The 1977 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season went on a successive streak that covered the entire 1976 season, and extended to 26 matches, which in 2017 remains a record in the National Football League. Fear of being the first victim Buccaneers provide motivation to the opposing team. It took almost two seasons for the Buccaneers to clinch their first franchise win, a 33-14 thrashing of the New Orleans Saints in the second to last match of the year. A crowd of 8,000 fans celebrate gathered at team headquarters to greet the team as they return from New Orleans. The following week, Bucs won their first home win over Cardinal St. Louis.
Coach John McKay declared the team to be "stronger in every position, with the exception of the quarterback position" rather than the 1976 team. Injuries, especially in quarterbacks and offensive lines, prevented the offense from gaining consistency, while inexperienced lines were capable of providing no track protection adequate or pathway for walking back. Opponents praised the performance of Buccaneer defense, even while posting a record number of sacks against the Tampa Bay attack. The offense only managed six goals throughout the season, and set a record six league losses that still stood shutout.
Video 1977 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
Offseason
Rumors began to circulate alleging that Buccaneers was a disorganized and chaotic organization, and veterans were again promised that change was imminent. This indicates that no team administration staff has experience in their positions, at the same time the rookie and coach teams are being lowered. These issues were dealt with the dismissal and resignation of six trainers and administrators at the beginning of the year. Head coach John McKay used the opportunity to control more aspects of the organization, and chose his chosen substitute. McKay was criticized for dealing with the players, and was accused of cutting off veterans who could help the team, such as Ira Gordon, over the ego conflict. A perception arises that McKay is not tolerant of challenges to his authority, as he often cuts off players who argue with him, and surrounds him with former players and USC staff. Worries that McKay preferred players who would shut their mouths, rather than players with talent, generated resentment among veterans who feared that their limited career range would be spent with a losing team. Critics accuse McKay of trying a more appropriate game style for college matches, and noted Don Shula's comments that preparing Buccaneers is the same as preparing to play USC. Reporters covering the team indicated that McKay had not responded to successive defeats with the humor he was hoping for, but that he was the "old grumbler" who complained about his assistant coach, the game-day officer, and the opposing coach he was accused of running for. This is reflected in the bitter tone that creeps into McKay's trademark humor, with comments like "I keep a photo of O.J. Simpson by my side at all times to remind me of the days when I know how to train."
Dennis Fryzel, a special team coach who has been heavily criticized by the Buccaneers, was replaced by USC Defense Line coach Skip Husbands, who became the fifth USC assistant to join McKay in Tampa. Head coach Dave Kendall was replaced by Northwestern University coach Tom Oxley. Oxley was soon given the task of rehabilitating seventeen previous season players who ended the year with injured injuries. The surprise trade brought Chicago Bears to make quarterback and Tampa's original Gary Huff to the team, while incumbent quarterback Steve Spurrier placed on the waivers. Spurrier and McKay often fought during the previous season. McKay states that cutting Spurrier means that he will have a choice of teams to be contracted. A rumored effort to make a deal for Cleveland Browns midfielder Mike Phipps was denied, although later trading was made for a quarterback of Philadelphia Eagles, Mike Boryla.
NFL Draft
- Charley Hannah plays defensive in college, but is converted to offensive criminals in the pros.
Trading draft
A pair of trades got three options for the team, which helped offset a lack of options in round 4-7. Cedric Brown went to Oakland Raiders in return for selection in round 6 and 9, while guard John Miller brought the 10th pick from San Francisco 49ers. Brown eventually returned to Buccaneers after being released from Oakland. The two sixth-round picks are traded to the Chicago Bears in return for quarterback Gary Huff, while the fifth-round pick is traded to Miami Dolphins for the rights to linebacker Ray Nettles. Two other options had been traded during the previous season: a fourth-round pick had gone to Cincinnati Bengals to run back Charlie Davis, and a seventh-round pick had been traded to the New York Jets for linebacker Richard Wood.
