A pitiful first half saw Brad Johnson throw two interceptions, and the Falcons jumped out to a 27–7 lead at halftime. Congratulations on this excellent venture… what a great idea! Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster for the 2003 NFL season. With 2:08 to go New Orleans took over. In overtime, kicker Mike Vanderjagt missed a 40-yard field goal, but umpire Ed Coukart called a penalty on Simeon Rice for leaping, a rarely seen unsportsmanlike conduct infraction for running and jumping to block a kick and landing on other players. The second of which was to tight end Warren Sapp, his second touchdown reception of his career. A couple days after the game, general manager Rich McKay was released by the team, allowed to pursue work elsewhere. The Colts scored another touchdown, and narrowed the margin 35-28. Colts kicker Mike Vanderjagt then attempted an onside kick, which sailed airborne and was caught by Colts safety Idrees Bashir at their own 42-yard line. In December, the Glazers allowed McKay to leave the Buccaneers organization before the end of the regular season. His fourth quarter replacement, Kurt Kittner did not fare any better. [4][5][6] The game was named #3 on NFL Top 10's Top Ten Comebacks.[7]. Tampa Bay's only highlight, and only score, was a 75-yard touchdown pass to Keenan McCardell in the first quarter. His fourth quarter replacement, Kurt Kittner did not fare any better. Tampa Bay kept their postseason hopes alive, beating the second-year Texans 16-3, and improving to 7-7 on the year. Unfortunately, special teams breakdowns cost the team dearly. The Tampa Bay defense sacked Aaron Brooks seven times and forced three fumbles, meanwhile running back Deuce McAllister was held to just 88 yards. In November, Keyshawn Johnson was deactivated by the team ten games into the season for his conduct, which included sideline arguments with coaches and players. Though quarterback Brad Johnson started all 16 games – a feat not accomplished by him in the Buccaneers Super Bowl season the previous year – he was benched while losing in the final week during a "meaningless" game against Tennessee. The second of which was to tight end Warren Sapp, his second touchdown reception of his career. Directed by Drew Esocoff. The 1998 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 38th in the National Football League. McKay was a major architect of the Buccaneers rebuilding effort over the previous ten years, and he, like Gruden, had long-established ties to the Tampa Bay-area. Defensive Coordinator: Monte Kiffin. Manning then led the Colts on an 87-yard touchdown drive to tie the score 35–35 with 0:35 remaining. After two earlier botched field goal attempts, the Buccaneers trailed 9–3 late in the fourth quarter. Barber spent his entire 16-year professional career playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He spent the game in the visitor's press box, and presided over the Falcon's defeat of Tampa Bay. A second two-point conversion would have tied the game, and forced overtime. The season started out on a positive note, as the Buccaneers defeated their bitter rival from the three previous postseasons, the Philadelphia Eagles. Reproduction Date: The 2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season began with the team trying to defend its Super Bowl XXXVII title of 2002. The season began with the team trying to defend its … His fourth quarter replacement, Kurt Kittner did not fare any better. By Thanksgiving, the starting running back became lesser-known Thomas Jones, with on-again, off-again third-string receiver Charles Lee elevated to starter. Points Against: 264 (16.5/g) 4th of 32. The same team they lost to in the playoffs for the first time since 1996, when the Colts were in the AFC wild-card game. Carolina broke out to a 20-7 lead through three quarters. google_ad_height = 90; Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was sidelined due to an injury in the preseason. The extra point would have given Tampa Bay the win. McKay was a major architect of the Buccaneers rebuilding effort over the previous ten years, and he, like Gruden, had long-established ties to the Tampa Bay-area. He promptly joined the Atlanta Falcons as president and general manager. The critical error by the officiating crew led by referee Johnny Grier was overlooked, and the game continued.[3]. Home; Books; Search; Support. In December, the Glazers allowed McKay to leave the Buccaneers organization before the end of the regular season. Though quarterback Brad Johnson started all 16 games - a feat not accomplished by him in the Buccaneers Super Bowl season the previous year - he was benched while losing in the final week during a "meaningless" game against Tenneesee. It was Sapp's second such "skipping" incident (the first in 2002 against the Steelers), and he drew considerable criticism.[1][2]. View the 2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers schedule, results and scores for regular season, preseason and postseason NFL games. While the teams first met in 1977, the rivalry did not develop until the teams were placed in the NFC South in 2002, resulting in two annual meetings. Tampa Bay's only highlight, and only score, was a 75-yard touchdown pass to Keenan McCardell in the first quarter. Falcons' T. J. Duckett fumbled on first & goal at the Tampa Bay 4 yard line, and the Buccaneers recovered. With the loss, Tampa Bay finished 7–9, and missed the playoffs for the first time since 1998. 2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Statistics 2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Results. Another onside kick attempt was made, but this time it was recovered by Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers finished 7–9, and missed the playoffs for the first time since 1998. Brad Johnson threw four touchdown passes, and Derrick Brooks iced the game with a 44-yard interception return touchdown. The team blew a 35–14 lead in the final four minutes and lost to the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football, the night that former coach Tony Dungy returned to Tampa. It was the largest comeback in NFL history (21 points) in that little amount of time (under 4 minutes to go). [1] [2]. It was also the last Super Bowl played in January. A pitiful first half saw Brad Johnson throw two interceptions, and the Falcons jumped out to a 27-7 lead at halftime. The following day, after several weeks of growing intra-team tension, Johnson was deactivated with pay from the playing roster for the balance of the season. With the game-winning field goal, Vanderjagt went on to become the first kicker in NFL history not to miss a kick attempt in a complete season, including the playoffs. The team competed in the NFC South. Expected W-L: 9.2-6.8. How-To Tutorials; Suggestions; Machine Translation Editions; Noahs Archive Project; About Us. SRS: 1.61 (14th of 32), SOS: -0.71 Offensive Coordinator: Bill Muir. Dating back to October 19, 2000, Tampa Bay had a streak of 54 consecutive games with a turnover (takeaway). The Tampa Bay defense had, one week earlier, set the all-time NFL record for consecutive game with a quarterback sack. The extra point would have given Tampa Bay the win. Week 1: at Philadelphia Eagles (won 17–0), Week 5: Indianapolis Colts (lost 35–38, OT), Week 6: at Washington Redskins (won 35–13), Week 7: at San Francisco 49ers (lost 7–24), Week 10: at Carolina Panthers (lost 24–27), Week 13: at Jacksonville Jaguars (lost 10–17), Week 14: at New Orleans Saints (won 14–7), Week 17: at Tennessee Titans (lost 13–33), "Dungy won't let close bond get in way of playing Tampa Bay", "Top 10 greatest comebacks in NFL history", A Triumph of the Heart: The Ricky Bell Story. Brad Johnson led the Buccaneers on a rally, scoring two touchdown passes of 23 yards and 36 yards. The worst was yet to come, however, in week 5. Tampa Bay kept their postseason hopes alive, beating the second-year Texans 16–3, and improving to 7–7 on the year. The go-ahead extra point was blocked, and Tampa Bay lost in overtime. The 2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 28th season in the National Football League the 6th playing their home games at Raymond James Stadium, and the 2nd under head coach Jon Gruden. 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