Behind The “Fire Bowles Frenzy”
November 19th, 2024
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
There are a lot of arrows trained on Todd Bowles as the primary culprit for Tampa Bay’s 4-6 start.
That’s understandable because NFL head coaches take most of the heat when a team struggles. Four consecutive losses have triggered a “Fire Bowles” frenzy and Buc Nation appears eager for a change at the top.
And while Bowles has surely made his share of mistakes during this extended tailspin, there’s one question begging for an answer:
Why is Jason Licht getting a pass?
Ira Kaufman says GM Jason Licht is a slam dunk for the Buccaneers Ring of Honor, but Kaufman maintains Licht is on the hook for some 2024 failures.
You’re not going to read another article in this market regarding Licht’s role in this franchise crisis. Unlike Bowles, his job is secure, even if the Bucs stumble to a 7-10 finish.
That’s understandable because Licht has made more than a few outstanding picks in recent drafts. He also built a championship roster in 2020 — and the Glazers are forever grateful.
But Licht’s strengths on the personnel side tend to mask some flaws that have contributed to the current malaise.
While Bowles is trying everything in his power to manufacture a consistent pass rush, he doesn’t have the horses to lead a stampede.
Licht has tried to draft dynamic edge rushers. Lord knows, he has tried. Noah Spence, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Logan Hall, YaYa Diaby and Chris Braswell were drafted to collapse the pocket.
So far, the pocket is winning.
Let’s remember that Shaq Barrett was signed as a free agent and Jason Pierre-Paul was acquired through trade. This offseason, Licht took a flyer on free agent Randy Gregory, who is now out of the league.
Without facing the challenge of an edge rush, even an immobile quarterback like Kirk Cousins has carved the Bucs up twice. The lack of an edge rush has forced Bowles to commit additional resources in an effort to place passers under duress.
Licht also has been a little loose with Glazer money.
The Tristan Wirfs contract made him the highest paid offensive lineman in league history. The Antoine Winfield Jr. contract made him the highest paid defensive back in NFL history — the first time a safety earned that designation.
Bowles has plenty to answer for. His game management has been uneven and his defense simply doesn’t tackle well. Only two teams have given up more yards after the catch and only nine teams have missed more tackles.
Buc fans don’t want to hear the word “miscommunication” ever again, especially with almost two-thirds of the regular season in the books.
But let’s not skip over the general manager when looking for culprits.
Before the trade deadline, Licht failed to make a move to help this reeling defense. He essentially told the rest of the league “we’re good,” even though the Bucs are far from a a complete team.
Todd Bowles’ defense has played hard but hasn’t found solutions.
Has this coaching staff brought out the absolute best from this roster? Absolutely not, but there are holes that haven’t been filled and the addition of Mike Edwards certainly doesn’t qualify as a game-changer.
Jamel Dean will be an upgrade on Josh Hayes when he returns, but Mr. Dean has now gone 32 consecutive regular-season games without an interception.
Bowles never claimed to be the second coming of Bill Walsh or Bill Belichick. His conservative nature gets the best of him at times, but he has held this team together through some difficult times. The 2023 Bucs could have folded at 4-7. Instead, they won six of their next seven games and played very competitively on the playoff road, despite a talent gap against the Lions.
That talent gap has widened this season, even though Tampa Bay somehow won at Detroit in Week 2.
There’s a growing call for the Bucs to do everything possible to keep Liam Coen, so impressive as an offensive coordinator. Rookies Bucky Irving and Graham Barton have played key roles for an attack that averages 28 points.
“Let’s dump Bowles and bump Coen up to head coach” is a popular refrain.
When the Glazers elevated Dirk Koetter from OC to head coach in 2016, fans rejoiced. Three years and 29 losses later, it was apparent the Koetter experiment had failed.
One day, Licht will justifiably enter the Buc Ring of Honor. Licht talked Bruce Arians out of the broadcast booth in 2019 and a year later, Tom Brady liked the roster enough to sign with Tampa Bay.
