2013 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season

2013 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
Head coach	Greg Schiano
General manager	Mark Dominik
Owner	Malcolm Glazer
Home field	Raymond James Stadium
Results
Record	4–12
Division place	4th Place NFC South
Playoff finish	did not qualify
Pro Bowlers	DT Gerald McCoy, CB Darrelle Revis
Uniform

The 2013 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 38th season in the National Football League, and the second under head coach Greg Schiano. It also marked the 19th and final season under the ownership of Malcolm Glazer, who died on May 28, 2014. The Buccaneers finished with a record of 4–12 and failed to improve their 7–9 record from last season, and were eliminated from postseason contention in Week 13.

Despite having a +10 turnover margin (tied for 3rd best in the NFL), and franchise rookie quarterback records from third round draft pick Mike Glennon, the overall offensive production ranked near the bottom of the league in most categories. The team ranked 32nd (last) in total yards, 32nd (last) in passing yards, 30th in total points scored. The team also had the third-most penalties in the league (121 for 1,136 yards), and ranked 31st in third down conversions. Running back Doug Martin went on injured reserve halfway through the season with a shoulder injury. His replacement, Bobby Rainey had a solid performance, scoring his first career touchdown, and setting a franchise record for longest touchdown run (80 yards). On the defensive side, the offseason news was highlighted by the free agent acquisition of Darrelle Revis, and Lavonte David's stellar numbers.

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

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

For the first time since 2009, all eight regular season home games were announced as a "sellout," and no regular season games were blacked out locally.

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

Season summary

Josh Freeman benching

The season started out on a rocky note, as reports of a rift between head coach Greg Schiano and starting quarterback Josh Freeman were coming from the locker room. Freeman was entering the final season of his contract, and trade rumors were already being tossed around by media and fans. An allegation surfaced that Schiano rigged the voting for team captains, which prevented Freeman from being selected by his teammates.^[1] The next day, Freeman missed the annual team photo session, an absence he blamed on "oversleeping."^[1] After starting the season 0–3, Freeman was quickly criticized for his poor offensive output, throwing a league-worst 45.3% completion percentage, two interceptions, and only two touchdown passes.^[2] It was also leaked that Freeman was a stage one participant in the NFL drug program,^[3] a situation related to his treatment of ADHD.^[4] On week four, Freeman was benched in favor of rookie Mike Glennon,^[2] and on October 3, 2013, Freeman was released from the team as he granted.^[5]

MRSA outbreak

During training camp, an outbreak of MRSA was reported in the Tampa Bay locker room. Carl Nicks and Lawrence Tynes contracted the infection over the summer. Nicks missed several games, while Tynes was placed on the non-football injured reserve list.^[6][7] After a third player, Johnthan Banks, was diagnosed in early October, the week 6 games against the Eagles was in jeopardy of postponement, due to concerns over transmission. However, it was held as scheduled after medical specialists and NFLPA representatives inspected the facility.^[8]

2013 Draft class

Round	Selection	Player	Position	College
2	43	Johnthan Banks	Cornerback	Mississippi State
3	73	Mike Glennon	Quarterback	North Carolina State
4	100	Akeem Spence	Defensive tackle	Illinois
4	126	William Gholston	Defensive end	Michigan State
5	147	Steven Means	Defensive end	Buffalo
6	189	Mike James	Running back	Miami (FL)

