By the way Buc'em readers, this is a very very VERY rare photo, for you guys. It comes from the program of the Bucs Eagles Playoff game in 1979. I scanned it for this weekly piece. Notice Former Lions coach Wayne Fontes second from the bottom right? Next to him, Dr. Diaco, who just retired LAST YEAR!
Weeks 5 and 6
Week 5- @ Chicago, the Bucs had a chance to put 3 games distance between themselves and the Bears, after only 5 games so far! They had to take on Walter Payton, but the Bucs actually had been the one team that could control him somewhat, because the Bucs 3-4 defense was built to stop the run.
In the first qtr, Rookie Tailback Jerry Eckwood scampered around the right sideline and ended up with one of the most remarkable touchdown runs ever! Check it out!
Jerry Eckwoods addition to the Bucs was huge in the early season. He provided a flashing breakaway type runner to go along with Ricky Bells stronger running. Today, these two might be Ward (Bell) and Clifton Smith(Eckwood) although neither is a fair comparison to each other. Eckwood would get injured and Bell would get more carries, and end up with a 1200 yard season. Eckwood would be a thorn in Chicago's side for a few years to come, always having his best games against the Bears, but really no one else.
For the first time, the Bucs found themselves trailing in the 4th qtr, but Doug Williams hit Issac Hagins for a late score, and the Bucs became the ONLY undefeated team in football, as the other 4-0 teams lost. The St Pete Times headlines read "Theres only ONE 5-0!" It was awesome!
Week 6
The undefeated Tampa Bay Buccaneers, now 5-0 traveled to the New York Giants to take on the 0-5 team starting a rookie QB for the first time ever (note, we may do this too by week 5 huh? ), Phil Simms. The Bucs did not take advantage of opportunities, and lost the game 17-14, the first loss of the year. The Bucs finished a three game road trip going 2-1, not bad, and would return home to Tampa next week to take on the lowly New Orleans Saints. You'll never guess the final score of that one! I'll give you a hint, it was 0-0 at half time, and the Bucs scored first!
In the first qtr, Rookie Tailback Jerry Eckwood scampered around the right sideline and ended up with one of the most remarkable touchdown runs ever! VIDEO For the first time, the Bucs found themselves trailing in the 4th qtr, but Doug Williams hit Issac Hagins for a late score, and the Bucs became the ONLY undefeated team in football, as the other 4-0 teams lost. The St Pete Times headlines read "Theres only ONE 5-0!" It was awesome! Week 6 The undefeated Tampa Bay Buccaneers, now 5-0 traveled to the New York Giants to take on the 0-5 team starting a rookie QB for the first time ever (note, we may do this too by week 5 huh? ), Phil Simms. The Bucs did not take advantage of opportunities, and lost the game 17-14, the first loss of the year. The Bucs finished a three game road trip going 2-1, not bad, and would return home to Tampa next week to take on the lowly New Orleans Saints. You'll never guess the final score of that one! I'll give you a hint, it was 0-0 at half time, and the Bucs scored first!
