2011 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season

2011 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
Head coach Raheem Morris
General manager Mark Dominik
Owner Malcolm Glazer
Home field Raymond James Stadium
Results
Record 4–12
Division place 4th NFC South
Playoff finish did not qualify
Pro Bowlers G Davin Joseph
Uniform

The 2011 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the club's 36th season as a franchise in the NFL. The team competed in the NFC South. Both of their preseason home games, and seven of their regular season home games were played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. One regular season home game, on October 23, was played at Wembley Stadium in London as part of the NFL International Series[1]

The 2011 season was Raheem Morris's third year as head coach. The team had not made the playoffs since 2007. The team attempted to build upon their success from 2010, when despite having a 10–6 record, they failed to make the playoffs. By week 12, however, they had already lost their seventh game of the season, preventing them from matching their 2010 record. The Bucs were eliminated from playoff contention in week 14, and finished the season with a 4–12 record. Raheem Morris was fired on January 2, 2012, one day after the season finale.

The Buccaneers' defense was among the worst in the league in 2011. Tampa Bay allowed the most points in the league (494), the most yards per play (tied at 6.3), most yards per pass attempt (tied at 7.6), the most rushing yards (2,497) and the most rushing touchdowns (26). They also allowed the second most yards per attempt (5.0), the second most rushing first downs (135), the third most total yards (6,311) and fourth most total first downs (356) of all teams in 2011.[2]

Offseason

2011 draft board

Main article: 2011 NFL Draft

After finishing the 2010 season 10–6 and narrowly missing the playoffs, the Buccaneers had the 20th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. A provision in the now expired collective bargaining agreement ensured that the draft still take place, despite the current lockout and lack of a new CBA.

Round Selection Player Position College Notes
1 20 Adrian Clayborn Defensive End Iowa
2 51 Da'Quan Bowers Defensive End Clemson
3 84 Mason Foster Outside Linebacker Washington
4 116 Luke Stocker Tight End Tennessee
5 151 Ahmad Black Strong Safety Florida [dr 1]
6 187 Allen Bradford Running Back Southern California [dr 2] [dr 3]
7 222 Anthony Gaitor Cornerback Florida International
7 238 Daniel Hardy Tight End Idaho [dr 4]

Draft notes

  1. ↑ The Buccaneers traded one of its two fifth-round selections (#135 overall, previously acquired from the Denver Broncos in exchange for two 2010 seventh round selections) to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for the Chiefs' sixth-round selection (#187 overall) and DT Alex Magee.
  2. ↑ In March 2010, the Buccaneers traded its original sixth-round selection (#184 overall) to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for WR Reggie Brown.
  3. ↑ See draft note 1.
  4. ↑ Compensatory selection.

Roster changes

Sources: as of 09/28/2011 2:00 p.m. EDT

Players re-signed

Players signed

Players released/losses

Practice Squad

Injuries/reserve lists

Selected staff and personnel

Preseason

Schedule

The Buccaneers' preseason schedule was announced on April 12, 2011. For the third consecutive year, training camp was held at the team's facilities at One Buc Place. During training camp, Tampa Bay became the first NFL club to discontinue the use of paper copies of playbooks, and instead distributed all players their playbook and videos in electronic format via an iPad 2.[4]

Week Date Kickoff Opponent Results Game site TV NFL.com
recap
Final score Team record
1 August 12 (Fri.) 8:00 p.m. EDT at Kansas City Chiefs W 25–0 1–0 Arrowhead Stadium FOX Recap
2 August 18 (Thurs.) 7:30 p.m. EDT New England Patriots L 14–31 1–1 Raymond James Stadium WTSP Recap
3 August 27 (Sat.) 7:30 p.m. EDT Miami Dolphins W 17–13 2–1 Raymond James Stadium WTSP Recap
4 September 1 (Thurs.) 7:30 p.m. EDT at Washington Redskins L 24–29 2–2 FedEx Field WTSP Recap

Regular season

General summary

After a 10–6 campaign in 2010, Tampa Bay had high hopes for 2011. With the youngest head coach, and the youngest roster, in terms of average age, in the league, and with anxious optimism, head coach Raheem Morris nicknamed the team "youngry."[9]

A close loss to Detroit on opening day was followed by a three-game winning streak and a fairly strong 4–2 start with wins against division opponents Atlanta and New Orleans. Tampa Bay was in a tie for first place in the NFC South in mid-October. However, self-inflicted troubles started affecting the season, leading to a ten-game losing streak to finish the season. Turnovers, penalties, and poor defense began taking its toll. Quarterback Josh Freeman's threw 22 interceptions (second-worst in the league), more than triple his total from 2010. The once dominating Tampa Bay defense ranked 30th in the league in total yards.

