Evolving Todd Bowles
August 13th, 2024
So when Todd Bowles was the four-year head coach of the New York Jets, he was a big preseason guy when it came to his starters.
That was back when there were four preseason games. Bowles even had his 2017 Jets starters play in preseason Game 4.
“You only get better at football by playing football,” Bowles said seven years ago.
“If you get hurt, you get hurt,” Bowles said, noting risk is inherent in the game.
The Buccaneers’ head coach sure has changed his tune.
Most starters sat in Saturday’s preseason opener and expect the same on Saturday in Jacksonville. Bowles will rely on work in joint practices between the two teams on Wednesday in full pads, and probably an underwear football/shells session on Thursday.
Still, Bowles was a joint practice guy with the Jets and also played his starters in preseason.
Bucco Bruce Arians also liked starters to get work in preseason, even Tom Brady.
Something has evolved with Bowles’ approach, and Joe speculated this would be the look when offensive coordinator Liam Coen was hired this offseason. He’s from the Sean McVay coaching school that shuns Rams starters — and even some key backups — from taking any snaps in preseason.
Last year, the Bucs-Jets joint practice, the only one of the Bucs’ preseason, was marred by a lot of fights. Back in 2018, Bowles was part of an even greater fight-filled day when his Jets practiced at Washington.
Whatever the approach, Joe’s not worried about a Bowles team in Week 1. In 2022, Tampa Bay clobbered the Cowboys in Dallas in Week 1. Last year, the Bucs stunned Minnesota in its loud crib.
Bowles knows how to get a team ready for opening day.
August 13th, 2024 at 10:53 am
I think Koetter won all of his openers. Todd has too.
BA lost in 2019 (JaMiss) and 2020 (Brady’s first game, now worthless preseason games to tune up).
Three consecutive opening wins since.
Ironically both Bucs SB wins came after losing the opener.
August 13th, 2024 at 10:56 am
Just saying, I will not be surprised if the Bucs have a new HC this time next year..
And in all likelihood be better off for it… Especially if it is a modern day OC turn HC!
August 13th, 2024 at 11:19 am
You say evolved. I say devolved.
The preseason isn’t about winning or losing. That’s why some call them worthless games…especially season ticket holders.
It is the opportunity for starters who have not worked together to get that experience so they can gel sooner.
Overall, the team might win a first regular season game, but that won’t mean the center to QB snap won’t be botched 1-2 times, or the QB won’t over or underthrow a new target, etc.
These are things that could be avoided by experiencing those preseason games.
So not playing those games could delay team or player development by acouple games. And that might not seam so bad, especially in this division, but a game or so could make a huge difference later.
August 13th, 2024 at 11:20 am
HC seems to have a way about him that players respond to. That’s why he is where he is Tye. He will be here for the next 4 or 5 years easy. Because he knows patience is hard earned. And he sees the light at the end of the tunnel.And I see this tunnel staying bright for 4 or 5 more years easy. He’s just like the players he wants. Competitive players trying hard to get better.
August 13th, 2024 at 11:26 am
I don’t really understand the need to call out individual commenters unless they are a troll. It doesn’t matter if their takes are good or bad. Heck, I can’t tell you how many stupid takes I’ve posted over the years. Everyone does it from time to time.
It’s part of evolving as a fan.
And I’m not saying anyone’s takes are stupid. I’m saying I’ve had so dumb ones.
Trolling people is destructive, and we’ve got enough destruction in the world.
August 13th, 2024 at 11:39 am
Kenton Smith, fans are not patient. And owners care what fans think.
I don’t know how Bowles run as head coach will turn out in the end, but I like your optimism!
For me, there are good things about Bowles, and player to coach trust is one of those good things. The fact that he’s got such a great GM now could be the biggest difference maker from his time with the Jets.
But also, he’s only got the team one game over .500, and in the end, the win/loss record could doom him.
