2013 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season

Season

The team got off to a dismal start, which created considerable tension inside and outside the locker room, as well as among fans. The fan support of head coach Greg Schiano began to decay, as illustrated by a local radio station erecting a billboard carrying the message "Fire Schiano." The trouble started on opening day, as Tampa Bay had a last-second loss to the Jets, owing primarily to a personal foul late hit penalty, which advanced the Jets into field goal range, and an improbable comeback victory. Late-game losses to New Orleans, Arizona, and Seattle brought the Buccaneers to an 0–8 start. The Buccaneers won four of their next five games, but were ultimately eliminated from playoff contention by December, and they dropped the last three games.

One day after the conclusion of the regular season, head coach Greg Schiano and general manager Mark Dominik were fired.

For the first time since 2009, all eight regular season home games were announced as a "sellout," and no regular season games were blacked out locally. Due to the new concussion rule, the Bucs did not wear their "creamsicle" throwback uniforms at all during this season.

Darrelle Revis was named the Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year.

Josh Freeman benching

The season started out on a rocky note, as reports of a rift between head coach Greg Schiano and starting quarterback Josh Freeman were coming from the locker room. Freeman was entering the final season of his contract, and trade rumors were already being tossed around by media and fans. An allegation surfaced that Schiano rigged the voting for team captains, which prevented Freeman from being selected by his teammates. The next day, Freeman missed the annual team photo session, an absence he blamed on "oversleeping." After starting the season 0–3, Freeman was quickly criticized for his poor offensive output, throwing a league-worst 45.3% completion percentage, two interceptions, and only two touchdown passes. It was also leaked that Freeman was a stage one participant in the NFL drug program, a situation related to his treatment of ADHD. On week four, Freeman was benched in favor of rookie Mike Glennon, and on October 3, 2013, Freeman was released from the team as he granted.

MRSA outbreak

During training camp, an outbreak of MRSA was reported in the Tampa Bay locker room. Carl Nicks and Lawrence Tynes contracted the infection over the summer. Nicks missed several games, while Tynes was placed on the non-football injured reserve list. After a third player, Johnthan Banks, was diagnosed in early October, the week 6 games against the Eagles was in jeopardy of postponement, due to concerns over transmission. However, it was held as scheduled after medical specialists and NFLPA representatives inspected the facility.

2013 draft class

Main article: 2013 NFL draft

Trades

• The Buccaneers acquired an additional 2013 seventh-round pick (226th overall) that sent defensive tackle Brian Price to the Chicago Bears on July 26, 2012.
• The Buccaneers later traded that same additional 2013 seventh-round pick (226th overall) that was acquired by the Bears, along with cornerback Aqib Talib, to the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2013 fourth-round pick (126th overall) on November 1, 2012.
• Tampa Bay traded Arrelious Benn and a seventh-round pick to Philadelphia in exchange for the Eagles' 2013 sixth-round pick (196th overall) and a conditional draft pick in 2014.
• Tampa Bay traded their first-round pick (13th overall) and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2014, to the Jets in exchange for Darrelle Revis.
• Tampa Bay traded their fourth-round selection (112th overall) and their sixth-round selection (181st overall) to Oakland in exchange for the Raiders' fourth-round selection (100th overall) in order to draft Akeem Spence on the third day of the 2013 NFL draft.
• Tampa Bay traded LeGarrette Blount to New England for Jeff Demps and a seventh-round selection (229th overall).
• Tampa Bay traded their sixth-round selection (196th overall) and their seven-round selection (229th overall) to Minnesota for a sixth-round selection (189th overall) in order to draft Mike James on the third day of the 2013 NFL Draft.
• Tampa Bay traded their 2014 sixth-round selection to Chicago for Gabe Carimi.

Staff

• Owner/president – Malcolm Glazer
• Co-chairman – Bryan Glazer
• Co-chairman – Edward Glazer
• Co-chairman – Joel Glazer
• General manager – Mark Dominik
• Director of player personnel – Dennis Hickey
• Director of college scouting – Eric Stokes
• coordinator of pro scouting – Shelton Quarles
• coordinator of football administration – Mike Greenberg
• Special assistant to the head coach – Butch Davis
• Head coach – Greg Schiano
• Offensive coordinator – Mike Sullivan
• Senior offensive assistant – Jimmy Raye
• Quarterbacks – John McNulty
• Running backs – Earnest Byner
• Wide receivers – John Garrett
• Tight ends – Brian Angelichio
• Offensive line – Bob Bostad
• Assistant offensive line – Steve Loney
• Offensive assistant – Ben McDaniels
• Defensive coordinator – Bill Sheridan
• Assistant defensive coordinator – Bob Fraser
• Defensive line – Randy Melvin
• Defensive front seven – Bryan Cox
• Linebackers – Robb Smith
• Defensive backs – Tony Oden
• Assistant defensive backs – Jeff Hafley
• Defensive assistant – Tem Lukabu
• Quality control to the head coach – Dan Shamash
• Special teams coordinator – Dave Wannstedt
• Assistant special teams – Phil Galiano
• Head strength and conditioning – Jay Butler
• Assistant strength and conditioning – Joe Vaughn
• Assistant strength and conditioning – Bob Gilmartin
• Andy Aurich, Andrew Janocko, Billy Miller