But make no mistake … Licht has misjudged the talent on the defensive side of the ball and Bowles is paying a harsh price. K.J. Britt can’t cover and Buc edge rushers can’t put quarterbacks on their ass.
Bowles has had an off week to figure out how to help an embattled secondary. The cavalry isn’t coming, so this outside pass rush has to improve from within.
Good luck with that.
For a coach who likes challenges, this one’s a whopper.
November 19th, 2024 at 12:34 pm
I would bet you would find a positive correlations between teams with lots of interceptions and teams with effective pass rushes
November 19th, 2024 at 12:38 pm
So Bowles needs a pro bowler at every level of the defense to field even just a league average rated D? Come on now that doesn’t smell right. First year OC with out two pro bowl studs is out coaching the defensive head coach. I don’t think Liam is the answer at head coach. ( he should get a raise to be the highest paid OC in the league) but a defensive coach like Mike vrabel would be a plug and play replacement for Bowles.
November 19th, 2024 at 12:39 pm
Time for the Joe’s to stop giving Licht a free pass.
He owns a LOT of this. Todd is Todd. Licht has totally bombed on a ton of high picks. Yes, he drafted some great guys. But he has failed on the dline and LB corps.
November 19th, 2024 at 12:40 pm
Fantastic article, could not have said and/or written it better myself.
November 19th, 2024 at 12:43 pm
Assuming this is the big article Ira alluded to in yesterday’s podcast, would add the following points that have been discussed in that same forum:
– What about player development? What pass rusher has Bowles and company ever developed, both here and with the Jets?
– What about scheme? Other teams (like the Panthers) with arguably worse talent are getting better results.
– Game management and real-time decisions regarding personnel (e.g., not giving Bucky Irving carries during the end game of the SF loss) have cost games. What role does the GM play in that?
All for holding Licht and his staff accountable, but assuming this article reflects a sentiment running around 1 Buc, the above factors explain why fans are gunning for Bowles.
November 19th, 2024 at 12:45 pm
Ira do you think Carlton Davis was accurate when he said Todd Bolwles defense is too complicated? It seems every year we go on a five or six game losing streak and then Todd Boles dumbs down the defense, so there’s better communication. I’m blaming Bowles It’s been a defensive collapse and he’s a defensive head coach. These are his guys. He’s not in year one anymore
November 19th, 2024 at 12:48 pm
“We wanted to stress special teams,” said Licht.
After the 2021 draft… how far did this set us back? JTS was in this this draft and he’s certainly playing like a guy that should just be on special teams so I guess technically Licht nailed this draft, no?
November 19th, 2024 at 12:48 pm
Thank you ira…….the John the Baptist of this board. As I’ve said, if Bowles get this team to the playoffs, a statue should be erected in his honor.
November 19th, 2024 at 12:50 pm
Maybe this is just Jason’s way of easing Todd out the door.
November 19th, 2024 at 12:51 pm
This group is awful at self scouting and they are loyal to a fault. Not every player drafted by the team can stay here forever and get paid top-5 positional money.
This is a top heavy roster, and the top paid players aren’t performing at their pay grade. Period.
Raheem Morris beat us…twice. That’s almost unforgivable. If the Carolina Canales’s beat us, pink slips all around.
November 19th, 2024 at 12:52 pm
Correct me if I’m wrong but Bowles does have a say in who the Bucs draft and sign so, if Bowles doesn’t have the horses, that’s his fault. Him and Licht decided that this roster was set when knowledgeable fans were screaming about the pass rush, LBs and secondary all off-season.
It boils down to this…will ownership do what they’ve done the past few seasons and keep Bowles so we can have an identical season next year? Or go a different direction for hopefully different results.
This roster healthy can’t win a chip, it needs a new coach and influx of good/great players.
