Regardless of the fact that the Bucs were 0-7 and not enjoy their place in the cellar, this game marked the first official throwback game in Buccaneer history. It was hip to wear orange again. Sporting the vintage old school 1976 home jersey and Bucco Bruce on the helmet, the rookie QB, Josh Freeman, made his debut and threw for 3 TDs, sealing the victory with a 4th and goal TD strike in the back of the end zone. When the Bucs wear the orange they are a force to be reckoned with at home, winning the last 5 games when Bucco Bruce is present. In addition, this game marked the opening of the Bucs Ring of Honor, honoring #63, Lee Roy Selmon, who's name will forever live on the walls of RayJay and who's number will never be worn again. Viva Bucco Bruce.

Regardless of the fact that the Bucs clinched the NFC South Division title with this win, this game marked the first Buccaneer kickoff returned for a touchdown. That's right. The first one. It took 32 seasons, 1,865 attempts, and 140 different return "specialists". Finally, in the first quarter, Bucs leading 7-3, Michael Spurlock, #17, takes the kick at the 10 yard line and proceeds 90 yards untouched into the record books.

N o . F I V E

January 6, 1980
NFC Championship
Buccaneers 0 Rams 9

As a kid I didn't realize the impact this game would have. A 4-year old team making it to 1 game away from the Super Bowl. It wasn't until many years later, after several dismal seasons, did I realize how hard it is to make it into the playoffs, let alone, the Championship game.

This overtime win guaranteed the Bucs would not have a 10-game loosing season. The first one in 13 years. Whew. At that time the Bucs were actually still in the playoff race. Thanks to cable television and ESPN Sunday Night Football, I was able to witness Trent Dilfer's arm and Michael Husted's foot beat Bret Favre and the Packers...to keep the Bucs playoff hopes alive.

The last game ever played in Philadelphia's Veteran's Stadium, a.k.a. the armpit of the NFL. After 2 previous playoff games played at the Vet, I was not happy about another winter game yet again among the iggle crowd. After a quick score by the birds, a Joe Jerivicious 71-yard reception showed everyone the Bucs meant business. Gruden called a hellofa game with plenty of misdirection, runs, and short passes. Ronde Barber's interception for a touchdown late in the game made me fall back in my chair and utter the words "We Win."

The first honorable game mention is the follow-up contest between these two teams which had the Bucs visiting Philadelphia yet again to help Philly open up their new and improved stadium, Lincoln Financial Field. Fresh off a Super Bowl victory, the NFL showed no respect to the Bucs and made their first game of the following season on the road. Like typical iggle fans, they have yet to learn from their mistakes. The Bucs clobbered the birds in their house on Monday Night Football 17-0.

Finally. 0-26 before kickoff. 1-0 after the final horn. The first win in team history. After several attempts to look like a professional football team, the Bucs finally put together 60 minutes of great defensive football. Archie Manning said loosing to the Bucs would be a "disgrace". This was all the motivation the team needed. Hank Stram, head coach for the Saints, was fired at season's end.

Second honorable game mention is the team's 2nd victory one week later vs. the Cardinals. The team's first ever winning streak.