1997 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season

The 1997 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season began with the team trying to improve on a 6-10 season from 1996. The 1997 season was notable for several reasons. For the first time, the Buccaneers wore their new pewter and red uniforms, along with their new "flag and skull" helmets, which replaced the orange and white color combination, and winking buccaneer helmet, that they had used since they were first added to the NFL. During the regular season, the Buccaneers surprised many by starting off with a 5-0 record. By the end of the season, they had amassed a record of 10-6 and went to the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. After beating the Detroit Lions 20-10 in the Wild Card round, they lost to the eventual NFC Champion Green Bay Packers in the Divisional Playoffs 21-7.

Schedule

 * = blacked out locally