The 2018 season was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 43rd in the National Football League (NFL), their fifth under the leadership of general manager Jason Licht, their 21st playing their home games at Raymond James Stadium and their third and final under head coach Dirk Koetter.
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, the team was plagued by poor defensive play, giving up 464 points (29 points per game). As a result, 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] As of the 2024 season, this season remains the Buccaneers' most recent last place finish in the NFC South.
NFL draft
[edit]
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
[edit]
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
Offensive coordinator – Todd Monken
Quarterbacks – Mike Bajakian
Running backs – Tim Spencer
Wide receivers – Skyler Fulton
Assistant wide receivers/game management – Andrew Weidinger
Tight ends – Ben Steele
Offensive line – George Warhop
Assistant offensive line – Butch Barry
Offensive quality control – Zack Grossi
Defensive coaches
Interim defensive coordinator/linebackers – Mark Duffner
Defensive line – Brentson Buckner
Assistant defensive line – Paul Spicer
Defensive backs – Brett Maxie
Secondary – Jon Hoke
Defensive assistant – Danny Breyer
Defensive quality control – Stephen Nicholas
Special teams coaches
Special teams coordinator – Nate Kaczor
Assistant special teams – Carlos Polk
Strength and conditioning
Head strength and conditioning – Dave Kennedy
Assistant strength and conditioning – Joe Vaughn
Assistant strength and conditioning – Chad Wade
Final roster
[edit]
2018 Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster
Quarterbacks (QB)
14 Ryan Fitzpatrick
4 Ryan Griffin
3 Jameis Winston
Running backs (RB)
25 Peyton Barber
27Ronald Jones
32 Jacquizz Rodgers
Wide receivers (WR)
13 Mike Evans
12 Chris Godwin
10 Adam Humphries
11 DeSean Jackson
17Justin Watson
85 Bobo Wilson
Tight ends (TE)
82 Antony Auclair
84 Cameron Brate
86Donnie Ernsberger
88Tanner Hudson
Offensive linemen (OL)
77 Caleb Benenoch G
65Alex CappaG
69 Demar Dotson T
66 Ryan Jensen C
67 Michael Liedtke T
74 Ali Marpet G
76 Donovan Smith T
61 Leonard Wester T
Defensive linemen (DL)
91 Beau Allen DT
97 Vinny Curry DE
92 William Gholston DT
78 Jeremiah Ledbetter DT
93 Gerald McCoy DT
94 Carl Nassib DE
56 Rakeem Nuñez-Roches DT
90 Jason Pierre-Paul DE
57 Noah Spence DE
50Vita VeaDT
Linebackers (LB)
59 Devante Bond OLB
49 Riley Bullough MLB
54 Lavonte David OLB
52 Cameron Lynch OLB
53 Adarius Taylor MLB
Defensive backs (DB)
26 Andrew Adams FS
33Carlton DavisCB
35 Javien Elliott CB
24 Brent Grimes CB
22 De'Vante Harris CB
39 Isaiah Johnson FS
37 David Rivers CB
30 Josh Shaw CB
29 Ryan Smith CB
36M. J. StewartCB
31Jordan WhiteheadSS
Special teams (ST)
9 Bryan Anger P
89 Garrison Sanborn LS
5 Cairo Santos K
Practice squad
64Cole BoozerT
15 K. J. Brent WR
71Demone HarrisDE
70Ruben HolcombG
95 Farrington Huguenin OLB
75Alec JamesDE
46 Eric Nzeocha OLB(IPP)
79 Pat O'Connor DE
44 Dare Ogunbowale RB
18 Bernard Reedy WR
43Emmanuel SmithMLB
Reserve
58 Kwon Alexander MLB(IR)
83Sergio BaileyWR(IR)
51 Kendell Beckwith OLB(NF-Inj.)
48Jack CichyOLB(IR)
23 Chris Conte SS(IR)
45 Alan Cross FB(IR)
21 Justin Evans FS(IR)
28 Vernon Hargreaves CB(IR)
80 O. J. Howard TE(IR)
41 Kevin Minter MLB(IR)
62 Evan Smith C/G(IR)
96 Stevie Tu'ikolovatu DT(IR)
98 Mitch Unrein DT(IR)
38Shaun WilsonRB(IR)
Rookies in italics
53 active, 14 reserve, 11 practice squad
TB – Mike Evans 50-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Catanzaro kick) Buccaneers 41–24 Drive 4 plays, 74 yards, 2:10.
Fourth quarter
TB – DeSean Jackson 36-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Catanzaro kick) Buccaneers 48–24 Drive 6 plays, 65 yards, 3:07.
NO – Alvin Kamara 1-yard run (Kamara run) Buccaneers 48–32 Drive 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:25.
NO – Alvin Kamara 7-yard pass from Drew Brees (Ginn pass from Brees) Buccaneers 48–40 Drive 5 plays, 66 yards, 1:21.