Trades

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

Coaching Staff, Ownership, and Personnel

2013 Tampa Bay Buccaneers staff
	Front office Owner/President – Malcolm Glazer Co-Chairman – Bryan Glazer Co-Chairman – Edward Glazer Co-Chairman – Joel Glazer General Manager – Mark Dominik Director of Player Personnel – Dennis Hickey Director of College Scouting – Eric Stokes Coordinator of Pro Scouting – Shelton Quarles Coordinator of Football Administration – Mike Greenberg Special Assistant to the Head Coach – Butch Davis Head coaches Head Coach – Greg Schiano Offensive coaches Offensive Coordinator – Mike Sullivan Senior Offensive Assistant – Jimmy Raye Quarterbacks – John McNulty Running Backs – Earnest Byner Wide Receivers –John Garrett Tight Ends – Brian Angelichio Offensive Line – Bob Bostad Assistant Offensive Line – Steve Loney Offensive Assistant – Ben McDaniels			Defensive coaches Defensive Coordinator – Bill Sheridan Assistant Defensive Coordinator – Bob Fraser Defensive Line – Randy Melvin Defensive Front Seven – Bryan Cox Linebackers – Robb Smith Defensive Backs – Tony Oden Assistant Defensive Backs – Jeff Hafley Defensive Assistant – Tem Lukabu Quality Control to the Head Coach – Dan Shamash Special teams coaches Special Teams Coordinator – Dave Wannstedt Assistant Special Teams – Phil Galiano Strength and conditioning Head Strength and Conditioning – Jay Butler Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Joe Vaughn Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Bob Gilmartin

Final roster

2013 Tampa Bay Buccaneers final roster
	Quarterbacks  8 Mike Glennon  6 Dan Orlovsky Running backs 44 Michael Hill 46 Spencer Larsen FB 30 Brian Leonard 41 Erik Lorig FB 45 Lonnie Pryor FB/RB 43 Bobby Rainey Wide receivers 18 Skye Dawson 83 Vincent Jackson 80 Chris Owusu 17 Eric Page 11 Tiquan Underwood Tight ends 86 Kyle Adams 81 Tim Wright		Offensive linemen 72 Gabe Carimi T 69 Demar Dotson T 75 Davin Joseph G 62 Ted Larsen C 79 Jamon Meredith G 77 Carl Nicks G 66 Patrick Omameh G 70 Donald Penn T 76 Jeremy Zuttah C Defensive linemen 94 Adrian Clayborn DE 92 William Gholston DE 95 Gary Gibson DT 90 Derek Landri DT 65 Matthew Masifilo DT 93 Gerald McCoy DT 96 Steven Means DE 60 Scott Solomon DE 97 Akeem Spence DT 50 Daniel Te'o-Nesheim DE		Linebackers 54 Lavonte David OLB 59 Mason Foster MLB 58 Ka'lial Glaud OLB 57 Adam Hayward OLB 51 Danny Lansanah ILB 56 Dekoda Watson OLB Defensive backs 27 Johnthan Banks CB 23 Mark Barron SS 33 Deveron Carr CB 38 Dashon Goldson FS 36 Danny Gorrer CB 29 Leonard Johnson CB 35 Kelcie McCray SS 49 Bradley McDougald FS 24 Darrelle Revis CB 37 Keith Tandy FS Special teams 48 Andrew Economos LS  9 Michael Koenen P  4 Rian Lindell K		Reserve lists 21 Michael Adams CB (IR) 10 Connor Barth K (NF-Inj.) -- Marvin Booker DE (IR) 91 Da'Quan Bowers DE (IR) 82 Nate Byham TE (IR) 52 Jonathan Casillas OLB (IR) 84 Tom Crabtree TE (IR) 51 Jacob Cutrera LB (IR) 32 Jeff Demps RB (IR) 26 Anthony Gaitor CB (IR) 25 Mike James RB (IR) 22 Doug Martin RB (IR) 28 Rashaan Melvin CB (IR) 89 Russell Shepard WR (IR) 34 Michael Smith RB (IR) 88 Luke Stocker TE (IR)  1 Lawrence Tynes K (NF-Inj.) 19 Mike Williams WR (IR) Practice squad 39 Marc Anthony CB 67 Emmett Cleary OT 73 Jace Daniels OT 74 Everett Dawkins DT 31 Bobby Felder CB 68 Jason Foster G  7 Jordan Rodgers QB 85 Tommy Streeter WR Rookies in italics 53 Active, 18 Inactive, 8 Practice squad