Also, if Baker Mayfield comes out and bombs…I think their futures are tied together with Tampa. So if that happens, I don’t think Bowles keeps his job…because he has proven his staff can’t develop a young QB (Trask).
I think being in a bad division has help ed him tremendously so far, but sooner or later, one of the other teams will improve, making it much harder.
But…we have some great players. I firmly believe all Bowles needs to have massive success is the right OC and the right QB…and maybe he has that now.
August 13th, 2024 at 11:41 am
I tend to agree with Bowles and the management on this approach. I’d rather have things to work on and chemistry still to be developed going into week one, then to lose even a marginal starter or depth bench to injury in a meaningless playoff game.
Biggest thing they can’t save the players from is tackling technique/practice. I understand limiting hits, but it can’t be at the expense of being ready to get hit (by their defense) and to tackle soundly (by our defense).
Really all I’m hoping to see from this preseason is continued improvement in the running game and in the OLine pass/run blocking. Starters…backups…doesn’t matter, whoever’s out there with the ball. It damn sure looked great against Cincy’s backups. …well the run/run blocking did. Pass block still needs some work…
August 13th, 2024 at 11:42 am
*bench depth* and meaningless *preseason* game. I clearly need more bailey’s in my coffee today.
August 13th, 2024 at 11:56 am
Bowles has grown a lot on me. I’m fully in support of him
August 13th, 2024 at 12:24 pm
Todd B. won my respect last season, and I was particularly hard on him last year as I didn’t think he was a great HC given his NYJ stint and the stubbornness I saw from him when he made obvious mistakes. I think he is evolving into a good HC and learning from his mistakes now. One thing he has is the players respect and support and this is very hard to do in the NFL. I like what Licht and Bowles have done to find leader players in the locker room to ensure the winning culture is in place for the long term.
August 13th, 2024 at 12:50 pm
Heh heh hehehe
He said hard on..
And speaking of Butthead, Here’s Todd. Ok with putting starting players in for joint practices where there is imo more of a chance for players to get hurt than in a regular preseason game. Full pads, full contact, and more uncharacteristic aggression to be had than in a more sanctioned environment, with refs, and cameras and watchful eyes.
Preseason games make much more sense to play starters for a series or three than joint practice. As someone above mention, its devolving.
August 13th, 2024 at 1:17 pm
Bonz you nail it.
August 13th, 2024 at 1:18 pm
Where can I get the Jordan buccaneers gear ?
August 13th, 2024 at 1:20 pm
Agreed, Bowles has come into his own now. I think because he still had people left from Arians, Brady and Gronk leaving, AB and Devin drama, and other hiccups along the way…, he now feels this his team, his coaches.
August 13th, 2024 at 1:30 pm
#AsToddEvolves.11-6.25ppg
LFG
August 13th, 2024 at 1:46 pm
Bonzai … ‘So if that happens, I don’t think Bowles keeps his job…because he has proven his staff can’t develop a young QB (Trask).’
Uhhh, where’d that come from Bonzai? Did anyone in the world think that Kyle was gonna start in front of Tom Brady? Doubtful. And when the Bucs had the chance prior to the 2023 season to get the #1 QB drafted in 2018 … with 69 NFL starts under his belt … were they supposed to say ‘No thank you; we’re good with Kyle’?
Kyle got to ‘observe’ under Tom Brady for 2 years and he acquitted himself fairly well last preseason (and so far this preseason IMO). He’s had the opportunity to learn from & work with Bruce Arians, Tom Brady, Byran Leftwich & Dave Canales.
ALL of them knew a little bit about QBing a team from what I’ve read.
He’s in a somewhat similar situation as Cincy’s Jake Browning. Jake came into the league with the Vikings as an undrafted FA, then spent 2019 & 2020 on their PS. He was later signed by the Bengals & spent 2021 on their PS before moving up to the active roster in 2022. Got a chance in the 2nd half of last season to start when Joe Burrow got injured, and actually went 4-3. Yup, back on the bench now that Burrow is healthy. Whodathunkit? Bad timing?
