Bucs Are Growing Up
December 11th, 2023
Todd Bowles
It’s the focus, said Bucs coach Todd Bowles.
The Bucs are on a two-game winning streak and are in first place in the NFC South. So Bowles was in a chipper mood today.
Bowles was asked why the Bucs are playing better. Among other things, Bowles believes the younger Bucs are growing up.
“Just the focus,” Bowles said at his day-after presser. “The plays we messed up [previously], the little things. The plays we won yesterday with and the week before against Carolina, we weren’t winning in late-October and early November. So the maturity factor has kicked in.
“And the mental toughness factor has kicked in and playing for each other has kicked in. That’s kind of what you want to see in December football.”
Additionally, Bowles’ sideline demeanor came up. When Bowles is in the public eye, he can often be more of a stick figure than Tom Landry. Behind closed doors and away from the camera, Bowles is often gregarious.
Bowles let some of his personality show through against the Falcons. At one point late in the game after (another) dumb play, Bowles bent over in disbelief as if he could see his career as a head coach coming to an end.
Bowles was asked about being “demonstrative,” which threw him a curveball.
“Demonstrative? Demonstrative! Geez. Demonstrative?” Bowles exclaimed and began laughing. “It’s playoff time, we’ve got to go. High level game, high level emotions.”
At least, high-level emotions for Bowles on the sidelines.
December 11th, 2023 at 12:45 pm
i don’t have any real definitive stance on anything for this game…
just glad we got the win – we’ve won 2 in a row – and hopefully have built momentum to roll into green bay and steal another one
December 11th, 2023 at 12:45 pm
Bowles and Mayfield both had their lives on the line. That last drive saved them both, for now…
December 11th, 2023 at 12:50 pm
is it december football, the team coming together ?
or is it the team playing 2 lousy teams and coincidentally having plays go the bucs way ?
the next two games will give us a clue.
Perhaps there should be a second set of playoffs for the loser teams.
Sorry, bucs fan but I dont see this group going anywhere, and wins only mean Bowles is here next year. His run first philosophy stays, and play “good” defense, blahhhh..
December 11th, 2023 at 12:51 pm
Among other things, Bowles believes the younger Bucs are growing up.
#45 doesn’t make the trip to ATL. Maybe Jason Licht sent a message to ALL.
December 11th, 2023 at 12:55 pm
Smashsquatch that about saids it. Bowles and Mayfield football lives were on the line. I just hope the teams builds for yesterday’s game. Atlanta is not a good team and was missing a few offensive people so the jury is still out there as for, are the Bucs over the hump or will Jacksonville come in and embarrass us and bring us back down to earth. Keep winning Bucs
December 11th, 2023 at 12:58 pm
too many syllables!
December 11th, 2023 at 12:59 pm
You want to start winning back some fan confidence? Go Beat Green Bay next week.
December 11th, 2023 at 1:11 pm
enough focus to have two players missing on your goal line defense with the game in question i bet
December 11th, 2023 at 1:11 pm
In 1996, when the Bucs went 6-10 with a strong 5-2 finish, fans were excited. Because it was obvious the team was “growing up.” I can’t say the same thing about this 2023 squad. We are not looking at this product and saying “man they might be something next year.”
December 11th, 2023 at 1:28 pm
I don’t know what else you can ask from Mayfield. No, he is not having a pro bowl year. His timing is off. Canales has made a point of not taking chances and keeping turnovers to a minimum. He has complied with 20-8, a really good ratio. At crunch time, he has been not average, but good. He holds the ball too long. He is playing without a reliable third receiver (unless you count White).
December 11th, 2023 at 1:38 pm
Lmao. Says a coach with a losing record. What a mentality. Kick him quick Joel
December 11th, 2023 at 1:39 pm
R-O
“We are not looking at this product and saying “man they might be something next year.”
What’s this we? Speak for yourself. Your side might garner more votes in a JBF pool but MY side would hang in there.
Not everybody is a negative nellie. Bottom line is NOBODY can truly predict what the Bucs will do next…even after training camp..much less with 4 games remaining THIS season.
December 11th, 2023 at 1:56 pm
@stpete, check out Bowles’ confidence polls. If you see a growing team, kudos. You are in the minority.
December 11th, 2023 at 2:04 pm
realistic-optimistic Says:
December 11th, 2023 at 1:56 pm
@stpete, check out Bowles’ confidence polls. If you see a growing team, kudos. You are in the minority.