Final roster

Preseason

Regular season

Schedule

Game summaries

Week 1: at New York Jets

First quarter

• NYJ – Josh Freeman fumble out of bounds in end zone for a safety, 8:35. Jets 2–0.
• TB - Mike Williams 17-yard pass from Josh Freeman (Rian Lindell kick), 1:07. ''Buccaneers 7–2. '''Drive: 5 plays, 44 yards, 2:39.''''' Second quarter
• NYJ – Nick Folk 43-yard field goal, 11:01. ''Buccaneers 7–5. '''Drive: 13 plays, 55 yards, 5:06.'''''
• TB – Doug Martin 5-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), 6:46. ''Buccaneers 14–5. '''Drive: 1 play, 5 yards, 0:05.'''''
• NYJ – Kellen Winslow 7-yard pass from Geno Smith (Nick Folk kick), 0:34. ''Buccaneers 14–12. '''Drive: 6 plays, 31 yards, 1:59.''''' Third quarter
• No scoring plays. Fourth quarter
• NYJ – Nick Folk 30-yard field goal, 5:05. ''Jets 15–14. '''Drive: 14 plays, 65 yards, 6:20.'''''
• TB – Rian Lindell 37-yard field goal, 0:34. ''Buccaneers 17–15. '''Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 1:40.'''''
• NYJ – Nick Folk 48-yard field goal, 0:02. ''Jets 18–17. '''Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 0:32.''''' Top passers
• TB – Josh Freeman – 15/31, 210 yards, TD, INT
• NYJ – Geno Smith – 24/38, 256 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
• TB – Doug Martin – 24 rushes, 65 yards, TD
• NYJ – Geno Smith – 6 rushes, 47 yards Top receivers
• TB – Vincent Jackson – 7 receptions, 154 yards
• NYJ – Kellen Winslow – 7 receptions, 79 yards, TD Tampa Bay took the lead 17–15 with a Rian Lindell field goal with 34 seconds remaining. However, on the ensuing Jets drive, Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith scrambled for a 10-yard run to the right sideline. A personal foul penalty was called on Lavonte David of the Buccaneers for a late hit out-of-bounds, which advanced the Jets to the Buccaneers 30-yard line. With 2 seconds left in regulation, Nick Folk kicked a 48-yard field goal, and the Jets won the game 18–17.

Week 2: vs. New Orleans Saints

First quarter

• NO – Garrett Hartley 44-yard field goal, 10:30. ''Saints 3–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 54 yards, 4:30.'''''
• TB – Kevin Ogletree 5-yard pass from Josh Freeman (Rian Lindell kick), 5:15. ''Buccaneers 7–3. '''Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 2:48.'''''
• NO – Jimmy Graham 56-yard pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 2:36. ''Saints 10–7. '''Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:39.''''' Second quarter
• No scoring plays. Third quarter
• NO – Garrett Hartley 41-yard field goal, 8:04. ''Saints 13–7. '''Drive: 8 plays, 17 yards, 3:45.''''' Fourth quarter
• TB – Mason Foster 85-yard interception return (Rian Lindell kick), 12:40. Buccaneers 14–13.
• NO – Garrett Hartley 27-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Saints 16–14. '''Drive: 5 plays, 54 yards, 1:06.''''' Top passers
• NO – Drew Brees – 26/46, 322 yards, TD, 2 INT
• TB – Josh Freeman – 9/22, 125 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
• NO – Pierre Thomas – 5 rushes, 29 yards
• TB – Doug Martin – 29 rushes, 144 yards Top receivers
• NO – Jimmy Graham – 10 receptions, 179 yards, TD
• TB – Vincent Jackson – 5 receptions, 77 yards Tampa Bay took the lead 14–13 after an 85-yard interception return by Mason Foster with just under 13 minutes remaining. In the closing minutes the Buccaneers drove to the New Orleans 29 yard line, and attempted a field goal with 1:10 left. The kick missed, and the Saints took over with just over one minute left. Drew Brees drove the Saints to the Tampa Bay 9 yard line in three plays, and Garrett Hartley kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired.

