But they stumbled over the next several weeks and slipped to 3–4. In week 9, Tampa Bay beat the then-undefeated Minnesota Vikings with an explosive game which turned the season in the right direction. They won seven out of their next eight games, and looked poised to return to the playoffs for the third time in four seasons.
The team experienced a downturn in performance over several weeks, but they rebounded in week 9 by beating the previously undefeated Minnesota Vikings in an exciting game, which marked a turning point in their season. They then won seven of their next eight games and seemed on track to return to the playoffs for the third time in four years.