The Buccaneers' run of three playoff appearances in four seasons came to an abrupt end with a 2-14 collapse in 1983 that began a streak of 14 straight losing seasons. With Doug Williams off to the USFL, the Buccaneers traded their first-round pick in the 1984 draft to Cincinnati for Jack Thompson, who proved to be overmatched as the team's new starting quarterback. Tampa Bay's defense still produced 42 sacks – a combined 20.5 from Lee Roy Selmon and David Logan – and 23 interceptions but dropped to the bottom half of the league rankings. The Buccaneers remained competitive, with nine of their losses coming by a single score, including three in overtime, but injuries and a woeful kicking game hurt their chances. Running back James Wilder began to emerge as a dual threat, leading the team in both rushing yards (640) and receptions (57).
