2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season

The 2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 39th season in the National Football League (NFL). It was also the first season under head coach Lovie Smith, replacing Greg Schiano, who was fired at the end of the 2013 season. It was also the first season under general manager Jason Licht, following the departure of Mark Dominik, after a disappointing 2013 season. It also marked the first season under new ownership since 1994, after longtime owner Malcolm Glazer died on May 28, 2014. Glazer's sons took over team operations.

2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
OwnerThe Glazer family
General managerJason Licht
Head coachLovie Smith
Home fieldRaymond James Stadium
Results
Record2–14
Division place4th NFC South
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro BowlersDT Gerald McCoy

The Buccaneers tried to improve their record of 4–12 of last season, but failed after tying their number of losses when they lost to Carolina in Week 15. Following a 2–14 record, their worst since 1986, the Buccaneers finished last overall in the NFC and tied with the Titans for the worst record of the 2014 season, but was statistically (via a tiebreaker) last overall for the 2014 NFL season, thus earning the right to the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.

The Buccaneers did not win a single home game in 2014, going 0-2 during the preseason and 0-8 in the regular season at Raymond James Stadium.

2014 draft class
Main article: 2014 NFL draft
2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Draft
RoundSelectionPlayerPositionCollege
17 Mike EvansWide receiverTexas A&M
238 Austin Seferian-JenkinsTight endWashington
369 Charles SimsRunning backWest Virginia
4 None — see draft trades below
5143 Kadeem EdwardsGuardTennessee State
149 Kevin PamphileOffensive tacklePurdue
6185 Robert HerronWide receiverWyoming
7 None — see draft trades below

Draft trades

  • The Buccaneers traded their fourth-round selection (No. 104 overall) along with their 2013 first-round selection (13th overall) to the New York Jets in exchange for cornerback Darrelle Revis on April 21, 2013.
  • The Buccaneers traded their seventh-round selection (No. 221 overall) and a 2015 fifth-round selection to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for the Bills' 2014 fifth-round selection (No. 149 overall).
  • The Buccaneers traded their original sixth-round selection (No. 183 overall) to the Chicago Bears in exchange for offensive tackle Gabe Carimi on June 9, 2013. The Buccaneers later acquired a new sixth-round selection (No. 185 overall) in a trade that sent wide receiver Mike Williams to the Buffalo Bills on April 4, 2014.

Season summary

Offseason & preseason

Immediately after being named the new head coach, Lovie Smith began overhauling personnel. The primary goal was to reinstall the Tampa 2 defensive scheme that brought the club success during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Among the key cuts were Davin Joseph,[1] and Darrelle Revis.[2] Among the many new signings were quarterback Josh McCown, defensive end Michael Johnson and cornerback Alterraun Verner.

On August 26, the Buccaneers traded with New England for guard Logan Mankins.[3] The Buccaneers finished the preseason only 1-3, but were still picked by some media members to be much-improved, and to even be a wild card contender.[4][5]

September

The Buccaneers started the Lovie Smith Era off on a low note, losing on opening day to Carolina, then losing in the last minute to the Rams in week 2. In week three, the team was humiliated on a nationally-televised Thursday night game, 56-14 to division rival Atlanta. Smith stated afterwards he was "embarrassed"[6] by the performance, and said the loss was so terrible to the team, that it would "leave a scar."[6]

One week later, Mike Glennon started at quarterback, and Buccaneers bounced back in a big way. Tampa Bay defeated Pittsburgh, their first win of the season, with a last-second go-ahead touchdown pass.

October

Tampa Bay went winless in October, with Mike Glennon at quarterback. Two overtime losses, and one blowout loss to Baltimore dropped the Buccaneers to 1-6.

November

Mike Glennon was benched after losing to Cleveland, and Josh McCown was back in at quarterback. Tampa Bay managed to win against the Redskins, with help from a breakout game from Mike Evans. Despite only two wins, the Buccaneers were still mathematically alive for the division title through the end of November due to the lackluster records of the NFC South teams.

December

Tampa Bay ended the season on a six-game losing streak, going winless in December, to finish the season 2-14. In the final game of the season against New Orleans, the Buccaneers blew a lead in the fourth quarter, sitting some of their starters in the second half. But by virtue of the loss, the Buccaneers mathematically clinched the first pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, beating out the Tennessee Titans (who also went 2-14).

