2018 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Season 43 Brief

Our 2018 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season is the franchise's 43rd season in the National Football League, the 21st playing home games at Raymond James Stadium and the third under head coach Dirk Koetter. The loss in week 15 against the Baltimore Ravens, eliminated the BUCS from postseason contention for the 11th straight season. Despite a solid 2–0 start, the first time since 2010, the Buccaneers could only match their 5–11 record from last season, finishing 14th in the NFC Conference and last in the NFC South for the eighth time in ten seasons. Tampa Bay sealed the season on December 30, firing head coach Dirk Koetter following the Week 17 home game loss against te Atlanta Falcons.

2018 Draft Notes

• The Buccaneers traded their third- and fourth-round selections (69th and 108th overall) to the New York Giants in exchange for the Giants' fourth-round selection (102nd overall) and defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.
• The Buccaneers traded a seventh-round selection in 2019 and free safety J. J. Wilcox to Pittsburgh in exchange for Pittsburgh's sixth-round selection (202nd overall).
• The Buccaneers traded their seventh-round selection (223rd overall) and their seventh-round selection in 2017 (237th overall) to Miami in exchange for Miami's seventh-round selection in 2017 (223rd overall).
• The Buccaneers were awarded a seventh-round compensatory pick (255th overall).
• The Buccaneers traded their first- and seventh-round selections (7th and 255th overall) to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for the Bills' first- and second-round selections (12th, 53rd, and 56th overall).
• The Buccaneers traded their second-round selection (56th overall) to the New England Patriots in exchange for the Patriots' second- and fourth-round selections (63rd and 117th overall).
• The Buccaneers traded their fourth- and sixth-round selections (102nd and 180th overall) to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for the Vikings' third round selection (94th overall).

Game Notes

Week 1: vs. Saints

Buccaneers started the 2018 season with QB Jameis Winston serving a three-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Ryan Fitzpatrick started as QB and led the Buccaneers into a 48–40 victory over our division rival. The 48 points scored tied a franchise record for most points scored in a game, with the Buccaneers also scoring 48 points in Super Bowl XXXVII. Also, the combined score of 88 points from both teams set an NFL record for the most points scored in Week 1. Fitzpatrick threw for 417 yards and 4 touchdown passes, and ran for another touchdown. The scoring frenzy started early after the Saints scored a touchdown on their first drive. The Buccaneers answered with a 58-yard touchdown reception by DeSean Jackson, followed by a 3-yard touchdown run by Fitzpatrick, for a 14–10 lead at the end of the first quarter. In the third quarter, Mike Evans caught a 50-yard touchdown, the second touchdown pass of 50 or more yards. The Buccaneers tied a franchise record with 48 points, and set a team record with 31 first half points. With under five minutes to go, Chandler Catanzaro missed a 44-yard field goal which would have broken the team record outright. Trailing 48–24, the Saints attempted a rally in the fourth quarter. Drew Brees led the Saints on two touchdown drives, and trimmed the deficit to 8 points with just over three minutes remaining. Facing a 3rd down & 11 at their own 24 yard line, Ryan Fitzpatrick scrambled 12 yards for a Buccaneers first down at the two minute warning. The victory was secure as the Saints had no more time outs, and the Buccaneers took a knee three times to run out the clock.

Week 2: vs. Eagles

Tampa Bay won their second straight game, starting the season 2–0 for the first time since 2010. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 402 yards and 4 touchdown passes, the first player in NFL history to throw for 400 yards and four touchdown passes in the first two weeks of the season. The game started out with a bang as Fitzpatrick threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to DeSean Jackson on the first play of the game. Second-year tight end O. J. Howard also scored on a 75-yard touchdown pass later in the first half. The Buccaneers largest lead was 27-7 midway through the third quarter. The Eagles scored two touchdowns in the second half to make it a one-score game, but they were not able to score again. The Buccaneers ran the clock down to 19 seconds, giving the Eagles time to run only three plays. With three seconds left in regulation, a Nick Foles pass followed by series of desperation laterals ran out the clock, securing the win for Tampa Bay. With Atlanta defeating Carolina, the Buccaneers lead the NFC South, and remain the only team in the division with an undefeated record.

