2018 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season

The 2018 season was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 43rd in the National Football League (NFL) and their third and final under head coach Dirk Koetter.

2018 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
OwnerThe Glazer family
General managerJason Licht
Head coachDirk Koetter
Home fieldRaymond James Stadium
Results
Record5–11
Division place4th NFC South
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro BowlersWR Mike Evans

During their season opener against the Saints, was the Bucs' first time since Super Bowl XXXVII scoring 48 points in a game, with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick having a dominant performance. They would also beat the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2 and nearly beat the Pittsburgh Steelers during Week 3, both with Fitzpatrick as starting quarterback. However despite their 2–0 start, the first time since 2010 the Bucs began a three game skid with Fitzpatrick being benched for Jameis Winston in Week 4 against the Chicago Bears. Winston started the next three game before being benched in favor for Fitzpatrick against the Cincinnati Bengals. Fitzpatrick went on to start three more games until being benched again for Winston against the New York Giants where Winston would remain the starter for the rest of the season. Despite the Buccaneers leading the league in total passing yards, they only managed to match their 5–11 record from the previous season and finished last in the NFC South for the eighth time in ten seasons. After their Week 15 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the Buccaneers were eliminated from postseason contention for the 11th straight season. Fitzpatrick posted a 2−5 record while starting while Winston posted a 3−6 recording while starting. The team however set a then franchise record 396 points scored on the season.

On December 30, 2018, head coach Dirk Koetter was fired following a Week 17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.[1]

NFL draft
Main article: 2018 NFL Draft
2018 Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 12 Vita Vea *  DT Washington From Cincinnati via Buffalo
2 38 Ronald Jones II  RB USC
2 53 M. J. Stewart  CB UNC From Buffalo
2 63 Carlton Davis  CB Auburn From New England
3 94 Alex Cappa  OT Humboldt State From Minnesota
4 117 Jordan Whitehead  S Pittsburgh From Detroit via New England
5 144 Justin Watson  WR Pennsylvania
6 202 Jack Cichy  LB Wisconsin From Pittsburgh via Cleveland and Pittsburgh
      Made roster    †   Pro Football Hall of Fame    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Draft trades

  • 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).[2]
  • 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).[3]
  • 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).

Staff
2018 Tampa Bay Buccaneers staff
Front office
  • Owner/president – Estate of Malcolm Glazer
  • Co-chairman – Bryan Glazer
  • Co-chairman – Edward Glazer
  • Co-chairman – Joel Glazer
  • General manager – Jason Licht
  • Director of player personnel – John Spytek
  • Director of football operations – Shelton Quarles
  • Director of college scouting – Mike Biehl
  • Director of pro scouting – Rob McCartney
  • Director of football administration – Mike Greenberg

Head coaches

  • Head coach – Dirk Koetter
  • Assistant to the head coach – Anthony Perkins

Offensive coaches

 Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Head strength and conditioning – Dave Kennedy
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Joe Vaughn
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Chad Wade

Final roster
2018 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, 14 inactive, 11 practice squad

Preseason
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 August 9 at Miami Dolphins W 26–24 1–0 Hard Rock Stadium Recap
2 August 18 at Tennessee Titans W 30–14 2–0 Nissan Stadium Recap
3 August 24 Detroit Lions L 30–33 2–1 Raymond James Stadium Recap
4 August 30 Jacksonville Jaguars L 10–25 2–2 Raymond James Stadium Recap