Schedule

The Buccaneers' regular season schedule was announced April 19. Tampa Bay played Chicago at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on October 23 as part of the NFL International Series, with Tampa Bay serving as the host team.[1]

The team's Ring of Honor induction ceremony took place during the December 4 game against Carolina. The team honored Jimmie Giles at halftime, and wore their orange throwback uniforms.[10]

Week Date Kickoff Opponent Results Game site TV NFL.com
recap
Final score Team record
1 September 11 1:00 p.m. EDT Detroit Lions L 20–27 0–1 Raymond James Stadium Fox Recap
2 September 18 1:00 p.m. EDT at Minnesota Vikings W 24–20 1–1 Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Fox Recap
3 September 25 4:15 p.m. EDT Atlanta Falcons W 16–13 2–1 Raymond James Stadium Fox Recap
4 October 3 8:30 p.m. EDT Indianapolis Colts W 24–17 3–1 Raymond James Stadium ESPN Recap
5 October 9 4:05 p.m. EDT at San Francisco 49ers L 3–48 3–2 Candlestick Park Fox Recap
6 October 16 4:15 p.m. EDT New Orleans Saints W 26–20 4–2 Raymond James Stadium Fox Recap
7 October 23 1:00 p.m. EDT Chicago Bears L 18–24 4–3 Wembley Stadium (London, England) Fox Recap
8 Bye
9 November 6 1:00 p.m. EST at New Orleans Saints L 16–27 4–4 Mercedes-Benz Superdome Fox Recap
10 November 13 1:00 p.m. EST Houston Texans L 9–37 4–5 Raymond James Stadium CBS Recap
11 November 20 1:00 p.m. EST at Green Bay Packers L 26–35 4–6 Lambeau Field Fox Recap
12 November 27 1:00 p.m. EST at Tennessee Titans L 17–23 4–7 LP Field Fox Recap
13 December 4 1:00 p.m. EST Carolina Panthers L 19–38 4–8 Raymond James Stadium Fox Recap
14 December 11 1:00 p.m. EST at Jacksonville Jaguars L 14–41 4–9 Everbank Field Fox Recap
15 December 17 8:20 p.m. EST Dallas Cowboys L 15–31 4–10 Raymond James Stadium NFLN Recap
16 December 24 1:00 p.m. EST at Carolina Panthers L 16–48 4–11 Bank of America Stadium Fox Recap
17 January 1 4:15 p.m. EST[11] at Atlanta Falcons L 24–45 4–12 Georgia Dome Fox Recap

LEGEND:

 #  Indicates that the Buccaneers wore their white jerseys at home.
 #  Blue/Red indicates the International Series game in London.
     Orange indicates designated throwback game.
     Gray indicates that the game was blacked out locally due to low ticket sales.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Detroit Lions

Week One: Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Lions 6 14 7027
Buccaneers 10 3 0720

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information
First quarter
  • DET – Hanson 23-yard field goal, Det 3–0
  • TB – Barth 38-yard field goal, Tied 3–3
  • TB – Talib 28-yard interception return (Barth kick), TB 10–3
  • DET – Hanson 28-yard field goal, TB 10–6
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • DET – Stafford – 24/33, 305 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception
  • TB – Freeman – 28/43, 259 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
Top rushers
  • DET – Best – 21 rushes, 72 yards
  • TB – Freeman – 4 rushes, 26 yards
Top receivers
  • DET – Johnson – 6 receptions, 88 yards, 2 touchdowns
  • TB – Winslow – 6 receptions, 66 yards
Top tacklers

Detroit scored two touchdowns in the second quarter, and led Tampa Bay 27–13 late in the game. Josh Freeman suffered through some cramping issues, but rallied the Buccaneers to score a touchdown with under four minutes remaining. The subsequent onside kick failed, but the Buccaneers were able to get the ball back in the final two minutes. Freeman drove Tampa Bay to the Lions 42-yard line in the closings seconds, but they were unable to score.