November 19th, 2024 at 12:54 pm
Todd Bowles isn’t going anywhere if Bucs win 6 of last 7. The team has been competitive all year notwithstanding a non-existent defense. Glazer’s will have a hard time firing a coach with a 10-7 record. Many of the same group who scream for Mayfield’s benching with every interception, now seem to have accepted Baker as the franchise QB. If Licht acquires some speed at LB and a legitimate pass rusher in 2025, all will be forgotten and forgiven.
November 19th, 2024 at 12:55 pm
Licht has been fantastic.
They would be in a massive rebuilding phase if it wasn’t for Licht.
His biggest problem is drafting an edge, Russia. He has been unable to do it, hopefully Yaya proves that wrong coming down the stretch and into the next few years.
Losing Bryce Hall, who could have backed up Dean, proved to be a big deal.
Losing Dennis, who should be in there instead of Britt, has been a big deal.
Everyone always screams next man up… You can only do that so much. The back ups and third stringers are back ups and third stringers for a reason.
If it wasn’t for a cornerback and linebacker not being able to cover very well, they should be 7-3 right now.
It’s partly on talent and partly on Bowles.
They have seven games to turn it around
November 19th, 2024 at 12:57 pm
I hope Ira provides his point of view on this comment. Light as a GM has many duties. His primary role is to build a winning roster. I am sure he has final say on every pick. Coach Bowles is an amazing defensive coach (Ask Mahomes and Kelce). He must be in the room with other talent acquisition personnel whose jobs are to advise Light. If I am the GM, I am listening to experts on my team and Bowles is one of them. I like coach Bowles and I believe in continuity. If the Bucs finish 9-8, I would keep the coach. If I am the owner, I am not firing a GM who just won us Super Bowl by mortgaging future and still found a way to keep us competitive for three years after. Same goes for coach Bowles. Losing four straight games in the middle of two seasons is not acceptable in this Not For Long league.
November 19th, 2024 at 12:58 pm
Hi as usual dead on Ira!!. Yes we must hold LIcht accoundable as well. I guess the bigger question is who thought they could get by with Britt as the starting LB?.I mean everyone knew his coverage skills are poor and he is slow. Further, they knew the team was thin at the inside lb postions, yey they failed to look, or so it appears. They knew edge rush was an issue and nothing from the past performance from the players appeared to show anything would be better this year. The answer was Randy Gregory? Once the season started and the offense playing well, why was there no attempt to trade or sign someboby? So if that was Bowles and Licht well, there you go. My only other coment to add. I cant help but wonder why they did not keep Davis and trade Dean. I mean Davis played better overall. Dean at his best and fully healthy, which is seldom, cant buy an interception and consistently plays to soft. All of these are head scratchers to me. I was glad to hear you say that while the schedule now appears easy on paper with this defense any game could easily result with an loss, the way this defense plays. I just don’t see where the improvement will come?, Mike Edwards, ok!!. Well as you said somebody has to pay for this awful defense and more than anybody sure looks like the head coach
Thanks for the insight
November 19th, 2024 at 1:01 pm
Licht isn’t the problem. Getting rid of him would be foolish. He’s been one of the best drafters. Sure he’s had misses, just like every GM. Compare his draft classes to other GM’s and you will see we are lucky to have him.
November 19th, 2024 at 1:02 pm
Agree with the sage here….
Blaming just Bowles on this 4-6 is utterly unfair, even comic….
No CB, No WR, only one old LB, saftys playing like garbage….
Of course Bowles is conservative when he needs to take risk, of course his defense regressed, but thinking he is the only one to blame is unfair and inaccurate.
Some players playing really bad (winfield/Whitehead/KJ Britt/most of CB), and no depth on the roster whatsoever outside RB position.
November 19th, 2024 at 1:10 pm
Wow. Stay Together! To me Licht seems to have great relationships with coaches – and players. Nothing worthwhile easy and these guys know it. Licht has put together a young OLine that’s gonna be the cornerstone of this perennial contender. They will draft defense heavy next draft. But first they’re gonna finish strong. Of course they all have blame to shoulder. One missed face mask call and a 2 point conversion and we’re 6-4 looking at 12 or 13 wins. But your point is well taken Ira. GO BUCS!
