1996 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Season | Birth of Tampa 2 Defense

Tony Dungy was hired as the team's new head coach and, along with new Defensive Coordinator Monte Kiffin, installed a Cover Two-based defense that became so effective it spawned the now common term of the "Tampa Two." Dungy convinced Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks, the team's two first-round picks from a year earlier, that they would become stars in the system, and Sapp would rack up 9.0 sacks while Brooks had a team-high 133 tackles. The draft produced such immediate impact players as fullback Mike Alstott, who led the team in receptions and touchdowns, and cornerback Donnie Abraham, who had five interceptions as a rookie. Despite starting out 0-5, the Bucs patiently stuck with Dungy's plan for a turnaround and went on to win five of their last seven games. At one point, Tampa Bay's defense held seven straight opponents to 17 points or fewer. An emotional comeback win in San Diego in mid-November was seen as a turning point for the franchise.

PASSING:

Trent Dilfer
2,859 yards, 12 touchdowns

RUSHING:

Errict Rhett
539 yards, 3 touchdowns

RECEIVING:

Mike Alstott
65 receptions, 557 yards, 3 touchdowns

TACKLES:

Derrick Brooks
133

SACKS:

Warren Sapp
9.0

INTERCEPTIONS:

Donnie Abraham
5