Week 3: at New England Patriots

First quarter

• TB – Rian Lindell 30-yard field goal, 1:47. ''Buccaneers 3–0. '''Drive: 13 plays, 76 yards, 6:01.''''' Second quarter
• NE – Kenbrell Thompkins 16-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 7:31. ''Patriots 7–3. '''Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 5:13.'''''
• NE – Kenbrell Thompkins 5-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:47. ''Patriots 14–3. '''Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 3:33.'''''
• NE – Stephen Gostkowski 53-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Patriots 17–3. '''Drive: 3 plays, 8 yards, 0:11.''''' Third quarter
• NE – Stephen Gostkowski 46-yard field goal, 3:38. ''Patriots 20–3. '''Drive: 8 plays, 36 yards, 4:15.''''' Fourth quarter
• NE – Stephen Gostkowski 33-yard field goal, 8:19. ''Patriots 23–3. '''Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 4:44.''''' Top passers
• TB – Josh Freeman – 19/41, 236 yards, INT
• NE – Tom Brady – 25/36, 225 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers
• TB – Doug Martin – 20 rushes, 88 yards
• NE – LeGarrette Blount – 14 rushes, 65 yards Top receivers
• TB – Mike Williams – 5 receptions, 65 yards
• NE – Aaron Dobson – 7 receptions, 52 yards Tom Brady threw for 225 yards and two touchdown passes, as New England soundly defeated Tampa Bay 23–3. Josh Freeman was sacked three times, and threw one interception, while Doug Martin was held to only 88 yards rushing.

Week 4: vs. Arizona Cardinals

First quarter

• TB – Mike Williams 8-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell kick), 6:17. ''Buccaneers 7–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 41 yards, 2:26.''''' Second quarter
• TB – Rian Lindell 50-yard field goal, 0:27. ''Buccaneers 10–0. '''Drive: 13 plays, 61 yards, 4:23.''''' Third quarter
• No scoring plays. Fourth quarter
• ARI – Jay Feely 42-yard field goal, 11:16. ''Buccaneers 10–3. '''Drive: 6 plays, 26 yards, 2:14.'''''
• ARI – Larry Fitzgerald 13-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Jay Feely kick), 3:06. ''Tied 10–10. '''Drive: 1 play, 13 yards, 0:06.'''''
• ARI – Jay Feely 27-yard field goal, 1:29. ''Cardinals 13–10. '''Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 0:27.''''' Top passers
• ARI – Carson Palmer – 21/38, 248 yards, TD, 2 INT
• TB – Mike Glennon – 24/43, 193 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers
• ARI – Andre Ellington – 4 rushes, 29 yards
• TB – Doug Martin – 27 rushes, 45 yards Top receivers
• ARI – Michael Floyd – 5 receptions, 87 yards
• TB – Tim Wright – 5 receptions, 41 yards Quarterback Josh Freeman was benched during the week, and rookie Mike Glennon was elevated to the starting role. Glennon led the team to a 10–0 lead after three quarters, but miscues saw Tampa Bay fall late. Early in the 4th quarter, Glennon fumbling a hand-off to Doug Martin set up an Arizona field goal. With 3:23 left in the game, Glennon, deep in his own territory, threw a costly interception, which set up an Arizona touchdown, and a brief 10–10 tie. With 1:33 left in regulation, Arizona kicked the game-winning field goal to win 13–10.

Week 6: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

First quarter

• PHI – Nick Foles 4-yard run (Alex Henery kick), 11:46. ''Eagles 7–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 85 yards, 3:14.'''''
• TB – Rian Lindell 38-yard field goal, 6:30. ''Eagles 7–3. '''Drive: 7 plays, 20 yards, 4:06.''''' Second quarter
• TB – Vincent Jackson 24-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell kick), 14:46. ''Buccaneers 10–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 39 yards, 0:55.'''''
• PHI – DeSean Jackson 12-yard pass from Nick Foles (Alex Henery kick), 7:05. ''Eagles 14–10. '''Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 3:20.'''''
• TB – Vincent Jackson 1-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell kick), 1:02. ''Buccaneers 17–14. '''Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 6:03.''''' Third quarter
• PHI – Riley Cooper 47-yard pass from Nick Foles (Alex Henery kick), 11:41. ''Eagles 21–17. '''Drive: 5 plays, 66 yards, 1:58.''''' Fourth quarter
• TB – Rian Lindell 27-yard field goal, 10:48. ''Eagles 21–20. '''Drive: 16 plays, 90 yards, 7:57.'''''
• PHI – DeSean Jackson 36-yard pass from Nick Foles (Alex Henery kick), 9:32. ''Eagles 28–20. '''Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:16.'''''
• PHI – Alex Henery 24-yard field goal, 2:34. ''Eagles 31–20. '''Drive: 12 plays, 49 yards, 5:29.''''' Top passers
• PHI – Nick Foles – 22/31, 296 yards, 3 TD
• TB – Mike Glennon – 26/43, 273 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers
• PHI – LeSean McCoy – 25 rushes, 116 yards
• TB – Doug Martin – 16 rushes, 67 yards Top receivers
• PHI – Riley Cooper – 4 receptions, 120 yards, TD
• TB – Vincent Jackson – 9 receptions, 114 yards, 2 TD Eagles quarterback Nick Foles threw three touchdown passes and ran for another, as Philadelphia defeated Tampa Bay 31–20. The Buccaneers fell to 0–5.