Draft options
The Buccaneers held the first pick in the 1977 NFL Draft, and chose Ricky Bell from USC. This is the first time since O.J. Simpson in 1969 who ran back was picked by choosing the first draft as a whole. Bell signed the contract on the same day and quickly reunited with his teammate on campus, Dave Lewis, who was taken in the second round. Lewis became a former USC player eleventh on the Tampa Bay player list, and when he was told he was now Buccaneer, saying, "You mean a Trojan Buccaneer". No other NFL team has many players from one school, and Buccaneers received the unwanted "USC East" nickname. The scout service is not Lewis's side, but Buccaneer judges it as the best linebacker in the draft. McKay will then call Lewis "stealing the draft", and says that he will be the top five pick if the draft is held again. The previous year's offensive line woes were not discussed in the draft, as the team had no choice in the middle round, and did not feel that there was a decent lineup to take the next round. The third round, Charley Hannah, brother of the future Hall of Fame who handles John Hannah, will eventually be converted from a defensive position into an offensive watch.
Maps 1977 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
Preseason
The expected pre-season quarterback battle between Mike Boryla and Gary Huff failed to happen, as both suffered a knee injury in the first two pre-season matches. It leaves the team with only two healthy quarterbacks: Parnell Dickinson, who has less than a full year due to a knee injury, and rookie Randy Hedberg. Jeb Blount finally claimed to be free from Oakland Raiders. Hedberg won early work with a strong performance in the last two pre-season matches. Dickinson proved vulnerable throwing interceptions, due to the difficulty reading the defense and the tendency to throw past the end in the middle, and cut off the team during the training camp. The former Minot State midfielder who shocked Hedberg, rising from the fourth winger to an opening day starters, generated shouts of "Why not Minot?", "RH Positive" T-shirts, and the addition of radio affiliates in far North Dakota.
A build strategy that emphasizes the development of young players instead of playing veterans who do not fit into the future plans of the team lead the team to trade veteran attack Mike Current to the Miami Dolphins for the former draft first round problematic Darryl Carlton select. McKay calls Carlton "extraordinary", and says that "he does not make mental mistakes". And Medlin and Jeff Winans, a pair of guards gleaned from the Raiders through trade, are touted as the first Buccaneer guard with the pace to lead the game. The team tried to overcome their lack of experience on the linebackers by arranging trades for Jack 'Hacksaw' Reynolds, during training training camp from Los Angeles Rams. Reynolds questioned the validity of his contract, and refused to report what his agent called "Out of Mongolia". The Buccaneers finally negated the trade, and earned Rik Bonness from the Raiders. Bonness, the former Nebraska center in his second season as a linebacker, added depth but not experience. Former draft decision of the first round of 1974 Bill Kollar came to Tampa Bay after being released by the Cincinnati Bengals because of injury worries. Jeris White came from Miami Dolphins to establish the point of trouble in the left cornerback.
Regular season
The Buccaneers took their place in the NFC Central Division, while another 1976 expansion team, Seattle Seahawks, switched conferences with Tampa Bay and joined AFC West. This fulfills the NFL plan of having expansion teams play each other twice and every other NFL franchise once during their first two seasons. The Tampa Bay schedule of 1977 consisted of matches against each of the other thirteen NFC teams, and the Seahawks.
The upgraded Buccaneer lineup includes oddities such as running back Anthony Davis, who entered the NFL after playing in the World Football League and the Canadian Football League and thus was rookie for the third time, and Cecil Johnson, a free agent linebacker from Miami who picked Buccaneer over three teams so he "will not have a long and miserable return journey" if he does not make the squad. Progress was apparent with the defense, which did not allow a 100-yard rushed performance other than Walter Payton. A wave of injuries in violation forces a constant lineup change. Redskins defensive end Ron McDole observes that, while offensive lines feature good individual blockers, the lack of shared playing experience impedes their ability to operate as units, and that they are easily beaten by withdrawing action. The defender thus has little problem thwarting "student body rights" played out favored by McKay. Never could build an offensive consistency, they closed the NFL record six times. Their first twelve games produced just 53 points, some of which took place in defense, and 23 of which came against fellow expansion team Seattle. McKay illustrates the team's situation with comments such as "We can not score against a strong wind", and "I can thwart the team myself." Quarterback is the position most clearly affected, but the tight end position is also the same. The season-ending knee injury suffered by Bob Moore in one game left Dana Nafziger, an injured rookie, whose regular position is the linebacker, as the only available team player in a position critical to McKay's attack. Ricky Bell has some injuries to be faced, but when healthy, it displays sluggish games and a tendency to grope on an important drive.