Staff
2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers staff
Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

 Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Head strength and conditioning – Dave Kennedy

Final roster
2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

 Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

 Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

 Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 53 active, 11 inactive, 9 practice squad

Schedule

Preseason
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 August 8 at Jacksonville Jaguars L 10–16 0–1 EverBank Field Recap
2 August 16 Miami Dolphins L 14–20 0–2 Raymond James Stadium Recap
3 August 23 at Buffalo Bills W 27–14 1–2 Ralph Wilson Stadium Recap
4 August 28 Washington Redskins L 10–24 1–3 Raymond James Stadium Recap

Regular season
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 7 Carolina Panthers L 14–20 0–1 Raymond James Stadium Recap
2 September 14 St. Louis Rams L 17–19 0–2 Raymond James Stadium Recap
3 September 18 at Atlanta Falcons L 14–56 0–3 Georgia Dome Recap
4 September 28 at Pittsburgh Steelers W 27–24 1–3 Heinz Field Recap
5 October 5 at New Orleans Saints L 31–37 (OT) 1–4 Mercedes-Benz Superdome Recap
6 October 12 Baltimore Ravens L 17–48 1–5 Raymond James Stadium Recap
7 Bye
8 October 26 Minnesota Vikings L 13–19 (OT) 1–6 Raymond James Stadium Recap
9 November 2 at Cleveland Browns L 17–22 1–7 FirstEnergy Stadium Recap
10 November 9 Atlanta Falcons L 17–27 1–8 Raymond James Stadium Recap
11 November 16 at Washington Redskins W 27–7 2–8 FedExField Recap
12 November 23 at Chicago Bears L 13–21 2–9 Soldier Field Recap
13 November 30 Cincinnati Bengals L 13–14 2–10 Raymond James Stadium Recap
14 December 7 at Detroit Lions L 17–34 2–11 Ford Field Recap
15 December 14 at Carolina Panthers L 17–19 2–12 Bank of America Stadium Recap
16 December 21 Green Bay Packers L 3–20 2–13 Raymond James Stadium Recap
17 December 28 New Orleans Saints L 20–23 2–14 Raymond James Stadium Recap

Week 1: vs. Carolina Panthers
Week One: Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Panthers 0 10 01020
Buccaneers 0 0 01414

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information

The first game for new head coach Lovie Smith was against division rival Carolina. A lackluster first three quarters saw the Panthers run out to a 17–0 lead, with Derek Anderson making his first start since 2010 in place of an injured Cam Newton.[7] In the fourth quarter, the Buccaneers rallied, scoring late two touchdowns, and trimming the lead to 17–14 with 2:06 remaining. The Bucs defense forced a 3 & Out, and Carolina punted, giving the ball back to the Bucs offense with just under two minutes to go. On the first play of the drive, however, Bobby Rainey's catch was fumbled away, and Carolina recovered.

Week 2: vs. St. Louis Rams
Week Two: St. Louis Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Rams 7 3 3619
Buccaneers 7 0 7317

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information

St. Louis kicker Greg Zuerlein kicked a 38-yard field goal with 42 seconds remaining to take a 19–17 lead. On the ensuing drive, Tampa Bay quarterback Josh McCown completed a 19-yard pass to Bobby Rainey, then spiked the ball to stop the clock with 20 second left in regulation. McCown completed a 29-yard pass to Mike Evans at the St. Louis 32 yard line. As the team scurried to line up and spike the ball, A hesitant Evans was injured on the play. With no timeouts left, Tampa Bay was forced to accept a ten-second runoff penalty, and time expired.

Week 3: at Atlanta Falcons
Week Three: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 0 01414
Falcons 21 14 21056

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

Game information

Atlanta throttled the Buccaneers by the score of 56–14, tied for the second-most lopsided defeat in franchise history. The Falcons jumped out to a 56–0 lead by the third quarter, including Devin Hester's NFL-record 19th return touchdown. In the first half alone, the Falcons forced three turnovers, and held Tampa Bay to 63 yards offense and only two first downs.

Week 4: at Pittsburgh Steelers
Week Four: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 10 0 71027
Steelers 10 7 7024

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Game information

Tampa Bay won their first game of the season, as well as the first win for new head coach Lovie Smith. One week after a humiliating loss at Atlanta, the Buccaneers bounced back, and upset the Steelers, the first win in franchise history at Pittsburgh. Trailing 24–20 just inside the two-minute warning, Tampa Bay drove to the Pittsburgh 14 yard line. The Steelers forced a turnover on downs, and took over at their own 14. The Tampa Bay defense held the Steelers to a 3 and out, and forced a punt with 50 seconds left in regulation. Brad Wing's punt was high and short, and was downed inside Pittsburgh territory on the 46. Two plays later Mike Glennon, connected to Louis Murphy, who broke free for a 41-yard gain all the way to the 5 yard line. With 7 seconds left, Glennon completed the game-winning touchdown pass to Vincent Jackson in the left corner of the endzone.