Schedule

Preseason

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Game site	NFL.com recap
1	August 8	Baltimore Ravens	L 16–44	0–1	Raymond James Stadium	Recap
2	August 16	at New England Patriots	L 21–25	0–2	Gillette Stadium	Recap
3	August 24	at Miami Dolphins	W 17–16	1–2	Sun Life Stadium	Recap
4	August 29	Washington Redskins	L 12–30	1–3	Raymond James Stadium	Recap

Regular Season

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Game site	NFL.com recap
1	September 8	at New York Jets	L 17–18	0–1	Metlife Stadium	Recap
2	September 15	New Orleans Saints	L 14–16	0–2	Raymond James Stadium	Recap
3	September 22	at New England Patriots	L 3–23	0–3	Gillette Stadium	Recap
4	September 29	Arizona Cardinals	L 10–13	0–4	Raymond James Stadium	Recap
5	Bye
6	October 13	Philadelphia Eagles	L 20–31	0–5	Raymond James Stadium	Recap
7	October 20	at Atlanta Falcons	L 23–31	0–6	Georgia Dome	Recap
8	October 24	Carolina Panthers	L 13–31	0–7	Raymond James Stadium	Recap
9	November 3	at Seattle Seahawks	L 24–27 (OT)	0–8	CenturyLink Field	Recap
10	November 11	Miami Dolphins	W 22–19	1–8	Raymond James Stadium	Recap
11	November 17	Atlanta Falcons	W 41–28	2–8	Raymond James Stadium	Recap
12	November 24	at Detroit Lions	W 24–21	3–8	Ford Field	Recap
13	December 1	at Carolina Panthers	L 6–27	3–9	Bank of America Stadium	Recap
14	December 8	Buffalo Bills	W 27–6	4–9	Raymond James Stadium	Recap
15	December 15	San Francisco 49ers	L 14–33	4–10	Raymond James Stadium	Recap
16	December 22	at St. Louis Rams	L 13–23	4–11	Edward Jones Dome	Recap
17	December 29	at New Orleans Saints	L 17–42	4–12	Mercedes-Benz Superdome	Recap

Game summaries

Week 1: at New York Jets

Week One: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers	7	7	0	3	17
Jets	2	10	0	6	18

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Date: September 8
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 82 °F (28 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 76,957
• Referee: Ed Hochuli
• TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Erin Andrews
• Recap, Game book

Game information

First quarter Josh Freeman fumble out of bounds in end zone for safety, 8:35. Jets 2–0. Mike Williams 17-yard pass from Josh Freeman (Rian Lindell kick), 1:07. Buccaneers 7–2. Drive: 5 plays, 44 yards, 2:39. Second quarter Nick Folk 43-yard field goal, 11:01. Buccaneers 7–5. Drive: 13 plays, 55 yards, 5:06. Doug Martin 5-yard run (Rian Lindell kick), 6:46. Buccaneers 14–5. Drive: 1 play, 5 yards, 0:05. Kellen Winslow 7-yard pass from Geno Smith (Nick Folk kick), 0:34. Buccaneers 14–12. Drive: 6 plays, 31 yards, 1:59. Fourth quarter Nick Folk 30-yard field goal, 5:05. Jets 15–14. Drive: 14 plays, 65 yards, 6:20. Rian Lindell 37-yard field goal, 0:34. Buccaneers 17–15. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 1:40. Nick Folk 48-yard field goal, 0:02. Jets 18–17. Drive: 5 plays, 50 yards, 0:32. Top passers TB – Josh Freeman – 15/31, 210 YDS, TD, INT NYJ – Geno Smith – 24/38, 256 YDS, TD, INT Top rushers TB – Doug Martin – 24 CAR, 65 YDS, TD NYJ – Geno Smith – 6 CAR, 47 YDS Top receivers TB – Vincent Jackson – 7 REC, 154 YDS NYJ – Kellen Winslow – 7 REC, 79 YDS, TD Top tacklers TB – Leonard Johnson – 8 TKL, 1 AST NYJ – Antonio Allen – 4 TKL, 2 AST; Damon Harrison – 4 TKL, 2 AST

