The 02 Bucs offense was actually pretty underrated in my opinion. Brad Johnson raked in 22 TDs to 6 picks and their rushing attack of Michael Pittman and Mike Alscot was something to be feared, rushing for a over 1200 rushing yards and 6 TDs (combined). The recieving corps led by Keenan McCardell and Keyshawn Johnson also helped out raking in 11 TDs and well over 1700 yards recieving.
That coupled with the most dominant defense since, well, the 1985 Chicago Bears (leading the league in almost ever major defensive category) allowed the Bucs to soundly defeat the Oakland Raiders, 48-21. The D was lead by Derrick Brooks, Ronde Barber, Simeon Rice, and Warren Sapp.
The 1985 Bears, meanwhile, were running and gunning to the Superbowl. One might even say they were "shuffling" hahaha... sorrry.
Though Jim McMahon had an average year (though he threw for over 3000, he had 17 TDs to 16 picks) the offesne more then made up for it with the legs of Walter Peyton. 11 total TDs, and well over 1500 rushing yards, this was one of his best years. The leading reciever, who rarely even gets mentioned now that I think about it, was kick returning wide out Wille Gault, who had two total TDs on the year and 1281 total yards.
Running the 46 Defense, the 85 Bears D was just vicious. It was the most vicious single season Defense seen in a long time and would reamain that way for even longer. Led by "Samurai" Mike Singletary, this defense would POUND everything, shutting out the Dallas Cowboys offense at one point (first time in 15 years) and would destroy the New England Patriots in the Superbowl, 46-10.
Prediction- I've just gotta go with the Chi-Town Bears here. I think their D is slightly better and the rushing attack, though only comprised of a solo back, is better. The Bucs passing attack will give them a chance, but ultimately it just won't be enough; 14-10, as I expect this game to be tight.
Game Summery:
After a scoreless first quarter, a 21 yard pass from Jim McMahon to Dennis McKinnon sets up a 39 yard field goal, the Bears go up 3-0. Towards the end of the 2nd, Brad Johnson drives his men downfield, but runs out of time after getting to the 2 yard line!
In the 3rd quarter, a 15 yard run by Walter Peyton as well as a 20 yard pass from McMahon to Willie Gault set up a 40 yard field goal, good by Kevin Butler; Bears up 6-0. Jim McMahon would then drive to set up a 37 yard field goal to make it 9-0 to close out the 3rd.
The fourth remains unexciting until Willie Gault (I'm assuming, Whatif doesn't record returns very well...) makes a huge punt return, going from his own 25 to Tampa's 20. This sets up a, you guessed it, 36 yard field goal good from Butler. Butler would get one more field goal to make the final talley 15-0.
2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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1985 Chicago Bears
| |||
| First Downs | 9 | 12 | ||
| - Rushing | 4 | 4 | ||
| - Passing | 5 | 8 | ||
| - Penalty | 0 | 0 | ||
| 3rd Down Eff | 5/18 | 7/19 | ||
| 4th Down Eff | 1/3 | 0/1 | ||
| Rushes-Yards | 24-89 | 39-95 | ||
| Avg Rush | 3.7 | 2.4 | ||
| Comp-Att-Int | 13-34-0 | 13-25-0 | ||
| Passing Yards | 100 | 130 | ||
| Sacks-Yards | 3-20 | 2-13 | ||
| Fumbles-Lost | 1-0 | 0-0 | ||
| Punts-Avg | 9-41.4 | 6-42.2 | ||
| KR-Avg | 6-19.5 | 1-30.0 | ||
| PR-Avg | 6-17.7 | 9-16.6 | ||
| Penalties-Yard | 4-35 | 3-20 | ||
| Time of Possession | 22:30 | 37:30 |
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