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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had numerous elite players over the years and have experienced considerable success throughout their history. After being abysmal in their early years, the league has some of the best Buccaneers teams ever to play the game. The Buccaneers’ Super Bowl-winning teams have been extraordinary. Conversely, some of the best Buccaneers teams in franchise history have fallen just short. It’s time to look at the greatest Tampa Bay teams of all time, which have also featured players on the NFL’s top 100 list.
The Bucs had one fantastic season prior to this (more on that below), and came into this season with moderate expectations. While Tampa Bay did not make the Super Bowl, this team still had all the talent in the world, including quarterback Doug Williams. The Bucs went 9-7 and won the Central Division. Unfortunately, they stumbled in the Divisional Round, losing 38-0 to the Dallas Cowboys.
When Tom Brady signed with the Bucs, it was a shock to the entire NFL. At this point, the Bucs had already won a Super Bowl. This was the season when Brady retired, only to change his mind 40 days later. Of course, the Bucs would struggle throughout the season. Yet, they still won the division, despite an 8-9 record. Although they lost 31-14 to the Cowboys in the Wildcard Round, this team deserved more and had the talent to make a deep run.
The Bucs went 6-10 in the previous season, and expectations were low. However, they responded with a 10-6 record and finished second in the Central. The Buccaneers defeated the Detroit Lions 20-10 in the Wildcard Round. Unfortunately, they lost 21-7 in the NFC Championship Game to the Green Bay Packers. But that did not change the fact that this team was building the foundation for a future Super Bowl.
This was a historic year in the Tampa Bay area. Just three seasons removed from the season where they did not win a game, the ’79 Bucs responded with their first winning season. Coach John McKay led the club to a 10-6 record and first in the Central Division. Then, the Bucs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 24-17 in the NFC Divisional Round before losing 9-0 to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game. While it was not the result they wanted, the Bucs still had a fantastic season, and the future looked bright.
The Buccaneers had won the Super Bowl three seasons before this. Yet, there was still enough talent left from that team, and they had the potential to win another one. After going 11-5 to win the NFC South, Tampa looked poised for a good run. Ultimately, they would find an early exit in a 17-10 loss to the Washington Redskins.
This comes from the Tony...