Week 2: at Minnesota Vikings

Week Two: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 0 101424
Vikings 7 10 0320

at Mall of America Field at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • TB – Blount 27-yard touchdown run (Barth kick), Min 17–7
  • TB – Barth 36-yard field goal, Min 17–10
  • Min – Longwell 29-yard field goal, Min 20–10
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • TB – Josh Freeman – 22/31, 243 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
  • MIN – Donovan McNabb – 18/30, 228 yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Minnesota led Tampa Bay 17–0 at halftime, but the Buccaneers rallied for the 24–20 victory on the road. In the final four minutes, Josh Freeman drove the Buccaneers 61 yards in 9 plays, capped off by a game-winning 4-yard touchdown run by LeGarrette Blount with 35 seconds remaining.

Week 3: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week Three: Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Falcons 0 3 01013
Buccaneers 3 10 3016

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information
First quarter
  • TB – Barth 38-yard field goal, TB 3–0
Second quarter
  • Atl – Bryant 26-yard field goal, Tied 3–3
  • TB – Freeman 1-yard touchown run (Barth kick), TB 10–3
  • TB – Barth 26-yard field goal, TB 13–3
Third quarter
  • TB – Barth 28-yard field goal, TB 16–3
Fourth quarter
  • Atl – Gonzalez 10-yard touchdown pass from Ryan (Bryant kick), TB 16–10
  • Atl – Bryant 336-yard field goal, TB 16–13
Top passers
  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 27/47, 330 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
  • TB – Josh Freeman – 22/32, 180 yards, 0 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Tampa Bay led Atlanta 16–13 with 1:49 remaining. The Buccaneers faced 4th down & 1 at the Atlanta 44-yard line. The Falcons had no timeouts remaining, and were looking to get the ball back for one last drive. Josh Freeman and the Buccaneers lined up for the fourth down play, and the Falcons flinched on the hard count. The Falcons were penalized 5 yards for Offsides, the Buccaneers received a first down, and were able to run the clock out the secure the victory.

Tampa Bay snapped a 5-game losing streak to their division rivals, and coach Raheem Morris won his first game against Atlanta.

Week 4: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week Four: Indianapolis Colts at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Colts 3 7 7017
Buccaneers 0 7 10724

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information
First quarter
  • IND – Vinatieri 45-yard field goal, IND 3–0
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
  • TB – Blount 35-yard touchdown run (Barth kick), TB 24–17
Top passers
  • IND – Curtis Painter – 13/30, 281 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
  • TB – Josh Freeman – 25/39, 287 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
  • IND – Conner – 14 tackles, 4 assists
  • TB – Gerald McCoy – 5 tackles, 1 assist, 1 sack

Tampa Bay hosted the winless Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football. Miscues and penalties nearly cost the Buccaneers control of the game, but Josh Freeman threw for 287 yards, and LeGarrette Blount rushed for 127 yards, as Tampa Bay won the game 24–17. Curtis Painter started at quarterback for the Colts, his first career NFL start.

The Colts led early after an Adam Vinatieri field goal. Tampa Bay then sacked Painter and recovered the fumble. Connor Barth's field goal attempt, however, bounced off the upright, and the score remained 3–0. Late in the first quarter, Freeman connected to Arrelious Benn, who ran 62 yards for an apparent touchdown. However, the touchdown was nullified since Benn has stepped out-of-bounds before the catch (illegal touching).

In the second quarter, the Buccaneers pinned the Colts at their own 2-yard line. Painter threw to Pierre Garçon, who ran for an 87-yard touchdown, and 10–0 lead. Tampa Bay answered with a touchdown, and trimmed the score to 10–7. In the final seconds of the first half, Freeman drove the Buccaneers to the Colts 19-yard line, but was sacked with 20 seconds to go and counting. The field goal unit hurried on to the field, and the field goal was initially good. Tampa Bay, however, was penalized for 12 men on the field, and the score was nullified.

Tied 17–17 in the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay received a punt with just under 7 minutes remaining. LeGarrette Blount blasted for a 35-yard touchdown run, and a 24–17 Tampa Bay lead. In the final three minutes, Tampa Bay ran out the clock, including a "4th & Inches" quarterback sneak by Freeman, to seal the victory.