Week 3: vs. Steelers

In the final game before Jameis Winston could return from suspension, Tampa Bay lost their first game of the season in their only scheduled primetime game. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw three interceptions in the first half, one returned for a touchdown, as the Buccaneers went into halftime trailing 30–10. In the second half, Fitzpatrick lead a comeback throwing two touchdown passes, and Buccaneers closed to within three points late in the fourth quarter. However, the defense could not stop the Steelers offense and the clock ran out. Fitzpatrick finished the game with 411 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 400 yards in three consecutive games. With this loss, the Buccaneers fell to 2–1 but still remained atop the NFC South.

Week 4: vs. Bears

Chicago routed Tampa Bay by the score of 48-10. Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky threw a franchise record-tying six touchdown passes, five in the first half alone, as Chicago jumped out to a 38–3 halftime lead. After completing only nine passes in the first half, Ryan Fitzpatrick was benched at halftime. Jameis Winston, fresh off his three-game suspension, came in to quarterback the second half. Winston salvaged the day with 16 completions for 145 yards, one touchdown pass, but two interceptions.

Week 5: BYE

Week 6: @ Falcons

Following this defeat, the Bucs elevated Bucs’ linebackers coach Mark Duffner to defensive coordinator on Monday, replacing Mike Smith.

Week 7: vs. Browns

At the end of the third quarter, the Bucs lead 23-9. However, the Browns scored two fourth quarter touchdowns to tie the game at 23. On the final play of regulation, Bucs kicker Chandler Catanzaro missed a 40 yard field goal to take the game into overtime. With under 2 minutes left in OT, Catanzaro came out for another game-winning field goal attempt, this time from 59 yards. The kick was good, giving the Bucs the win and ending their 3 game losing streak. With the win, the Bucs move back to .500 at 3-3 and remain 3rd in the NFC South.

Week 8: vs. Bengals

This was the first ever NFL game in which both Head Coaches were graduates of Idaho State University. The Bengals started off with two TD runs and a TD catch to go up 21–0 with just over five minutes to go in the second quarter. The Buccaneers answered with a 60-yard pass to DeSean Jackson, and Bengals answered with a 17–yard passing score. Buccaneers added a field goal at the end of the half to trail 27–9. After BUCS QB Jameis Winston threw his fourth interception of the game, which was returned 21-yards for a TD by the Bengals, he was benched and Ryan Fitzpatrick took over for Tampa Bay. Fitzpatrick would orchestrate an 18-point comeback by leading drives that ended in a field goal and TD passes to Mike Evans and O.J. Howard. Fitzpatrick then connected with Chris Godwin on a two-point conversion to tie the game at 34 with 1:05 remaining on the clock. Andy Dalton lead an eight play, 50-yard drive that ended with a 44-yard field goal by Randy Bullock as time expired to win the game for the Bengals.

Week 9: vs. Panthers

Fitzmagic back. Fitzpatrick was quarterbacking once again for a matchup against Cam Newton and the Panthers. Coach Koetter today announced Fitzpatrick will replace Winston as starting QB. The Panthers went into half time up 35–14. In the third quarter the Buccaneers scored a touchdown making the score 35–21. Carolina and Tampa Bay both scored a touchdown in the fourth. The Panthers win 28-42

Week 10: vs. Redskinss

Fitzpatrick threw for 403 yards for the Buccaneers (3-6), but was intercepted twice and lost a fumble on a sack inside the Washington 10. Redskins QB Smith threw for 178 yards and one touchdown to lead the Redskins victory.

