williams (wide receiver b. 1987)
-Tampa Bay Buccaneers:Williams was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round in the 2010 NFL Draft. He was signed to a four-year contract on June 4, 2010. On September 12, 2010 he made his NFL debut against the Cleveland Browns, making 5 receptions for 30 yards and a touchdown...
for a 14-10 halftime score.
The Buccaneers took the lead in the fourth quarter with Freeman's second touchdown pass, this time to Micheal Spurlock
Micheal Spurlock
Michael Curtis Spurlock is an American football wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
. The Buccaneers held the Browns scoreless in the second half and won their first opening day game since 2005.
Week 2: at Carolina Panthers
The Buccaneers took a 7-0 lead after a 14-yard touchdown pass from Josh FreemanJosh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
to Earnest Graham
Earnest Graham
Earnest Graham, Jr. is an American football running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Florida....
. Carolina tied answered with Matt Moore
Matt Moore (American football)
Matthew Erickson Moore is an American Football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.He played college football at UCLA and Oregon State...
completing a 37-yard touchdown pass to Steve Smith. Tampa Bay scored a 35-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams to take a 14-7 lead into half time. Connor Barth
Connor Barth
Connor Thomas Barth is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at North Carolina....
scored two field goals in the second half, and Tampa Bay won 20-7.
The Buccaneers defense dominated 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...
, holding Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Creon Stewart is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the NFL. He was selected by the Panthers in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Oregon.-High school career:Stewart is the career leading rusher in...
and DeAngelo Williams
DeAngelo Williams
DeAngelo Williams is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. Williams was drafted by the Panthers 27th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft...
to 43 and 54 yards rushing, respectively. Matt Moore
Matt Moore (American football)
Matthew Erickson Moore is an American Football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.He played college football at UCLA and Oregon State...
completed only 6 of 16 passes with one interception, while being sacked four times. Moore was benched in favor of rookie Jimmy Clausen
Jimmy Clausen
James Richard "Jimmy" Clausen is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Panthers in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame.-High school career:Clausen had an outstanding prep career...
, who was unable to rally the Panthers. Josh Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
passed for 178 yards and two touchdowns.
With the win, Tampa Bay improved to 2-0.
Week 3: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Tampa Bay took an early 3-0 lead with Connor BarthConnor Barth
Connor Thomas Barth is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at North Carolina....
's 40-yard field goal. However, Pittsburgh
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...
dominated the remainder of the game. Mike Wallace
Mike Wallace (American football)
-Pittsburgh Steelers:Wallace was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft with the 84th overall selection. Wallace was the 11th wide receiver chosen in the draft. On June 18, 2009, Wallace signed a three year contract with the Steelers worth $1.740 million which...
caught two touchdown passes of 46 yards and 41 yards, respectively. The Steelers rushed for 201 yards, and routed Tampa Bay 38-13.
Week 5: at Cincinnati Bengals
Coming out of their bye week, the Buccaneers traveled to Cincinnati to face the 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...
. The Bengals took an early 7-0 lead after Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
. At the end the first quarter, the Buccaneers pinned the Bengals back at their own 6 yard line. One the first play of the second quarter, Cody Grimm
Cody Grimm
Cody James Grimm is an American football safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buccaneers in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
intercepted Palmer, and returned the ball 11 yards for a touchdown for a 7-7 tie. A Mike Nugent
Mike Nugent
Mike Nugent is an American football placekicker for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
31-yard field goal gave the Bengals a 10-7 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, Tampa Bay drove 80 yards for their second touchdown, and a 14-10 lead. the Bengals replied with a field goal, to trim their deficit to 14-13. Micheal Spurlock
Micheal Spurlock
Michael Curtis Spurlock is an American football wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and the Bengals recovered deep in Tampa Bay territory.
In the fourth quarter, the Bengals capitalized on the turnover. Palmer found Jermaine Gresham
Jermaine Gresham
Jermaine Gresham is an American football tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals. He was drafted by the Bengals with the 21st pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, despite the fact that he had missed all of the previous season with a knee injury....
for a 1-yard touchdown pass (along with a successful Cedric Benson
Cedric Benson
Cedric Myron Benson is an American football running back for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears fourth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft...
2-point conversion run) to take a 21-14 lead. The teams traded possession twice, and with 2:28 remaining, the Bengals faced 3rd down & 8 at their own 43 yard line. Tampa Bay had no timeouts, and a first down would secure the win for Cincinnati. Palmer was intercepted by Aqib Talib
Aqib Talib
Aqib Talib is an American football cornerback who plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft.-Early years:...
at the 50 yard line. Five plays later, Josh Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
completed a 20-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams
Mike Williams (wide receiver b. 1987)
-Tampa Bay Buccaneers:Williams was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round in the 2010 NFL Draft. He was signed to a four-year contract on June 4, 2010. On September 12, 2010 he made his NFL debut against the Cleveland Browns, making 5 receptions for 30 yards and a touchdown...
. With 25 second left, the Buccaneers again intercepted Palmer. Sabby Piscitelli
Sabby Piscitelli
Sabatino "The Goat" Piscitelli is an American football safety for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
returned the ball to the Cincinnati 34 yard line. With 5 second left in regulation, Connor Barth
Connor Barth
Connor Thomas Barth is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at North Carolina....
made a 31-yard field goal to win the game 24-21.
Week 6: vs. New Orleans Saints
Tampa Bay trailed early after Drew BreesDrew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
completed touchdown passes of 41 yards and 42 yards to Lance Moore
Lance Moore
Lance Andrew Moore is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
and Robert Meachem
Robert Meachem
Robert Meachem is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Saints 27th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee....
. New Orleans led Tampa Bay 24-0 at the end of the third quarter. Tampa Bay scored in the fourth quarter with Josh Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
completing 2-yard touchdown pass to Micheal Spurlock
Micheal Spurlock
Michael Curtis Spurlock is an American football wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
, and avoided a shutout.
Week 7: vs. St. Louis Rams
Tampa Bay took the lead 3-0 as kicker Connor BarthConnor Barth
Connor Thomas Barth is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at North Carolina....
made a 35-yard field goal. The Rams, however, scored 17 unanswered points in the second quarter. Josh Brown made a 25-yard field goal. The next two Rams drives saw two Sam Bradford
Sam Bradford
Samuel Jacob "Sam" Bradford is an American football quarterback for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was the first overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, and played college football at Oklahoma. In 2008, as a redshirt sophomore, Bradford became the second sophomore to win a...
touchdown passes to Danny Amendola
Danny Amendola
Daniel Amendola is an American football wide receiver for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
and Michael Hoomanawanui
Michael Hoomanawanui
-St. Louis Rams:He was drafted by the Rams in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. On June 26, 2010 he signed a four-year, $2.4 million contract including a $215,000 signing bonus. He made the opening day roster.-External links:**...
