Bucs Defenders Not Following Orders?
October 29th, 2024
Telling words.
OK, it’s reached a point where Joe is starting to think Bucs defenders may be insubordinate.
How else to explain how this defense has collapsed? The same defense that suffocated a powerhouse offense [Detroit] that Bill Belicheat even said is virtually unstoppable, now can barely get off the field no matter who they are playing.
It’s really, really difficult for Joe to believe that a part-time player was this vital to a defense. Since rotational linebacker SirVocea Dennis got hurt near the end of the win over the Lions, this defense has been in an absolute freefall.
Even with the addition of All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield, the return Pro Bowl defensive tackle Vita Vea and pass rushing specialist (when he’s not dropping into coverage) defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, this defense continues to circle the drain.
How? Why?
We all know Bucs coach Todd Bowles claims it is sometimes “communication.” If that really was the case, a coach on the sidelines would be equipped with a bullhorn ordering these guys to communicate.
Joe’s heard all sorts of excuses but now it’s reaching yet a new level. Cornerback Zyon McCollum today suggested fellow teammates in the secondary are not playing the way they are being coached leading up to a game.
When asked what he is seeing falling apart, McCollum strongly suggested teammates are freelancing.
“It comes down to getting on the same page,” McCollum said. “Bringing that film study onto the field.
“[The Bucs are] being coached up the right way. We’re seeing it. We’re talking about it throughout the week. “We have to be able to carry that for 100 percent of the plays on Sunday. It can’t be 95 percent. It can’t be 98 percent.”
OK, it’s Week 9. These guys still aren’t on the same page? They’re still not “communicating?” What the hell have the coaches been doing since July?
The results appear that the Bucs aren’t following through with coaches’ instructions 70 percent of the time, based on the way opposing receivers are running wide ass open and the Bucs can’t stop the run.
If it’s true that dudes are not following coaches’ instructions (“communication”) they’ve practiced all week, then these culprits need to be benched. That would send a wake-up call.
Can’t bench the starters because they’ll lose? This just in: They’re losing already!
As Bobby Knight famously said, “There is no greater motivational device than the bench.”
And might these guys freelancing and/or not following instructions? Have they turned that dumb? Do they not retain well? Is it an act of defiance?
Or, has Bowles changed his defense so much that players are reverting to instinct and the ways of the past because it is so deeply ingrained?
McCollum’s words beg more questions — and answers.
Ira Kaufman Talks Defensive Freefall, Team Glazer Mindset On Todd Bowles, Positives From Sunday, And Much More
October 29th, 2024 at 1:26 pm
We could be running a 2-2-7 scheme and these opposing receivers would still be wide a** open.
October 29th, 2024 at 1:28 pm
The problem is the person that schemes the defense and calls the plays. We call him Clueless Todd in Tampa Bay.
October 29th, 2024 at 1:30 pm
WHITEHEAD is the culprit!! thinks he’s on the Jets still, he has been loafing big time last 2 games!! my 15 year old son was calling him out on Sunday and he plays JV’s LOL!!!Probably playing hurt…
October 29th, 2024 at 1:33 pm
In my very unprofessional opinion, it sounds like Bowles is defending his players and the players are defending Bowles. Either 1. the scheme isn’t good enough for the personnel or 2. the personnel is not good enough for the scheme.
Either way you look at it, a change HAS to be made, and that is where I lay the blame on the coaches. Regardless of how you look at it, it’s the coaches responsibility to recognize the incompetencies and fix them.
It just seems like nothing is changing on the defensive side of the ball in an effort to be more productive. It’s becoming glaringly obvious that the people on this site might be right and Todd Bowles is being to stubborn for anyone to succed, players AND coaches included.
October 29th, 2024 at 1:35 pm
The conspiracy theories start now
October 29th, 2024 at 1:35 pm
LMAO… A veteran defense and they are still talking about getting on the same page. Oh gee, I wonder what the problem could be. Certainly not Mr. Bowles. Such a great coach and not over rated at all.
October 29th, 2024 at 1:39 pm
The Bucs had 7 weeks of game film on the Falcons, including the previous meetup vs the Bucs, and the Bucs D was still unprepared. Cousins has 15 TDs on the year, 8 of them are vs the Bucs.