Week 7: at Atlanta Falcons

First quarter

• ATL – Thomas DeCoud 30-yard fumble return (Matt Bryant kick), 11:54. Falcons 7–0. Second quarter
• ATL – Jacquizz Rodgers 19-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 13:23. ''Falcons 14–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 83 yards, 4:23.'''''
• TB – Vincent Jackson 59-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell kick), 11:54. ''Falcons 14–7. '''Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 1:29.'''''
• ATL – Matt Bryant 23-yard field goal, 7:38. ''Falcons 17–7. '''Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 4:16.'''''
• ATL – Harry Douglas 37-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 5:32. ''Falcons 24–7. '''Drive: 1 play, 37 yards, 0:08.'''''
• TB – Rian Lindell 36-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Falcons 24–10. '''Drive: 13 plays, 63 yards, 5:32.''''' Third quarter
• TB – Vincent Jackson 1-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell kick), 9:03. ''Falcons 24–17. '''Drive: 9 plays, 23 yards, 4:12.''''' Fourth quarter
• ATL – Jacquizz Rodgers 8-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 14:06. ''Falcons 31–17. '''Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:48.'''''
• TB – Rian Lindell 41-yard field goal, 5:00. ''Falcons 31–20. '''Drive: 18 plays, 55 yards, 9:06.'''''
• TB – Rian Lindell 35-yard field goal, 1:55. ''Falcons 31–23. '''Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 1:56.''''' Top passers
• TB – Mike Glennon – 26/44, 256 yards, 2 TD
• ATL – Matt Ryan – 20/26, 273 yards, 3 TD Top rushers
• TB – Doug Martin – 11 rushes, 47 yards
• ATL – Jacquizz Rodgers – 8 rushes, 16 yards Top receivers
• TB – Vincent Jackson – 10 receptions, 138 yards, 2 TD
• ATL – Harry Douglas – 7 receptions, 149 yards, TD Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan threw for 273 yards and three touchdowns, as Atlanta defeated Tampa Bay 31–23. The Buccaneers attempted to rally in the fourth quarter, but managed only two field goals. A failed onside kick by Tampa Bay with 1:55 left sealed the win for Atlanta.

Week 8: vs. Carolina Panthers

First quarter

• CAR – Greg Olsen 1-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 4:44. ''Panthers 7–0. '''Drive: 15 plays, 70 yards, 8:52.'''''
• TB – Rian Lindell 47-yard field goal, 1:24. ''Panthers 7–3. '''Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, 3:20.''''' Second quarter
• CAR – DeAngelo Williams 12-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 12:42. ''Panthers 14–3. '''Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:42.'''''
• TB – Rian Lindell 48-yard field goal, 4:03. ''Panthers 14–6. '''Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 4:49.''''' Third quarter
• CAR – Cam Newton 6-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 6:27. ''Panthers 21–6. '''Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 4:36.''''' Fourth quarter
• CAR – Mike Tolbert 3-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 14:55. ''Panthers 28–6. '''Drive: 4 plays, 29 yards, 2:01.'''''
• CAR – Graham Gano 29-yard field goal, 6:14. ''Panthers 31–6. '''Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:37.'''''
• TB – Tim Wright 10-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell kick), 2:53. ''Panthers 31–13. '''Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards, 3:21.''''' Top passers
• CAR – Cam Newton – 23/32, 221 yards, 2 TD
• TB – Mike Glennon – 30/51, 275 yards, TD Top rushers
• CAR – Cam Newton – 11 rushes, 50 yards, TD
• TB – Mike James – 10 rushes, 39 yards Top receivers
• CAR – Ted Ginn Jr. – 5 receptions, 80 yards
• TB – Vincent Jackson – 5 receptions, 79 yards Cam Newton threw for 221 yards and two touchdown passes, and rushed for another touchdown, as Carolina defeated Tampa Bay 31–13. The Buccaneers failed to enter the red zone until the final three minutes of the game. Doug Martin sat out the game with an injured shoulder.

With the loss, Tampa Bay fell to 0–7.