This was Tampa Bay's first appearance on Monday Night Football since 2008, and the first home Monday night game since 2003. This MNF telecast was notable in that Hank Williams, Jr.'s "All My Rowdy Friends" opening was omitted due to comments he made on Fox & Friends earlier in the day where he compared a golf outing involving Barack Obama, John Boehner, Joe Biden, and John Kasich to "Hitler playing golf with Netanyahu."[12][13]

Week 5: at San Francisco 49ers

Week Five: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 3 0 003
49ers 7 17 101448

at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

Game information
First quarter
  • SF — Walker 26-yard touchdown pass from Smith (Akers kick), SF 7–0
  • TB — Barth 24-yard field goal, SF 7–3
Second quarter
  • SF — Rogers 31-yard interception return (Akers kick), SF 14–3
  • SF — Gore 2-yard touchdown run, SF 21–3
  • SF — Akers 37-yard field goal, SF 24–3
Third quarter
  • SF — Davis 23-yard touchdown pass from Smith (Akers kick), SF 31–3
  • SF — Akers 27-yard field goal, SF 34–3
Fourth quarter
  • SF — Davis 14-yard touchdown pass from Smith (Akers kick), SF 41–3
  • SF — Dixon 1-yard touchdown run (Akers kick),SF 48–3
Top passers
  • TB – Josh Freeman – 17/33, 187 yards, 2 interceptions
  • SF – Alex Smith – 11/19, 170 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Josh Freeman threw two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), as Tampa Bay was routed 48–3 at San Francisco. Tampa Bay was held to only 86 yards rushing, had three turnovers, and suffered 9 penalties for a total of 96 yards.

Week 6: vs. New Orleans Saints

Week Six: New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 7 3 3720
Buccaneers 3 17 3326

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information
First quarter
  • TB – Barth 48-yard field goal, TB 3–0
  • NO – Colston 38-yard touchdown pass from Brees (Kasay kick), NO 7-0
Second quarter
  • TB – Benn 65-yard touchdown pass from Freeman (Barth kick), TB 10–7
  • TB – Barth 42-yard field goal, TB 13–7
  • TB – Parker 19-yard touchdown pass from Freeman (Barth kick), TB 20–7
  • NO – Kasay 33-yard field goal, TB 20–10
Third quarter
  • NO – Kasay 24-yard field goal, TB 20–13
  • TB – Barth 42-yard field goal, TB 23–13
Fourth quarter
  • NO – Ingram 12-yard touchdown run (Kasay kick), TB 23–20
  • TB – Barth 38-yard field goal, TB 26–20
Top passers
  • NO – Drew Brees – 29/45, 383 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 interceptions
  • TB – Josh Freeman – 23/41, 303 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Josh Freeman threw for 303 yards and two touchdown passes, as Tampa Bay rebounded from the previous week, and beat divisional rival New Orleans by a score of 26–20. Drew Brees threw three interceptions, and the Saints lost a fumble, and Tampa Bay scored 10 points off of turnovers.

Trailing 26–20 midway through the fourth quarter, Brees drove the Saints to the Tampa Bay 4-yard line. On 4th down & 2 with 3:24 remaining, Brees was intercepted in the endzone by Quincy Black. The Buccaneers ran out the clock, and preserved the win.

Week 7: vs. Chicago Bears

Week Seven: Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bears 7 7 7324
Buccaneers 2 3 01318

at Wembley Stadium, London, England (NFL International Series)

Game information
First quarter
  • Chi – Forté 32-yard touchdown run (Gould kick), Chi 7–0
  • TB – Barber safety, Chi 7–2
Second quarter
  • Chi – Williams 25-yard touchdown pass from Cutler (Gould kick), Chi 14–2
  • TB – Barth 33-yard field goal, Chi 14–5
Third quarter
  • Chi – Barber 12-yard touchdown run (Gould kick), Chi 21–5
Fourth quarter
  • TB – Winslow 2-yard touchdown pass from Freeman (pass failed), Chi 21–11
  • TB – Briscoe 24-yard touchdown pass from Freeman (Barth kick), Chi 21–18
  • Chi – Gould 25-yard field goal, Chi 24–18
Top passers
  • CHI – Cutler – 17/32, 226 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
  • TB – Josh Freeman – 29/51, 264 yards, 2 touchdowns, 4 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Tampa Bay hosted Chicago at Wembley Stadium in London, England, their second time participating in the NFL International Series. Josh Freeman threw four interceptions, and Tampa Bay lost one fumble for five total turnovers. Chicago stretched out to a 21–5 lead before the Buccaneers staged a rally in the fourth quarter. Freeman threw two touchdown passes and the deficit was trimmed to 24–18 in the final two minutes. Freeman drove the Buccaneers to the Chicago 39-yard line, but the comeback was thwarted when he was intercepted with 37 seconds left.

Running back LeGarrette Blount was inactive due to injury, and Earnest Graham left the game in the first quarter due to an ankle injury. Third-string running back Kregg Lumpkin was left to handle rushing duties, but managed only 15 yards.