Regular season

Schedule
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 9 at New Orleans Saints W 48–40 1–0 Mercedes-Benz Superdome Recap
2 September 16 Philadelphia Eagles W 27–21 2–0 Raymond James Stadium Recap
3 September 24 Pittsburgh Steelers L 27–30 2–1 Raymond James Stadium Recap
4 September 30 at Chicago Bears L 10–48 2–2 Soldier Field Recap
5 Bye
6 October 14 at Atlanta Falcons L 29–34 2–3 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Recap
7 October 21 Cleveland Browns W 26–23 (OT) 3–3 Raymond James Stadium Recap
8 October 28 at Cincinnati Bengals L 34–37 3–4 Paul Brown Stadium Recap
9 November 4 at Carolina Panthers L 28–42 3–5 Bank of America Stadium Recap
10 November 11 Washington Redskins L 3–16 3–6 Raymond James Stadium Recap
11 November 18 at New York Giants L 35–38 3–7 MetLife Stadium Recap
12 November 25 San Francisco 49ers W 27–9 4–7 Raymond James Stadium Recap
13 December 2 Carolina Panthers W 24–17 5–7 Raymond James Stadium Recap
14 December 9 New Orleans Saints L 14–28 5–8 Raymond James Stadium Recap
15 December 16 at Baltimore Ravens L 12–20 5–9 M&T Bank Stadium Recap
16 December 23 at Dallas Cowboys L 20–27 5–10 AT&T Stadium Recap
17 December 30 Atlanta Falcons L 32–34 5–11 Raymond James Stadium Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Week 1: at New Orleans Saints
Week One: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 14 17 10748
Saints 10 14 01640

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

Tampa Bay started the 2018 season with Jameis Winston serving a three-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Ryan Fitzpatrick started as quarterback and led the Buccaneers to a 48–40 victory over division rival New Orleans. The 48 points scored tied a franchise record for most points scored in a game, with the Bucs 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. Philadelphia Eagles
Week Two: Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Eagles 0 7 7721
Buccaneers 7 13 7027

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information

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. Pittsburgh Steelers
Week Three: Pittsburgh Steelers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Steelers 6 24 0030
Buccaneers 7 3 31427

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information

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. The Bucs failed to start the season 3-0. The last time they had done so was the 2005 season.

Week 4: at Chicago Bears
Week Four: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 3 0710
Bears 14 24 7348

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

Game information

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 6: at Atlanta Falcons
Week Six: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 6 7 31329
Falcons 7 17 01034

at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

Game information

Following this defeat, the Bucs elevated Bucs’ linebackers coach Mark Duffner to defensive coordinator on Monday, replacing Mike Smith.[4]

Week 7: vs. Cleveland Browns
Week Seven: Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Browns 2 0 714023
Buccaneers 3 13 70326

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: October 21
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT
  • Game weather: 79 °F (26 °C), clear
  • Game attendance: 53,682
  • Referee: Shawn Hochuli
  • TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen, Ronde Barber and Shane Bacon
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

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: at Cincinnati Bengals
Week Eight: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 9 71834
Bengals 7 20 7337

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Date: October 28
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT
  • Game weather: 55 °F (13 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 45,134
  • Referee: Alex Kemp
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

This was the first ever NFL game in which both Head Coaches were graduates of Idaho State University.

Week 9: at Carolina Panthers
Week Nine: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 14 7728
Panthers 14 21 0742

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Game information

Week 10: vs. Washington Redskins
Week Ten: Washington Redskins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins 3 3 01016
Buccaneers 0 3 003

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: November 11
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 82 °F (28 °C), clear
  • Game attendance: 52,667
  • Referee: Brad Allen
  • TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Chris Spielman and Shannon Spake
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Week 11: at New York Giants
Week Eleven: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Giants – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 7 72135
Giants 7 7 101438

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

  • Date: November 18
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 42 °F (6 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 75,863
  • Referee: Shawn Smith
  • TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Chris Spielman and Shannon Spake
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

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. San Francisco 49ers
Week Twelve: San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
49ers 0 6 309
Buccaneers 7 6 7727

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information

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. Carolina Panthers
Week Thirteen: Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Panthers 7 0 10017
Buccaneers 10 7 7024

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: December 2
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 81 °F (27 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 52,568
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Ronde Barber and Sara Walsh
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

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. New Orleans Saints
Week Fourteen: New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Saints 0 3 81728
Buccaneers 7 7 0014

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: December 9
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 71 °F (22 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 53,495
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Ronde Barber and Sara Walsh
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

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: at Baltimore Ravens
Week Fifteen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 9 3012
Ravens 0 10 7320

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Game information

Week 16: at Dallas Cowboys
Week Sixteen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 3 10 0720
Cowboys 14 3 10027

at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

  • Date: December 23
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST/12:00 pm. CST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 92,851
  • Referee: Shawn Hochuli
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Week 17: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Week Seventeen: Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Falcons 0 7 171034
Buccaneers 7 10 31232

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: December 30
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 80 °F (27 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 52,884
  • Referee: Brad Allen
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Mark Schlereth and Jennifer Hale
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Despite leading 17-0 shortly before halftime, the Buccaneers lost the lead and fell 20-31 by the fourth quarter. Although they scored twice in the fourth quarter, two failed two-point conversions only gave them a 32-31 lead, and a 37-yard Matt Bryant field goal sealed the 32-34 loss. This loss dropped the Buccaneers to 5-11 and fourth in the NFC South for the second year in a row.

