Divisional Round vs Eagles (1997 Season)
From expansion to champions: the Bucs' journey.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (colloquially known as the Bucs) are a professional American football team based in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) South division.
Quick Facts
- Date
- January 18, 1998
- Location
- Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
- Final score
- Buccaneers 20, Eagles 6
- Playoff round
- NFC Divisional Round (1997 Season)
- Key player
- Steve McMichael & Simeon Rice
Lore & Background
The Buccaneers joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1976, playing their first season in the AFC West. They moved to the NFC Central before the 1977 season. The team won its first playoff game in 1979, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 24–17 in the divisional round. That season, they hosted the NFC Championship Game, losing 9–0 to the Los Angeles Rams.
Reader's Guide
The Buccaneers have won two Super Bowl championships. They are the first post-merger expansion team to clinch a division title, win a playoff game, and host a conference championship, all accomplished by their fourth season in 1979. The team plays its home games at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Did You Know?
- The Buccaneers suffered 26 consecutive losses in their first two seasons, including a winless inaugural season.
- They are one of only two NFL franchises undefeated in multiple Super Bowl appearances, along with the Baltimore Ravens.
- The team tied the New Orleans Saints for the most NFC South titles with seven in 2024.
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