Week 5: at New Orleans Saints
Week Five: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Buccaneers 0 10 147031
Saints 6 7 711637

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: October 5
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 73,004
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Kirk Morrison and Kristina Pink
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Mike Glennon passed for 249 yards and two touchdown passes, as the Buccaneers led the Saints 31–20 in the fourth quarter. New Orleans rallied to tie the game and force overtime. The Saints won the coin toss in overtime, and proceeded to score a touchdown on the first possession to win the game.

Week 6: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Week Six: Baltimore Ravens at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Ravens 28 10 7348
Buccaneers 0 0 10717

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco threw five touchdown passes in the first 17 minutes of regulation (setting a new NFL record), as Baltimore jumped out to a 38–0 halftime lead (also an NFL record for a road team). The Ravens handed Tampa Bay their second dominating loss of the season.

Week 8: vs. Minnesota Vikings
Week Eight: Minnesota Vikings at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Vikings 0 3 73619
Buccaneers 0 0 013013

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: October 26
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 77 °F (25 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 56,577
  • Referee: Craig Wrolstad
  • TV announcers (Fox): Justin Kutcher, David Diehl and Laura Okmin
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Offensive futility plagued both teams in the first half, with Minnesota kicking a field goal as time expired in the second quarter to take a 3-0 lead into halftime. Trailing 10–6 in the fourth quarter, Mike Glennon threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Austin Seferian-Jenkins with 2:02 remaining in regulation. The Buccaneers briefly took a 13–10 lead, but the Vikings were able to tie the game at 13–13 and force overtime.

In the overtime period, Tampa Bay won the coin toss and received. On the first play from scrimmage in overtime, Austin Seferian-Jenkins caught a 10-yard pass at the 27 yard line, but fumbled the ball as he was tackled. Anthony Barr scooped up the ball and returned it 27 yards for a touchdown, and Minnesota won 19–13.

Week 9: at Cleveland Browns
Week Nine: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 10 7017
Browns 3 6 7622

at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: November 2
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 42 °F (6 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 67,431
  • Referee: Terry McAulay
  • TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, David Diehl and Laura Okmin
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Mike Evans caught two touchdown passes from Mike Glennon, as Tampa Bay led 17–16 in the fourth quarter. Cleveland scored with 8:59 remaining in regulation, and won the game by the score of 22–17. In the final two minutes, Tampa Bay drove to the Cleveland 28 yard line, but an offensive pass interference penalty pushed them back to the 47. Facing 4th down & 11, Glennon's pass was incomplete, and the Browns defeated Tampa Bay for the first time since 1995.

Week 10: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Week Ten: Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Falcons 7 6 31127
Buccaneers 3 7 0717

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: November 9
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 64 °F (18 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 57,751
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman
  • TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, David Diehl and Laura Okmin
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Josh McCown returned as the starting quarterback for Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers led 17–16, but Atlanta scored a go-ahead touchdown early in the fourth quarter and held on for the win. In the final two minutes, Tampa Bay drove to the Atlanta 4 yard line, but McCown's pass to Vincent Jackson was tipped and intercepted in the endzone, sealing the game for Atlanta.

Week 11: at Washington Redskins
Week Eleven: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Washington Redskins – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 10 3 7727
Redskins 0 7 007

at FedExField, Landover, Maryland

  • Date: November 16
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 45 °F (7 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 77,442
  • Referee: Bill Vinovich
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Kirk Morrison and Kristina Pink
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Mike Evans had a breakout game, catching 7 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns (36 yards and 56 yards, respectively). Tampa Bay won their second game of the season.

Week 12: at Chicago Bears
Week Twelve: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 10 0313
Bears 0 0 21021

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: November 23
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 61,109
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, David Diehl and Laura Okmin
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The Buccaneers blew a 10–0 halftime lead with three turnovers in the third quarter. The Bears scored two touchdowns off of turnovers, and a total of 21 points in the third quarter to take the lead and the win. This was head coach Lovie Smith's first return to Chicago since the Bears fired him following the 2012 season.

Week 13: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Week Thirteen: Cincinnati Bengals at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bengals 0 7 7014
Buccaneers 3 7 0313

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: November 30
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 77 °F (25 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 56,340
  • Referee: Bill Leavy
  • TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots and Chris Fischer
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Trailing 14–13 in the closing seconds, Tampa Bay completed a 21-yard pass to the Bengals 20 yard line, but a replay showed they had 12 men on the field for the play. The penalty took the Buccaneers out of field goal range.

Week 14: at Detroit Lions
Week Fourteen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 10 0717
Lions 7 10 10734

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: December 7
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 61,489
  • Referee: Jeff Triplette
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Brady Quinn and Kristina Pink
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

With the loss, the Buccaneers were officially eliminated from playoff contention.