Tampa Bay took the lead 17–15 with a Rian Lindell field goal with 34 seconds remaining. However, on the ensuing Jets drive, rookie quarterback Geno Smith scrambled for a 10-yard run to the right sideline. A personal foul penalty was called on Lavonte David of the Buccaneers for a late hit out-of-bounds, which advanced the Jets to the Buccaneers 30 yard line. With 2 seconds left in regulation, Nick Folk kicked a 48-yard field goal, and the Jets won the game 18–17.

Week 2: vs. New Orleans Saints

Week Two: New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Saints	10	0	3	3	16
Buccaneers	7	0	0	7	14

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

• Date: September 15
• Game time: 4:05 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 93 °F (34 °C), cloudy
• Game attendance: 60,870
• Referee: Bill Leavy
• TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Erin Andrews
• Recap, Game book

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers NO – TB – Top rushers NO – TB – Top receivers NO – TB – Top tacklers NO – TB –

Tampa Bay took the lead 14–13 after an 85-yard interception return by Mason Foster with just under 13 minutes remaining. In the closing minutes the Buccaneers drove to the New Orleans 29 yard line, and attempted a field goal with 1:10 left. The kick missed, and the Saints took over with just over one minute left. Drew Brees drove the Saints to the Tampa Bay 9 yard line in three plays, and Garrett Hartley kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired.

Week 3: at New England Patriots

Week Three: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New England Patriots – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers	3	0	0	0	3
Patriots	0	17	3	3	23

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

• Date: September 22
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 65 °F (18 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 68,756
• Referee: Jeff Triplette
• TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Erin Andrews
• Recap, Game book

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

Tom Brady threw for 225 yards and two touchdown passes, as New England soundly defeated Tampa Bay 23–3. Josh Freeman was sacked three times, and threw one interception, while Doug Martin was held to only 88 yards rushing.

Week 4: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week Four: Arizona Cardinals at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Cardinals	0	0	0	13	13
Buccaneers	7	3	0	0	10

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

• Date: September 29
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 84 °F (29 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 44,956
• Referee: Gene Steratore
• TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen, Heath Evans and Molly McGrath
• Recap, Game book

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

Quarterback Josh Freeman was benched during the week, and Mike Glennon was elevated to the starting role. Glennon led the team to a 10–0 lead after three quarters, but miscues saw Tampa Bay fall late. Early in the 4th quarter, a fumble of the hand-off from Glennon to Doug Martin set up an Arizona field goal. With 3:23 left in the game, Glennon, deep in his own territory, threw a costly interception, which set up an Arizona touchdown, and a brief 10–10 tie. With 1:33 left in regulation, Arizona kicked the game-winning field goal to win 13–10.

Week 6: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Week Six: Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Eagles	7	7	7	10	31
Buccaneers	3	14	0	3	20

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

• Date: October 13
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 82 °F (28 °C), cloudy
• Game attendance: 62,505
• Referee: Clete Blakeman
• TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Ronde Barber and Kris Budden
• Recap, Game book

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

Eagles quarterback Nick Foles threw three touchdown passes and ran for another, as Philadelphia defeated Tampa Bay 31–20. The Buccaneers fell to 0–6.

Week 7: at Atlanta Falcons

Week Seven: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers	0	10	7	6	23
Falcons	7	17	0	7	31

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: October 20
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
• Game attendance: 69,522
• Referee: Walt Anderson
• TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Molly McGrath
• Recap, Game book

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 –

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan threw for 273 yards and three touchdowns, as Atlanta defeated Tampa Bay 31–23. The Buccaneers attempted to rally in the fourth quarter, but managed only two field goals. A failed onside kick by Tampa Bay with 1:55 left sealed the win for Atlanta.

