2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
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The 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 34th season in the
National Football League The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league that consists of 32 teams, divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The NFL is one of the ...
, the 12th playing their home games at
Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Tampa, Florida that opened in 1998 and is home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL) and the University of South Florida (USF) Bulls college football program. The s ...
, and the first under head coach Raheem Morris. The Buccaneers looked to improve on their 9–7 record from their 2008 season and 3rd-place finish in the NFC South but failed to do so as they finished the season at 3–13, missing the playoffs for the second straight year. The Buccaneers played seven of their home games at
Raymond James Stadium Raymond James Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Tampa, Florida that opened in 1998 and is home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL) and the University of South Florida (USF) Bulls college football program. The s ...
. One of their home games was played at
Wembley Stadium Wembley Stadium (branded as Wembley Stadium connected by EE for sponsorship reasons) is a football stadium in Wembley, London. It opened in 2007 on the site of the original Wembley Stadium, which was demolished from 2002 to 2003. The stadium ...
, as part of the International Series, in which they lost to the New England Patriots 35–7. The Buccaneers unveiled a Ring of Honor to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the 1979 franchise.
Lee Roy Selmon Lee Roy Selmon (October 20, 1954 – September 4, 2011) was an American professional football player who was a defensive end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football as a defensive tackle ...
was the first inductee when the team wore
throwback uniforms Throwback uniforms, throwback jerseys, retro kits or heritage guernseys are sports uniforms styled to resemble the uniforms that a team wore in the past. One-time or limited-time retro uniforms are sometimes produced to be worn by teams in games ...
on November 8 in a game against Green Bay that they won 38–28. Despite the disappointing season, the Buccaneers were able to upset the eventual Super Bowl champion
New Orleans Saints The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans. The Saints compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. Since 1975, the te ...
in Week 16, marking the first time in franchise history that the Buccaneers defeated the eventual Super Bowl champion.


Off-season


Coaching change

On January 16, 2009, less than three weeks after the 2008 regular season concluded, head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Bruce Allen were fired. The following day, Raheem Morris, recently promoted from defensive backs coach to defensive coordinator, was instead elevated to head coach, with
Mark Dominik Mark Dominik (born March 9, 1971) is a former professional football executive and scout for the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL) from 1994 to 2013. Dominik joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after sp ...
named general manager. The remainder of the coaching staff was finalized by mid-February.


Key signings

*
Luke McCown Lucas Patrick McCown (born July 12, 1981) is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints. He was drafte ...
was re-signed to a two-year contract on February 9 worth $7.5 million. *
Derrick Ward Derrick LaRon Ward (born August 30, 1980) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft and played for the New York Giants, Tampa ...
* Angelo Crowell *
Byron Leftwich Byron Antron Leftwich (born January 14, 1980) is an American football coach and former quarterback who is the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He previously played in the NFL for ten seas ...
(signed two-year deal worth $7.5 million) *
Dirk Johnson Dirk Johnson (born June 1, 1975) is a former American football punter. He is most notable for his four season tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles. After playing college football at Northern Colorado, Johnson signed with the Seattle Seahawks as a ...
was signed as punter to replace Josh Bidwell (who was placed on IR due to a hip injury).


Acquisitions

* Acquired Kellen Winslow II in a trade with
Cleveland Cleveland ( ), officially the City of Cleveland, is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County. Located in the northeastern part of the state, it is situated along the southern shore of Lake Erie, across the U.S. ...
for a second-round draft pick in 2009 and a fifth-round pick in 2010 on February 27.


Selected cuts/losses

*
Jeff Garcia Jeffrey Jason Garcia (born February 24, 1970) is a former American football quarterback. After attending high school and junior college in Gilroy, California, Garcia played college football at San Jose State University. A four-time CFL All-Sta ...
*
Micheal Spurlock Micheal Curtis Spurlock (born January 31, 1983) is an American football coach and former wide receiver who is the special teams quality control coach for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He was signed by the Arizona ...
* Derrick Brooks *
Warrick Dunn Warrick De'Mon Dunn (born January 5, 1975) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for twelve seasons. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12th overall in the 1997 ...
* Joey Galloway * Ike Hilliard * Cato June * Phillip Buchanon *
Brian Griese Brian David Griese ( ; born March 18, 1975) is an American football coach and former quarterback who is the quarterbacks coach for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the th ...
*
Matt Bryant Steven Matt Bryant (born May 29, 1975), nicknamed "Money Matt", is a former American football placekicker. He played college football for the Baylor Bears, and was signed as an unrestricted free agent by the AFL's Iowa Barnstormers in 2000. A ...
*
Luke McCown Lucas Patrick McCown (born July 12, 1981) is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints. He was drafte ...
was traded to the
Jacksonville Jaguars The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) South division. The team pla ...
for a 2010 undisclosed draft pick on September 5, 2009.


