1978 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Season | Team History & Highlights

With a defense that continued to evolve into a top-five unit, the Buccaneers rode the momentum of their two late wins in 1977 to post a 4-3 start but faltered down the stretch to finish 5-11. The team found its first franchise quarterback in first-round pick Doug Williams, though his rookie season was slowed by injury. With Lee Roy Selmon still as the centerpiece, the Tampa Bay defense rounded out well with the likes of linebackers Richard Wood, Cecil Johnson and David Lewis and defensive backs Cedric Brown, Mark Cotney and Mike Washington. Nose tackle Dave Pear (nine sacks) became the franchise's first Pro Bowl selection.

PASSING:

Doug Williams
1,170 yards, 7 touchdowns

RUSHING:

Ricky Bell
679 yards, 6 touchdowns

RECEIVING:

Morris Owens
32 receptions, 640 yards, 5 touchdowns

TACKLES:

Richard Wood
168

SACKS:

Lee Roy Selmon
11.0

INTERCEPTIONS:

Cedric Brown
6