, respectively. Barth nailed a 39-yard field goal at the end of the second quarter, and the Rams took a 17-6 lead into halftime.
The Buccaneers offense continued to sputter in the second half. Barth connected on two more field goals (53 yards and 38 yards) to trim the score to 17-12. The Tampa Bay defense held the Rams scoreless in the third quarter.
With 4:45 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Buccaneer offense finally broke through. Josh Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
led the team on a 16-play, 81-yard drive, capped off by a 1-yard touchdown pass to "Cadillac" 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...
with 10 seconds left in the game. A failed two-point conversion followed, but the Buccaneers held on to win 18-17.
Jerramy Stevens
Jerramy Stevens
Jerramy Stevens is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks 28th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington.-Early years:...
was left inactive for the game, following a drug-related arrest the night before the game. A day later, Stevens
Jerramy Stevens
Jerramy Stevens is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks 28th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington.-Early years:...
was released.
Week 8: at Arizona Cardinals
The Buccaneers won their fifth straight road game (dating back to the previous season) with a shootout win against the CardinalsArizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
Arizona took the early lead after a 3-yard touchdown pass from Max Hall
Max Hall
Max Hall is an American football quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football at BYU.-Early years:...
to Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League, and currently ranks fourth all-time in league history in receiving yards per game for a career , behind Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, and Marvin Harrison...
. On their next drive, Geno Hayes
Geno Hayes
Eugene Antonio "Geno" Hayes is an American football linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buccaneers in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
intercepted Hall, and returned 41-yards for a touchdown. Early in the second quarter, Buccaneers returner Sammie Stroughter
Sammie Stroughter
Sammie Stroughter is an American football wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buccaneers in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State....
muffed a punt and the ball was recovered by the Cardinals at the Tampa Bay 16 yard line. Beanie Wells scored a 1-yard touchdown run off the turnover, and the Cardinals led 14-7. On the ensuing drive, Josh Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
drove the Buccaneers 80 yards in only three plays, completing a 47-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams
Mike Williams (wide receiver b. 1987)
-Tampa Bay Buccaneers:Williams was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round in the 2010 NFL Draft. He was signed to a four-year contract on June 4, 2010. On September 12, 2010 he made his NFL debut against the Cleveland Browns, making 5 receptions for 30 yards and a touchdown...
and a 14-14 tie. Four plays later, Aqib Talib
Aqib Talib
Aqib Talib is an American football cornerback who plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft.-Early years:...
returned Hall's second interception 45 yards for a touchdown and the Buccaneers led 21-14. Hall was benched in favor of Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson (American football)
Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
. Anderson drove the Cardinals to the Tampa Bay 3 yard line, but threw incomplete on a 4th down & 2 and turned the ball over on downs. Tampa Bay drove 94 yards in the final three minutes, and Connor Barth
Connor Barth
Connor Thomas Barth is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at North Carolina....
kicked a field goal as the half expired.
In the third quarter, Tampa Bay increased their lead to 31-14 after a LeGarrette Blount
LeGarrette Blount
LeGarrette Montez Blount is an American football running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2010....
touchdown run. Arizona rallied, however. LaRod Stephens-Howling
LaRod Stephens-Howling
LaRod Stephens-Howling is an American football running back and kickoff returner for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft...
rushed for a 30-yard touchdown with one minute left in the third quarter. Blount
LeGarrette Blount
LeGarrette Montez Blount is an American football running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2010....
fumbled the ball on the first play of the ensuing drive, and Gerald Hayes
Gerald Hayes
Gerald Hayes is an American football linebacker for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Pittsburgh....
recovered the ball 21 yards for a Cardinals touchdown.
With 9:46 left in the game, Arizona took the lead 35-31 following Anderson
Derek Anderson (American football)
Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
's 5-yard touchdown pass to Fitzgerald
Larry Fitzgerald
Larry Darnell Fitzgerald, Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League, and currently ranks fourth all-time in league history in receiving yards per game for a career , behind Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, and Marvin Harrison...
. Tampa Bay answered with Blount's
LeGarrette Blount
LeGarrette Montez Blount is an American football running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2010....
second touchdown run, and a 38-35 lead. Barrett Ruud
Barrett Ruud
Barrett James Ruud is an American football linebacker for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska....
intercepted Anderson
Derek Anderson (American football)
Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
on the first play of the next drive, which set up a 53-yard field goal attempt by Barth
Connor Barth
Connor Thomas Barth is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at North Carolina....
. Tampa Bay chose to attempt the long field goal instead of punting. The kick was blocked, and the Cardinals took over with 3:16 remaining in good field position. Anderson drove the Cardinals to the Tampa Bay 20 yard line, but he was intercepted by Aqib Talib
Aqib Talib
Aqib Talib is an American football cornerback who plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft.-Early years:...
, who clinched the win for Tampa Bay.
Week 9: at Atlanta Falcons
Michael Turner rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns, as the FalconsAtlanta 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...
held off the Buccaneers 27-21 in an 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...
division rivalry game. The Falcons took an early 14-0 lead after Turner's two touchdown runs of 2 and 10 yards. Micheal Spurlock
Micheal Spurlock
Michael Curtis Spurlock is an American football wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
took the next kickoff return 66 yards to the Atlanta 32 yard line, which set up Tampa Bay's first score. Josh Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
completed a 14-yard touchdown pass to Arrelious Benn
Arrelious Benn
-External links:**...
to make the score 14-7. Atlanta drove to the Tampa Bay 13, and 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...
made a 31-yard field goal to increase the lead to 17-7. With two minutes remaining in the half, Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
found Mike Williams
Mike Williams (wide receiver b. 1987)
-Tampa Bay Buccaneers:Williams was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round in the 2010 NFL Draft. He was signed to a four-year contract on June 4, 2010. On September 12, 2010 he made his NFL debut against the Cleveland Browns, making 5 receptions for 30 yards and a touchdown...
for a 58-yard touchdown pass, and a 17-14 halftime score.