2009 NFL Draft

* Tampa Bay traded their second-round selection and 2010 fifth-round selection to
Cleveland Cleveland ( ), officially the City of Cleveland, is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County. Located in the northeastern part of the state, it is situated along the southern shore of Lake Erie, across the U.S. ...
for Kellen Winslow, Jr. *
Baltimore Baltimore ( , locally: or ) is the List of municipalities in Maryland, most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland, fourth most populous city in the Mid-Atlantic (United States), Mid-Atlantic, and List of United States cities by popula ...
traded conditional late-round selections in 2009 and 2010 to Tampa Bay for
Marques Douglas Marques Lamont Douglas (; born March 5, 1977, in Greensboro, North Carolina) is a former American football defensive tackle and defensive end who played for five teams in the National Football League during an 11-year career. He was signed by the ...
. * Tampa Bay traded their sixth-round selection to
Chicago (''City in a Garden''); I Will , image_map = , map_caption = Interactive Map of Chicago , coordinates = , coordinates_footnotes = , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name ...
for
Brian Griese Brian David Griese ( ; born March 18, 1975) is an American football coach and former quarterback who is the quarterbacks coach for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the th ...
. In a separate deal, the Bears traded their own sixth-round selection to the Buccaneers for
Dan Buenning Daniel Robert Buenning (born October 26, 1981, in Green Bay, Wisconsin) is a former American football guard. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft, and also played professionally for the Chicago Bear ...
. *
Jacksonville Jacksonville is a city located on the Atlantic coast of northeast Florida, the most populous city proper in the state and is the List of United States cities by area, largest city by area in the contiguous United States as of 2020. It is the co ...
traded their seventh-round selection in 2009 and two selections in 2008 to Tampa Bay for their second-round selection in 2008 (used to select
Quentin Groves Quentin Dominic Groves (July 5, 1984 – October 15, 2016) was an American football linebacker. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft and played college football at Auburn Tigers football, Auburn. H ...
). * Tampa Bay traded their own 2009 seventh-round selection to
Pittsburgh Pittsburgh ( ) is a city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States, and the county seat of Allegheny County. It is the most populous city in both Allegheny County and Western Pennsylvania, the second-most populous city in Pennsylva ...
for Sean Mahan.


Staff


Final roster


Schedule


Preseason


News

* The Buccaneers announced that they would not return to Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex to hold
Training Camp A training camp is an organized period in which military personnel or athletes participate in a rigorous and focused schedule of training in order to learn or improve skills. Athletes typically utilise training camps to prepare for upcoming events, ...
, where they had done so from 2002 to 2008. Training camp instead would be held at the team's regular facilities at One Buc Place. * John Lynch joined
Chris Myers Chris Myers (born ) is an American sportscaster. He has covered the Super Bowl, the World Series, the NBA Finals, the NCAA Final Four, The Masters, the U.S. Open, the Triple Crown, the Olympics, and the Daytona 500. Early life and care ...
in the preseason booth for games televised on
WFLA-TV WFLA-TV (channel 8) is a television station licensed to Tampa, Florida, United States, serving as the NBC affiliate for the Tampa Bay area. It is owned by Nexstar Media Group alongside St. Petersburg–licensed MyNetworkTV affiliate WTTA (chann ...
. Dan Lucas served as sideline reporter. * On August 18, free safety Tanard Jackson was suspended four regular-season games for violating the NFL Substance Abuse policy. * On August 19,
Aqib Talib Aqib Talib (born February 13, 1986) is a former American football cornerback. He played college football at the University of Kansas, where he received consensus All-American honors, and was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first ro ...
was arrested, accused of simple battery and resisting arrest. * Ten days before the start of the regular season, offensive coordinator
Jeff Jagodzinski Jeff Jagodzinski (born October 12, 1963) is an American football offensive line coach and former player who is the offensive line coach for the Philadelphia Stars of the United States Football League (USFL). He was previously the offensive coord ...
was fired. Quarterbacks coach Greg Olson was elevated into the vacancy.