Q. Mention two disasters accompanied by band music...
A. The Titanic dan Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Situs - Johnny Carson
Afraid of the humiliation felt as the first person to lose at Tampa Bay, his opponents prepare carefully for Buccaneer. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach said, "... we do not want to be first, psychologically, that could ruin our year". New York Giants coach John McVay said after the win, "In 25 years of training, I have never had as much pressure on me as I did this week". The popular Tampa T-shirt describes a sinking pirate ship with the words "Go for 0". The franchise finally snatched a 13-week win on the highway against New Orleans Saints that put Saints Hank Stram's head coach lamenting, "It was a nightmare.That was the worst experience of my coaching career.We're all embarrassed because we're people, us, to our organization ". Stram, the initial head coach candidate for Buccaneer expansion, was fired the following week. Buccaneer's first home win comes at the end of next season's game against St. Louis Cardinals. Cardinals coach Don Coryell, already in conflict with team owner Bill Bidwill, was also fired shortly after the defeat. The two-game winning streak ended the Buccaneers' losing streak at 0-26. Howard Cosell honored the Buccaneers' first victory by choosing him as the main game for the halftime spot on ABC TV Football TV broadcasts, and interviewing McKay by phone during the game. Bill Cosby, filling the old Buccaneer mock Johnny Carson as the host of The Tonight Show, devoting five routine comedy to win. No Buccaneers are honored with the Pro Bowl option after this season, although it is believed that Lee Roy Selmon, Dave Lewis and Dave Pear will all be selected if they play on a playoff contender.
Schedule
Standings
1977 List
Melatih staf
Game summary
Week 1: in Philadelphia Eagles
18 September 1977, di Stadion Veteran, Philadelphia
The tight end of Philadelphia Eagles Keith Krepfle, playing in a cast with a pin in his hand, captured a 17-yard goal pass from Ron Jaworski and made a 28-yard reception set up a second goal. Ricky Bell brought the ball 15 times to 53 yards for the Buccaneers, but killed the scoring drive by groping the 9-yard Eagles line. With Randy Hedberg unable to pick up the Eagles blitz, the Buccaneers are ineffective when attacked. After praising the offensive line performance in their last preseason game against the Baltimore Colts, coach McKay complained that the line "refused to block", and called the team performance "horse shit". The offense failed to convert four chances from deep within the Eagles territory, and scored only on a 22-yard Dave Green green field.
Week 2: vs Minnesota Vikings
September 24, 1977, at Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida
A 31-yard, touchdown randomization, improvisation from Fran Tarkenton to Chuck Foreman on faulty play lets Minnesota Vikings come from behind to win. Carl Eller fired Randy Hedberg in the final zone to give the Vikings an early lead, but the Buccaneers replied with 18-yard field Allan Leavitt. Some key penalties and mental mistakes hurt the prospect of winning Team Banco. A quarterback trying to sneak from the Viking 1 yard line failed when the tailback forgot to line up, leaving the team with just ten players on the field. The penalty And Ryczek took the Buccaneers out of the field position and gave the Vikings with a short pitch to score their goals while Eller's safety was formed when Bill Kollar's late blow on the punt game gave Tampa Bay ownership inside their own 10 yard line. Security destroyed Hedberg's confidence, and he was replaced by Gary Huff after finishing just 4 out of 14 bait for 51 yards. Not wanting to give credit for the Buccaneer defense, Vikings blamed their poor offensive performance on the wet pitch. This angered McKay, who thought that Buccaneer should have been given more honors for being nearly annoyed by the eternal Super Bowl contenders. McKay also swayed over Minnesota's comment that Buccaneer's attack was predictable and conservative, and accused the same Vikings. Tarkenton completed 25 of 38 passes for 223 yards, but was intercepted by Dewey Selmon, and the settlement was largely confined to a dump-off to his running back. Dave Lewis injured his knee early in the game, and former steelers former linebacker Paul Harris played well in his place. 24 cars Ricky Bell is the least yet by the Buccaneer running back, and Viking 9 points are least permitted by Buccaneers. The 66.272 crowd is the second largest presence to date at the Tampa Stadium.