November 19th, 2024 at 1:13 pm
Ok Ira you’ve convinced me…. Fire them both !!!
November 19th, 2024 at 1:14 pm
Well said, Ira!
Agreed, it’s not all on Todd Bowles shoulders. Yes, he is too conservative. However, the GM is also accountable. I like and respect both of them for the successes they have had. But what you wrote is true. Licht has to take some responsibility too.
November 19th, 2024 at 1:23 pm
“Ira do you think Carlton Davis was accurate when he said Todd Bolwles defense is too complicated?”
How complicated can it be, if opposing teams have routinely figured it out?
November 19th, 2024 at 1:29 pm
Then let’s keep Bowels but you have to hire a new DC
November 19th, 2024 at 1:37 pm
If they launched Bowles and Licht at the end of the year, Licht would have a new gig within a week.
YBowles would likely be out of football. That’s all you need to know.
November 19th, 2024 at 1:38 pm
The Sage is back baby! Hope he enjoyed a well deserved vacation! I think the bowles – Licht distinction is similar to the offense – defense distinction this season. Clearly neither side has been perfect, but one side has been generally serviceable with some great success (Licht & the offense/Coen) while the other side has consistently been subpar and underachieving (bowles & the defense). And as unfair as it may be, bowles is just unlikeable to a majority of the fans in a way that Licht isn’t. Sure we keep hearing how great he is behind the scenes, but similar to another top guy recently, people don’t care to hear that. They want to see the guy locked in when it counts.
As far as the evaluation of Licht goes, I’m glad he didn’t squander any future assets to use as logs on this dumpster fire of a season. That was the right call. I didn’t see anybody available, that didn’t cost the farm, that would’ve made a big difference. Plus I’m convinced that bowles’ D scheme is so needlessly complicated, adding guys midseason is a much bigger hurdle for us than other teams. Yes Licht has missed on multiple edge guys. But a few things on that: surely bowles was involved in making some of those picks, is it a drafting problem or a development problem (time spent learning to drop into coverage is time NOT spent learning how to rush the passer. Is that skill set affecting who we draft?), bowles himself keeps claiming, multiple times, he doesn’t need “a guy” that’s gonna get a bunch of sacks. Now there’s a difference between throwing a guy under the bus and covering for him. And if I’m bowles with the sword of Damocles hanging over my head, I’m not gonna go out of my way to cover for a guy whose decisions are likely to get me fired by said guy. So when he says that’s his philosophy, I believe him.
I’m not sure how much you can fault Light for being too lose with money when you’ve got a top 10-12ish QB making $33M per and a HOF WR making $26M per. Those are some darn good deals in my book. And even though he’s having a little bit of a down year, I don’t know that anyone regrets paying Wirfs. He didn’t even demand that much more than Sewell. You could quibble a little with the AWJ deal, but he had the right season at the right time. He single handedly (as much as possible in the NFL) won us 2-3 games we would’ve lost last season. Plus I think he’ll bounce back next year with a new coach/ scheme.
Overall I think one of the biggest things that will get bowles fired is his inability to adapt or change. It truly seems he would stubbornly rather lose his way than win another way. And that’s just unacceptable from an organizational standpoint. Things that seem so obvious to even casual fans (zone D not working, time management, go for it vs KC, personnel decisions, etc) just confound bowles is a way I can’t really explain. We keep hearing how the Glazers want to see progress. Licht had struggled with drafting edge rushers and RBs. He’s since seemingly drafted 2 stub RBs. Edge rushers hopefully next. bowles on the other hand… same old same old.
November 19th, 2024 at 1:39 pm
And…. the assumption here is that Licht refused to sign anyone. How do any of you (including Ira) know this is how it went down?