Week 9: at New Orleans Saints

Week Nine: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 3 31016
Saints 7 10 7327

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • NO – Sproles 21-yard touchdown pass from Brees (Kasay kick), NO 14-0
  • TB – Barth 40-yard field goal, NO 14-3
  • NO – Kasay 21-yard field goal, NO 17-3
Third quarter
  • TB – Barth 48-yard field goal, NO 17-6
  • NO – Thomas 9-yard touchdown run (Kasay kick), NO 24-6
Fourth quarter
  • TB – Barth 25-yard field goal, NO 24-9
  • TB – Winslow 5-yard touchdown pass from Freeman (Barth kick), NO 24-16
  • NO – Kasay 34-yard field goal, NO 27-16
Top passers
  • NO – Drew Brees – 27/36, 258 yards, 2 touchdown, 1 interception
  • TB – Josh Freeman – 27/37, 281 yards, 1 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

New Orleans jumped out to a 24–6 lead, behind Drew Brees' 258 yards passing and 195 combined rushing yards. However, Tampa Bay tried to rally in the fourth quarter. Josh Freeman threw a touchdown pass to Kellen Winslow with 5:33 to go. The Saints, however, were able to run out the clock, and kicked a game-icing field goal to win 27–16.

Week 10: vs. Houston Texans

Week Ten: Houston Texans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Texans 9 7 14737
Buccaneers 0 3 069

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information
First quarter
  • Hou – Jones 80-yard touchdown pass from Schaub (kick blocked), Hou 6–0
  • Hou – Rackers 22-yard field goal, Hou 9–0
Second quarter
  • Hou – Foster 78-yard touchdown pass from Schaub (Rackers kick), Hou 16–0
  • TB – Barth 55-yard field goal, Hou 16–3
Third quarter
  • Hou – Foster 5-yard touchdown run (Rackers kick), Hou 23–3
  • Hou – Ward 4-yard touchdown run (Rackers kick), Hou 30–3
Fourth quarter
  • TB – Parker 9-yard touchdown pass from Freeman (pass failed), Hou 30–9
  • Hou – Tate 11-yard touchdown run (Rackers kick), Hou 37–9
Top passers
  • HOU – Matt Schaub – 11/15, 242 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
  • TB – Josh Freeman – 15/33, 170 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Tampa Bay lost their fourth game out of the last five, falling to Houston by the score of 37–9. On the first play of the game, Matt Schaub completed a pass to Jacoby Jones, who proceeded to go for an 80-yard touchdown. In the second quarter, Arian Foster had a 78-yard touchdown reception from Schaub, and the Texans were in control of the game throughout. Josh Freeman threw three interceptions, two of which led to touchdowns for Houston.

Week 11: at Green Bay Packers

Week Eleven: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 10 31326
Packers 7 14 01435

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • TB – Blount 54-yard touchdown run (Barth kick), GB 14–7
  • TB – Barth 23-yard field goal, GB 14–10
  • GB – Nelson 5-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers (Crosby kick), GB 21–10
Third quarter
  • TB – Barth 32-yard field goal, GB 21–13
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • TB – Josh Freeman – 28/38, 342 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
  • GB – Aaron Rodgers – 23/34, 299 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Josh Freeman threw for 342 yards and two touchdowns, but Tampa Bay fell to Green Bay by a score of 35–26. With 4:25 remaining Tampa Bay scored a touchdown to trim the deficit to 28–26. An onside kick failed, and Green Bay took over. Green Bay iced the game with a touchdown with 2:55 to go.

Undefeated Green Bay improved to 10–0 on the season, and avoided the scare by the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay dropped to 4–6, losing to the Packers for the first time since 2003 and losing at Lambeau Field for the first time since 2001, the last year both teams were rivals in the former NFC Central division.

Week 12: at Tennessee Titans

Week Twelve: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tennessee Titans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 3 7 7017
Titans 7 3 01323

at LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee

  • Date: November 27
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 47°F (Cloudy)
  • Game attendance: 69,143
  • Referee: Bill Leavy
  • TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, John Lynch and Jennifer Hale
  • Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
  • TB – Barth 43-yard field goal, TB 3–0
  • Ten – Campbell 84-yard kickoff return (Bironas kick), Ten 7–3
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • TB – Talib 27-yard interception return (Barth kick), TB 17–10
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • TB – Josh Freeman – 18/33, 199 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
  • TEN – Matt Hasselbeck – 19/34, 160 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Tampa Bay and Tennessee combined for 9 turnovers on a rainy, sloppy afternoon. Chris Johnson ran for 190 yards, but Tampa Bay led 17–10 late in the fourth quarter.

