The Buccaneers' fifth season started out promisingly after their deep playoff run the year before, with two quick wins, including a 10-9 revenge victory over the Los Angeles Rams from the 1979 NFC Championship Game. However, the Tampa Bay defense took a step back in part due to mounting injuries and the team slumped to a 5-10-1 finish. That included what remains the only tie in franchise history, a 14-14 final against Green Bay in Week Six. The offense showed signs of improvement, with Doug Williams throwing for 3,396 yards and 20 touchdowns and rookie Kevin House providing a new and dangerous deep threat.
