[1] Running backs (RB) Wide receivers (WR) Tight ends (TE) Defensive linemen (DL) Defensive backs (DB) Special teams Reserve [2] Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
With construction crews still putting the finishing touches on brand new Raymond James Stadium, the Buccaneers were forced to play all of their preseason games on the road.
The highly anticipated first game at brand new Raymond James Stadium saw the Buccaneers host the Bears.
Despite clinging to a 6–3 deficit at halftime, Tampa Bay's sputtering offense and defensive miscues cost any chance at victory.
Two apparent touchdown passes by Trent Dilfer were called back for penalty, and Tampa Bay fell 27–6.
The Buccaneer defense held the Giants to only 135 total yards, and picked off Kanell three times in the 20–3 victory.
At one point, Bert Emanuel caught a touchdown pass, but the officials ruled it incomplete, saying he "trapped" the ball against the turf.
Derrick Brooks intercepted Randall Cunningham, setting up Warrick Dunn's first touchdown run.
A field goal followed by a Mike Alstott touchdown run with just under six minutes remaining gave the Bucs a 27–24 lead.
Tampa Bay held a 16–3 halftime lead, but trailing 24–22 at the two-minute warning, Tennessee was facing 3rd down & 8 at their own 29-yard line.
A defensive stop by Tampa Bay would have given them the ball back, and an opportunity to drive for a game-winning field goal.
However, quarterback Steve McNair broke out for a game-icing 71-yard touchdown run, and the Tennessee Oilers won 31–22.
Tampa Bay's playoff chances were dealt a big blow in the Week 16 loss at Washington.
Tampa Bay led the Redskins 16–7 early in the fourth quarter, but blew the lead at the end.
Tampa Bay had two last chances to come back, but both times, Trent Dilfer threw interceptions.
Mike Alstott scored three rushing touchdowns, and the Bucs defense intercepted the Bengals twice (including a 56-yard return by Ronde Barber) Tampa Bay finished 8–8 on the season, winning four out of their last five games.
The Giants won, helping Tampa Bay, but the Cardinals beat the Chargers 16–13 with a 52-yard field goal as time expired.