Trailing 23–17, Josh Freeman drove Tampa Bay to the Tennessee 25-yard line in the final minute. Facing a 4th down and 1, Freeman tried a QB sneak, but fumbled the snap due to the wet ball. He was tackled for a loss, the Buccaneers turned the ball over on downs, and the Titans held on to win.

Week 13: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week Thirteen: Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Panthers 14 10 7738
Buccaneers 3 9 0719

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

  • Date: December 4
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 79°F (Cloudy)
  • Game attendance: 56,270
  • Referee: Gene Steratore
  • TV announcers (Fox): Ron Pitts, Jim Mora, Jr. and Drea Avent (blacked out locally)
  • Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
  • Car – Newton 1-yard run (Mare kick), Car 7–0
  • Car – Stewart 1-yard run (Mare kick), Car 14–0
  • TB – Barth 50-yard field goal, Car 14–3
Second quarter
  • TB – Barth 47-yard field goal, Car 14–6
  • Car – Naanee 19-yard pass from Newton (Mare kick), Car 21–6
  • TB – Barth 46-yard field goal, Car 21–9
  • TB – Barth 44-yard field goal, Car 21–12
  • Car – Mare 43-yard field goal, Car 24–12
Third quarter
  • Car – Newton 1-yard run (Mare kick), Car 31–12
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • Car – Newton, 12-/21, 204 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions
  • TB – Johnson, 16/27, 229 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
Top rushers
  • Car – Stewart, 14 rushes, 80 yards, 1 touchdown
  • TB – Johnson, 5 rushes, 45 yards
Top receivers
  • Car – LaFell, 4 for 31 yards
  • TB – Williams, 5 for 93 yards
Top tacklers
  • Car – Godfrey, 7 tackles, 2 assists
  • TB – Jones, 9 tackles, 1 assist

Josh Freeman sat out due to injury, and Josh Johnson started at quarterback. Tampa Bay wore their throwback uniforms, and honored Jimmy Giles at halftime. Cam Newton ran for three touchdowns (setting an NFL single-season record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback) as Carolina routed Tampa Bay 38–19.

Week 14: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Week Fourteen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 7 7 0014
Jaguars 0 28 01341

at EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

Game information
First quarter
  • TB – Blount 1-yard touchdown run (Barth kick), TB 7–0
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • None
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • TB – Freeman, 16/30, 181 yards, 2 interceptions, 0 touchdowns
  • JAX – Gabbert, 19/33, 217 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
Top rushers
  • TB – Blount, 18 rushes, 74 yards
  • JAX – Jones-Drew, 27 rushes, 85 yards
Top receivers
  • TB – Williams, 3 for 19 yards
  • JAX – Jones-Drew, 6 for 51 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top tacklers
  • TB – Jackson, 7 tackles
  • JAX – Allen, 6 tackles, 1 assist

Quarterback Josh Freeman returned to the lineup and Tampa Bay jumped out to a 14–0 lead in the first quarter. However, Jacksonville scored 41 unanswered points to win 41–14. Maurice Jones-Drew scored a franchise-best four touchdowns (two rushing, two passing).

Tampa Bay committed seven turnovers in the loss. In the second quarter, Preston Parker fumbled a punt return, which was recovered by Colin Cloherty for an 8-yard touchdown. With the score 14–7, Freeman was sacked at his own goal line, fumbled, and Nate Collins recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown. Four plays later, Freeman was intercepted, which led to another Jacksonville touchdown. The Jaguars scored 28 points in the second quarter in a span of only 7:32.

At 4–9, Tampa Bay clinched a losing season, and was officially eliminated from playoff contention.

Week 15: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week Fifteen: Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Cowboys 14 14 3031
Buccaneers 0 0 15015

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • TB – Watson 7-yard fumble recovery return (Barth kick), Dal 28–7)
  • Dal – Bailey 30-yard field goal, Dal 31–7
Fourth quarter
  • TB – Briscoe 13-yard touchdown pass from Freeman (pass successful), Dal 31–15
Top passers
  • DAL – Romo, 23/30, 249 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
  • TB – Freeman, 17/27, 148 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions
Top rushers
  • DAL – Jones, 22 rushes, 108 yards
  • TB – Freeman, 4 rushes, 37 yards
Top receivers
  • DAL – Lumpkin 5 receptions, 50 yards
  • TB – Austin, 5 receptions, 53 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers
  • DAL – Scandrick – 5 tackles, 1 assist (1 sack)
  • TB – Foster – 5 tackles, 3 assists

Tampa Bay hosted Dallas on Saturday Night. Dallas jumped out to a 28–0 halftime lead. Tony Romo threw for three touchdown passes, and ran for another. The Buccaneers tried to rally, but fell far short, losing 31–15.