Regular season


Standings


Game summaries


Week 1: vs. Dallas Cowboys

The first regular season game for head coach Raheem Morris saw the Buccaneers fall to the
Dallas Cowboys The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The Cowboys compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East divi ...
by a score of 34–21. Running back
Cadillac Williams Carnell Lamar "Cadillac" Williams (born April 21, 1982) is an American football coach and former running back in the National Football League. Williams was the interim head coach of the Auburn Tigers, the first African American to hold the posit ...
returned as a starter, and rushed for 97 yards and one touchdown. Quarterback
Byron Leftwich Byron Antron Leftwich (born January 14, 1980) is an American football coach and former quarterback who is the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He previously played in the NFL for ten seas ...
threw for 276 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. The Buccaneer defense, however, gave up three big plays in the loss. Dallas quarterback
Tony Romo Antonio Ramiro Romo (born April 21, 1980) is an American sportscaster and former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Eastern Illino ...
threw for a career-best 353 yards. Three long touchdown passes (66, 80, 44 yards respectively) put the game out of reach. Early in the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay closed the deficit to 20–14, but Romo's 80-yard catch & run to Patrick Crayton put the Cowboys ahead for good. On specials teams, kicker
Mike Nugent Michael Nugent (born March 2, 1982) is a former American football placekicker. He played college football for Ohio State University, and was twice recognized as a consensus All-American. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round o ...
had one field goal attempt blocked, and shanked another.


Week 2: at Buffalo Bills

The Buccaneers made their first regular season trip in franchise history to
Ralph Wilson Stadium Highmark Stadium is a stadium in Orchard Park, New York, in the Southtowns of the Buffalo metropolitan area. The stadium opened in 1973 as Rich Stadium and is the home venue of the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). It was kn ...
to meet the Bills. The Buccaneers had played only one time at Buffalo, a preseason game in 1977.
Byron Leftwich Byron Antron Leftwich (born January 14, 1980) is an American football coach and former quarterback who is the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He previously played in the NFL for ten seas ...
threw for 296 yards and three touchdowns, but the Bills held Tampa Bay to only 57 yards rushing, and the Buccaneers had 13 penalties for 112 yard in the loss. Leading 20–7 with less than a minute remaining in the first half, Buffalo looked to score once more. However, Fred Jackson fumbled at the Tampa Bay 16, and Sabby Piscitelli recovered. Piscitelli ran 72 yards to the Buffalo 8, and after a touchdown on the next play, Tampa Bay trimmed the deficit to 20–14. Late in the fourth quarter,
Leftwich Leftwich is a village in Cheshire, England. It has been absorbed into the town of Northwich, and is situated within the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester. The name, given as merely 'Wice' in the Domesday Book of 1086, is written 'L ...
led the Buccaneers on 14-play scoring drive, twice converting on 4th down. The touchdown could have brought the Buccaners within 8 points, but a failed
two-point conversion In gridiron football, a two-point conversion or two-point convert is a play a team attempts instead of kicking a one-point conversion immediately after it scores a touchdown. In a two-point conversion attempt, the team that just scored must run ...
ultimately foiled the comeback. Tampa Bay dropped to 0–2, and lost their sixth consecutive game, dating back to 2008.


Week 3: vs. New York Giants

Still looking for their first win of the season, the Buccaneers went home for a Week 3 duel with the New York Giants. Tampa Bay would trail early in the first quarter with Giants running back
Brandon Jacobs Brandon Christopher Jacobs (born July 6, 1982) is a former American football running back, who spent the majority of his career with the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Coffeyville, Auburn, ...
getting a 6-yard touchdown run. The Buccaneers'deficit would climb in the second quarter with quarterback Eli Manning's 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver
Steve Smith Stephen, Steve, Stevie, or Steven Smith may refer to: Academics * Steve Smith (political scientist) (born 1952), British international relations theorist and senior university manager * Stephen Smith (journalist) (born 1956), American journalist, ...
. New York continued its dominance in the third quarter with kicker
Lawrence Tynes Lawrence James Henry Tynes (born May 3, 1978) is a Scottish-born former American football placekicker. After playing soccer for Milton High School a coach suggested he try out for the football team as a kicker. He played college football at Troy ...
nailing a 26-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Giants would close out the game with Manning's 18-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Sinorice Moss. With the loss, the Buccaneers fell to 0–3.


