1983 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season

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The 1983 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season began with the team trying to improve on an 5-4 season and dealing with the departure of Doug Williams. Prior to the season the team acquired quarterback Jack Thompson from the Cincinnati Bengals for what turned out to be the top pick in the 1984 NFL Draft. Jerry Golsteyn started the season at quarterback but was replaced after an 0-3 start. Things did not improve for the team with Thompson as they lost there next 6 games which included giving up 49 points in the first half to the Green Bay Packers. The teams 2-14 record was not a very accurate one, and many point out this could have been the Bucs Magical year had Williams been retained. Tampa Bay lost 9 games by a touchdown or less, and 6 of those were by a field goal or less. The 1983 season pretty much marks the end of Tampa Bay's dominating defense. One bright spot was the emergencies of James Wilder who had a 219 yards running in week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings before two broken ribs the following week endded his season. This season began a streak of 14 straight losing seasons for the team.

[edit] Offseason

[edit] NFL Draft

[edit] Regular Season

[edit] Season Schedule

[edit] Season Standings

[edit] Roster

[edit] Awards and records

[edit] References

• Buccaneers on Pro Football Refernce