Week 16: at Carolina Panthers

Week Sixteen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 10 0616
Panthers 10 10 21748

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

  • Date: December 24
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 51°F (Partly Cloudy)
  • Game attendance: 70,363
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen, Chad Pennington and Jody Jackson
  • Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
  • Car – Williams 8-yard touchdown run (Mare kick), Car 7–0
  • Car – Mare 21-yard field goal, 'Car 10–0
Second quarter
  • TB – Benn 4-yard touchdown pass from Freeman (Barth kick), Car 10–7
  • Car – LaFell 91-yard touchdown pass from Newton (Mare kick), Car 17–7
  • TB – Barth 42-yard field goal, Car 17–10
  • Car – Mare 19-yard field goal, Car 20–10
Third quarter
  • Car – Williams 22-yard touchdown run (Mare kick), Car 27–10
  • Car – Stewart 11-yard touchdown pass from Newton (Mare kick), Car 34–10
  • Car – Newton 49-yard touchdown run (Mare kick), Car 41–10
Fourth quarter
  • Car – Shockey 8-yard touchdown pass from Newton (Mare kick), Car 48–10
  • TB – Freeman 1-yard touchdown run (pass failed), Car 48–16
Top passers
  • TB – Freeman, 28/38, 274 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
  • Car – Newton, 12/17, 171 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Top rushers
  • TB – Lumkin, 7 rushes for 24 yards
  • Car – Stewart, 7 rushes for 88 yards
Top receivers
  • TB – Winslow, 6 catches for 63 yards
  • Car – LaFell, 3 catches for 103 yards, 1 touchdown
Top tacklers
  • TB – Foster, 3 tackles, 3 assists
  • Car – Senn, 8 tackles, 2 assists

On Christmas Eve, Cam Newton broke the NFL record for most rookie passing yards in a season. Carolina routed Tampa Bay for the second time this season, by a score of 48–16.

Week 17: at Atlanta Falcons

Week Seventeen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 7 11624
Falcons 21 21 0345

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • TB –
  • ATL –
Top rushers
  • TB –
  • ATL –
Top receivers
  • TB –
  • ATL –
Top tacklers
  • TB –
  • ATL –

Atlanta jumped out to a 42–0 lead by the second quarter. Ronde Barber played in his franchise record 225th game, despite suffering an injured hand, for which he sat out the second half. With the loss, Tampa Bay ended the season with ten consecutive losses, finished with a record of 4–12, last in the NFC South, and head coach Raheem Morris was fired the next day.

Standings

NFC South
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(3) New Orleans Saints 13 3 0 .813 5–1 9–3 547 339 W8
(5) Atlanta Falcons 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 402 350 W1
Carolina Panthers 6 10 0 .375 2–4 3–9 406 427 L1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4 12 0 .250 2–4 3–9 307 494 L10

Staff and roster

Final roster

2011 Tampa Bay Buccaneers final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

 Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

 Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

 Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 53 Active, 11 Inactive, 7 Practice squad

Staff

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2011 staff
Front Office

Head Coaches

Offensive Coaches

  

Defensive Coaches

  • Defensive Line – Keith Millard
  • Defensive Line – Grady Stretz
  • Assistant Defensive Line – Chris Mosley
  • Linebackers – Joe Baker
  • Defensive Backs – Jimmy Lake
  • Defensive Quality Control – Tyrone Pettaway

Special Teams Coaches

Strength and Conditioning

  • Head Strength and Conditioning – Kurt Shultz
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Chris Keenan

Coaching Assistants

  • Brian Rasmussen

Awards and milestones

Television blackouts

Preseason

Both of Tampa Bay's home preseason games were blacked out on local television because they failed to sell out prior to 72 hours before kickoff.[15][16][17] The affiliates affected include WTSP in the Tampa/St. Pete market, WFTV in the Orlando market[15] and WFTX in the Fort Myers area. The game was shown instead in tape delay.[16] The game was aired live on WTLH in Tallahassee since it falls outside the designated 75-mile blackout radius.

Dating back to 2010, Tampa Bay has had four consecutive preseason home games blacked out.