Week 8: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week Eight: Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Panthers	7	7	7	10	31
Buccaneers	3	3	0	7	13

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

• Date: October 24
• Game time: 8:25 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C), cloudy
• Game attendance: 59,073
• Referee: Jerome Boger
• TV announcers (NFLN): Brad Nessler, Mike Mayock and Alex Flanagan
• Recap, Game book

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

Cam Newton threw for 221 yards and two touchdown passes, and rushed for another touchdown, as Carolina defeated Tampa Bay 31–13. The Buccaneers failed to enter the red zone until the final three minutes of the game. Doug Martin sat out with an injured shoulder, and with the loss, Tampa Bay fell to 0–7.

Week 9: at Seattle Seahawks

Week Nine: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Buccaneers	0	21	3	0	0	24
Seahawks	0	7	7	10	3	27

at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

• Date: November 3
• Game time: 4:05 p.m. EST/1:05 p.m. PST
• Game weather: 48 °F (9 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 67,873
• Referee: Mike Carey
• TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa
• Recap, Game book

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

Winless Tampa Bay shocked first place Seattle by jumping out to a 21–0 lead just before halftime. However, the Seahawks came back in the second half to tie the game and force overtime. Tampa Bay won the coin toss in overtime, but went 3-and-out on their first possession. Seattle kicked a field goal on the next possession, and completed their greatest comeback (21 points) in franchise history.

This dropped the Buccaneers to 0–8 on the season. They also shared that start with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Due to a Jaguars victory over the Titans in Week 8, the Buccaneers became the NFL's only winless team.

Week 10: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week Ten: Miami Dolphins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	0	7	12	0	19
Buccaneers	10	5	0	7	22

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

• Date: November 11
• Game time: 8:40 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 73 °F (23 °C), sunny
• Game attendance: 64,448
• Referee: Jeff Triplette
• TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters
• Recap, Game book

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

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

Week 11: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week Eleven: Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Falcons	0	6	7	15	28
Buccaneers	3	21	14	3	41

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

• Date: November 17
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 79 °F (26 °C), cloudy
• Game attendance: 55,360
• Referee: Ed Hochuli
• TV announcers (Fox): Sam Rosen, Heath Evans and Peter Schrager
• Recap, Game book

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

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

Week 12: at Detroit Lions

Week Twelve: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers	3	14	0	7	24
Lions	0	14	7	0	21

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

• Date: November 24
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
• Game attendance: 62,098
• Referee: Clete Blakeman
• TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick and Laura Okmin
• Recap, Game book

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

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford threw four interceptions, as Tampa Bay upset Detroit 24–21. The Buccaneers became the first team since 1978 to start the season 0–8 and win their next three games. Stafford was leading the Lions on a potential game-winning or game-tying drive in the final minute. At the Tampa Bay 28 yard line with 1:00 left, Stafford threw to Calvin Johnson at the 3 yard line. Johnson appeared to catch the ball, but it was stripped out and fell into the hands of Johnthan Banks for an interception, and sealed the win for Tampa Bay.

Week 13: at Carolina Panthers

Week Thirteen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers	6	0	0	0	6
Panthers	7	10	7	3	27

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

• Date: December 1
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 56 °F (13 °C), partly cloudy
• Game attendance: 72,795
• Referee: Ron Winter
• TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Tim Ryan and Jennifer Hale
• Recap, Game book

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

Cam Newton threw for 263 yards and two touchdowns, and ran for another touchdown, as Carolina soundly defeated Tampa Bay 27–6, sweeping the season series. With the loss, the Buccaneers were officially eliminated from playoff contention.