Hopkins kicked three field goals for the Redskins, who forced four turnovers despite playing with a makeshift offensive line because of mounting injuries. Smith, who was 19 of 27 with no interceptions, threw 6 yards to Doctson for the game's only touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Hopkins kicked field goals of 43, 43 and 26 yards, the last set up by Stroman's fourth-quarter interception and 24-yard return to the Bucs 14. The Redskins win 03-16

Week 11: vs. Giants

In the 3rd quarter, Fitzpatrick was benched after throwing his third interception. Winston came into the game for the first time since being benched for Fitzpatrick in Week 8, who was benched for Winston back in Week 4. Down 24-7, the Bucs mounted a comeback, outscoring the Giants 28-14 through the last quarter and a half. However, the Giants held on during their final drive to win the game. With their 4th straight loss, the Bucs fall to 3-7 and remain 4th in the NFC South. The following day, Winston was renamed the starter for Week 12's game against the 49ers by Coach Koetter.

Week 12: vs. 49ers

The Bucs snapped their four game losing streak with a win. Highlights from this game include Jason Pierre-Paul recording his 10th sack of the season, becoming the first Buccaneer to have a double digit sack season since Simeon Rice in 2005, Mike Evans achieving his fifth straight 1,000 yard receiving season and the Buccaneers defense recording their first turnover since Week 3. With this win, the Bucs move to 4-7, but remain last in the NFC South.

Week 13: vs. Panthers

The Bucs defeated the Panthers after a good defensive effort, including picking off Cam Newton four times, with Andrew Adams responsible for three of the four interceptions. The defense also sacked Newton four times. On offense, Chris Godwin led the team with 101 yards on 5 catches, including a 13-yard touchdown reception. With the win, the Bucs improved to 5-7 and moved to third place in the NFC South.

Week 14: vs. Saints

The Bucs fall to 5-8 with this loss. After being up 14-3 at the half, the Saints outscored the Bucs 25-0 in the second half to get the win. Even with the loss, the Bucs still remain third in the NFC South.

Week 15: vs. Ravens

Winston performance was strong with big plays both the Buccaneers (his deep shot on a scramble in the first half) and for the Ravens (trying to throw a pick on the Buccaneers’ field goal drive in the third quarter). Today’s performance leaves no clearer view of whether or not he can tame his inconsistencies. This first season in Tampa Bay has been a struggle for Jensen and this week was no different, as he struggled against the power and short area quickness of Williams and Pierce against both the run and the pass.

Vita Vea was more than just an immovable lump for the Ravens’ interior offensive linemen, he was disruptive and made his share of plays against run and pass. David was another bright spot for the Buccaneers. While our edge defenders were neutered and outflanked by the running threat of Jackson, David did his best to close down space and turn runs back inside, but in the continued absence of Alexander, there was a lack of quality support for David to try and contain the Ravens’ ground attack.

The Buccaneers did their best, but were ultimately unable to get the better of the Ravens ground game.

Week 16: vs. Cowboys

The Cowboys bounced back at home against the Buccaneers. Jaylon Smith made the highlight play of the game by recovering a fumble from Jameis Winston and returned it 69 yards for a touchdown. With this win, the Cowboys improved to 9-6 on the season and clinched the NFC East for the third time in 5 years.

Week 17: vs. Falcons

Tampa Bay, starting on offense, couldn’t get anything going for the first possession, as well as the Falcons with first series punts. Following the back-to-back punts, the Buccaneers offense caught wind in the sails. Winston connected with Mike Evans for 19 yards on his first catch of the day, which gave Evans the record for the most receiving yards in a single season in Buccaneers franchise history. Winston capped the series with an end zone pass to Evans gave the BUCS their first lead of the game at 7-0. Falcons QB Matt Ryan scored his first ever NFL reception for a touchdown in a “Philly Special” where wide receiver Mohammed Sanu tossed a touchdown pass to his quarterback Matt Ryan. That brought the game to a score of 17-14. After a few more exchanges and the Buccaneers trailing 20-31 and their backs against the wall, the Bucs knew they needed points. The drive started off bleak with no much going for them and what appeared to be a sack on third down, but a defensive hold penalty gave them a first down. After Brate catching two tight passes, Winston nailed Evans in the back of the end zone for his second score of the game bring the score to 26-31. The Buccaneers tried, and failed, the two point conversion. The Buccaneers energy continued with and Adams interception. Two plays later, the Buccaneers were celebrating points of a Chris Godwin touchdown. After going for two again, this time to put them up three, the Buccaneers failed their attempt once again, bringing the score to 32-31 in favor of the Buccaneers. Down one, the Falcons got the ball with five minutes left in the game. The Falcons pushed into field goal range, and that’s all it took, the field goal ended the Bucs season at 5-11. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers franchise sealed the season on December 30, 2018, by firing head coach Dirk Koetter.

