Todd Bowles Acknowledges Production Loss
April 11th, 2023
Fifty percent of the Bucs’ 2022 interceptions — 50 percent — and their only defensive touchdown left the building in free agency.
The Bucs had 10 picks last season: cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (Titans) had two, as did safety Mike Edwards (Chiefs), and safety Keanu Neal (Steelers) grabbed one. Edwards also had pick-six off one of those interceptions.
(Joe won’t count the pick by Logan Ryan since he is currently unemployed.)
That’s a lot of defensive production to lose from a good defense, especially when the players are all young.
Joe addressed this in a 1-on-1 sitdown with head coach/defensive guru Todd Bowles in Phoenix last month, and Bowles gave an expected response after acknowledging the loss.
“We lost some production but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it up,” Bowles said. “I look forward to the guys coming in to make up our production. I thought we were short as a group from an interception standpoint. I thought we missed a bunch of them and we can get better in that category. But anytime you lose guys that’s helped you the past few years it’s going to be a different type of player coming in. We have our eyes on a few guys that we understand that can come and do just as well or make an impact. Hopefully, we get’em.”
The Bucs signed safety Ryan Neal in free agency from Seattle last week. He talks a good game, but he’s not a proven ballhawk with just one interception and one forced fumbled through the past two seasons.
“Missed” interceptions have been an issue for Jamel Dean and Carlton Davis through their careers, which is why neither has been to a Pro Bowl. Joe can’t count on their hands to clean up.
Antoine Winfield, Jr. is a major X-factor when it comes to production. The Bucs are pulling him from nickel cornerback duty this season so he can make more big plays like he did prior to 2022.
Of course, whoever the new nickel corner is will be counted on to make plays, even if he’s a rookie.
Great fun ahead at the brand new Big Storm taproom in the heart of Ybor City! Upstairs in Centro Ybor with public parking all around. It’s big, bold and beautiful.
…Courtesy of Florida’s Elite Restoration, you can win $500 in our “Pick The Pick” contest, which was a huge hit at the 2021 NFL Draft party, plus another $500 in an additional contest. Hang with great Bucs fans, Ira Kaufman and Florida’s best craft beer and food.
April 11th, 2023 at 12:28 pm
They have to create more turnovers, by sheer luck alone. That wasn’t a good defense Joe. When they faced bonafide offenses, they got roasted. Yes they did hold down some really stinky ones, but a good defense that dosent make. I still think Bowles is living in a bygone era.
April 11th, 2023 at 12:29 pm
One unstated reason we had fewer picks was the opposing team was rarely behind and having to air it out to come back. Combine THAT with lack of a pass rush to hurry the qb into mistakes, and there you are
April 11th, 2023 at 12:31 pm
Clark Phillips III is the best slot corner and consistently scores off of picks , but Bucs will have to move up from 19 in 2nd to grab him as he will go about 10-15 spots before they pick.
April 11th, 2023 at 12:44 pm
WE will need a pass rush, if we want to increase our interceptions.
Beej hit the nail on the head
April 11th, 2023 at 12:52 pm
Ronde Barber had 10 INTs in 2001. Heck, Wayne Haddix, had 7 INTs in 1990, and 99% of Bucs ‘fans’ don’t even know how he is.
This is a chance to get better, as 10 INTs for an entire team is awful.
April 11th, 2023 at 12:53 pm
Problem is we only got to face Jameis Winston one time last year.
April 11th, 2023 at 12:58 pm
Bowles used the “H” word. Hope is not a strategy, although I hope he is right.
April 11th, 2023 at 1:02 pm
Redeemer, we’ll said. Certai posters deny the facts and the data and are offended when anyone dare bring up your point. The playoff teams averaged more than 30ppg against Bloweszo’s defense, and the excuses come in waves.
Bowels is in love with his “genius” image, so it’s unlikely that he will change anything necessary to correct / improve the flaws. But hey, maybe he surprises. That would be awesome. And as likely as a bag of gold bullion falling out of a brinks truck in front of my driveway, without being noticed.
April 11th, 2023 at 1:33 pm
GF, exactly. It’s Bowles way or the highway. Keep living off the superbowl performance, when Mahomes had a Jr. College line protecting him. Why is it so hard for people to admit FACTS? P. S. If that brinks truck makes its way to your driveway, remember me.
April 11th, 2023 at 1:34 pm
Every Time I Read a Bowles Comment …
I’m reminded he’s a terrible HC. This is going to be a tough year.
The good news is next year we’ll be able to outfit our new HC with a lot of good young players, excellent draft picks, and money to spend.
April 11th, 2023 at 1:41 pm
On paper, the defense looks like it’s going to have problems producing sacks and turnovers. Maybe we can find some rookies who surprise or vets who step up. On the hopeful side, we still have time to find guys. Bowles turned the D around here in his first year as DC, so I’ll remain hopeful… but we’ve gotta get some help up front out of this draft. Pass rush increases interception opportunities.
April 11th, 2023 at 1:49 pm
I’m w/@Beej
Maybe playing with a lead or having an offense that can consistently score > 2 TDS a game in 2023 will help our defense get into attack mode more often playing with a tie/lead. In 2022, the only significant break our defense would get from the offense during the game was at half time, lol
April 11th, 2023 at 1:59 pm
@Redeemer. You’re spot on. The defense was overrated last year. Our anemic offense did them no favors, but if you really dig in you will see the level of difficulty for the offense was greater for the offense. The offense faced some tough defenses. The defense faced some bad offenses, and when they faced a good offense they faltered.
April 11th, 2023 at 2:25 pm
Maybe Davis can get 1 or 2 this year
April 12th, 2023 at 3:24 am
Bowles = Blah Blah Blah