Week 14: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week Fourteen: Buffalo Bills at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Bills	3	0	3	0	6
Buccaneers	14	10	3	0	27

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

• Date: December 8
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 82 °F (28 °C), cloudy
• Game attendance: 59,194
• Referee: Bill Vinovich
• TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Steve Beuerlein
• Recap, Game book

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

Bobby Rainey scored an 80-yard rushing touchdown on the second play of the game and rushed for 127 yards total. On offense Mike Glennon threw two touchdown passes, one each to Vincent Jackson and Tim Wright. The Buccaneers defense had seven sacks and four interceptions, two by Lavonte David. On special teams, Dashon Goldson recovered a fumble muffed by the punt returner.

Week 15: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Week Fifteen: San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	7	10	3	13	33
Buccaneers	0	7	0	7	14

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

• Date: December 15
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C), cloudy
• Game attendance: 64,142
• Referee: Scott Green
• TV announcers (Fox): Dick Stockton, Ronde Barber and Kris Budden
• Recap, Game book

Game information

First quarter SF – TD (7:05) Michael Crabtree 4 yard pass from Colin Kaepernick (Phil Dawson XP) Second quarter SF – FG (6:12) Phil Dawson 47 yard field goal SF – TD (1:47) Vernon Davis 52 yard pass from Colin Kaepernick (Phil Dawson XP) TB – TD (0:29) Vincent Jackson 11 yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell XP) Third quarter SF – FG (7:51) Phil Dawson 43 yard field goal Fourth quarter TB – TD (14:54) Tim Wright 24 yard pass from Mike Glennon (Rian Lindell XP) SF – FG (4:27) Phil Dawson 21 yard field goal SF – TD (4:21) Kendall Hunter 2 yard return of fumbled kickoff return (Phil Dawson XP) SF – FG (2:49) Phil Dawson 35 yard field goal Top passers SF – Colin Kaepernick – 19/29, 203 yards, 2 TDs TB – Mike Glennon – 18/34, 179 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT Top rushers SF – Frank Gore – 22 rushes, 86 yards TB – Bobby Rainey – 11 rushes, 27 yards Top receivers SF – Vernon Davis – 5 catches, 79 yards, 1 TD TB – Tim Wright – 7 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD Top tacklers SF – Patrick Willis – 5 tackles, 1 sack TB – Dekoda Watson – 10 tackles, 2 assists

Vincent Jackson and Tim Wright caught the only two offensive touchdowns for the game. On defense, Gerald McCoy and Adrian Clayborn had the only sacks for the bucs defense. On special teams, Eric Page handed a ball to Russell Sheppard on a tricky play during the kick return and Sheppard fumbled which caused the 49ers to recover and score a touchdown.

With the loss, the Buccaneers dropped their record to 4-10.

Week 16: at St. Louis Rams

Week Sixteen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at St. Louis Rams – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers	7	3	3	0	13
Rams	0	14	3	6	23

at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

• Date: December 22
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
• Game attendance: 54,423
• Referee: John Parry
• TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick and Laura Okmin
• Recap, Game book

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

On offense, Bobby Rainey scored the only touchdown of the game. On defense, Gerald McCoy had a sack. Also Adrian Clayborn and Dekoda Watson both forced fumbles which Lavonte David and Keith Tandy both successfully recovered for the Buccaneers defense. On special teams, Ryan Lindell scored 2 field goals.

Week 17: at New Orleans Saints

Week Seventeen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary

	1	2	3	4	Total
Buccaneers	7	7	3	0	17
Saints	14	14	7	7	42

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

• Date: December 29
• Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST/3:25 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
• Game attendance: 73,150
• Referee: Carl Cheffers
• TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick and Laura Okmin
• Recap, Game book

Game information
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers TB – NO – Top rushers TB – NO – Top receivers TB – NO – Top tacklers TB – NO –

On offense Mike Glennon threw 2 touchdowns passes to Tiquan Underwood and Tim Wright. On defense, Adrain Clayborn had the only sack. On special teams, Ryan Lindell made a 54-yard field goal.