Week 4: at Washington Redskins

Following their shutout home loss to the Giants, the Buccaneers flew to
FedExField FedExField (originally Jack Kent Cooke Stadium) is an American football stadium located in Summerfield, Maryland, east of Washington, D.C. The stadium is the home of the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). From 2004 u ...
for a Week 4 duel with the
Washington Redskins The Washington Commanders are a professional American football team based in the Washington metropolitan area. The Commanders compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) N ...
. Due to
Byron Leftwich Byron Antron Leftwich (born January 14, 1980) is an American football coach and former quarterback who is the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He previously played in the NFL for ten seas ...
's poor performance during the first three weeks of the season, quarterback Josh Johnson would get his first career start. Tampa Bay would come out firing in the first quarter with Johnson's 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Antonio Bryant, followed by kicker
Mike Nugent Michael Nugent (born March 2, 1982) is a former American football placekicker. He played college football for Ohio State University, and was twice recognized as a consensus All-American. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round o ...
's 37-yard field goal in the second quarter. However, the Redskins came back with a vengeance in the third quarter. Kicker
Shaun Suisham Shaun Christopher Suisham (; born December 29, 1981) is a Canadian-born former American football placekicker in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins and Pittsburgh Steelers. He was signed ...
would get a 42-yard field goal, followed by quarterback
Jason Campbell Jason S. Campbell (born December 31, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college footbal ...
's 17-yard touchdown pass to tight end
Chris Cooley Christopher Ken Cooley (born July 11, 1982) is a former American football tight end who played for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Utah State University, and was drafted by the Redski ...
(with a blocked PAT) and a 59-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver
Santana Moss Santana Terrell Moss (born June 1, 1979) is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for fourteen seasons. He played college football for the University of Miami, where he earned All-American hon ...
. The Bucs tried to rally in the fourth quarter as Nugent nailed a 22-yard field goal, but Washington's defense would prevent any further progress. With the loss, the Buccaneers fell to 0–4.


Week 5: at Philadelphia Eagles

Hoping for their first win of the season, the Buccaneers flew to
Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field is an American football stadium located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It serves as the home stadium of the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL) and the Temple Owls football team of Temple University. ...
for a Week 5 duel with the
Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia. The Eagles compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East division. The team play ...
. Tampa Bay would immediately trail in the first quarter as Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb hooked up with wide receiver
Jeremy Maclin Jeremy Maclin (born May 11, 1988) is a former American football wide receiver. He played college football at Missouri, where he was a two-time consensus All-American, and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2009 NF ...
on a 51-yard touchdown pass. Philadelphia would increase their lead in the second quarter with McNabb completing a 20-yard touchdown pass to fullback Leonard Weaver. The Buccaneers would get on the board with quarterback Josh Johnson's 9-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kellen Winslow, but the Eagles would close out the first half with McNabb finding Maclin again on a 40-yard touchdown 40-yard touchdown pass. In the third quarter, Philadelphia would increase their lead with running back Brian Westbrook getting a 7-yard touchdown run. The Eagles would then start off the fourth quarter with kicker
David Akers David Roy Akers (; born December 9, 1974) is an American former football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He began his career in 1998 with the Washington Redski ...
nailing a 44-yard field goal. Tampa Bay tried to rally as Johnson connected with Winslow again on a 9-yard touchdown pass, but Philadelphia closed out the game with defensive end
Darren Howard Darren M. Howard (born November 19, 1976) is a former American football defensive end. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Kansas State. Howard also played for the P ...
tackling running back
Cadillac Williams Carnell Lamar "Cadillac" Williams (born April 21, 1982) is an American football coach and former running back in the National Football League. Williams was the interim head coach of the Auburn Tigers, the first African American to hold the posit ...
in his endzone for a safety. With the loss, the Buccaneers fell to 0–5.