Week 9: at Seattle Seahawks

First quarter

• No scoring plays. Second quarter
• TB – Tim Wright 12-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell kick), 11:50. ''Buccaneers 7–0. '''Drive: 10 plays, 90 yards, 6:03.'''''
• TB – Tiquan Underwood 20-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell kick), 2:55. ''Buccaneers 14–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 6:42.'''''
• TB – Tom Crabtree 2-yard pass from Mike James (Rian Lindell kick), 2:16. ''Buccaneers 21–0. '''Drive: 2 plays, 31 yards, 0:30.'''''
• SEA – Jermaine Kearse 16-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Steven Hauschka kick), 1:40. ''Buccaneers 21–7. '''Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 0:36.''''' Third quarter
• TB – Rian Lindell 33-yard field goal, 9:48. ''Buccaneers 24–7. '''Drive: 11 plays, 65 yards, 5:12.'''''
• SEA – Russell Wilson 10-yard run (Steven Hauschka kick), 5:00. ''Buccaneers 24–14. '''Drive: 9 plays, 86 yards, 4:48.''''' Fourth quarter
• SEA – Steven Hauschka 36-yard field goal, 14:47. ''Buccaneers 24–17. '''Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:11.'''''
• SEA – Doug Baldwin 10-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Steven Hauschka kick), 1:51. ''Tied 24–24. '''Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 4:22.''''' Overtime
• SEA – Steven Hauschka 27-yard field goal, 8:11. ''Seahawks 27–24. '''Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 4:53.''''' Top passers
• TB – Mike Glennon – 17/23, 168 yards, 2 TD
• SEA – Russell Wilson – 19/26, 217 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers
• TB – Mike James – 28 rushes, 158 yards
• SEA – Marshawn Lynch – 21 rushes, 125 yards Top receivers
• TB – Tim Wright – 4 receptions, 58 yards, TD
• SEA – Doug Baldwin – 6 receptions, 75 yards, TD Winless Tampa Bay shocked 7-1 Seattle by jumping out to a 21–0 lead just before halftime. However, the Seahawks came back in the second half to tie the game and force overtime. Tampa Bay won the coin toss in overtime, but went 3-and-out on their first possession. Seattle kicked a field goal on the next possession, completing their greatest comeback (21 points) in franchise history.

This loss dropped the Buccaneers to 0–8 on the season, a feat shared with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Week 10: vs. Miami Dolphins

First quarter

• TB – Donald Penn 1-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell kick), 9:37. ''Buccaneers 7–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 5:23.'''''
• TB – Rian Lindell 24-yard field goal, 5:27. ''Buccaneers 10–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 34 yards, 2:40.''''' Second quarter
• TB – Daniel Thomas tackled in the end zone by Lavonte David for a safety, 13:52. Buccaneers 12–0.
• TB – Rian Lindell 35-yard field goal, 9:01. ''Buccaneers 15–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 4:51.'''''
• MIA – Rishard Matthews 6-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (Caleb Sturgis kick), 0:28. ''Buccaneers 15–7. '''Drive: 9 plays, 90 yards, 3:26.''''' Third quarter
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 40-yard field goal, 7:57. ''Buccaneers 15–10. '''Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:33.'''''
• MIA – Rishard Matthews 19-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (pass failed), 2:01. ''Dolphins 16–15. '''Drive: 5 plays, 41 yards, 2:06.'''''
• MIA – Caleb Sturgis 30-yard field goal, 0:10. ''Dolphins 19–15. '''Drive: 4 plays, −5 yards, 1:24.''''' Fourth quarter
• TB – Bobby Rainey 1-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), 10:19. ''Buccaneers 22–19. '''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:51.''''' Top passers
• MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 27/42, 229 yards, 2 TD, INT
• TB – Mike Glennon – 11/21, 139 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
• MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 1 rush, 2 yards
• TB – Brian Leonard – 20 rushes, 57 yards Top receivers
• MIA – Rishard Matthews – 11 receptions, 120 yards, 2 TD
• TB – Tiquan Underwood – 3 receptions, 64 yards

The Buccaneers defense allowed a franchise low 2 rushing yards for the entire game, besting the previous record set last season during the home opener, when the Buccaneers' rushing defense held Carolina to 10 rushing yards. Darrelle Revis caught the game winning interception off a desperation pass from Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill late in the fourth quarter, and the Buccaneers won their first game of the season.