October 29th, 2024 at 1:42 pm
I have another theory – The team is preparing for a certain scheme of the offense , but on the game days, after getting on the field – they see different looks and hence freelancing during the games đ
October 29th, 2024 at 1:43 pm
Been saying it for years and I am going to continue, Todd Bowles is the worst coach in the league. He is below average at every part of being a head coach. How much longer will the Glazers subject us to his weekly dose of mismanaging games from the sidelines? Do they even recognize what a bad coach looks like? Do they like their coach being out coached every week? Do they like their defense being torched by rookie QBs?
This is a veteran defense and they are talking about “getting on the same page”…. If that is not a dead giveaway that Todd Bowles is a failure, then I dont know what is.
October 29th, 2024 at 1:43 pm
Upstate NY BUC Says:
October 29th, 2024 at 1:30 pm
WHITEHEAD is the culprit!! thinks heâs on the Jets still, he has been loafing big time last 2 games!! my 15 year old son was calling him out on Sunday and he plays JVâs LOL!!!Probably playing hurt
….
I agree with your son. I seen him whiff at tackles and barely trying to run guys down…. flat out embarrassing.
I don’t think Zyon is wrong.
October 29th, 2024 at 1:45 pm
I’ve seen this a lot, especially in youth sports. One guy gets out of position, on purpose or accident, and someone else tries to make up for it. Now you have two guys out of position. If that cascades then you reach the level of incompetence known to professional observers as “Bucs defense”.
October 29th, 2024 at 1:53 pm
But…”Cousins is a statue with a freshly repaired achilles…”
Tired of JTS’s one move, running around the left tackle. He needs to develop a bull rush or an inside rip. Every play, you see JTS running around the back side of the QB.
October 29th, 2024 at 1:54 pm
The players must finally be waking up to the reality that their DC/HC is out of touch with today’s game and tired of listening to a loser!
October 29th, 2024 at 1:55 pm
You canât believe anything Bowels says. He is as disingenuous as a politician.
October 29th, 2024 at 1:57 pm
Tye Says:
October 29th, 2024 at 1:54 pm
The players must finally be waking up to the reality that their DC/HC is out of touch with todayâs game and tired of listening to a loser!
…..
Didn’t read the article did you. Zyon is saying they are being prep correctly it falls on the players doing what they are suppose to do.
October 29th, 2024 at 1:59 pm
Letâs not pretend itâs the same guys out there because itâs not. We didnât have merriweather covering Pitts then. We donât have funderburkenstock or whoever else out there. We have guys covering people that havenât covered anyone in the nfl. Dennis is out , david gets hurt and stays in the game and Britt is a stiff
October 29th, 2024 at 2:00 pm
This is exactly what you would want your players to say. Taking responsibility even if it is not them. They’re not gonna throw Bowles under the bus and if they do we have a bigger issue. At the end of the day they HAVE to respect Bowles.
October 29th, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Didnât read the article did you. Zyon is saying they are being prep correctly it falls on the players doing what they are suppose to do.
———
This is a silly statement because it implies the players are stupid. So either our whole defense is stupid or they are not being prepped correctly. Considering this is a problem they’ve had ever since Bowles took over as HC then I think the choice is pretty obvious. Its pretty clear to me the players love the guy and will defend him. But loving him doesnt make him a good coach.
October 29th, 2024 at 2:01 pm
Insubordination is akin to mutiny, and not the sanctioned kind.
YIKES.
Fix it, Coach!!!!!
October 29th, 2024 at 2:10 pm
See:Upstate NY BUC Says
WHITEHEAD is the culprit!! thinks heâs on the Jets still, he has been loafing big time last 2 games!! my 15 year old son was calling him out on Sunday and he plays JVâs LOL!!!Probably playing hurtâŚ
October 29th, 2024 at 2:10 pm
These guys better start playing as if THEIR JOBS and NFL CAREERS are on the line⌠Because, THEY ARE. They better wake TF UP and realize this SOON⌠Because, this is just the ârealityâ of their situation of being in THE NFL. Here Today⌠GONE Tomorrow. Everyone is replaceable.
