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.