Week 6: vs. Carolina Panthers

Still trying to acquire their first win of the season, the Buccaneers went home for a Week 6 NFC South duel with the
Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers compete in the National Football League (NFL), as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. ...
. Tampa Bay sailed off to a good start in the first quarter with a 20-yard touchdown run from running back
Cadillac Williams Carnell Lamar "Cadillac" Williams (born April 21, 1982) is an American football coach and former running back in the National Football League. Williams was the interim head coach of the Auburn Tigers, the first African American to hold the posit ...
. However, the Panthers would tie the game in the second quarter with running back
DeAngelo Williams DeAngelo Chondon Williams (born April 25, 1983) is a former American football running back and professional wrestler. He played college football at Memphis, and was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He s ...
getting a 20-yard touchdown run. During the second quarter, punt returner Clifton Smith left the game due to a concussion caused by Panthers cornerback Dante Wesley ramming into Smith. Wesley was flagged for unnecessary roughness and was ejected. Carolina would take the lead in the third quarter with quarterback
Jake Delhomme Jake Christopher Delhomme (; born January 10, 1975) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL). Delhomme played college football at Louisiana, then known as the University of Southwestern Louisiana ...
completing a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jeff King and running back
Jonathan Stewart Jonathan Creon Stewart (born March 21, 1987) is a former American football running back. He played college football at the University of Oregon and was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the first round (13th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft ...
getting a 26-yard touchdown, yet the Buccaneers immediately got themselves back into the game as rookie wide receiver Sammie Stroughter returned the kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay tied the game with safety Tanard Jackson's 26-yard interception return for a touchdown. However, the Panthers delivered the final blow with Williams' 1-yard touchdown run. With the loss, the Buccaneers fell to 0–6 for the 1st time since 1985.


Week 7: vs. New England Patriots

Still on the hunt for their first win of the season, the Buccaneers flew to
Wembley Stadium Wembley Stadium (branded as Wembley Stadium connected by EE for sponsorship reasons) is a football stadium in Wembley, London. It opened in 2007 on the site of the original Wembley Stadium, which was demolished from 2002 to 2003. The stadium ...
for Week 7's NFL International game with the New England Patriots. For this game, Tampa Bay was listed as the home team. The Buccaneers would trail early in the first quarter as Patriots safety
Brandon Meriweather Brandon Meriweather (born January 14, 1984) is a former American football free safety. He played college football at the University of Miami, and was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Meriweather has ...
returned an interception 39 yards for a touchdown, followed by quarterback
Tom Brady Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. (born August 3, 1977) is an American football quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He spent his first 20 seasons with the New England Patriots organization, with which ...
finding wide receiver Wes Welker on a 14-yard touchdown pass. New England increased their lead in the second quarter as Brady completed a 54-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Sam Aiken, yet Tampa Bay would get onto the board with quarterback Josh Johnson completing a 33-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Antonio Bryant. However, the Patriots took control throughout the second half as Brady hooked up with tight end Benjamin Watson on a 35-yard touchdown pass, while running back
Laurence Maroney Laurence Maroney (born February 5, 1985) is a former American football running back who played five seasons in the National Football League. He played college football at Minnesota and was drafted by the New England Patriots 21st overall in the 2 ...
got himself a 1-yard touchdown run. With the loss, the Buccaneers went into their bye week at 0–7 for the 1st time since 1985.


Week 8: BYE

With the Rams' win over the Lions and the Titans win over the Jaguars in the same week, the Buccaneers were the NFL's only winless team.


Week 9: vs. Green Bay Packers

Coming off their bye week, the Buccaneers went home, donned their throwback uniforms, and played a Week 9 duel with the Green Bay Packers. This game would be the first career start for rookie quarterback Josh Freeman. Tampa Bay would trail early in the first quarter as Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed a 74-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver James Jones. The Buccaneers would get on the board with Freeman finding running back
Derrick Ward Derrick LaRon Ward (born August 30, 1980) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft and played for the New York Giants, Tampa ...
on a 6-yard touchdown pass, but Green Bay answered with running back Ryan Grant getting a 2-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, Tampa Bay fired back as cornerback
Ronde Barber Jamael Orondé "Rondé" Barber (born April 7, 1975) is an American former football cornerback who spent his entire 16-year professional career playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He is the identical twin ...
returned a blocked punt 31 yards for a touchdown, but the Packers replied with Rodgers hooking up with wide receiver
Donald Driver Donald Jerome Driver (born February 2, 1975) is a former American football wide receiver. After playing college football for Alcorn State University, Driver was picked by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He ...
on a 32-yad touchdown pass. The Buccaneers would close out the half with kicker
Connor Barth Connor Thomas Barth (born April 11, 1986) is a former American football placekicker who played ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at North Carolina and was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undraft ...
booting a 38-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, Green Bay would strike again in the fourth quarter as Rodgers got a 12-yard touchdown run. Afterwards, Tampa Bay took the lead as Freeman completed a pair of 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kellen Winslow (with a failed two-point conversion) and rookie wide receiver Sammie Stroughter (with a successful two-point conversion pass to wide receiver Michael Clayton). The Packers tried to get a comeback, yet safety Tanard Jackson came through with a 35-yard interception return from a touchdown. With the win, the Buccaneers improved to 1–7.