August 13th, 2024 at 1:47 pm
Meanwhile this past weekend, the majority of teams played their starters — but you know who didn’t, the Carolina Panthers.
So there you go, the Bucs and Panthers, setting the trend for the league…
BTW Bowles, you were 4-7 last year before hitting one of the luckiest streaks in NFL history of facing teams in the middle or at the end of a losing skid. To pretend as if you have some amazing insight, that you know better than the rest of the NFL…
You got a new offense, your offensive line in particular needs the reps after they were terrible pass blocking last week – and instead the paying customers and people on TV are going to be treated to more useless nonsense because Todd ‘The Brain’ Bowles knows better than anyone else how to win.
I can’t stand this loser mentality nonsense where you’re so afraid of something going wrong that you never actually do anything to win.
August 13th, 2024 at 1:58 pm
@Rod Munch – you’re harping on something that doesn’t actually matter. 665 players were held out over the weekend… that’s an average of 21 per team. The Panthers and Bucs weren’t the only ones to rest players. The Dolphins, Rams, Lions, and Ravens and 49ers who were all playoff teams with better regular season records than the Bucs last season rested more players than Tampa bay did.
August 13th, 2024 at 2:05 pm
Rod – I hear and know what you’re saying, but the changes made on the offensive side, from Jason and also from Canalwater’s departure, have me suspending my disbelief about Todd.
He knows he needs ten wins minimum with this roster or he’s done with football. Discouraging first series against Joe Burrow made it look like same old defense. First drive goose egg also. But plenty of positive signs for the OL, RBs, DBs and even ILBs. 25ppg!
I’m hopeful.
August 13th, 2024 at 2:27 pm
Dave Pear – I wasn’t worried about how the Bucs looked vs the Bengals – it was the Bucs #2’s vs the Bengals #1’s, and we all know how that will work out.
The issue is Bowles being so scared that something goes wrong, he refuses to take any risks at all – which is why he’ll always be, even in his best years, just a mediocre coach.
I get it if Tom Brady is your QB, and even in a new offense we don’t need to see Evans out there. But Mayfield needs the work in this new offense – the last pass we saw him throw was a terrible INT when he collapsed in the playoffs.
For literally decades starters played and got ready for the regular season – and now in this new limp wristed cupcake society people celebrate saying ‘safety first’ – when they should be mocked and ridiculed. It’s really disgusting – and remarkable anyone would defend this cowardness.
August 13th, 2024 at 2:44 pm
Dave Pear Says:
August 13th, 2024 at 2:05 pm
Discouraging first series against Joe Burrow made it look like same old defense.
—————————————
I think our 2’s did an excellent job against the Bengals’ starters. If it wasn’t for that phantom PI call that gave them the ball on the 5, they might have kept the Bengals out of the end zone.
August 13th, 2024 at 3:44 pm
Bowles deserves praise for being undefeated in Game 1s.
You can criticize people when it’s warranted.
You should applaud when it’s deserved.
Bravo Bowles
August 13th, 2024 at 4:17 pm
Evolve your clock and timeout management Todd, then I will be impressed.
August 13th, 2024 at 4:50 pm
Riddle me This
I didn’t bother reading anyone prior to my comment.
I was and will always be a huge critic of any leader that fails to meet expectations.
For all of us like myself, it is only fair to acknowledge that Todd has met and exceeded expectations the last two years.
Is it now fair to fear (while this new Todd we are seeing is awesome and truly nice to see) that Todd letting his guard down?
Or we suddenly have to high of expectations for Todd and the Team?
August 13th, 2024 at 4:56 pm
Defense Rules
You forgot the man, the myth, the legend. Tom Moore
August 13th, 2024 at 6:52 pm
Munch said – “For literally decades starters played and got ready for the regular season – and now in this new limp wristed cupcake society people celebrate saying ‘safety first’ – when they should be mocked and ridiculed. It’s really disgusting – and remarkable anyone would defend this cowardness.”
