Rumors began to circulate alleging that the Buccaneers were a disorganized and confused organization, and returning veterans were promised that changes were forthcoming.
[1][2] McKay was criticized over his handling of the players and was accused of cutting veterans who could have helped the team, such as Ira Gordon, over ego conflicts.
[5] This was reflected in a bitter tone that had crept into McKay's trademark humor, with comments such as "I keep a picture of O. J. Simpson by my side at all times to remind me of the days when I knew how to coach".
Cedric Brown went to the Oakland Raiders in return for selections in rounds 6 and 9, while guard John Miller brought a tenth-round pick from the San Francisco 49ers.
This left the team with just two healthy quarterbacks: Parnell Dickinson, who had less than a full year's experience due to a knee injury, and rookie Randy Hedberg.
[25] The team tried to address their lack of experience at linebacker by arranging a trade for Jack 'Hacksaw' Reynolds, at the time a training camp holdout from the Los Angeles Rams.
[28] The Buccaneers took their place in the NFC Central Division, while the other 1976 expansion team, the Seattle Seahawks, switched conferences with Tampa Bay and joined the AFC West.
[24] The improved Buccaneer lineup included such oddities as running back Anthony Davis, who entered the NFL after playing in the World Football League and the Canadian Football League and thus was a rookie for the third time, and Cecil Johnson, a free-agent linebacker from Miami who chose the Buccaneers over three other teams so that he "wouldn't have a long, sad ride home" if he didn't make the squad.
Redskins defensive end Ron McDole observed that, while the offensive line featured good individual blockers, their lack of experience playing together hindered their ability to operate as a unit, and that they were easily beaten by pulling stunts.
[31] Never able to establish any offensive consistency, they were shut out an NFL-record six times (a league record that still stands) and managed only six touchdowns in the entire season.
McKay joked that to break the jinx he had tried sleeping on his left and right sides, had worn many different outfits during games, and might try coaching naked.
This is a habit I could get accustomed to",[39] McKay joked through a megaphone, standing on top of a parked car, to a crowd of 8,000 celebrating fans around team headquarters.
A scrambling, improvised 31-yard touchdown pass from Fran Tarkenton to Chuck Foreman on a broken play allowed the Minnesota Vikings to come from behind for the win.
[60] Carl Eller sacked Randy Hedberg in the end zone to give the Vikings an early lead, but the Buccaneers answered with an 18-yard Allan Leavitt field goal.
[60] Dave Lewis injured his knee early in the game, and newly acquired ex-Steelers linebacker Paul Harris played well in his place.
[67] The Buccaneers were not displeased with Randy Hedberg's performance at quarterback over the first two games, but Huff's experience was welcomed against a confusing Dallas defense.
[68] While the offense was again held scoreless, Richard Wood returned a Tony Dorsett fumble 37 yards for the Buccaneers’ first touchdown of the season, and then mocked Cowboy Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson's earlier interception celebration by spiking the ball over the goalposts.
Myer replaced an injured Jim Zorn, and threw two touchdowns to Steve Largent, one to Duke Fergerson, and one to Sherman Smith.
The Seahawks still needed two late interceptions to seal the victory, as the Buccaneers’ offense achieved their highest point total to date.
Jeb Blount inspired teammates with a courageous performance in the face of a strong San Francisco pass rush, despite that he was named the starter only two days previously.
[89] Wilbur Jackson and Delvin Williams each ran for a touchdown, and Ray Wersching kicked a pair of field goals to give the San Francisco 49ers a lead that the Buccaneers would not overcome.
Dave Green threw a 45-yard completion to Danny Reece on a fake punt, but the offense stalled at San Francisco's 1-yard line.
[96] Detroit fans booed the home team throughout the first half, and cheered when Ricky Bell scored on a 4-yard touchdown run following Washington's interception.
After Dick Jauron intercepted a Jeb Blount pass, Danielson led a 55-yard drive that ended in a 1-yard touchdown run by Rick Kane.
[99][100] Fans threw soft drinks at McKay and son Richie, while Bell and Anthony Davis had to be restrained from going into the stands after a heckler.
[101] The Falcons intercepted the Buccaneers four times and recovered one fumble, and continued to pursue the league record for fewest points allowed in a season.
Chicago Bears’ running back Walter Payton entered the game with hopes of surpassing O. J. Simpson's 2,003-yard 1973 season, but was held to 101 yards on 33 carries.
[103] Payton scored the game's only touchdown, a three-yard run that was set up by a 32-yard pass to Steve Schubert from punter Bob Parsons.
[107] Before the game, John McKay had read the team an article in which Saints’ quarterback Archie Manning stated that it would be disgraceful to lose to Tampa Bay.
[110] Fans tore down the goalposts after the game, and a vendor outside the stadium began stamping the word "Don’t" at the top of the "Throw McKay in Tampa Bay" T-shirts he had been selling.