Week 11: vs. Atlanta Falcons

First quarter

• TB – Rian Lindell 30-yard field goal, 1:45. ''Buccaneers 3–0. '''Drive: 15 plays, 73 yards, 7:06.''''' Second quarter
• ATL – Matt Bryant 46-yard field goal, 12:07. ''Tied 3–3. '''Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 4:38.'''''
• TB – Bobby Rainey 43-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), 10:14. ''Buccaneers 10–3. '''Drive: 4 plays, 81 yards, 1:53.'''''
• TB – Mason Foster 37-yard interception return (Rian Lindell kick), 7:05. Buccaneers 17–3.
• TB – Bobby Rainey 3-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), 3:16. ''Buccaneers 24–3. '''Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards, 1:46.'''''
• ATL – Matt Bryant 49-yard field goal, 0:56. ''Buccaneers 24–6. '''Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 2:20.''''' Third quarter
• TB – Bobby Rainey 4-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell kick), 9:34. ''Buccaneers 31–6. '''Drive: 4 plays, 67 yards, 2:02.'''''
• TB – Vincent Jackson 3-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell kick), 1:54. ''Buccaneers 38–6. '''Drive: 7 plays, 20 yards, 3:49.'''''
• ATL – Harry Douglas 80-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 1:02. ''Buccaneers 38–13. '''Drive: 2 plays, 80 yards, 0:52.''''' Fourth quarter
• TB – Rian Lindell 46-yard field goal, 7:15. ''Buccaneers 41–13. '''Drive: 9 plays, 27 yards, 6:11.'''''
• ATL – Antone Smith 50-yard run (Dominique Davis–Tony Gonzalez pass), 5:22. ''Buccaneers 41–21. '''Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 1:53.'''''
• ATL – Roddy White 6-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 1:45. ''Buccaneers 41–28. '''Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 1:55.''''' Top passers
• ATL – Matt Ryan – 19/36, 254 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
• TB – Mike Glennon – 20/23, 231 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
• ATL – Antone Smith – 2 rushes, 88 yards, TD
• TB – Bobby Rainey – 30 rushes, 163 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
• ATL – Harry Douglas – 6 receptions, 134 yards, TD
• TB – Vincent Jackson – 10 receptions, 165 yards, TD

The Buccaneers managed a comprehensive victory against the Falcons, improving their record to 2–8.

Bobby Rainey rushed for 163 yards and 2 touchdowns. Vincent Jackson caught 10 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown. Gerald McCoy had 3 sacks in the game. Mike Glennon threw for 2 touchdowns. Mason Foster and Dashon Goldson both had an interception, the former of which returned it for a touchdown. Dekoda Watson blocked a punt.

Week 12: at Detroit Lions

First quarter

• TB – Rian Lindell 38-yard field goal, 3:27. ''Buccaneers 3–0. '''Drive: 13 plays, 58 yards, 7:51.''''' Second quarter
• DET – Nate Burleson 5-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (David Akers kick), 11:54. ''Lions 7–3. '''Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:33.'''''
• TB – Tiquan Underwood 7-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell kick), 8:50. ''Buccaneers 10–7. '''Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:08.'''''
• DET – Joseph Fauria 10-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (David Akers kick), 4:38. ''Lions 14–10. '''Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 4:09.'''''
• TB – Leonard Johnson 48-yard interception return (Rian Lindell kick), 1:01. Buccaneers 17–14. Third quarter
• DET – Brandon Pettigrew 18-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (David Akers kick), 9:41. ''Lions 21–17. '''Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 3:53.''''' Fourth quarter
• TB – Tiquan Underwood 85-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell kick), 14:17. ''Buccaneers 24–21. '''Drive: 4 plays, 95 yards, 1:42.''''' Top passers
• TB – Mike Glennon – 14/21, 247 yards, 2 TD
• DET – Matthew Stafford – 26/46, 297 yards, 3 TD, 4 INT Top rushers
• TB – Bobby Rainey – 18 rushes, 35 yards
• DET – Reggie Bush – 15 rushes, 83 yards Top receivers
• TB – Tiquan Underwood – 3 receptions, 108 yards, 2 TD
• DET – Calvin Johnson – 7 receptions, 115 yards Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford threw four interceptions, as Tampa Bay upset Detroit 24–21. The Buccaneers became the first team since 1978 to start the season 0–8 and win their next three games. Stafford was leading the Lions on a potential game-winning or game-tying drive in the final minute. At the Tampa Bay 28 yard line with 1:00 left, Stafford threw to Calvin Johnson at the 3 yard line. Johnson appeared to catch the ball, but it was stripped out and fell into the hands of Johnthan Banks for an interception, and sealed the win for Tampa Bay.

Week 13: at Carolina Panthers

First quarter

• TB – Rian Lindell 27-yard field goal, 9:14. ''Buccaneers 3–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 4:27.'''''
• CAR – Brandon LaFell 16-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 6:15. ''Panthers 7–3. '''Drive: 5 plays, 83 yards, 3:02.'''''
• TB – Rian Lindell 53-yard field goal, 2:19. ''Panthers 7–6. '''Drive: 4 plays, −3 yards, 2:26.''''' Second quarter
• CAR – Graham Gano 23-yard field goal, 6:26. ''Panthers 10–6. '''Drive: 14 plays, 76 yards, 6:05.'''''
• CAR – Cam Newton 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 0:30. ''Panthers 17–6. '''Drive: 7 plays, 49 yards, 3:45.''''' Third quarter
• CAR – Ted Ginn 36-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 10:58. ''Panthers 24–6. '''Drive: 4 plays, 78 yards, 2:10.''''' Fourth quarter
• CAR – Graham Gano 22-yard field goal, 6:43. ''Panthers 27–6. '''Drive: 13 plays, 66 yards, 8:45.''''' Top passers
• TB – Mike Glennon – 14/21, 180 yards, INT
• CAR – Cam Newton – 18/29, 263 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers
• TB – Bobby Rainey – 17 rushes, 63 yards
• CAR – Cam Newton – 5 rushes, 68 yards, TD Top receivers
• TB – Vincent Jackson – 3 receptions, 75 yards
• CAR – Greg Olsen – 5 receptions, 85 yards Panthers QB Cam Newton threw for 263 yards and two touchdowns while running for another touchdown, as Carolina soundly defeated Tampa Bay 27–6, sweeping the season series.