Regular season

Tampa Bay's week 1 game against Detroit[18] and week 3 game against Atlanta[19] failed to sell out, and were blacked out locally. Tampa Bay was the only NFL team to face a blackout in week 1. The FOX affiliates affected were WTVT in the Tampa/St. Pete market and WOFL in Orlando.

Dating back to 2010, Tampa Bay had ten consecutive regular season home games blacked out.[19] The blackout streak ended in week 4, when the Buccaneers hosted the Colts on Monday Night Football.[20] The game was carried live on ESPN and simulcast on WFTS.

The blackouts returned in week 6 with the game against New Orleans.[21] Tampa Bay's week 7 game against Chicago in London was not subject to blackout, regardless of sellout status.[22] The week 10 game against the Texans was blacked out, affecting WTSP and WKMG. The final blackout of the season occurred against Carolina in week 13. The final home game of the season against Dallas on December 17 sold out, and aired locally on NFL Network and simulcast on WTTA.[23]

References

  1. 1 2 Battista, Judy (2011-04-18). "Lockout Could Jeopardize Game Set for London". The New York Times. Retrieved 2011-04-18.
  2. ↑ Pro-Football-Reference.com: 2011 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics
  3. ↑ Stroud, Rick (2011-09-26). "Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Cody Grimm likely out for season". St. Petersburg Times (TBO.com). Retrieved 2011-09-26.
  4. ↑ Stroud, Rick (2011-08-25). "Tampa Bay Buccaneers buy each player an iPad to hold playbook, videos". TampaBay.com. Retrieved 2011-08-25.
  5. ↑ "Buccaneers' Aqib Talib indicted in Texas". ESPN.com. 2011-05-27. Retrieved 2011-09-06.
  6. ↑ "Aqib Talib quiet on meeting with NFL". ESPN.com. 2011-08-24. Retrieved 2011-09-06.
  7. ↑ "Talib rejoins Bucs after meeting NFL Commissioner Goodell". USA Today. 2011-08-25. Retrieved 2011-09-06.
  8. ↑ "Bucs CB Aqib Talib avoids NFL suspension". WTSP. 2011-08-27. Retrieved 2011-09-06.
  9. ↑ Bucs are "youngry" (2011-08-16)
  10. ↑ "Break Out the Orange! Throwback Game Is Dec. 4". Buccaneers.com. 2011-07-13. Retrieved 2011-07-13.
  11. 1 2 http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/29395/falcons-finale-gets-flexed Falcons' finale gets 'flexed'
  12. ↑ Martinez, Michael (2011-10-05). "Hank Williams Jr. apologizes for Hitler-Obama comparison". Entertainment (CNN.com). Retrieved 2011-10-07.
  13. ↑ "ESPN pulls Williams from MNF opening". ESPN.com. 2011-10-04. Retrieved 2011-10-07.
  14. ↑ "Barber earns weekly honors". TBO.com. 2011-09-29. Retrieved 2011-09-29.
  15. 1 2 Deggans (2011-08-15). "Bucs game against Patriots will be blacked out". Bright House Sports Network. Retrieved 2011-08-22.
  16. 1 2 Deggans, Eric (2011-08-17). "Amid Tampa Bay Buccaneers blackout, WTSP-Ch. 10 to air tape-delayed Thursday preseason game three times". The Feed (TampaBay.com). Retrieved 2011-08-22.
  17. ↑ Kaufman, Ira (2011-08-15). "Bucs preseason games against Patriots, Dolphins blacked out". Sports (TBO.com). Retrieved 2011-08-22.
  18. ↑ "Bucs' blues: Only team in NFL to open season with blackout". TBO.com. 2011-09-09. Retrieved 2011-09-12.
  19. 1 2 "Bucs fans fed up with blackouts". my FOX Tampa Bay. 2011-09-25. Retrieved 2011-09-27.
  20. ↑ Shelton, Gary (2011-10-03). "Sold out and on national TV, Rays and Bucs light up Monday night". St. Petersburg Times (TBO.com). Retrieved 2011-10-03.
  21. ↑ Richardson, Anwar (2011-10-14). "Bucs-Saints game will be blacked out". The Tampa Tribune (TBO.com). Retrieved 2011-10-19.
  22. ↑ "Sold out and on national TV, Rays and Bucs light up Monday night". St. Petersburg Times (TBO.com). 2011-10-11. Retrieved 2011-10-11.
  23. ↑ Cummings, Roy (2011-11-08). "Sold-out Bucs-Cowboys game will air on WTTA locally". The Tampa Tribune (TBO.com). Retrieved 2011-11-10.

External links

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