In 2007, he appeared in five games with three starts, registering 1,009 passing yards, 3 interceptions, 5 touchdowns and a 91.7 quarterback rating. In week 13, McCown produced his finest performance as an NFL quarterback, throwing for 313 yards and 2 touchdowns during an emergency start for the injured Jeff Garcia in the Buccaneers 27–23 victory over the New Orleans Saints. He started the next game against the Houston Texans and was 25-38 for 266 yards and no interceptions, but a loss. He came in relief in the second half of week 16 and threw for 185 yards and one interception. He started the last game as the Bucs had already clinched a playoff spot. He threw for 236 yards and one interception with 2 touchdowns.