Weekly 3: in Dallas Cowboys
2 Oktober 1977, di Stadion Texas, Irving, Texas
Gary Huff and Anthony Davis returned from injury to make their first start for the team. The Buccaneers' projected Davis tandem run back in the middle and Ricky Bell in fullback finally materialized, though this would be the only appearance before McKay settled in Bell and Jimmy DuBose for starters. The Buccaneers were unhappy with Randy Hedberg's performance in the quarterback during the first two games, but Huff's experience was greeted with a confusing Dallas defense. While the offense was again held goalless, Richard Wood returned Tony Dorsett fumbling 37 yards for the first goal of Buccaneers this season, and then mocking the celebration of Cowboy Thomas's previous "Hollywood" interception with spiking the ball over the goal. Wood again made a second interception for 29 yards. Some Cowboys complain of the excessive nonsense of Buccaneer, and Cecil Johnson in particular. Johnson, who lives with Dorsett in college and claims close friendship with him, tears Dorsett's helmet and punches his nose in successive dramas. A lot of costly injuries occurred: seasonal knee injury to Bob Moore means that the only remaining team is a tight end is Dana Nafziger, who also suffered an injury to his knee and wrist. Ricky Bell and Jimmy DuBose both leave early. Gary Huff plays a game with a knee brace, while beginners Jeff Winans, Dave Lewis and Jack Novak do not play at all.
Week 4: vs. Washington Redskins
October 9, 1977, at Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Ricky Bell sits out the game with a shoulder injury, and Darryl Carlton leaves the game early. Tampa Bay quarterbacks fired ten times (still a team record in 2009), and threw three interceptions. Eddie Brown 11 punt back set a single-game NFL record, also still standing. John McKay reacted angrily to Washington overcoming Bill Brundige's postgame statement that USC McKay's offense will not succeed in the NFL. McKay calls Brundige an "idiot" and "stupid dummy", and points out that the Redskins scored their first goal of the same formation. He then told reporters, "nobody knows anything about football", and scolded them for asking why Buccaneers had trouble moving the ball, when they knew that some starter players got injured. The Tampa Bay defense holds Washington with ten points, though eight belong to the Redskins in the Buccaneer region. The Washington player described him as one of the best in the league, and coach George Allen said it was "of a caliber of the championship". The 18th loss in a row tied the Buccaneers with the 1972-1973 Houston Oilers to the longest 3rd straight NFL.
Week 5: Seattle Seahawks
16 Oktober 1977, di Kingdome, Seattle
McKay's pre-game attention to his team's passing defense proved to be prophetic, as Seattle Seahawks reserve backback Steve Myer graduated for four goals. Myer replaces the injured Jim Zorn, and throws two goals to Steve Largent, one to Duke Fergerson, and one to Sherman Smith. The Seahawks still need two late interception to seal the victory, as the Buccaneers offense reached its full maximum point to date. Gary Huff completed 18 of 32 trials for 217 yards, but was intercepted four times. His sound to beat Seattle blitz resulted in a 67-yard touchdown pass to Morris Owens, and Anthony Davis had a 1-yard touchdown run. Owens got 166 yards, a Buccaneers single-game record that lasted four years. Allan Leavitt contributed three field goals. McKay blamed defensive defeats on the team's tendency to stop playing coverage when the quarterbacks were to be launched, saying they handled "like a group of people from a junior high school team".