Top passers
TB – Ryan Fitzpatrick – 21/28, 417 yards, 4 TD
NO – Drew Brees – 37/45, 439 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
TB – Peyton Barber – 19 carries, 69 yards
NO – Alvin Kamara – 9 carries, 29 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
TB – Mike Evans – 7 receptions, 147 yards, 1 TD
NO – Michael Thomas – 16 receptions, 180 yards, 1 TD
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. This was the Bucs last win against the Saints in the regular season until week 2 of the 2022 season
Week 2: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
[edit]
Week Two: Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Eagles
0
7
7
7
21
Buccaneers
7
13
7
0
27
at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Date: September 16
Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT
Game weather: 91 °F (33 °C), cloudy
Game attendance: 56,552
Referee: Alex Kemp
TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Ronde Barber and Tiki Barber
TB – O. J. Howard 75-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (kick failed), 4:39. Buccaneers 13–7. Drive: 1 plays, 75 yards, 0:12.
TB – Chris Godwin 8-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 0:42. Buccaneers 20–7. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 1:44.
Third quarter
TB – Mike Evans 4-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 9:19. Buccaneers 27–7. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:17.
PHI – Jay Ajayi 2-yard run (Jake Elliott kick), 0:09. Buccaneers 27–14. Drive: 9 plays, 84 yards, 3:42.
Fourth quarter
PHI – Nelson Agholor 2-yard pass from Nick Foles (Jake Elliott kick), 2:46. Buccaneers 27–21. Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 3:50.
Top passers
PHI – Nick Foles – 35/48, 334 yards, 1 TD
TB – Ryan Fitzpatrick – 27/33, 402 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
PHI – Corey Clement – 6 carries, 30 yards, 1 TD
TB – Peyton Barber – 16 carries, 22 yards
Top receivers
PHI – Zach Ertz – 11 receptions, 94 yards
TB – Mike Evans – 10 receptions, 83 yards, 1 TD
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
[edit]
Week Three: Pittsburgh Steelers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Steelers
6
24
0
0
30
Buccaneers
7
3
3
14
27
at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Date: September 24
Game time: 8:15 pm. EDT
Game weather: 77 °F (25 °C), cloudy
Game attendance: 62,571
Referee: Pete Morelli
TV announcers (ESPN/WMOR): Joe Tessitore, Jason Witten, Booger McFarland and Lisa Salters
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
[edit]
Week Four: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Buccaneers
0
3
0
7
10
Bears
14
24
7
3
48
at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
Date: September 30
Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT/12:00 pm. CDT
Game weather: 66 °F (19 °C), cloudy
Game attendance: 61,893
Referee: Jerome Boger
TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Chris Spielman and Shannon Spake
CHI – Cody Parkey 46-yard field goal, 6:28. Bears 48–10. Drive: 11 plays, 47 yards, 7:07.
Top passers
TB – Jameis Winston – 16/20, 145 yards, TD, 2 INT
CHI – Mitchell Trubisky – 19/26, 354 yards, 6 TD
Top rushers
TB – Ronald Jones – 10 rushes, 29 yards
CHI – Tarik Cohen – 13 rushes, 53 yards
Top receivers
TB – DeSean Jackson – 5 receptions, 112 yards
CHI – Tarik Cohen – 7 receptions, 121 yards, TD
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
[edit]
Week Six: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Buccaneers
6
7
3
13
29
Falcons
7
17
0
10
34
at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Date: October 14
Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT
Game weather: 67 °F (19 °C), clear – retractable roof open
Game attendance: 72,665
Referee: Walt Coleman
TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Chris Spielman and Shannon Spake
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
[edit]
Week Eight: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Buccaneers
0
9
7
18
34
Bengals
7
20
7
3
37
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
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
[edit]
Week Twelve: San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
49ers
0
6
3
0
9
Buccaneers
7
6
7
7
27
at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Date: November 25
Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
Game weather: 77 °F (25 °C), cloudy
Game attendance: 50,436
Referee: John Parry
TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
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
[edit]
Week Thirteen: Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Panthers
7
0
10
0
17
Buccaneers
10
7
7
0
24
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
CAR – Devin Funchess 10-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 2:24. Buccaneers 24–17. Drive: 10 plays, 92 yards, 4:59.
Fourth quarter
No scoring plays.
Top passers
CAR – Cam Newton – 28/41, 300 yards, 2 TD, 4 INT
TB – Jameis Winston – 20/30, 249 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 10 carries, 106 yards
TB – Jameis Winston – 5 carries, 48 yards
Top receivers
CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 9 receptions, 55 yards, 1 TD
TB – Chris Godwin – 5 receptions, 101 yards, 1 TD
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
[edit]
Week Fourteen: New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Saints
0
3
8
17
28
Buccaneers
7
7
0
0
14
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
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
[edit]
Week Fifteen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Buccaneers
0
9
3
0
12
Ravens
0
10
7
3
20
at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
Date: December 16
Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
Game weather: 43 °F (6 °C), cloudy, rain
Game attendance: 70,031
Referee: Ronald Torbert
TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Mark Schlereth and Jennifer Hale
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.
^ abNew Orleans finished ahead of LA Rams based on head-to-head victory, claiming the No. 1 seed.
^ abcAtlanta 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.
^ abNY Giants finished ahead of Tampa Bay based on head-to-head victory.
^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
[edit]
Week 1: NFC Offensive Player of the Week – Ryan Fitzpatrick[5]
Week 1: FedEx Air Player of the Week – Ryan Fitzpatrick[6]
Week 2: NFC Offensive Player of the Week – Ryan Fitzpatrick[7]
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