The Buccaneers continued their mid-2000s pattern in 2007, bouncing back from a four-win season to go 9-7 and win a third NFC South crown. Head Coach Jon Gruden went the veteran quarterback route again, this time signing former 49ers star Jeff Garcia; other veteran free agent additions included defensive end Kevin Carter, linebacker Cato June and tackle Luke Petitgout. Although injuries caused Garcia to miss some time, he performed well across 13 starts, notably only throwing four interceptions, and made the Pro Bowl. Earnest Graham, primarily a special teams player for much of his career, emerged to lead the ground game after more injury issues for Cadillac Williams and finished with 898 yards and 10 touchdowns. A training camp tryout brought Stylez G. White back to the NFL after he failed to make it in 2002 and he led the defense with 8.0 sacks, while Barrett Ruud took over for Shelton Quarles at middle linebacker and recorded 169 tackles. After a season-opening loss in Seattle, the Buccaneers won four of their next five and also fashioned a four-game winning streak in November and December. Tampa Bay clinched the division title with a Week 15 thrashing of the Falcons but lost their final two games before getting a home date against the Giants to start the playoffs. Mirroring their surprising 2005 home playoff loss to Washington, the Buccaneers allowed only 277 yards of offense but fell 24-14 due to three costly turnovers.