		PRESEASON
Date		Opponent	Week/Record	Outcome
Thursday Aug. 9		@ Miami Dolphins Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL	PS - wk 1 1 - 0	Won 26-24
Saturday Aug. 18		@ Tennesse Titans Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN	PS - wk 2 2 - 0	Won 30-14
Friday Aug. 24		Detroit Lions Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, FL	PS - wk 3 2 -1	Loss 30-33
Thursday Aug. 30		Jacksonville Jaguars Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, FL	PS - wk 4 2 -2	Loss 10-25
2018 Season Results Record: 5-11-0 .313 DIV 2-4-0 .333 (4th in NFC South Division - 14th in NFC Conference)
Date		Opponent	Week/Record	Outcome
Sunday Sep. 9		@ New Orleans Saints - TV "FOX" Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA	RS - wk 1 1 - 0	Won 48-40
Sunday Sep. 16		Philadelphia Eagles - TV "FOX" Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, FL	RS - wk 2 2 - 0	Won 27-21
Monday Sep. 24		Pittsburgh Steelers - TV "ESPN" Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, FL	RS - wk 3 2 - 1	Loss 27-30
Sunday Sep. 30		@ Chicago Bears - TV "FOX" Soldier Field, Chicago, IL	RS - wk 4 2 - 2	Loss 10-48
BYE	BYE	BYE	RS - wk 5 BYE	BYE
Sunday Oct. 14		@ Atlanta Falcons - TV "FOX" Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA	RS - wk 6 2 - 3	Loss 29-34
Sunday Oct. 21		Cleveland Browns - TV "FOX" Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, FL	RS - wk 7 3 - 3	Won 26-23
Sunday Oct. 28		@ Cincinnati Bengals - TV "FOX" Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH	RS - wk 8 3 - 4	Loss 34-37
Sunday Nov. 4		@ Carolina Panthers - TV "FOX" Bank of America, Charlotte, NC	RS - wk 9 3 - 5	Loss 28-42
Sunday Nov. 11		Washington Redskins - TV "FOX" Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, FL	RS - wk 10 3 - 6	Loss 03-16
Sunday Nov. 18		@ New York Giants - TV "FOX" MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ	RS - wk 11 3 - 7	Loss 35-38
Sunday Nov. 25		San Francisco 49ers - TV "FOX" Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, FL	RS - wk 12 4 - 7	Won 27-09
Sunday Dec. 2		Carolina Panthers - TV "FOX" Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, FL	RS - wk 13 5 - 7	Won 24-17
Sunday Dec. 9		New Orleans Saints - TV "FOX" Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, FL	RS - wk 14 5 - 8	Loss 14-28
Sunday Dec. 16		@ Baltimore Ravens - TV "FOX" M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD	RS - wk 15 5 - 9	Loss 12-20
Sunday Dec. 23		@ Dallas Cowboys - TV "FOX" AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX	RS - wk 16 5 - 10	Loss 20-27
Sunday Dec. 30		Atlanta Falcons - TV "FOX" Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, FL	RS - wk 17 5 - 11	Loss 32-34
		PLAYOFFS
Date		Opponent	NFC/Superbowl	Outcome
TBA Bring it On		@ Tampa Bay Buccaneers Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, FL	None None	STAT 00-00

ALL Tampa Bay Buccaneers Season Links