On the first drive of the third quarter, Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
was intercepted by Jonathan Babineaux
Jonathan Babineaux
Jonathan Joel Babineaux is an NFL defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted with the 59th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.-High school career:...
at the Tampa Bay 30 yard line. Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Michael Palmer
Michael Palmer
Michael Palmer is an American poet and translator. He attended Harvard University where he earned a BA in French and a MA in Comparative Literature. He has worked extensively with Contemporary dance for over thirty years and has collaborated with many composers and visual artists...
. After another field goal Atlanta led 27-14. On the ensuing kickoff, Maurice Stovall
Maurice Stovall
Maurice Aurilius Stovall is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame.-Early years:Stovall grew up in Philadelphia and went...
bobbled the ball, and Micheal Spurlock
Micheal Spurlock
Michael Curtis Spurlock is an American football wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
scooped it up at the 11 yard line. Spurlock avoided tackles, and tightroped down the sideline for a 89-yard kickoff return touchdown.
Trailing 27-21 with 2:44 remaining, Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
had driven the Buccaneers 89 yards in 12 plays to the Atlanta 2 yard line. Facing 4th down & 1 at the Atlanta 2, LeGarrette Blount
LeGarrette Blount
LeGarrette Montez Blount is an American football running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2010....
was tackled for no gain, and held at the line of scrimmage, which turned the ball over on downs. Atlanta remained undefeated at home, winning 27-21.
Week 10: vs. Carolina Panthers
Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Falcons the Buccaneers played on home ground for an NFC South rivalry match against the Panthers. In the 1st quarter the Buccaneers took the lead as QB Josh FreemanJosh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
made an 8-yard TD pass to WR Arrelious Benn
Arrelious Benn
-External links:**...
. The Panthers narrowed the lead with kicker John Kasay
John Kasay
John David Kasay is an American football kicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia...
hitting a 46-yard field goal. The Buccaneers increased their lead in the second quarter with RB LeGarrette Blount
LeGarrette Blount
LeGarrette Montez Blount is an American football running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2010....
getting a 17-yard TD run; but the Panthers replied with RB Josh Vaughan
Josh Vaughan
Joshua "Josh" Vaughan is an American football running back for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2009...
making a 2-yard TD run. Tampa Bay scored again when Freeman found TE Kellen Winslow
Kellen Winslow
Kellen Boswell Winslow is a former American football tight end with the Missouri Tigers and the San Diego Chargers. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest tight ends in the history of the game. He is currently the athletic director at Central State University.Winslow did not play high...
on a 20-yard TD pass. The lead was narrowed with Kasay's 28 and 48 yard field goals, but the Buccaneers pulled away in the fourth quarter with kicker Connor Barth
Connor Barth
Connor Thomas Barth is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at North Carolina....
nailing a 32-yard field goal, and with RB Cadillac Williams getting a 45-yard TD run.
With the win, Tampa Bay not only improved to 6-3, but achieved a season sweep over the 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...
.
Week 11: at San Francisco 49ers
Tampa Bay sacked Troy SmithTroy Smith
Troy James Smith is an American football quarterback for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ohio State.Smith has also played for the San Francisco 49ers. He...
six times, forced two turnovers, and held the 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...
to only 189 total yards of offense, in a shutout win by the score of 21-0. It was the Buccaneers first win at San Francisco since 1980, and the 49ers first home shutout since 1977.
Early in the second quarter, Tampa Bay drove 80 yards in 14 plays, culminating in a 6-yard touchdown run by "Cadillac" 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...
. Tampa Bay took a 7-0 lead into halftime.
With 3:36 remaining in the third quarter, Josh Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
completed a pass 33 yards to Mike Williams
Mike Williams (wide receiver b. 1987)
-Tampa Bay Buccaneers:Williams was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round in the 2010 NFL Draft. He was signed to a four-year contract on June 4, 2010. On September 12, 2010 he made his NFL debut against the Cleveland Browns, making 5 receptions for 30 yards and a touchdown...
to the San Francisco 33 yard line. Four plays later, Freeman completed to Williams for an 8-yard touchdown pass, and a 14-0 lead. The Tampa Bay defense forced a turnover on downs, and on San Francisco's next possession, 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 Troy Smith
Troy Smith
Troy James Smith is an American football quarterback for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ohio State.Smith has also played for the San Francisco 49ers. He...
. The turnover led to Tampa Bay's third touchdown, a 1-yard pass to offensive tackle Donald Penn
Donald Penn
Donald Ward Penn is an American football offensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
.
With the shut out win, Tampa Bay improved to 7-3
Wide receiver Mike Williams
Mike Williams (wide receiver b. 1987)
-Tampa Bay Buccaneers:Williams was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round in the 2010 NFL Draft. He was signed to a four-year contract on June 4, 2010. On September 12, 2010 he made his NFL debut against the Cleveland Browns, making 5 receptions for 30 yards and a touchdown...
was arrested two days before the game for DUI
Driving under the influence
Driving under the influence is the act of driving a motor vehicle with blood levels of alcohol in excess of a legal limit...
charges, but was released on bail and played in the game.
Week 12: at Baltimore Ravens
The Buccaneers traveled to M&T Bank StadiumM&T Bank Stadium
M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. Served by the Hamburg Street station of...
to face the 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...
. In a largely defensive game, the teams traded field goals in the second quarter. The game was tied 3-3 with 4:32 remaining in the first half. Quarterback Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco
Flacco was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens 18th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, becoming the highest drafted player ever from the University of Delaware...
struck quickly, however, completing touchdown passes of 65 yards and 10 yards, to Todd Heap
Todd Heap
Todd Benjamin Heap is an American football tight end for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State-Early years:At Mountain View High School, in Mesa, Arizona,...
and Derrick Mason
Derrick Mason
Derrick James Mason is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tennessee Oilers in the fourth round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State.Mason has also played for the Baltimore Ravens where he...
respectively, just before half time.
Trailing 17-3 with about three minutes left in the game, Josh Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to Kellen Winslow
Kellen Winslow
Kellen Boswell Winslow is a former American football tight end with the Missouri Tigers and the San Diego Chargers. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest tight ends in the history of the game. He is currently the athletic director at Central State University.Winslow did not play high...
. The Buccaneers were unable to get the ball back on offense, and fell by a score of 17-10.
Week 13: vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Buccaneers hosted division rival 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...