October 29th, 2024 at 2:12 pm
The soft zone defense literally calls for them to just stand around.
This is on Bowles.
In the Eagles game, where they were playing aggressively, not passively, they didn’t have these issues. But most weeks it’s just standing around in a zone and reacting once the other team has already made their play.
October 29th, 2024 at 2:14 pm
If defenders are free lancing then I can foresee history repeating itself for Coach Bowles. He’ll lose the locker room and get fired just like what happened with the Jets.
October 29th, 2024 at 2:29 pm
Have todayâs modern day offenses just surpassed Bowlesâ overall defensive philosophy!? I know that all of the colleges have had to majorly adjust through the years, in order to stay ahead, & to keep up⌠Those same offenses are now littering the NFL. âBend but not breakâ is fine, as long as you DONâT BREAK by giving up the BIG-PLAY, & can get off the field on 3rd Down, creating pressure and turnovers. Something is not right⌠Maybe, just maybe, we have A LOT of bad players!? Whatever it is, it is definitely a TEAM effort.
October 29th, 2024 at 2:31 pm
They look too lost out there for it to be freelancing. Really seems like they don’t understand their assignments in zone defense and that’s on coaching and if the players are too stupid to grasp the scheme that’s on coaching and Jason cuz you guys built this team.
October 29th, 2024 at 2:34 pm
Giving up 463 yards of total offense to a team is not suffocating them Joe.
October 29th, 2024 at 2:41 pm
So i think this is a combination of things. 1) injuries and guys rotating in and out. They have had more than their fair share of starters out…oh look now on offense too but that has an impact. 2) guys are pressing and trying to do too much. Its well intentioned and great if it works out….but if it doesnt…huge plays happen. Ive seen alot of blown coverages of late outside the buc games so not just them. Atlanta has our # for some reason. Cousins despite being a statue is pretty good and their oline has given him just enough time. I was disappointed the bucs didnt blitz more in the middle of that ATL game. They had success early and late
October 29th, 2024 at 2:42 pm
what if:
the defense has secretly created a gambling ring, and they all throw 500 beans each in the pot every sunday…
and the guy who finds the best pair of gazongas in the stands wins the pot…?
so half the time these boys are just looking in the stands for a huge pair of tetas…
no one is listening to coaches when trying to spot chest meat in the stands…
houston we have a problem!
October 29th, 2024 at 2:53 pm
If thatâs the case itâs a serious indictment of Bowles. It means they donât trust the calls he is making. If the players donât believe the coach is putting them in a place to be successful, they will try to over compensate. Given the fact that the defense has been laughable the past month Iâm not surprised players are looking for their own answers.
October 29th, 2024 at 2:53 pm
with our defense having totally collapsed, it’s ironic that robert saleh is out there floating about as a packer’s consultant…
that dude is a top flight d-coordinator…
our defense has collapsed like the roman empire, and it’s like there are no answers or tweaks to be had
October 29th, 2024 at 2:55 pm
The Ravens got Diontae Johnson and a 6th from the Panthers for a 5th rounder.
Man, why are the Bucs needing to give up half their team to get a WR, while other teams can get things done by just swapping a very late 5th for a very early 6th?
October 29th, 2024 at 2:56 pm
I believe it’s a combination of skills / matchups / speed / fear. ATL have one of the fastest TEs in the league. Mooney is a fast WRs and London isn’t shabby.
Eagles were w/o their speedy WRs and their TE is not fast.
Believe our rook is playing cautionary and JW3 and AW31 are trying to compensate w/o Dean’s speed. Definitely some scheme issues but they aren’t challenging people and when they do….Mooney burned them w/ AW31 out of position. Trying to help others, leaving Pitts wide open.
October 29th, 2024 at 2:58 pm
Itâs not insubordination Joe. Itâs a lack of having enough experience to automatically execute according to the way they are being coached. As soon as that happens the defense will play much better. Coach Bowles knows the capabilities of his defensive players. He believes they have the athletic ability to get it done, or they wouldnât be out there playing against NFL opponents.
Go Bucs !!