Week 6: vs. Green Bay Packers
October 23, 1977, at Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida
The Green Bay Packers found block reserve Robert Guillo from goalkeeper Dave Green in the 24-yard Buccaneers line, which set the day's only goal and sealed the Packers victory. This is the first time since November 24, 1974, that the Packers have recorded a shutout. The Tampa Bay journey ends on penalties and turnover, and the Buccaneers once drove to the 2-yard Packers line before Ricky Bell missed their chance. Chester Marcol kicked two field goals, and Eric Torkelson rushed 22 times for 73 yards and scored. Gary Huff completed 12 of 22 bait before he was withdrawn in the fourth quarter. Fans cheered when a sack put Huff moving on the grass with a cracked rib. Offensive lines continued to be criticized, as both Buccaneer quarterbacks suffered injuries. Randy Hedberg replaces Huff, and plays the last series with a concussion. He had to be taken off the field to be hospitalized after the game. Both injuries were caused by Mike Butler's attack. Packers quarterback Lynn Dickey was sacked three times, and knocked out of the game. The Packers and Buccaneers entered the match with 26 offense and 28 league rankings, respectively.
Week 7: in San Francisco 49ers
30 Oktober 1977, di Candlestick Park, San Francisco
Jeb Blount inspired his team-mates with a bold appearance in the face of the hectic activity in San Francisco, though he was appointed as a starter just two days earlier. Wilbur Jackson and Delvin Williams each ran for a touchdown, and Ray Wersching kicked a pair of field goals to give San Francisco the 49ers the lead that the Buccaneers would not be overcome. The Buccaneers rallied in the fourth quarter. Blount led a drive that ended with a 5-yard Louis Carter touchdown run, and was followed by an onside kick that the Buccaneers recovered. Dave Green threw a 45-yard strike into Danny Reece with a fake trick, but the offense stalled at the San Francisco 1-yard line.
Week 8: in Los Angeles Rams
6 November 1977, di Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles
Rams quarterback Pat Haden is 10 of 21 for 123 yards passes, and two goals. Jeb Blount is 8 from 21 to 83 yards for Buccaneers, with two interceptions. On one of the games, Rams jumped offside, but the punishment was called against the Buccaneers. The officials corrected their mistakes, but angered McKay with a laugh about it. The Rams lost Dennis Harrah for the season with a knee injury, and suffered injuries to Dave Elmendorf and Kevin McLain.
Week 9: vs. Giants New York
November 13, 1977, at Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Despite nine treasures inside the 35-yard New York Giants' line and six inside 12, Buccaneers held goalless for the fourth time this season. It was the first shutout of the Giants since 1970. Dan Dyk's high-powered possessor Dave Green produced the Giants take ownership in the Buccaneers 1-yard line, leading to Bob Hammond running for the Giants' only touchdown. The Buccaneers were stopped twice when choosing to run in fourth down rather than try field goals. Isaac Hagins almost lost the kickoff back for touchdown after the Giants touchdown, but was handled by the kicker. Danny Reece was also handled by the last Giant during a near-goal kickback. Start quarterback Jeb Blount passed for 234 yards, and threw a touchdown pass to Louis Carter who was recalled.
Week 10: at Detroit Lions
20 November 1977, di Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan
Detroit Lions' quarterback Joe Reed prevented Buccaneer's two goals by overcoming Dave Pear on a missed return and Mike Washington on re-interception. A high jump And Ryczek destroys what could potentially be a goal effort in the field of game winning matches. Detroit fans booed the home side throughout the first half, and cheered when Ricky Bell scored on a 4-yard touchdown following Washington's interception. This is the first time throughout the year that Buccaneers are the team that scored first in a match. The fans' support changed when Gary Danielson replaced Reed in the second half. After Dick Jauron intercepted Jeb Blount's pass, Danielson led a 55-yard drive that ended with a 1-yard touchdown run by Rick Kane. A potential touchdown pass bounced off Isaac Hagins' helmet at the 10-yard line of Detroit, and the other fumbled by Hagins and recovered in the final zone by James Hunter. The return of Reggie Pinkney's touchdown touchdown from Randy Hedberg's interception sealed the win for the Lions.