, wearing their orange throwback uniform
Throwback uniform
Throwback uniforms and jerseys are one-time or limited-time variations on a sports team's uniforms styled to resemble uniforms from that team's past. They have proven popular in all major pro and college sports in the USA, not only with fans, but with the teams' marketing and merchandising...
s. Tied 7-7 in the second quarter, Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
completed a 17-yard touchdown pass to Ovie Mughelli
Ovie Mughelli
Ovie Phillip Mughelli is an American football fullback for the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL. He signed a 6-year, $18 million contract with a $5 million signing bonus on March 2, 2007 with the Falcons...
and a 14-7 Atlanta lead. With two minutes left in the first half, Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
was intercepted by Sean Jones
Sean Jones (safety)
Sean Jones is an American football safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia.-Early years:Jones attended Westlake High School where he played both as a...
. With 15 seconds left in the half, Josh Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
threw a touchdown pass to Mike Williams, to tie the score at 14-14.
Connor Barth
Connor Barth
Connor Thomas Barth is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at North Carolina....
kicked a 33-yard field goal, and Tampa Bay took a 17-14 lead in the third quarter. With 12:33 left in the game, Corey Lynch
Corey Lynch
Corey Lynch is an American football safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Appalachian State.-High school:Corey graduated from Evangelical Christian School...
intercepted Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for Villacher SV of the Austrian Hockey League .-Playing career:...
. The turnover led to a 2-yard touchdown pass to John Gilmore, and Tampa Bay led 24-14 with 10:24 remaining.
Eric Weems
Eric Weems
Eric Weems is an American football wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Bethune-Cookman.-Early years:Weems attended Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach, Florida and...
returned the ensuing kickoff 102 yards for a touchdown. That trimmed the lead to 24-21. On Atlanta's next drive, 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...
was called for pass interference, and Quincy Black
Quincy Black
Quincy Booker Black , is a linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He attended the University of New Mexico.-High school career:Black attended Kenwood Academy High School in Chicago, where he played linebacker...
was penalized for a "horse-collar tackle
Horse-collar tackle
The horse-collar tackle is an American football or Canadian football maneuver in which a defender tackles another player by grabbing the back-inside of an opponent's shoulder pads. The technique is most closely associated with Pro Bowl safety Roy Williams...
." Atlanta quickly scored a 9-yard touchdown pass to Michael Jenkins, and took a 28-24 lead with 4:31 left.
Josh Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
led Tampa Bay on a hopeful go-ahead drive. Facing 4th down and 12 at the Atlanta 46 yard line, Freeman completed a 19-yard pass to Sammie Stroughter
Sammie Stroughter
Sammie Stroughter is an American football wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buccaneers in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State....
to keep the drive alive. On the next play, however, Freeman was intercepted by Brent Grimes
Brent Grimes
Brent Omar Grimes is an American football cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
at the 19 yard line, securing the victory for Atlanta.
Week 14: at Washington Redskins
Tampa Bay faced WashingtonWashington 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,...
, on a cold, rainy afternoon. The wet conditions saw Redskins kicker Graham Gano
Graham Gano
Graham Gano is an American football placekicker for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Florida State...
miss two field goals early. One hit the upright, and the second sailed wide left. Despite Ryan Torain
Ryan Torain
Ryan Devon Torain is an American football running back for the Washington Redskins. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State.-Early years:...
already having rushed for 133 yards to that point, the score still remained 0-0.
On the Buccaneers next possession, LeGarrette Blount
LeGarrette Blount
LeGarrette Montez Blount is an American football running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2010....
fumbled away the ball, which led to a Washington score. 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...
completed a touchdown pass to Logan Paulsen
Logan Paulsen
Logan Sindre Paulsen is an American football tight end for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was signed by the Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football at UCLA...
, and the Redskins took the lead 7-0. On the next play, Josh Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
completed a 64-yard pass to Arrelious Benn
Arrelious Benn
-External links:**...
, which led to a field goal, and the game went to halftime with Washington leading 10-3.
Connor Barth
Connor Barth
Connor Thomas Barth is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at North Carolina....
scored field goals on Tampa Bay's first two possessions of the second half. At the end of the third quarter, Washington clung to a 10-9 lead.
In the fourth quarter, Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
drove the Buccaneers 79 yards to the Washington 1 yard line. After a 43-yard pass to Benn
Arrelious Benn
-External links:**...
, which gave them 1st & Goal at the 1 yard line, Freeman fumbled away the ball and Washington recovered. However, Washington failed to score on their next two drives. With less than 4 minutes left, Tampa Bay took the lead 17-10 when Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
threw a touchdown pass to Kellen Winslow II
Kellen Winslow II
Kellen Boswell Winslow, II is an American football tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns sixth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
, then rushed in himself for the two-point conversion.
In the final minutes, 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...
drove the Redskins 75 yards for a potential game-tying score. McNabb threw a touchdown pass to Santana Moss
Santana Moss
Santana Terrell Moss is an American football wide receiver for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami.-Early years:...
with 9 seconds left in regulation. On the extra point try, the snap sailed over the head of holder Hunter Smith
Hunter Smith
Hunter Dwight Smith is an American football punter, currently a free agent and most recently for the Washington Redskins. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
, and the attempt failed, giving the Buccaneers the victory by a score of 17-16.
Week 15: vs. Detroit Lions
Tampa Bay trailed DetroitDetroit 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...
7-0 after the first quarter. The Buccaneers rallied in the second quarter, as Josh Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
completed a 24-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams, followed by 39-yard touchdown run by LeGarrette Blount
LeGarrette Blount
LeGarrette Montez Blount is an American football running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2010....
.
In the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay trailed 17-14. Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
drove the Buccaneers to the Detroit 1 yard line. Kellen Winslow
Kellen Winslow II
Kellen Boswell Winslow, II is an American football tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns sixth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
caught a touchdown pass, but it was nullified by an offensive pass interference
Pass interference
In American and Canadian gridiron football, pass interference is a penalty that occurs when a player interferes with an eligible receiver's ability to make a fair attempt to catch a forward pass. Pass interference may include tripping, pushing, pulling, or cutting in front of the receiver or...
penalty, and the Buccaneers settled for a field goal and a 17-17 tie. Tampa Bay took a 20-17 lead with 1:44 remaining in regulation. However, Detroit drove down the field, and Dave Rayner
Dave Rayner
David Michael "Dave" Rayner is an American football placekicker who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
kicked a field goal for Detroit, and tied the game as time expired.
