The Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2002 Season in Review

Overview

The 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was a successful one, as the team finished with a 12-4 record and won the NFC South division. The Buccaneers were led by quarterback Brad Johnson, who threw for 3,049 yards and 22 touchdowns. Running back Mike Alstott also had a strong season, rushing for 1,024 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns.

Regular Season

The Buccaneers started the season with a 5-1 record, including a 27-10 victory over the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. However, the team then hit a rough patch, losing three of its next four games. The Buccaneers were able to rebound, though, and finish the season with a 7-1 record in their final eight games.

The Buccaneers' defense was one of the best in the NFL in 2002, allowing only 17.4 points per game. The defense was led by linebacker Derrick Brooks, who was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year.

Playoffs

The Buccaneers entered the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the NFC. They defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round, but lost to the Oakland Raiders in the NFC Championship Game.

Conclusion

The 2002 season was a successful one for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team won the NFC South division and advanced to the NFC Championship Game. The Buccaneers were led by a strong defense and a balanced offense. The team's success in 2002 was a sign of things to come, as the Buccaneers would go on to win Super Bowl XXXVII the following season.