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Keep looking at Blog polls from fans on here Traskie. Its never meant anything and never will. We all know you really are just salty because the team leads the division courtesy of a brilliant game winning drive by BAKER MAYFIELD
#FAKEFANSBECRYING
#MAYFIELDFORGOAT
December 11th, 2023 at 2:08 pm
We barely beat a 1-10 Panthers team at RayJay then we blew a 9-point 4Q lead yesterday. We are eking out wins against crappy teams. Let’s go to Green Bay and get a road win against a team that’s playing well now, then I’ll entertain the “team coming together in December” narrative. Also, better root for the Cowboys to win the East; playing them in the first round would be, um, sub-optimal.
December 11th, 2023 at 2:18 pm
realistic-optimistic Says:
December 11th, 2023 at 1:11 pm
In 1996, when the Bucs went 6-10 with a strong 5-2 finish, fans were excited.
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Man, your username is a big fat joke. You would have never survived as a Bucs fan in the 1980s and early 1990s. Period. End. Of. Statement.
December 11th, 2023 at 2:27 pm
Bucs are not playing better and they are not playing worse they have been pretty much the same all season which isn’t very good.
December 11th, 2023 at 2:45 pm
Is it the word ‘realistic’ that’s throwing you off? All you want is optimism?
December 11th, 2023 at 3:07 pm
Who’s buying this nonsense?
Hopefully not Licht & the Glazers.
This clown needs to go
December 11th, 2023 at 3:08 pm
realistic-optimistic Says:
December 11th, 2023 at 2:45 pm
Is it the word ‘realistic’ that’s throwing you off?
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No its more about your delusional uneducated definition of the word.
December 11th, 2023 at 3:11 pm
Winning football games should feel good, however we really shouldn’t have won this game and the offense once again stunk it up even on the last drive. The coaching is terrible every week. Games are hard to watch, which there not even airing them. Can’t wait for next season with a new coaching staff and quarterback
December 11th, 2023 at 3:16 pm
Conner50 Says:
December 11th, 2023 at 3:11 pm
Winning football games should feel good
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It both does and did feel great
for real fans
December 11th, 2023 at 3:24 pm
I’m not buying. They played like losers, but won. If Koo makes his kicks, they lose. This is a win in name only. Nothing has changed.
December 11th, 2023 at 3:41 pm
Check the TV maps for this team. Tell me if the nation of football fans has any interest in watching what the Bucs are producing. They won’t even show the Bucs to Orlando. Pretty telling.
December 11th, 2023 at 3:52 pm
Devin White is turning into Devin Bush( remember him).
December 11th, 2023 at 4:04 pm
“Style points don’t matter”
December 11th, 2023 at 4:14 pm
Blah Blah Blah. Shut up and beat the Packers. Do that and division is in the bag and the head bags are avoided. Time to win 4 in a row and head for post season. The less he says the better. There are glimmers of hope for this season now.
December 11th, 2023 at 4:24 pm
TonyMarks says it does for real fans
Your not a real Tampa fan for one your a baker fan and it’s pretty obvious. Unlike you I want what’s best for the team now and the future, which is the coaching staff getting fired. Hiring a real coach who doesn’t play conservative every game, and better qb play than just average. If we go to playoffs which I don’t see this team doing, we will lose the first match up. Then Bowles might stay for another year which would be terrible. You keep on enjoy a win that shouldn’t have even been one tho and liking mediocre ass offense lol
December 11th, 2023 at 4:34 pm
TonyMarks says it is for real fans
Your far from a real fan of Tampa, your a baker fan and would massage him after every game if he let you
December 11th, 2023 at 4:45 pm
The Bowles coaching method is growing old, that’s for sure. Growing up? Naa. Desmond Ridder three for 350’yards against the alleged defensive mastermind.
No, Todd, Bucs are winning games in spite of you. Your zone bust defense is epic fail.
December 11th, 2023 at 5:53 pm
I don,t really understand why so many people are vicious and negative on this board. Who hurt you man? After losing the GOAT to retirement we all knew it was going to be tough to replace Tom with no money to spend. Licht took a chance on a Rams reclamation project. It helped the Browns are notorious for making lousy decisions. See Watson. It is not The Bucs fault that they are in a crappy division. It just gave Canales and Baker time to reform the offense for a payoff this season as opposed to the usual next season in most divisions. just like NCAA basketball just make the dance and everyone has a chance in a single elimination tournament. We can be this years Loyola of Chicago or FAU for that matter.