Detroit won the coin toss in overtime, and Rayner
Dave Rayner
David Michael "Dave" Rayner is an American football placekicker who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
kicked the game-winning field goal on the first possession.
Week 16: vs. Seattle Seahawks
Josh FreemanJosh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
threw for 237 yards and threw five touchdown passes, tying a franchise record, as Tampa Bay routed Seattle
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
38-15.
In the first quarter, Matt Hasselbeck
Matt Hasselbeck
Matthew Michael Hasselbeck is a National Football League quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL Draft, and traded to Seattle in 2001. After becoming the starter in 2003, Hasselbeck led Seattle to six playoff appearances and...
scrambled for a 1-yard touchdown to give Seattle a 7-0 lead. However, Hasselbeck suffered a muscle strain on the play, and was sidelined for the remainder of the game. Backup quarterback Charlie Whitehurst
Charlie Whitehurst
Charles David Whitehurst is an American football quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
was forced to take over for Seattle.
Micheal Spurlock
Micheal Spurlock
Michael Curtis Spurlock is an American football wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
returned the ensuing kickoff 79 yards to the Seattle 17 yard line, setting up a Connor Barth
Connor Barth
Connor Thomas Barth is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at North Carolina....
field goal. Tampa Bay scored 31 unanswered points, including two touchdown passes apiece from Freeman
Josh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
to Kellen Winslow
Kellen Winslow
Kellen Boswell Winslow is a former American football tight end with the Missouri Tigers and the San Diego Chargers. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest tight ends in the history of the game. He is currently the athletic director at Central State University.Winslow did not play high...
and Mike Williams.
Week 17: at New Orleans Saints
Looking to secure a playoff spot, the Buccaneers played at New Orleans. Trailing 3-7 in the second quarter, the Buccaneers took the lead with Josh FreemanJosh Freeman
-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
completing a 2-yard touchdown pass to Dezmon Briscoe
Dezmon Briscoe
Dezmon Jerrod Briscoe is an American football wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kansas.-Early years:Briscoe was born in Dallas, Texas to...
. The Saints tied the game after Garrett Hartley
Garrett Hartley
Garrett Hartley is an American football placekicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
's 45-yard field goal in the third quarter. Tampa Bay re-took the lead after another field goal, then stretched their lead with Freeman's second touchdown pass of the day. The Saints tried to narrow the gap with Hartley making a 38-yard field goal, but the Buccaneers held on to win.
With the win, the Buccaneers finished with a 10–6 record, but the 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...
victory over the 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...
later that day gave them the 6th seed due to a strength of victory tie-breaker and eliminated the Buccaneers from playoff contention.
Personnel changes
- Alex Van PeltAlex Van PeltAlexander "Alex" Van Pelt is an American football coach and former quarterback. He is currently the quarterbacks coach for the Tampa Bay Buccanneers of the National Football League.-College:...
joined the team as quarterbacks coach, taking the role over from Greg OlsonGreg Olson (American football)Greg Rex Olson is an American football coach. He is currently the offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.-Coaching career:...
so that he could concentrate on the offensive coordinator role. - Eric YarberEric YarberEric Lamone Yarber is a football coach, currently the wide receivers coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the NFL under head coach Raheem Morris....
joined the team as wide receivers coach, taking the role over from Richard Mann who left the team. - Robert Nunn left the team leaving Todd Wash with the sole responsibility for the defensive line.
- Joe Baker moved from defensive backs coach to linebackers, taking the role over from Joe BarryJoe BarryJoe Barry is the linebackers coach for the University of Southern California, former linebackers coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the former defensive coordinator for the National Football League Detroit Lions. He is the son of former Detroit Lions assistant offensive line coach Mike Barry...
who left the team. - Jimmy Lake became defensive backs coach.
- Tim Holt joined the team as an offensive assistant coach.
- Chris Mosley became an defensive assistant coach, moving from the position of assistant offensive line coach.
Free agents
- Brian ClarkBrian Clark (American football)Brian Clark is an American football wide receiver for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
WR – UFA – Signed with Detroit Lions in free agency - Antonio BryantAntonio BryantAntonio Bryant is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
WR – UFA – Signed with Cincinnati Bengals in free agency - Matt McCoy OLB – UFA – Signed with Seattle Seahawks in free agency
- Will AllenWill Allen (safety)Will Allen is an American football safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
FS – UFA – Signed with Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency - Angelo CrowellAngelo CrowellAngelo Delvonne Crowell is an American football linebacker for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
OLB – UFA – Resigned with Buccaneers - Jermaine PhillipsJermaine PhillipsJermaine Phillips is an American football safety who currently plays for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
SS – UFA - Jimmy WilkersonJimmy WilkersonJimmy Boyd Wilkerson is an American football defensive end for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
DE – UFA - Signed with New Orleans Saints in free agency
- Donald PennDonald PennDonald Ward Penn is an American football offensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
OT – RFA – Tendered 1st and 3rd - Resigned on first morning of training camp to 5 year deal. - Barrett RuudBarrett RuudBarrett James Ruud is an American football linebacker for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska....
ILB – RFA – Tendered 1st and 3rd - Resigned with Buccaneers - Carnell WilliamsCarnell WilliamsCarnell 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...
RB – RFA – Tendered 1st – Resigned with Buccaneers - Jeremy TruebloodJeremy TruebloodJeremy Tyler Trueblood is an American football offensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buccaneers in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
OT – RFA – Tendered 2nd – Resigned with Buccaneers - Mark BradleyMark BradleyMark Anthony Bradley is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
WR – RFA – Tendered 2nd – Resigned with Buccaneers - Maurice StovallMaurice StovallMaurice Aurilius Stovall is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame.-Early years:Stovall grew up in Philadelphia and went...
WR – RFA – Tendered 3rd - Resigned with Buccaneers - Rod WilsonRod WilsonRodriques Wilson is an American football linebacker. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at South Carolina...
OLB – Untendered RFA - Signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on 17 August - Byron StorerByron StorerByron Donald Storer is an American football coach and former fullback. He is currently the assistant special teams coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
FB – Untendered RFA - Taken place on Buccaneers coaching staff as assistant special teams coach, forced to retire due to injuries
- Clifton SmithClifton Smith (running back)Clifton Smith, Jr. is an American football running back and return specialist for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
RB – ERFA – Resigned with Buccaneers - Elbert MackElbert MackElbert Mack is an American football cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He finished his college football career at Troy after playing his first two years of college ball at Butler...