I know, right? How could anyone defend instituting policies or practices to help NFL players have a career without becoming mush brains or cripples before middle age? Safety first – bull$$it – Pansies! Bring back 3 a days and leather helmets! Crack back blocks, leading with the head!
And what about women analyzing football? Don’t get me started. Get me a sandwich woman 🤣
Friggin Rod…. Lol
August 13th, 2024 at 7:14 pm
Hasn’t Bowles only had the true starters play in the 3rd preseason game every year since becoming Bucs HC already? And even then it’s only a few snaps or a series for most of them. Seems like this is just more of the same.
Has he learned some things since being a head coach with the Jets 7 years ago? Well I’d certainly hope so.
August 13th, 2024 at 7:37 pm
With an 18 and 19 record he evolving into anything I saw some dummy up there in the comments that said Bowles will be here 4 5 6 more years. I wonder what kind of drugs he’s on or who has brainwashed him. He’s the worst coach in buccaneer history and we’ve had some bad ones. The player signed to him cuz they get away with everything. They’re allowed to do what they want to do. There’s no discipline, he’s about as exciting as paint drying. Toilet Bowles has got to go. Preceding this season I don’t see him with a winning record this year again. He’ll be gone.
August 13th, 2024 at 7:40 pm
Gonegator – LOL!
August 13th, 2024 at 8:40 pm
Rod – don’t give opium to a heroin addict! I’m trying to join team positive. Legit.
But everything you are posting is what the little drunk bastage on my right shoulder is snickering at me.
The offense is what saves this thing.
August 13th, 2024 at 10:10 pm
Hang tough Dave Pear! Ain’t nothing worthwhile easy! Team positive (the good guys) against Team negative (the bad guys) have been going at it for years. It’s not the time for weak willed teammates. We’re going to have to be together in this. We’ve got your back now let’s get this show on the road! Go Team Positive! LFG Bucs!
August 13th, 2024 at 10:23 pm
Thanks, Kenton Smith!
There’s actually a fun community brewing here. Lots of posters are funny, and fun – even if it doesn’t agree with everyone else.
That’s why JBF is the best team site in the business.
August 14th, 2024 at 1:11 am
It seems logical that the starters will get some playing time in the next couple games to do what a few have said, work on timing, line calls, as well as the new offensive install in near real game atmosphere, but before the real bullets start flying.
It would be surprising if they don’t take that opportunity.
Of course, not sure how helpful it will be – as the Bucs will not likely show much that can be put on a film before the regular season.
August 14th, 2024 at 1:17 am
GoneGator Says:
I know, right? How could anyone defend instituting policies or practices to help NFL players have a career without becoming mush brains or cripples before middle age?
————
Literally thousands of players played over that time. Provide me with the extensive list that shows this is a huge issue… I’ll wait.
August 14th, 2024 at 7:34 am
“Where can I get the Jordan buccaneers gear ?”
This quesiton needs to be answered, coaches get all the best team gear and it stinks!
August 14th, 2024 at 12:46 pm
@Rod
Keep waiting – lol.
It will help you with patience, like waiting for the starters to play.
August 14th, 2024 at 3:28 pm
GoneGator – Of course you have nothing, because you’re just another fake news cupcake who repeats what some idiot on the radio said as if it was your own opinion.
August 14th, 2024 at 6:56 pm
Geezuz Rod. You really take your trolling seriously.
I’m not going to do a bunch of research to prove an internet point to a pissed off old man.
Do we need an extensive list of cripples to prove measures designed/taken for the purposes of player safety and longevity are a positive thing? I’m pretty sure the NFL has some data if you were interested.
Btw – I was never talking about starters in preseason. I was making note of your generally negative views towards actions designed with player safety in mind, whether they are PROVEN to work or not.
Lastly, I’d suggest you stop with the name calling. I ain’t your son (let that one slide before) and I’m not a cupcake. Don’t say things on the internet you wouldn’t say to people in person cause one day you may meet” them ✌🏼