13 - 14

(Jan 15, 2000 · Week 19)

Scoreless and short on momentum over the first 40 minutes of 1999’s NFC Divisional Round, Tampa Bay could be accurately described as a team that simply couldn’t catch a break. Equal parts capable of breaking a team’s psyche through either a big-time hit or interception, All-Pro safety John Lynch accepted Jan. 15, 2000’s challenge through the latter, perfectly positioning himself to trackdown Washington’s downfield pass for a takeaway. The returns of Lynch’s game-altering pick proved almost immediate, as the Buccaneers clawed back from a two-score deficit to win 14-13. Officially NFC Championship Game-bound, Lynch was nothing short of immaculate, as he recorded eight tackles (six solo), one interception, and three passes defended.

Read more