CB – ERFA – Resigned with Buccaneers
Releases
- Clifton SmithClifton Smith (running back)Clifton Smith, Jr. is an American football running back and return specialist for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
RB - Derrick WardDerrick WardDerrick LaRon Ward is an American football running back for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Fresno State University and Ottawa University...
RB - B. J. AskewB. J. AskewBobby DeAngelo Askew, Jr. is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He played college football as the University of Michigan. He ranks first all-time among Michigan running backs in reception yards....
FB - Mark BradleyMark BradleyMark Anthony Bradley is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
WR - Reggie Brown WR
- Michael Clayton WR
- Terrence NunnTerrence NunnTerrence Nunn is an American football wide receiver for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the New England Patriots as a street free agent in 2009...
WR - Mario UrrutiaMario UrrutiaMario Urrutia, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
WR - Martin RuckerMartin Rucker (American football)Martin Rucker is an American football tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Missouri....
TE - Failed physical, released day after he signed - Marc DileMarc DileMarc Dile is an American football guard who is currently a Free Agent in the National Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at South Florida.After surviving final cuts at the end of training camp, Dile remained on...
OT
- Xavier FultonXavier FultonXavier Allen Fulton is an American football offensive tackle for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois.Fulton has also been a member of the Indianapolis...
OT - Shawn MurphyShawn Murphy (American football)Shawn Murphy is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft....
G - Arron SearsArron SearsArron Eugene Sears is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee....
G - Donovan RaiolaDonovan RaiolaDonovan Raiola is an American football center for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was signed by the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Wisconsin. He played high school football at Kamehameha Schools in Honolulu, HawaiiRaiola...
C - Chris HovanChris HovanChristopher James Hovan is an American football defensive tackle for the Virginia Destroyers. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Boston College....
DT - Dre MooreDre MooreMarchondray James "Dre" Moore is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
DT - Maurice EvansMaurice Evans (American football)Maurice D. Evans is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2009...
DE - Carlton PowellCarlton Powell-First stint with Broncos:Powell was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He was placed on the PUP list on July 25, 2008 with a ruptured Achilles tendon...
DE - Angelo CrowellAngelo CrowellAngelo Delvonne Crowell is an American football linebacker for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
OLB - Lee RobinsonLee Robinson (American football)Lee Robinson is an Canadian football linebacker who is currently playing for the Edmonton Eskimos. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2009...
OLB
- Brandon AndersonBrandon AndersonBrandon Anderson is an American football cornerback who is a Free Agent in the National Football League. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2009...
CB - Torrie CoxTorrie CoxTorrie Tywan Cox is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Pittsburgh....
CB - Derrick RobersonDerrick RobersonDerrick Roberson is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Rutgers....
CB - Trae WilliamsTrae WilliamsTrae Williams is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
CB - Stoney WoodsonStoney WoodsonStoney Woodson is an American football cornerback who is currently a member of the Jacksonville Sharks. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the seventh round in the 2009 NFL Draft...
CB - Emanuel CookEmanuel CookEmanuel Cook is an American football safety for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2009...
SS - De'von HallDe'von HallDe'von Hall is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Utah State....
FS - Josh BidwellJosh BidwellJoshua 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...
P - Dirk JohnsonDirk JohnsonDirk Johnson is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1998...
P - Sam PaulescuSam PaulescuSamuel Paulescu is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a street free agent in 2006...
P
Signings
- Sean JonesSean Jones (safety)Sean Jones is an American football safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia.-Early years:Jones attended Westlake High School where he played both as a...
SS - Jon AlstonJon Alston-St. Louis Rams:Alston was drafted in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. In 2006 he made 2 special teams tackles for the Rams. On September 1, 2007, he was released by the Rams.-Oakland Raiders:...
OLB - Keydrick VincentKeydrick VincentKendrick Trepell Vincent is an American football guard. He was originally signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2001. He played college football at Mississippi. He last played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers....
G
- Kregg LumpkinKregg LumpkinKregg Lumpkin is an American football running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Georgia...
RB - Ted LarsenTed Larsen-New England Patriots:Larsen was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. On May 18, he signed a four-year contract with the Patriots. He was waived by the team during final cuts on September 4, 2010....
C/G - Carlton PowellCarlton Powell-First stint with Broncos:Powell was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He was placed on the PUP list on July 25, 2008 with a ruptured Achilles tendon...
DE
- Donovan RaiolaDonovan RaiolaDonovan Raiola is an American football center for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was signed by the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Wisconsin. He played high school football at Kamehameha Schools in Honolulu, HawaiiRaiola...
C - Martin RuckerMartin Rucker (American football)Martin Rucker is an American football tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Missouri....
TE - Trae WilliamsTrae WilliamsTrae Williams is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
CB
Trades
- Reggie Brown WR – Traded from the Philadelphia Eagles for a 6th round pick in 2011 draft
Cut during season
- Jerramy StevensJerramy StevensJerramy Stevens is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks 28th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington.-Early years:...
TE - Cut on October 25 after he was arrested for possession of cannabis with intent to sell. - Keydrick VincentKeydrick VincentKendrick Trepell Vincent is an American football guard. He was originally signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2001. He played college football at Mississippi. He last played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers....
- Sabby PiscitelliSabby PiscitelliSabatino "The Goat" Piscitelli is an American football safety for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
- Ryan SimsRyan SimsRyan O'Neal Sims is an American Football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. Sims' professional career began in 2002 with the Kansas City Chiefs, for whom he played through the end of the 2006 season...
- Chris PressleyChris PressleyChris Pressley is an American professional football player who is currently on the Cincinnati Bengals. He went undrafted in the 2009 NFL Draft after playing for five years for the University of Wisconsin–Madison Badgers...
2010 Draft class
After finishing the 2009 season with a record of 3–13, the Buccaneers picked third. The Buccaneers also had an additional second round pick from a trade that sent the late defensive end Gaines AdamsGaines Adams
Gaines Adams was an American football defensive end in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round in the 2007 NFL Draft and in 2009 was traded to the Chicago Bears...
to the 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...
, a fifth round pick from 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...
in a trade that sent tight end 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...
to the Patriots, and two additional seventh round picks; one from the Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
for quarterback Luke McCown
Luke McCown
Lucas Patrick McCown is an American football quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League...
, and one from the 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...
for defensive end Marques Douglas
Marques Douglas
Marques Lamont Douglas is an American football defensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 1999...
