page_title: 2007 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season
section_title: Week 9: vs Arizona Cardinals
hierarchical_section_title: 2007 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season / Regular season game summaries / Week 9: vs Arizona Cardinals
caption_attribution_description: Delayed Enlistment Program members stretched a giant flag over the field during pre-game ceremonies at a Nov. 4 NFL game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Arizona Cardinals. (Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jeff Storman)
context_page_description: The 2007 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 32nd season in the National Football League the 10th playing their home games at Raymond James Stadium, and the 6th under head coach Jon Gruden. On December 16, 2007, they clinched the NFC South division title, and returned to the playoffs after missing it in 2006. However, they were defeated 24-14 in the Wildcard Round by the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants. The Wildcard game was Jon Gruden’s final playoff appearance as head coach of the Buccaneers before being dismissed at the conclusion of the next season.
  As of 2019, this has been the last season that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have qualified for the playoffs and won their division, making it 12 straight years that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have missed the playoffs. On December 16, in a game against the Atlanta Falcons, Micheal Spurlock scored the first kickoff return touchdown in franchise history, snapping a streak of 32 seasons, 497 games, 139 individuals, and 1,864 unsuccessful attempts. The play earned Spurlock the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.
context_section_description: The Buccaneers beat the visiting Arizona Cardinals, snapping a two-game losing streak, and regained first place in the NFC South. Tampa Bay dominated the game, maintaining a time of possession of over 43 minutes with running back Earnest Graham rushing for 124 yards and one touchdown. Tampa Bay's defense held Arizona to only 23 yards rushing, and held them to 2 of 10 third down conversions.
  In the first quarter, Arizona quickly drove down the field, connecting on a 47-yard pass from Kurt Warner to Larry Fitzgerald. The drive stalled, however, and they settled for 43-yard Neil Rackers field goal. Tampa bay answered on the ensuing drive. On 3rd and 1, from the 42-yard line, Jeff Garcia fell, but avoided a sack, and scrambled for a first down. Two plays later he scored a 37-yard touchdown pass to Joey Galloway.
  On the first play of the second quarter, Tanard Jackson intercepted Warner's pass, and Arizona was penalized 15 yards for a facemask, setting up the Buccaneers on the Arizona 27-yard line. Tampa Bay suffered two false start penalties, and settled for a field goal and took a 10–3 lead into halftime.
  Tampa Bay took the second half kickoff and drove 64 yards in ten plays. The drive was capped off by a 2-yard touchdown run by Earnest Graham. Late in the third quarter, the Buccaneers started a 19-play, 86-yard drive, lasting nearly 9 minutes. At the 8-yard line, Garcia threw to Alex Smith but the pass was incomplete in the endzone. The drive came up empty when Matt Bryant missed a 26-yard field goal. Arizona quickly drove down the field and scored a touchdown by Edgerrin James, narrowing the margin to 17–10.
  With 2:43 remaining in the game, Tampa Bay punted to Arizona. Maurice Stovall de-cleated receiver Steve Breaston at the Arizona 16-yard line, preventing a return. On the very next play, Jermaine Phillips intercepted Warner's pass, sealing the victory for Tampa Bay.
caption: An American flag is unfurled on the field before the Bucs-Cardinals game
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