October 29th, 2024 at 2:58 pm
That is unbelievable. Diontae Johnson could have stepped in and been the #1 WR until Mike was back, then easily slotted into that #2 slot role played by Godwin. No, he’s not as good as Godwin, but he’s a solid #2 WR who is much better than the other options on the team (I’m not down on McMillan at all, but he’s a rookie).
Seriously, the Bucs didn’t try to do something when it was just a late round draft pick swap? Unbelievable.
October 29th, 2024 at 2:59 pm
@Couch Fan
I’ve been saying for years also it’s as if the Glazers & the front office don’t care. Even the coaches sometimes, too!
October 29th, 2024 at 3:00 pm
@Rod Munch – Licht is sticking to his long-term vision for the team. Anticipate little until 2026.
October 29th, 2024 at 3:03 pm
Baker Bowl Says:
October 29th, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Didnât read the article did you. Zyon is saying they are being prep correctly it falls on the players doing what they are suppose to do.
This is exactly what you would want your players to say. Taking responsibility even if it is not them. Theyâre not gonna throw Bowles under the bus and if they do we have a bigger issue. At the end of the day they HAVE to respect Bowles.
……
What are you grade school or high school. He is a grown man, if he felt differently he would just keep his mouth shut. I love how you guys on here project everytime a player has a different opinion than yours.
October 29th, 2024 at 3:05 pm
It has been said that âYou can lead a horse to water but you canât make it drink.â. Do teams necessarily follow their leaders all of the time. Getting teammates to be in sync is part of what coaching is all about.
Go Bucs!
October 29th, 2024 at 3:09 pm
I think the simple solution is to play tighter coverage and to learn how to gang tackle. The Bucs have had so many big plays that ball catchers catch in space but there isnât closers to tackle. Where are the safeties playing and why are these 10-15 yard throws turning into 45 yard touchdowns.
One of the problems is a lack of strength and leverage on the defensive line. Any idiot coordinator can get some pressure up the middle
October 29th, 2024 at 3:13 pm
I personally donât care what the issue is JUST FIX IT
October 29th, 2024 at 3:14 pm
Grab Mcvay from the rams. Chiefs Defensive coordinator and keep Coen. This is my dream scenario for the off-season. Joe, or anyone else, what ya think?
October 29th, 2024 at 3:19 pm
Has anyone seen that the Bucs have the highest scoring offense over the past 3 weeks?
….Todd Bowles defense is really let him down. He’ll be gone after the season if he doesn’t fix it. Or else next season will be Liam Coen as the HC.
October 29th, 2024 at 3:20 pm
Thatâs ok let them freelance cause at the end of the year they going to be working at Publix along with Bowles.
October 29th, 2024 at 3:23 pm
Rod – agree but that aint Lichts style, and frankly – no moves signals what they REALLY think of this team, which isn’t a superbowl contender.
October 29th, 2024 at 3:28 pm
Christian Izien – UDFA
Keveon Merriweather – UDFA
Zyon McCollum – 5th round draft pick
Josh Hayes- 6th round draft pick
Tyrek Funderburk- UDFA
KJ Britt 5th round draft pick
Antonio Grier Jr- UDFA
These are most of the guys we’re depending on
Jamel Dean- out
Bryce Hall- out
Tykee Smith – out
Sirvoccea Dennis- out
It’s a mess!!
October 29th, 2024 at 3:39 pm
Because licht values his picks too much we need another punter so that 5th round pick is worth too much cuz we need that 4th round pick to draft another punter that won’t make the team in a year or two.
October 29th, 2024 at 3:45 pm
You can lead a player to a scheme, but you canât make him think.
October 29th, 2024 at 3:49 pm
Solution to defensive end issue. Put Calijah Kancey at defensive end. He has the physical attributes of colts hall of famer dwight freeney. Both are 6â1. Then pair Brewrey with Vita Vea. Problem solved.
October 29th, 2024 at 3:49 pm
When Bowlesâ defense hums he looks like a genius. When it stinks he looks like a fool. If and when our defense becomes consistent Todd will retain his job.
Go Bucs! Get it together!
October 29th, 2024 at 3:55 pm
It’s Mayfield’s fault.
October 29th, 2024 at 4:03 pm
Big trouble on Buffalo.