. The Buccaneers traded their 2010 fifth-round selection and a 2009 second-round selection to the Browns for TE Kellen Winslow II
Kellen Winslow II
Kellen Boswell Winslow, II is an American football tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns sixth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
.
| Draft order | Player name | Position | Height | Weight | College | Contract | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Choice | Overall | |||||||
| 1 | 3 | 3 | Gerald McCoy Gerald McCoy McCoy was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 3rd overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft. McCoy and the Buccaneers agreed to a five-year, $63 million contract on July 31, 2010.-Tampa Bay Buccaneers:... |
Defensive Tackle | 6′4⅛″ | 295 lb | Oklahoma Oklahoma Sooners football The Oklahoma Sooners football program is a college football team that represents the University of Oklahoma . The team is currently a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association... |
||
| 2 | 3 | 35 | Brian Price Brian Price (American football) Brian Larisso Price is an American football defensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played his collegiate football at the University of California, Los Angeles.-High school career:... |
Defensive Tackle | 6'1" | 303 lb | UCLA UCLA Bruins Football The UCLA Bruins football program represents the University of California, Los Angeles in college football as members of the Pacific-12 Conference at the NCAA Division I FBS level. The Bruins have enjoyed several periods of success in their history, having been ranked in the top ten of the AP Poll... |
||
| 7 | 39 | Arrelious Benn Arrelious Benn -External links:**... |
Wide Receiver Wide receiver A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible... |
6'1" | 219 lb | Illinois Illinois Fighting Illini football The Illinois Fighting Illini are a major college football program, representing the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. They compete in NCAA Division I-A and the Big Ten Conference.-Current staff:-All-time win/loss/tie record:*563-513-51... |
From Oakland Raiders Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
||
| 10 | 42 | Traded to Oakland along with the 134rd pick for the 39th pick. Originally acquired from the 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... |
|||||||
| 3 | 3 | 67 | Myron Lewis Myron Lewis Myron Lewis is an American football cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League.Lewis played college football at Vanderbilt University, where he garnered SEC honors his junior and senior years.... |
Cornerback Cornerback A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position... |
6'2" | 203 lb | Vanderbilt Vanderbilt Commodores football The Vanderbilt Commodores football program is a college football team that represents Vanderbilt University. The team currently competes in NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Southeastern Conference... |
||
| 4 | 3 | 101 | Mike Williams Mike Williams (wide receiver b. 1987) -Tampa Bay Buccaneers:Williams was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round in the 2010 NFL Draft. He was signed to a four-year contract on June 4, 2010. On September 12, 2010 he made his NFL debut against the Cleveland Browns, making 5 receptions for 30 yards and a touchdown... |
Wide Receiver | 6'2" | 221 lb | Syracuse Syracuse Orange football The Syracuse Orange football program is a college football team that represents Syracuse University. The team is a member of the Big East Conference, which is a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I conference that is part of the Football Bowl Subdivision... |
||
| 5 | 3 | 134 | Traded to the Cleveland Browns Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... along with a 2009 2nd round pick for Kellen Winslow II Kellen Winslow II Kellen Boswell Winslow, II is an American football tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns sixth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft... |
||||||
| 22 | 153 | Traded to Oakland along with the 42nd pick for the 39th pick. Originally from 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... |
|||||||
| 6 | 3 | 172 | Brent Bowden | Punter | 6'3" | 206 lb | Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Hokies football The Virginia Tech Hokies football team is a college football program that competes in NCAA Division I-FBS, in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. They have more wins in team history than any other program in the ACC. Their home games are played at Lane Stadium which seats over... |
||
| 7 | 3 | 210 | Cody Grimm Cody Grimm Cody James Grimm is an American football safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buccaneers in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft... |
Safety | 6'1" | 203 lb | Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Hokies football The Virginia Tech Hokies football team is a college football program that competes in NCAA Division I-FBS, in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. They have more wins in team history than any other program in the ACC. Their home games are played at Lane Stadium which seats over... |
||
| 10 | 217 | Dekoda Watson Dekoda Watson Dekoda Watson is an American football linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buccaneers in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft... |
Linebacker Linebacker A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen... |
6'1" | 226 lb | Florida State Florida State Seminoles football The Florida State Seminoles football team represents Florida State University in college football. The Florida State Seminoles compete in NCAA Division I-FBS and are members of the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference... |
From Jacksonville Jaguars Jacksonville Jaguars The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... for Luke McCown Luke McCown Lucas Patrick McCown is an American football quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League... |
||
| 18 | 225 | Traded to the Denver 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... their 2011 2011 NFL Draft The 2011 NFL Draft was the 76th installment of the annual NFL Draft, where the franchises of the National Football League select newly eligible football players... 5th round pick. |
|||||||
| 25 | 232 | ||||||||
| 46 | 253 | Erik Lorig Erik Lorig Erik Lorig is a professional American Football player who is the starting fullback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.... |
Defensive End Defensive end Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years... |
6'3" | 281 lb | Stanford Stanford Cardinal football The Stanford Cardinal football program represents Stanford University in college football at the NCAA Division I FBS level and is a member of the Pac-12 Conference's North Division. Stanford, the top-ranked academic institution with an FBS program, has a highly successful football tradition. The... |
|||
Undrafted free agents
After the draft many of the players that went unpicked are signed by teams to fill out their rosters and create competition for places on the roster. These undrafted free agents have a long shot of making the team for the start of the regular season but there have been some notable recent Buccaneer success stories such as Clifton Smith and Elbert Mack. The following were signed after the draft as first year players.- Jevan SneadJevan SneadJevan Bryce Snead is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent...
QB - Released - Carlos BrownCarlos Brown (American football)-Freshman year:Brown played in 7 games as a freshman in 2006 and earned his first varsity letter. In limited action, Brown carried 16 times for 41 yards.-Sophomore year:...
RB - Released - LeGarrette BlountLeGarrette BlountLeGarrette Montez Blount is an American football running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2010....
RB - Claimed off waivers after roster cuts, on 53 man roster - Rendrick Taylor FB - Released
- Damola Adeniji WR - Released
- Dezmon BriscoeDezmon BriscoeDezmon Jerrod Briscoe is an American football wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kansas.-Early years:Briscoe was born in Dallas, Texas to...
WR - Practice squad - Chris BrooksChris Brooks (wide receiver)Chris Brooks is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2010...
WR - Released - Preston ParkerPreston ParkerPreston Parker is an American football wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football at Northern Alabama.-High school:Parker graduated from Atlantic High School in 2006...