December 11th, 2023 at 6:26 pm
Todd had a losing record with the goat and got blown out, steamrolled by Dak when Dak was playing like Dilfer. This year’s Dak is in the discussion for MVP.
And don’t get me started about Todd blowing the playoff comeback against the Rams.
Todd is a loser. Has been. Will always be.
December 11th, 2023 at 8:29 pm
R-O
I’m enjoying our debates because you eschew stupid nicknames and post facts.
It’s your OPINIONS that I love to debate but I respect that as well, just sometimes disagree.
Your original post was about how the Bucs will do next year. My response was that NOBODY knows. I conceded that I’m in the minority, however I’ve not defended Bowles, his strategy is simply outdated in a league where the people in charge WANT more OFFENSE. I hear them and so Bowles should go.
But to say next year is doom and gloom is premature, if nothing more than the fact there is no certainty Bowles will be back.
Let’s assume the very worst for the Bowles haters. The Bucs win out, finish on a high note and somehow pull an upset in the first round of the playoffs. I know I know, don’t bet the house on that, but factually it COULD happen even if it’s a long shot and remember I’m talking worst case scenario for those who want Bowles gone.
Under that scenario I honestly do not know what the Glazers would do. Again just too many variables. A successful coach who has an antiquated strategy.
Are they “forced” to keep Bowles if he wins out, even with a first round W?
Perhaps but again outside factors might intervene…IF they could miraculously secure Harbaugh would that impact their decision?
What if they called in Jason and Bowles and laid down the law. Name a DC and delegate, and STOP playing not to lose and return to a more aggressive offense?
That latter is the only way I could be lured into accepting Bowles staying regardless of the team’s performance.
December 11th, 2023 at 9:17 pm
The youngsters are getting better. Almost all of them seem to contribute now, down the stretch. Mayweather made a real nice play Sunday.
If Bowles and Baker get them to nine wins, they should bring back the whole crew, except D White, maybe. Another strong draft and they’ll be loaded enough to win with a solid QB.
December 11th, 2023 at 10:15 pm
Conner50 Says:
December 11th, 2023 at 4:24 pm
TonyMarks says it does for real fans
Your not a real Tampa fan for one your a baker fan and it’s pretty obvious.
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LOL…Unfortunately for you kid I stopped long ago caring what Non fans like you think. I’ve seen you kiddies wish for bucs players to get injured, the team to get embarassed on Thursday Night national TV and now fake “fans” like you salty because your team won and is leading in the division
You callin me not a bucs fan is like psych ward patients of a mental institution calling me crazy
Its just HILARIOUS
GO BAKE
Go BUCS
oh and
KYLE SUCKS
December 11th, 2023 at 10:23 pm
stpetebucfan Says:
Under that scenario I honestly do not know what the Glazers would do. Again just too many variables. A successful coach who has an antiquated strategy.
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I think that scenario woud be a no brainer. The Glazers would keep Bowles. A win in theplayoffs with a first year offense and OC and under slary cap considerations all year? When the expecation was 4 wins? Unless some big name expressed an definite interest it would be a lock.
December 11th, 2023 at 11:19 pm
Tony, I get it you’re a huge bucs fan…. But you honestly think having 9 players on D in the red zone is good for this team and it’s success? Who’s the d coordinator? If you’re such a real fan wouldn’t you agree this organization can find a better leader than TB? He’s Lovie 2.0
December 12th, 2023 at 11:14 am
Tony
I agree. I think it would take a Harbaugh level hire to move the Glazers and doubtful he’s looking to come to Tampa.
December 12th, 2023 at 1:05 pm
TonyMarks
Your not a real fan plain and simple say whatever you want but your a joke. Settle for a mediocre qb and wins that shouldn’t have been lmao. Got your head so far up bakers ass that you can’t even tell that the team has struggled all year, you just meat ride mayfield every week and worship the dude. Go root for the saints ya bum
December 13th, 2023 at 1:24 pm
They beat a lowly Panthers squad and an Atlanta team that made too many mistakes. If Atlanta hits those field goals they miased we would be talking termination for Bowles. When this team beats a quality opponent, I’ll be optomistic. Right now, they can barely take the trash to the curb!