October 29th, 2024 at 4:54 pm
All the teams making roster moves – Ravens getting Johnson, Chiefs getting Hopkins and Uche and now the Packers getting Jamin Davis are all playoff teams. The only teams that made a trade that is not going to the playoffs are the Jets, but they made an effort to improve their team. So let’s keep blaming Bowles and not looking at the GM, when you team is still good enough to win the South
October 29th, 2024 at 4:59 pm
Your right Gipper, all Mayfield’s fault. He should step aside and let Trask start as QB. Twice with Cousins the Bucs have proven, fairly immobile pocket passers are back in style. Rumor is, Bowles wants to put Baker in as our new pass rusher, he is way more shifty than JTS. For some reason Baker insists on being a QB. đ
October 29th, 2024 at 5:11 pm
LakelandBuc, you make a very solid point with the CB starters. The problem I have is with Whitehead and Winfield. These guys should be screaming out assignments and most of all making plays.
October 29th, 2024 at 5:32 pm
What is this, the 6th time out of the last 8 years we’ve this line? It’s like communicating on defense is like climbing Mt Everest on one leg.
October 29th, 2024 at 5:33 pm
LakelandBuc is spot on. I would also add JTS, Hall and Yaya are underperforming as well. Licht is going to have to draft LBs, edge rushers and CBs next draft.
October 29th, 2024 at 5:43 pm
Pelsbuc61, you mean again right? Way too much draft capital has been spent already trying to shore up this D! Can’t understand how we can hit on offensive lineman, but completely strike out on D lineman WTH!
October 29th, 2024 at 5:52 pm
Sapp and the crew use to say give us 17pts and we’ll win the game…Baker is putting up around 30 a game!!! So wtf is going on with this vaulted Bowles defense?? Sad
October 29th, 2024 at 7:07 pm
Kiffin’s cover 2 worked for a long time. Bowles cover 0 never will.
October 29th, 2024 at 7:16 pm
Adam from NY stay TF in NY u r a moron
October 29th, 2024 at 7:37 pm
Anyone watching the games can see communication is an issue on defense. Almost every play pre snap the leaders are telling other people where they are supposed to be. After almost every play players are pointing at each other and spots on the field saying you were supposed to be here so I can go there.
I watch other teams and their leaders have to make some adjustments pre snap on some plays but itâs way less than what I see the Bucs defenders doing.
October 29th, 2024 at 8:44 pm
I guess Dave Pear is taking the night off. You would think we were 1-7 with all this crying.
October 29th, 2024 at 9:38 pm
If you gave the defense an infusion of players with the talent of the 60 million in dead cap the defense would look entirely different and Bowles wouldn’t look like such an idiot. That’s not to say he’s the best coach for this team but the intensity of the criticism may be a little exaggerated. I’m no Bowles apologist. We look terrible…confused, out of position, poor tackling, too far off the WRs, no pressure. Did I leave anything out? Bowles needs to do better, but Jason isn’t helping him out at all. I think the FO has a plan for the future and they’re sticking to it. Much to our dismay. Get a player or two before the deadline. Maddening!!
October 29th, 2024 at 9:41 pm
Winfield? Whitehead? Izien? Undrafted rookie Funderburk?
I canât see any of them fitting the theory. Maybe Bowles it is the ends and edge rushers dropping into coverage on their own, lol. Zyon should probably pipe down.
October 29th, 2024 at 9:46 pm
Spoken like a young cornerback who wants to protect his coach. I like him. He isnât trying to throw his teammates under the bus either but heâll be more careful talking to the media next time.
October 29th, 2024 at 9:49 pm
JTS must GO
October 29th, 2024 at 10:04 pm
Itâs like heâs saying our players can fix this- leave the coaches alone. Players take accountability on good teams. Last week defense gave up 7 points but with safety only 5 last week 2nd half. I donât care about stats except points against. Weâre bad at the moment at that. Mayfield knows 1 less turnover we probably win. This maligned defense coming easy half of schedule will only allow 20 ppg. Mayfield is really ticked off. The offense will average 35 points from here on out. I can see us being the hottest team entering the playoffs.
October 29th, 2024 at 10:23 pm
Everytime KC gets the ball Monday night, I am going to cringe. Because I..like you…am already knowin……
October 29th, 2024 at 11:33 pm
The Bucs play zone in the redzone over 80% of the time.