WR - Made initial 53 man roster - Jeron MastrudJeron MastrudJeron Scott Mastrud is an American football tight end for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2010...
TE - Released - Will BarkerWill Barker (American football)William Sherrerd "Will" Barker is an American football offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2010...
OT - Practice Squad - Derek HardmanDerek HardmanDerek Hardman is an American football guard for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football at Eastern Kentucky....
OT - Practice Squad - Rob Okeafor OT - Released
- James Williams OT - Released
- Lee Grimes OG - Released
- Sergio RenderSergio RenderSergio Orlando Render is an American football guard who played college football at Virginia Tech. He was considered one of the top prospects available in the 2010 NFL Draft, but was not selected by any team...
OG - Released
- Vladimir RichardVladimir RichardVladimir Richard is an American football player who is currently a free agent. He played on the offensive line for the University of Tennessee. He was signed as a free agent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2010.-External links:*...
OG - Released - Michael Shumard OG - Released
- Jeff Tow-Arnett C - Released
- Matt Featherston DE - Released
- Brandon Gilbeaux DE - Placed on Injury Reserve
- George JohnsonGeorge Johnson (American football)George Johnson is an American football defensive end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football at Rutgers....
DE - Practice Squad - James Ruffin DE - Released
- Rico McCoyRico McCoyRico McCoy is an American football linebacker for the Edmonton Eskimos. He played collegiate football with the Tennessee Volunteers and was considered one of the best linebacker prospects available for the 2010 NFL Draft, drawing comparisons to Derrick Brooks...
OLB - Released - Darrell Pasco CB - Released
- Dennis Rogan FS - Released
- Matt O'Hanlon SS - Waived due to injury
- Vince AndersonVince Anderson (American football)Vincent "Vince" Anderson is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2009...
SS - Released - Hunter LawrenceHunter LawrenceHunter Lawrence Tried out for the job of placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played college football at the University of Texas at Austin.-High school career:...
K - Released - Chris BryanChris Bryan-Carlton Blues:As a mature-aged recruit, Bryan was drafted in the sixth round by Carlton in the 2004 AFL Draft. Drafted as a 22 years old, Bryan was given a chance after showing enough at VFL level for both Sandringham and Frankston...
P - Claimed off waivers after roster cuts, on 53 man roster - Chris Mauriello LS - Released
Final roster
Coaching staff
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2010 staff | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Front Office
Head Coaches
Offensive Coaches
|
Defensive Coaches
Special Teams Coaches
Strength and Conditioning
|
|||||
Awards
- Week 5: Josh FreemanJosh Freeman-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
- NFC Offensive Player of the Week - Week 8: Aqib TalibAqib TalibAqib Talib is an American football cornerback who plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft.-Early years:...
- NFC Defensive Player of the Week - Week 16: Josh FreemanJosh Freeman-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
- FedEx Air Player of the Week - Week 16: LeGarrette BlountLeGarrette BlountLeGarrette Montez Blount is an American football running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2010....
- FedEx Ground Player of the Week - Week 17: Josh FreemanJosh Freeman-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
- FedEx Air Player of the Week - Week 17: Josh FreemanJosh Freeman-2009:On November 8, 2009, Freeman started his first professional game at home against the Green Bay Packers. The Buccaneers won, ending an 11-game losing streak. He completed 14 out of 31 passes for 205 yards, 3 passing touchdowns, and 1 INT, including a fourth down touchdown pass to rookie Sammie...
- NFC Offensive Player of the Week - NFL Rookie of the Month For December: LeGarrette BlountLeGarrette BlountLeGarrette Montez Blount is an American football running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2010....
Television blackouts
All of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers home games (preseason and regular season) have been blacked outBlackout (broadcasting)
Blackout usually relates to the broadcasting of sports events, television programming, that is prohibited in a certain media market.The purpose is theoretically to generate more revenue by obliging certain actions from fans, either by making them buy tickets or watch other games on TV...
on local television because the games failed to sell out prior to 72 hours before kickoff. The affiliates affected include WTVT
WTVT
WTVT, channel 13, is a television station in Tampa, Florida. It is an owned and operated station of the Fox Broadcasting Company, a subsidiary of the News Corporation...
, WTSP
WTSP
WTSP is a CBS-affiliated television station in St. Petersburg, Florida . It broadcasts its digital signal on VHF channel 10....
, and WFLA
WFLA-TV
WFLA-TV, virtual channel 8, is the NBC-affiliated television station in Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida. The station is the flagship station of its owner and operator, Media General. Its transmitter is located in Riverview, Hillsborough County, Florida. WFLA is the only station in the market to be...
(preseason) in the Tampa/St. Pete market
Tampa Bay Area
The Tampa Bay Area is the region of west central Florida adjacent to Tampa Bay. Definitions of the region vary. It is often considered equivalent to the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area defined by the United States Census Bureau. The Census Bureau currently...
, as well as WOFL
WOFL
WOFL, channel 35, is the Fox owned-and-operated television station serving the Orlando, Florida metropolitan area. It is licensed to Orlando, with studios located in Lake Mary. It broadcasts its digital signal on UHF channel 22. On cable, WOFL-TV is currently seen on channel 3 for subscribers of...
, WKMG
WKMG-TV
WKMG-TV channel 6 is the CBS network affiliate for Central Florida . WKMG is licensed to Orlando and is owned and operated by Post-Newsweek Stations, Inc., a subsidiary of the Washington Post Company. The station refers to itself as "Local6". WKMG's transmitter is located in Bithlo, Florida...
and WFTV
WFTV
WFTV, channel 9, is the ABC-affiliated television station for Central Florida that is licensed to Orlando. It broadcasts a high definition digital signal on UHF channel 39 from a transmitter between Bithlo and Christmas. Owned by Cox Enterprises, WFTV is sister to Independent WRDQ. The two stations...
(preseason) in the Orlando market. Despite their improvement and being in the playoff hunt, Tampa Bay Buccaneers became the first NFL team of the 2010 season to not sell out a single home game.
The Week 1 blackout against Cleveland
2010 Cleveland Browns season
The 2010 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 64th season as a professional sports franchise and its 60th season as a member of the National Football League . The team failed to break the longest playoff appearance drought in franchise history, a current streak of eight seasons without reaching...
marked the first regular season game at 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...
that failed to sell out. The last TV blackout occurred in 1997.