Week 15: at Carolina Panthers
Week Fifteen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 7 3 0717
Panthers 6 3 7319

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

  • Date: December 14
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 60 °F (16 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 72,842
  • Referee: Ron Torbert
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Kirk Morrison and Kristina Pink
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Like the meeting in week 1, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was on the sidelines, this time due to injuries suffered in a car accident. Carolina swept the Buccaneers, using backup quarterbacks in both games.

Week 16: vs. Green Bay Packers
Week Sixteen: Green Bay Packers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Packers 7 3 01020
Buccaneers 0 3 003

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: December 21
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 75 °F (24 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 64,247
  • Referee: Terry McAulay
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Green Bay won for the first time at Raymond James Stadium since 2003, and for only the second time ever.

Week 17: vs. New Orleans Saints
Week Seventeen: New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Saints 0 7 01623
Buccaneers 3 17 0020

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information

Tampa Bay took a 20-7 lead into halftime, but New Orleans rallied for the victory. Drew Brees threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to Marques Colston with 1:57 remaining. On the ensuing drive, the Saints defense sacked Josh McCown for a safety, and secured a 23–20 victory. The Saints swept Tampa Bay for the third straight season, and won their seventh overall in the rivalry. The Buccaneers, finishing 2–14, clinched the first pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. The Bucs had also finished 0–8 at home. Finishing winless at home for the first time since 1976 and lost their 9th straight home game.

Standings

Division
NFC South
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(4) Carolina Panthers 7 8 1 .469 4–2 6–6 339 374 W4
New Orleans Saints 7 9 0 .438 3–3 6–6 401 424 W1
Atlanta Falcons 6 10 0 .375 5–1 6–6 381 417 L1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2 14 0 .125 0–6 1–11 277 410 L6

Conference
NFC[8][9]
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division leaders
1[lower-alpha 1] Seattle Seahawks West 12 4 0 .750 5–1 10–2 .525 .513 W6
2[lower-alpha 1] Green Bay Packers North 12 4 0 .750 5–1 9–3 .482 .440 W2
3[lower-alpha 1] Dallas Cowboys East 12 4 0 .750 4–2 8–4 .445 .422 W4
4 Carolina Panthers South 7 8 1 .469 4–2 6–6 .490 .357 W4
Wild Cards
5[lower-alpha 2] Arizona Cardinals West 11 5 0 .688 3–3 8–4 .523 .477 L2
6[lower-alpha 2] Detroit Lions North 11 5 0 .688 5–1 9–3 .471 .392 L1
Did not qualify for the postseason
7 Philadelphia Eagles East 10 6 0 .625 4–2 6–6 .490 .416 W1
8 San Francisco 49ers West 8 8 0 .500 2–4 7–5 .527 .508 W1
9[lower-alpha 3] New Orleans Saints South 7 9 0 .438 3–3 6–6 .486 .415 W1
10[lower-alpha 3] Minnesota Vikings North 7 9 0 .438 1–5 6–6 .475 .308 W1
11[lower-alpha 4] New York Giants East 6 10 0 .375 2–4 4–8 .512 .323 L1
12[lower-alpha 4] Atlanta Falcons South 6 10 0 .375 5–1 6–6 .482 .380 L1
13[lower-alpha 4] St. Louis Rams West 6 10 0 .375 2–4 4–8 .531 .427 L3
14 Chicago Bears North 5 11 0 .313 1–5 4–8 .529 .338 L5
15 Washington Redskins East 4 12 0 .250 2–4 2–10 .496 .422 L1
16 Tampa Bay Buccaneers South 2 14 0 .125 0–6 1–11 .486 .469 L6
Tiebreakers[lower-alpha 5]
  1. Seattle, Green Bay and Dallas were ranked in seeds 1–3 based on conference record.
  2. Arizona defeated Detroit head-to-head (Week 11, 14–6).
  3. New Orleans defeated Minnesota head-to-head (Week 3, 20–9).
  4. The New York Giants defeated both Atlanta and St. Louis head-to-head (Atlanta: Week 5, 30–20; St. Louis: Week 16, 37–27), while Atlanta finished ahead of St. Louis
    based on conference record.
  5. When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.

Notes

    References
    1. Bucs release Davin Joseph
    2. Bucs release CB Darrelle Revis
    3. Pats trade Logan Mankins to Bucs
    4. "USA TODAY Sports' 2014 predictions for Super Bowl, MVP and more". USA Today. September 4, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
    5. "The MMQB's 2014 Predictions Extravaganza". SI.com. September 2, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
    6. Patra, Kevin (September 19, 2014). "Lovie Smith 'embarrassed' by loss that will leave 'scar'". NFL.com. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
    7. "Panthers QB Newton out vs. Buccaneers". September 7, 2014.
    8. "2014 Conference Standings". NFL.com. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
    9. "2014 NFL playoff picture". CBS Sports. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
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