NFL 25 Dream Teams that ended up being failures
By Nick Villano
NFL 25 Dream Teams that ended up being failures: 2. 2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers had one of the best defenses of this era. Having Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, Ronde Barber, and John Lynch putting fear into a team each and every week was enough to win on a weekly basis. However, there were a few very close losses that really tested the chemistry of this team. They ended up collapsing under the pressure. And it impacted the players on the field.
Keyshawn Johnson was having issues with the coaching staff, and he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys for Joey Galloway in the offseason after he was sent home in Week 10. That takes away a star receiver from the defending Super Bowl champs.
It’s also one of the most injured rosters we’ve ever seen. Mike Alstott, Joe Jurivicius, Greg Spires, Brian Kelly, Kenyatta Walker, and John Howell were all on injured reserve. The Bucs had trouble replacing a lot of their important pieces. Thomas Jones ended up being the starting running back by the end of the season, and Brad Johnson wasn’t good enough to make up for the injuries and the drama with Johnson.
Jon Gruden also had major issues with the front office. He constantly fought with GM Rich McKay. That drama sprinkled onto the field, and the team missed the playoffs.