Division
NFC South
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(1) New Orleans Saints 13 3 0 .813 4–2 9–3 504 353 L1
Atlanta Falcons 7 9 0 .438 4–2 7–5 414 423 W3
Carolina Panthers 7 9 0 .438 2–4 5–7 376 382 W1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5 11 0 .313 2–4 4–8 396 464 L4

Conference
NFC
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division leaders
1[lower-alpha 1] New Orleans Saints South 13 3 0 .813 4–2 9–3 .482 .488 L1
2[lower-alpha 1] Los Angeles Rams West 13 3 0 .813 6–0 9–3 .480 .428 W2
3 Chicago Bears North 12 4 0 .750 5–1 10–2 .430 .419 W4
4 Dallas Cowboys East 10 6 0 .625 5–1 9–3 .488 .444 W2
Wild Cards
5 Seattle Seahawks West 10 6 0 .625 3–3 8–4 .484 .400 W2
6 Philadelphia Eagles East 9 7 0 .563 4–2 6–6 .518 .486 W3
Did not qualify for the postseason
7 Minnesota Vikings North 8 7 1 .531 3–2–1 6–5–1 .504 .355 L1
8[lower-alpha 2] Atlanta Falcons South 7 9 0 .438 4–2 7–5 .482 .348 W3
9[lower-alpha 2] Washington Redskins East 7 9 0 .438 2–4 6–6 .486 .371 L2
10[lower-alpha 2] Carolina Panthers South 7 9 0 .438 2–4 5–7 .508 .518 W1
11 Green Bay Packers North 6 9 1 .406 1–4–1 3–8–1 .488 .417 L1
12 Detroit Lions North 6 10 0 .375 2–4 4–8 .504 .427 W1
13[lower-alpha 3] New York Giants East 5 11 0 .313 1–5 4–8 .527 .487 L3
14[lower-alpha 3] Tampa Bay Buccaneers South 5 11 0 .313 2–4 4–8 .523 .506 L4
15 San Francisco 49ers West 4 12 0 .250 1–5 2–10 .504 .406 L2
16 Arizona Cardinals West 3 13 0 .188 2–4 3–9 .527 .302 L4
Tiebreakers[lower-alpha 4]
  1. New Orleans finished ahead of LA Rams based on head-to-head victory.
  2. Atlanta finished ahead of Washington based on head-to-head victory. Atlanta finished ahead of Carolina based on head-to-head sweep. Washington finished ahead of Carolina based on head-to-head victory.
  3. NY Giants finished ahead of Tampa Bay based on head-to-head victory.
  4. 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.

Awards

References
  1. "Buccaneers Head Coach Dirk Koetter Relieved of Duties". Tampa Bay Buccaneers. December 30, 2018. Archived from the original on December 31, 2018. Retrieved December 31, 2018.
  2. Smith, Scott (September 3, 2017). "Safety J.J. Wilcox Traded to Steelers". Buccaneers.com. Archived from the original on September 3, 2017. Retrieved February 24, 2018.
  3. Smith, Scott (February 23, 2018). "Tampa Bay Awarded Compensatory Pick". Buccaneers.com. Archived from the original on February 24, 2018. Retrieved February 24, 2018.
  4. "Mark Duffner Replaces Mike Smith as Buccaneers' Defensive Coordinator".
  5. Teope, Herbie (September 12, 2018). "Mahomes, Fitzpatrick among Players of the Week". NFL.com. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  6. "FedEx Air & Ground Players". NFL.com. Archived from the original on September 27, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
  7. Knoblauch, Austin (September 19, 2018). "Mahomes, Fitzpatrick among NFL Players of Week". NFL.com. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
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