Week 11: vs. Atlanta Falcons
November 27, 1977, at Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida
The Atlanta Falcons allowed the low-franchise 78-yard offense while holding Buccaneers to its fifth shutout of the season. Coach McKay called the Buccaneers game "our worst effort in two years". Gary Huff started in the quarterback, throwing three interceptions on his second return from injury this season. This marks the 12th change of Buccaneers in starting quarterback in less than two seasons. Whether the 62 yards rushing or 16 yards pass is the lowest team, but the combined effort is the worst Buccaneers to date. The injured Ricky Bell was held for 11 yards on 6 carry. Fans threw soft drinks to McKay and Richie's son, while Bell and Anthony Davis had to refrain from going to the stands after a bouncer. Falcons intercepted Buccaneer four times and recovered a single fumble, and continued to pursue a league record for the smallest points allowed in a single season. They finished the game after holding off the opponent with just 83 points, making them keep trying to break Minnesota Vikings 1969 record of 133.
Week 12: vs. Chicago Bears
December 4, 1977, at Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Chicago Bears' ran back Walter Payton enters the match in hopes of exceeding O.J. Simpson's 1973-yard 1973 season, but held for 101 yards in 33 brings. Ricky Bell set a new record for the franchise with 94 yards on 24 carry. Payton scored a touchdown only, a three-yard run set by a 32-yard pass for Steve Schubert of Bob Parsons punter. Lee Roy Selmon fired Bob Quellini's quarterback twice, blocked one of his bait, and chased it several times. The only serious offensive threat of Buccaneers ended with a failed field goal in the first quarter.
Week 13: in New Orleans Saints
11 Desember 1977, di Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans
The New Orleans Saints did not get the first down until the middle of the second quarter, and did not make it through midfield until almost the end of the round. Buccaneers started their first five drives in the Saints area, scored two field goals from Dave Green, and a five-yard drive from Gary Huff to Morris Owens who closed the 71-yard drive. Mike Washington made it 20-0 early in the second half, restoring a 45-yard interception for touchdown. The Buccaneer also found a fault, and had six interception. Three goals behind their interception, with Richard Wood and Greg Johnson also scoring goals, tying the NFL record. Prior to the match, John McKay had read the article team where Saints quarterback Archie Manning stated that it would be a shame to lose to Tampa Bay. Inspired by the statement, Buccaneer's defense shouted, "It's embarrassing! It's a shame!" to him when the clock stops. Saints Hank Stram's coach was so angry at the defeat that he allegedly ordered the movie game to be burned.
Sunday 14: vs. St. Louis Cardinals
December 18, 1977, at Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida
The Buccaneers defeat St. Louis Cardinals, recently knocked out of playoff battles, for their first home win. Gary Huff completed 7 of 12 operands, including 61- and 62-yarders to Morris Owens, the first for touchdown. An improved offensive line does not allow sacks. The average Huff of 14.3 yards per trial was the third best in Buccaneer history, and survived as a record until it was broken by Vinny Testaverde in 1992. Coach McKay said: "I'll go home, take a shower and say on myself what a great coach I am ". Fans knocked down the post after the game, and a seller outside the stadium began coating the word "Do not" on the "Throw McKay at Tampa Bay" shirt he had sold. Fifty points scored by Bucs in their last two matches are almost as much (53) as they put on the rest of the season (twelve matches). They have scored just three points at home until this match, closing in five home games in a row.
Awards and honors
- Dave Pear, United Press International Second Team All-NFC
- Lee Roy Selmon, United Press International Second Team All-NFC
- Pear and Selmon are named Pro Bowl alternately
Recordings
- The distance of 3,926 yards is the lowest in team history.
- The 223 points allowed are the second lowest in team history, though this is the third low because of the 14-match schedule.
- 106 skip the first down allowed is the team record.
- 13 Lee Roy Selmon's sack is the fifth best in Buccaneer history, and stands as the first champion until broken by Warren Sapp (16.5) and tied by Marcus Jones, both in 2000.
- 2 goals survive Richard Wood stands as a record until broken by Cedric Brown in 1981.
References
Source
- Buccaneers about Pro Football References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
0 Comments