Week 10: at Miami Dolphins

Coming off their home win over the Packers, the Buccaneers flew to
Land Shark Stadium Hard Rock Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Miami Gardens, Florida. The stadium is the home field for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL) and the Miami Hurricanes, the University of Miami's NCAA Division I colleg ...
for a Week 10 interconference duel with their in-state rival, the
Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are a professional American football team based in the Miami metropolitan area. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member team of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) East division. The team p ...
. In the first quarter, Tampa Bay struck first as kicker
Connor Barth Connor Thomas Barth (born April 11, 1986) is a former American football placekicker who played ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at North Carolina and was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undraft ...
got a 51-yard field goal. However, the Dolphins would answer with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Ronnie Brown (with a blocked PAT). Miami would add onto their lead in the second quarter with a 49-yard field goal from kicker
Dan Carpenter Daniel Roy Carpenter (born November 25, 1985) is a former American football placekicker. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2008 after playing college football for the University of Montana. He has also played for ...
. The Buccaneers would reply with Barth's 50-yard field goal, but the Dolphins would take a huge lead as quarterback
Chad Henne Chad Steven Henne (; born July 2, 1985) is an American football quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Michigan. While there, Henne became only the second true freshman st ...
completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kory Sperry, followed by Carpenter getting a 30-yard field goal. Tampa Bay would get the only score of the third quarter as Barth nailed a 54-yard field goal. The Buccaneers would creep closer in the fourth quarter as rookie quarterback Josh Freeman completed a 33-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver
Maurice Stovall Maurice Aurilius Stovall (born February 21, 1985) is a former American football wide receiver and tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played co ...
, yet Miami continued to have their way as Carpenter booted a 45-yard field goal. Tampa Bay would take the lead as running back
Cadillac Williams Carnell Lamar "Cadillac" Williams (born April 21, 1982) is an American football coach and former running back in the National Football League. Williams was the interim head coach of the Auburn Tigers, the first African American to hold the posit ...
got a 1-yard touchdown run, but the Dolphins got the last laugh as Carpenter made the game-winning 25-yard field goal. With the tough loss, the Buccaneers fell to 1–8.


Week 11: vs. New Orleans Saints


Week 12: at Atlanta Falcons

Trying to avoid a 3-game losing streak, the Buccaneers flew to Georgia Dome for an NFC South rivalry match against the Atlanta Falcons. In the first quarter the Bucs trailed early as kicker
Jason Elam Jason Elam (born March 8, 1970) is a former American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft and played 15 seasons with the Broncos and two with the Atlanta Falcons. A three-time Pro Bo ...
nailed a 45-yard field goal, and then with QB Chris Redman making a 22-yard touchdown pass to RB
Jerious Norwood Jerious Montreal Norwood (born July 29, 1983) is a former American football running back. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Mississippi State and is the schools second a ...
. Then the Bucs replied with QB Josh Freeman making a 42-yard touchdown pass to WR Antonio Bryant, then kicker
Connor Barth Connor Thomas Barth (born April 11, 1986) is a former American football placekicker who played ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at North Carolina and was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undraft ...
made a 39-yard field goal. In the third quarter the Bucs took the lead when Freeman hooked up with
Cadillac Williams Carnell Lamar "Cadillac" Williams (born April 21, 1982) is an American football coach and former running back in the National Football League. Williams was the interim head coach of the Auburn Tigers, the first African American to hold the posit ...
on an 8-yard touchdown pass. Then the Falcons lost the margin when kicker
Jason Elam Jason Elam (born March 8, 1970) is a former American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft and played 15 seasons with the Broncos and two with the Atlanta Falcons. A three-time Pro Bo ...
got a 37-yard field goal. In the final seconds of the fourth quarter the Bucs fell behind when Redman made a 5-yard touchdown pass to WR Roddy White. With the loss, the Buccaneers fell to 1–10 and stay winless on the road after 5 visits. Additionally, the team was officially eliminated from postseason contention.