Standings

Division

NFC South
	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
^(2) Carolina Panthers	12	4	0	.750	5–1	9–3	366	241	W3
^(6) New Orleans Saints	11	5	0	.688	5–1	9–3	414	304	W1
Atlanta Falcons	4	12	0	.250	1–5	3–9	353	443	L2
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	4	12	0	.250	1–5	2–10	288	389	L3

Conference

NFC[9][10]
#	Team	Division	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	PD	STK
Division winners
1	Seattle Seahawks	West	13	3	0	.813	4–2	10–2	417	231	186	W1
2	Carolina Panthers	South	12	4	0	.750	5–1	9–3	366	241	125	W3
3	Philadelphia Eagles	East	10	6	0	.625	4–2	9–3	442	382	60	W2
4	Green Bay Packers	North	8	7	1	.531	3–2–1	6–5–1	417	428	-11	W1
Wild cards
5	San Francisco 49ers	West	12	4	0	.750	5–1	9–3	406	272	134	W6
6	New Orleans Saints	South	11	5	0	.688	5–1	9–3	414	304	110	W1
Did not qualify for the playoffs
7	Arizona Cardinals	West	10	6	0	.625	2–4	6–6	379	324	55	L1
8[lower-alpha 1]	Chicago Bears	North	8	8	0	.500	2–4	4–8	445	478	-33	L2
9	Dallas Cowboys	East	8	8	0	.500	5–1	7–5	439	432	7	L1
10[lower-alpha 2][lower-alpha 3]	New York Giants	East	7	9	0	.438	3–3	6–6	294	383	-89	W2
11[lower-alpha 4]	Detroit Lions	North	7	9	0	.438	4–2	6–6	395	376	19	L4
12	St. Louis Rams	West	7	9	0	.438	1–5	4–8	348	364	-16	L1
13	Minnesota Vikings	North	5	10	1	.344	2–3–1	4–7–1	391	480	-89	W1
14[lower-alpha 5]	Atlanta Falcons	South	4	12	0	.250	1–5	3–9	353	443	-90	L2
15	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	South	4	12	0	.250	1–5	2–10	288	389	-101	L3
16	Washington Redskins	East	3	13	0	.188	0–6	1–11	334	478	-144	L8
Tiebreakers[lower-alpha 6]
Chicago defeated Dallas head-to-head (Week 14, 45–28). The New York Giants and Detroit finished with a better conference record than St. Louis. The New York Giants defeated Detroit head-to-head (Week 16, 23–20 (OT)). Detroit finished with a better conference record than St. Louis. Atlanta finished with a better conference record than Tampa Bay. 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.

References

1. Yasinskas, Pat (2013-09-13). "Josh Freeman overslept for photo". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2013-09-13.
2. Corbett, Jim (2013-09-25). "Bucs bench Josh Freeman, then put him on the market". USA Today. Retrieved 2013-09-25.
3. Mortensen, Chris (2013-10-01). "Sources: Bucs QB not facing penalty". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2013-10-01.
4. "Josh Freeman Releases Statement Following Report". WDAE. 2013-09-30. Retrieved 2013-09-30.
5. "Bucs release Josh Freeman". ESPN.com. 2013-10-03. Retrieved 2013-10-03.
6. Cascio, Josh (August 28, 2013). "Tynes not responding to treatment for MRSA, wife says". FOX 13 News. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
7. "Johnthan Banks cleared to play". ESPN.com. 2013-10-13. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
8. Wilson, Ryan (2013-10-12). "Eagles-Buccaneers game a go despite latest MRSA outbreak". CBS Sports. Retrieved 2013-10-14.
9. "2013 Conference Standings". NFL.com. Retrieved November 5, 2013.
10. "2013 NFL playoff picture". CBS Sports. Retrieved November 5, 2013.

External links

• Official website