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

Week 14: vs. Buffalo Bills

First quarter

• TB – Bobby Rainey 80-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), 14:42. ''Buccaneers 7–0. '''Drive: 2 plays, 80 yards, 0:18.'''''
• BUF – Dan Carpenter 40-yard field goal, 8:12. ''Buccaneers 7–3. '''Drive: 7 plays, 36 yards, 2:29.'''''
• TB – Vincent Jackson 38-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell kick), 2:47. ''Buccaneers 14–3. '''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 5:33.''''' Second quarter
• TB – Rian Lindell 53-yard field goal, 10:52. ''Buccaneers 17–3. '''Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:32.'''''
• TB – Tim Wright 5-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell kick), 0:20. ''Buccaneers 24–3. '''Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 4:31.''''' Third quarter
• BUF – Dan Carpenter 46-yard field goal, 10:25. ''Buccaneers 24–6. '''Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 4:41.'''''
• TB – Rian Lindell 32-yard field goal, 0:11. ''Buccaneers 27–6. '''Drive: 4 plays, −2 yards, 0:54.''''' Fourth quarter
• No scoring plays. Top passers
• BUF – EJ Manuel – 18/33, 184 yards, 4 INT
• TB – Mike Glennon – 9/25, 90 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers
• BUF – EJ Manuel – 5 rushes, 29 yards
• TB – Bobby Rainey – 22 rushes, 127 yards, TD Top receivers
• BUF – Stevie Johnson – 5 receptions, 67 yards
• TB – Vincent Jackson – 3 receptions, 70 yards, TD Bobby Rainey scored an 80-yard rushing touchdown on the second play of the game and rushed for 127 yards total, setting the tone for the Buccaneers' decisive 27-6 thrashing of the Buffalo Bills.

On offense, Mike Glennon threw two touchdown passes, one each to Vincent Jackson and Tim Wright. The Buccaneers defense had seven sacks and four interceptions, out of which Lavonte David made one sack and two interceptions. On special teams, Dashon Goldson recovered a fumble muffed by the punt returner.

Week 15: vs. San Francisco 49ers

First quarter

• SF – Michael Crabtree 4-yard pass from Colin Kaepernick (Phil Dawson kick), 7:05. ''49ers 7–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 62 yards, 6:56.''''' Second quarter
• SF – Phil Dawson 47-yard field goal, 6:12. ''49ers 10–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 28 yards, 4:45.'''''
• SF – Vernon Davis 52-yard pass from Colin Kaepernick (Phil Dawson kick), 1:47. ''49ers 17–0. '''Drive: 5 plays, 81 yards, 1:52.'''''
• TB – Vincent Jackson 11-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell kick), 0:29. ''49ers 17–7. '''Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 1:18.''''' Third quarter
• SF – Phil Dawson 43-yard field goal, 7:51. ''49ers 20–7. '''Drive: 8 plays, 19 yards, 2:59.''''' Fourth quarter
• TB – Tim Wright 24-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell kick), 14:54. ''49ers 20–14. '''Drive: 10 plays, 92 yards, 4:01.'''''
• SF – Phil Dawson 21-yard field goal, 4:27. ''49ers 23–14. '''Drive: 17 plays, 77 yards, 10:27.'''''
• SF – Kendall Hunter 2-yard fumble return (Phil Dawson kick), 4:21. 49ers 30–14.
• SF – Phil Dawson 35-yard field goal, 2:49. ''49ers 33–14. '''Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 0:55.''''' Top passers
• SF – Colin Kaepernick – 19/29, 203 yards, 2 TD
• TB – Mike Glennon – 18/34, 179 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers
• SF – Frank Gore – 22 rushes, 86 yards
• TB – Bobby Rainey – 11 rushes, 27 yards Top receivers
• SF – Vernon Davis – 5 receptions, 79 yards, TD
• TB – Tim Wright – 7 receptions, 82 yards, TD Vincent Jackson and Tim Wright caught the only two touchdowns for the Buccaneers in the game, which were not enough to stop the 49ers from trouncing the team 33–14. On defense, Gerald McCoy and Adrian Clayborn had the only sacks for the Bucs. Late in the game, Eric Page attempted to hand the ball to Russell Shepard on a tricky play during a kick return; however, Shepard fumbled the ball, allowing the 49ers' Kendall Hunter to recover and return it for a touchdown.

With the loss, the Buccaneers' record dropped to 4–10.