The next highest in the entire NFL is around 50%.
That stupidity tells you all you need to know about Bowles.
Hr is literally doing what no other team in the NFL does.
Rushers rush
Blitzers blitz
Coverage guys cover
Etc
Erc
Not on this team.
Todd is still living in his glory days when things like dropping a DT in coverage SURPRISED the QB. It doesnât anymore. It actually signals to the QB where to throw the ball. So stupid man.
October 30th, 2024 at 1:36 am
Itâs not just ever one thing. The fact they havenât tried FA for defensive help though is to me the primary concern. Why not even try?
ILB is the biggest coverage issues on the team. What fool thinks Britt is the answer heâs a cheap replacement and itâs costing us big time in the W-L column. Itâs fine though because itâs not costing them in the cap room problem. I guess thatâs how they see it. SMH.
Fact is TB needs to be young faster stronger and more resilient on defense and weâre simply not even with the so called defensive minded stud HC Todd Bowles. Itâs taken a little while but some guys have finally stepped up but it still is hurting them when they donât play. No bench.
Kancey and Winfield missed how many games in total this year? Think theyâve only played in a combined what 5 games together this season. Weâre in week 8. Thatâs 16 total games together they shouldâve been playing. Why arenât they? Whereâs the money going? Logan hall and brewer have been stepping up but inconsistent to say the least. Hidden gems that are gonna need more time.
David is old & still holding his own, but still old and slowing down. Britt is trash and slow. Not having 11 guys ready to go and solve problems at the same time will always equals failure.
October 30th, 2024 at 1:37 am
Rod Munch Says:
“Man, why are the Bucs needing to give up half their team to get a WR, while other teams can get things done by just swapping a very late 5th for a very early 6th? ”
You are assumibg the Bucs are even shopping, and it’s at least possible they aren’t, right?
I mean, to use fans, we tend to think they need at least one WR, probably two.
But to the coaches, they might feel the young guys can be great with more playing time.
Maybe they are right, maybe not. It will take a few more crappy games to find out, unfortunately.
October 30th, 2024 at 2:25 am
Zyon is saying is plainly.
The headless coich / defenseless uncoordinator can’t ever hold himself or anyone else accountable, sucks at his job and needs to be fired an hour after they give up 52 to the Chiefs and 38 to the Niners.
October 30th, 2024 at 3:10 am
Rod Munch: Do you honestly think the Panthers wouldâve traded with the Bucs, being in the same division and with 2 games still to be played against each other? Please pick something else to whine about.
October 30th, 2024 at 9:10 am
@BillyBucco
“Todd is still living in his glory days when things like dropping a DT in coverage SURPRISED the QB. It doesnât anymore. It actually signals to the QB where to throw the ball. So stupid man.”
—
This is a big part of it, he’s not as clever as he thinks he is. He’ll keep dropping his pass rushers in coverage because it worked one time last year (I think it was Shaq that got a pick-6 inside the 5-yard line that sealed a game for us). It hasn’t worked since, but, hey, remember that one time it worked?
October 30th, 2024 at 10:00 am
Watch a Mike Tomlin presser! He’s no excuses! 15 years without a losing season and his defenses are above average without the benefit of high draft picks ! Cmon this defense and excuses are wasting good offense and the excuses are old ! Time for something to change!
October 30th, 2024 at 10:06 am
Sage,this team by all rights ,if it had a defense ,should be 6-2 at worst! Cmon man!
Also,JTS needs to sit ,they can’t do worse!
October 30th, 2024 at 12:04 pm
Itâs not the players itâs the scheme that Bowles is using and setting his up his players for failure
October 31st, 2024 at 8:34 am
What are yâall on frfr.. we played a ok team with both our top weapons out 1 for the year.. Even injuries on defense⌠Baker threw 2 picks, 7 I believe in the last 3 games.. also both Safeties left the rookie corner in a situation a number of times and we still lost by 5.. That has nothing to do with the coaches they donât touch the field⌠Yet yâall calling for someoneâs job.. the same people thatâll mess your order up in the drive-through⌠Yâall not Bucs fan yâall only ride and praise when we winning