of bounds. This became his second fine in the first three games as he also received a $5,000 fine for an illegal hit on 49ers running back William Floyd during the season-opener. In Week 9, he collected a season-high 13 combined tackles as the Buccaneers lost 10–6 against the Minnesota Vikings. He started in all 16 games in 1997 and recorded 110 combined tackles, two interceptions, and forced a fumble. Lynch was named to the 1998 Pro Bowl, marking the first Pro Bowl selection in the first five years of his career. The Buccaneers finished second in the NFC Central with a 10–6 record and earned a wildcard berth. On December 28, 1997, Lynch started in his first career playoff game and recorded eight combined tackles as the Buccaneers defeated the Detroit Lions by a score of 20–10 in the NFC Wildcard Game. The following week, he made three combined tackles during a 21–7 road loss to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Round. 1998 season In 1998, Lynch started alongside free safety Charles Mincy and cornerbacks Ronde Barber and Donnie Abraham. In Week 5, he collected a season-high 13 combined tackles during a 20–3 victory against the New York Giants. Lynch was inactive for the Week 10 loss to the Tennessee Oilers due to a neck injury. On December 13, 1998, Lynch recorded three combined tackles and made two interceptions as the Buccaneers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 16–3. Lynch made both interceptions off of pass attempts by Steelers quarterback Kordell Stewart. In Week 16, Lynch made six combined tackles, a season-high two sacks, and forced a fumble during a 20–16 road loss to the Washington Redskins. He sacked Redskins quarterback Trent Green for a 14-yard loss and forced a fumble that was recovered by teammate Steve White in the first quarter. Lynch finished the 1998 NFL season with 85 combined tackles, two interceptions, two sacks, and a forced fumble in 15 games and starts. 1999 season Lynch returned as the starter and played alongside free safety Damien Robinson in 1999. In Week 10, Lynch collected a season-high 12 combined tackles and forced a fumble during a season debut 17–10 win against the Kansas City Chiefs. Lynch started in all 16 games in 1997 and recorded 116 combined tackles, two interceptions, forced a fumble, and was credited with half a sack. Lynch was named first-team A.P. All-Pro and