Week 16: at St. Louis Rams

First quarter

• TB – Bobby Rainey 1-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), 6:31. ''Buccaneers 7–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 85 yards, 4:37.''''' Second quarter
• STL – Zac Stacy 1-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 13:48. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 7:43.'''''
• STL – Stedman Bailey 27-yard run (Greg Zuerlein kick), 12:04. ''Rams 14–7. '''Drive: 1 play, 27 yards, 0:09.'''''
• TB – Rian Lindell 35-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Rams 14–10. '''Drive: 9 plays, 36 yards, 4:27.''''' Third quarter
• TB – Rian Lindell 32-yard field goal, 9:23. ''Rams 14–13. '''Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 3:55.'''''
• STL – Greg Zuerlein 54-yard field goal, 5:08. ''Rams 17–13. '''Drive: 7 plays, 29 yards, 4:15.''''' Fourth quarter
• STL – Greg Zuerlein 25-yard field goal, 11:15. ''Rams 20–13. '''Drive: 12 plays, 49 yards, 6:33.'''''
• STL – Greg Zuerlein 48-yard field goal, 3:15. ''Rams 23–13. '''Drive: 9 plays, 29 yards, 5:52.''''' Top passers
• TB – Mike Glennon – 16/26, 158 yards
• STL – Kellen Clemens – 16/20, 158 yards Top rushers
• TB – Bobby Rainey – 20 rushes, 37 yards, TD
• STL – Zac Stacy – 33 rushes, 104 yards, TD Top receivers
• TB – Vincent Jackson – 5 receptions, 98 yards
• STL – Stedman Bailey – 3 receptions, 44 yards On offense, Bobby Rainey scored the Bucs' only touchdown of the game. On defense, Gerald McCoy had a sack. Also Adrian Clayborn and Dekoda Watson both forced fumbles which Lavonte David and Keith Tandy both successfully recovered for the Buccaneers, though the offense was only able to get a field goal out of the resulting possessions.

Week 17: at New Orleans Saints

First quarter

• NO – Lance Moore 44-yard pass from Drew Brees (Shayne Graham kick), 10:15. ''Saints 7–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:45.'''''
• TB – Tiquan Underwood 48-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell kick), 8:40. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 62 yards, 1:35.'''''
• NO – Jimmy Graham 10-yard pass from Drew Brees (Shayne Graham kick), 3:08. ''Saints 14–7. '''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 5:32.''''' Second quarter
• NO – Robert Meachem 41-yard pass from Drew Brees (Shayne Graham kick), 8:04. ''Saints 21–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 57 yards, 1:29.'''''
• TB – Tim Wright 1-yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell kick), 3:28. ''Saints 21–14. '''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:36.'''''
• NO – Kenny Stills 76-yard pass from Drew Brees (Shayne Graham kick), 2:40. ''Saints 28–14. '''Drive: 3 plays, 80 yards, 0:48.''''' Third quarter
• TB – Rian Lindell 54-yard field goal, 6:35. ''Saints 28–17. '''Drive: 13 plays, 44 yards, 8:25.'''''
• NO – Pierre Thomas 8-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), 1:22. ''Saints 35–17. '''Drive: 10 plays, 92 yards, 5:13.''''' Fourth quarter
• NO – Drew Brees 9-yard run (Shayne Graham kick), 14:08. ''Saints 42–17. '''Drive: 4 plays, 25 yards, 2:05.''''' Top passers
• TB – Mike Glennon – 22/41, 219 yards, 2 TD, INT
• NO – Drew Brees – 24/31, 381 yards, 4 TD Top rushers
• TB – Brian Leonard – 5 rushes, 35 yards
• NO – Khiry Robinson – 12 rushes, 50 yards Top receivers
• TB – Tiquan Underwood – 5 receptions, 93 yards, TD
• NO – Kenny Stills – 1 reception, 76 yards, TD

Standings

Division

Conference

References

References

1. [https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/9872198/fire-schiano-billboard-appears-tampa-bay-buccaneers-winless Sign calls for Greg Schiano's firing]
2. Yasinskas, Pat. (September 13, 2013). "Josh Freeman overslept for photo". ESPN.com.
3. Corbett, Jim. (September 25, 2013). "Bucs bench Josh Freeman, then put him on the market". USA Today.
4. Mortensen, Chris. (October 1, 2013). "Sources: Bucs QB not facing penalty". ESPN.com.
5. (September 30, 2013). "Josh Freeman Releases Statement Following Report". WDAE.
6. (October 3, 2013). "Bucs release Josh Freeman". ESPN.com.
7. Cascio, Josh. (August 28, 2013). "Tynes not responding to treatment for MRSA, wife says". FOX 13 News.
8. (October 13, 2013). "Johnthan Banks cleared to play". ESPN.com.
9. Wilson, Ryan. (October 12, 2013). "Eagles-Buccaneers game a go despite latest MRSA outbreak". CBS Sports.