Week 13: at Carolina Panthers


Week 14: vs. New York Jets

The Jets were without starting quarterback Mark Sanchez, but the Buccaneers were unable to take advantage. The Tampa Bay defense allowed 175 yards rushing, and quarterback Josh Freeman, coming off a five interception game the previous week, struggled to read New York Jets coach
Rex Ryan Rex Ashley Ryan (born December 13, 1962) is an American former football coach and analyst. Ryan was formerly the head coach of the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL), and also held various coaching position ...
's exotic blitzes. Freeman finishing the day with three interceptions and a passer rating of just 12.1, well below his season average of 59.8.


Week 15: at Seattle Seahawks

Coming off their home loss to the Jets, the Bucs flew to
Qwest Field Lumen Field is a multi-purpose stadium in Seattle, Washington, United States. Located in the city's SoDo neighborhood, it is the home field for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL), the Seattle Sea Dragons of the XFL, t ...
for a week 15 duel against the Seattle Seahawks. After a scoreless first quarter, Seattle got on the board first with QB Matt Hasselbeck's 29-yard pass to tight end John Carlson. The Bucs got on the board with
Connor Barth Connor Thomas Barth (born April 11, 1986) is a former American football placekicker who played ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at North Carolina and was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undraft ...
's 28-yard field goal to end the first half. In the third quarter, Tampa Bay took the lead after a 45-yard field goal and a 22-yard touchdown pass by QB Josh Freeman to running back
Cadillac Williams Carnell Lamar "Cadillac" Williams (born April 21, 1982) is an American football coach and former running back in the National Football League. Williams was the interim head coach of the Auburn Tigers, the first African American to hold the posit ...
, set up by a Tanard Jackson interception. The Buccaneers further extended their lead with a 28-yard pass to running back
Derrick Ward Derrick LaRon Ward (born August 30, 1980) is a former American football running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft and played for the New York Giants, Tampa ...
, with a successful two-point conversion. In the fourth quarter, Barth kicked another field goal for 39 yards. Seattle tried to rally, but Hasselbeck threw an interception (his fourth) in the end zone to cornerback
Elbert Mack Elbert Mack (born July 14, 1986) is an American football cornerback for the Qingdao Clipper of the China Arena Football League (CAFL). He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played college football at Troy. He has ...
for a touchback. With the win, the Buccaneers improved to 2–12. Not only was it their first road win since November 23, 2008, it also marked their first win on the west coast since winning Super Bowl XXXVII in San Diego and their first win in Seattle since 1999.


Week 16: at New Orleans Saints

The Saints dominated the first quarter and entered halftime riding on a 17–3 lead. Tampa Bay scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including a 77-yard kick return by Micheal Spurlock, to tie the game at 17. As time expired,
Garrett Hartley Garrett Hartley (born May 16, 1986) is an American football placekicker who is a free agent. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2008. Later that year he became the placekicker for the New Orleans Saints, for whom he ...
attempted a 37-yard field goal that would have salvaged the game for the Saints, but the kick hooked left. In overtime, Tampa Bay won the coin toss, received the kickoff, and drove down the field to win the game with a field goal, for a final score of 20–17. This was the first time in franchise history that the Bucs defeated the eventual Super Bowl champions.


Week 17: vs. Atlanta Falcons

At 44 °F, it was the second-coldest home game in Buccaneers history.


Scores by quarter


Awards

* Week 6: Sammie Stroughter – NFC Special Teams Player of the Week * Week 9: Clifton Smith – NFC Special Teams Player of the Week * Week 16:
Micheal Spurlock Micheal Curtis Spurlock (born January 31, 1983) is an American football coach and former wide receiver who is the special teams quality control coach for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He was signed by the Arizona ...
– NFC Special Teams Player of the Week


References


External links


Buccaneers.com – Official site

Pewter Report

BUCPOWER



2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season at ESPN
{{DEFAULTSORT:2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Season Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football team based in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. The cl ...
21st century in Tampa, Florida Tampa Bay Buccaneers seasons