Perhaps Licht asked Bowles about some of the available players and Bowles – being loyal to ‘his guys’ – said nah, I’m good?
November 19th, 2024 at 1:44 pm
Licht agreed to hire Bowles. He didn’t have to do that. But he dropped that anchor on the franchise.
I have very little issue with the way Licht has handled the roster, save for a few kicker and punter fails. And he does need a DE and LB caddy to help him draft those positions.
Last one in, first one out. Bye Felicia.
November 19th, 2024 at 1:44 pm
Who on Defense has an attitude like Sapp? Or commands the respect of 55? Even the highest paid S in NFL history does not make the game changing plays Barber and Lynch did.
That’s player selection. Yes, they have a lot of humble guys. But someone needs to break a stick off in some guys’ fannies and it is not happening.
Stop worrying about “dissing” each other and start holding each other accountable for giving 10 yards cushion or getting blocked on pass rushes.
November 19th, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Here ‘s another
If Bowles had any track record of success as a head coach, he may have gotten more grace. However, he doesn’t- his record in NY was atrocious, with the exact same issues as he’s showing now.
And Licht didn’t ‘agree’ to hire Bowles. Arians manufactured that. The timing of Bruce’s “retirement ” all but guaranteed the Bucs had no other choice.
November 19th, 2024 at 2:04 pm
#1 reason is racism and double-standards. #2 is the defense.
The latter doesn’t justify the former.
November 19th, 2024 at 2:06 pm
The only problem I have with blaming Licht for the personel decisions is I’m sure Bowles had a hand in those picks. Especially the defensive picks, I doubt Bowles wasn’t on board with them. The other problem I have is how Bowles likes dropping his OLBs in coverage. Ira, you ever see that work? I sure haven’t. It’s one thing saying you have no edge rush, it’s another when they’re covering receivers. Bottom line is Bowles won, loss record as a H.C.. Do the research Ira, it ain’t very good. That didn’t change when Bowles had Brady, he’s a sub .500 coach, no other way to look at it. The Glazers will have to decide if Bowles can rise above .500 to field a consistant winner. I think he’s showed us by now he can’t.
November 19th, 2024 at 2:08 pm
BallHawk75 Says:
“Licht agreed to hire Bowles. He didn’t have to do that. But he dropped that anchor on the franchise.”
I would argue that Bowles inheriting the HC role was part of the Arians deal.
November 19th, 2024 at 2:10 pm
Bologna.
High picks? His highest pick in the last 5 years has been Wirfs. That looks ok. Next is Kancey and when healthy that looks good to. Barton looks good as well. JTS and Hall were basically second rounders. High picks people say!
Let’s go sign all the good free agents every year, would be great as a fan. Which 30+ year old edge should we have blew up next years cap for? Judon working wonders in ATL.
Funny that aside from LB, Licht did a lot to try and plug holes. LG and C were weak… Barton, Opeta, Brederson, Klein. Braswell, Tykee, Whitehead, Hall, Thomas added to OLB and Secondary.
I’m sorry… what are we mad at Jason for again? New players, same story with Bowles. Bowels is rightfully getting the blame. Dropping Kancey into coverage, not using timeouts, not being aggressive in key spots in almost every game this year and is more than likely the reason the team sits below .500 despite injuries. As someone said, Coen is putting up points minus his top 2 WRs and missing a starting T for half the season. Whats Todd’s excuse again? He has 7-8 returning players on D and they have communication issues and can’t tackle? Those sound like personnel problems to me for sure… what a joke.
November 19th, 2024 at 2:14 pm
Bowles has more blame. I’m sure he could have talked Jason into bringing in help at the trade deadline. I think he truly believed that he could get the most out of what he has..It’s a broken record at this point.. Todd is going to say the same crap every press conference..He really just isn’t a good head coach.
November 19th, 2024 at 2:22 pm
The 2021 draft was a bad draft for the Bucs
JTS and Kyle Trask have been non-factors
Hainsey was replaced by a 1st round pick last year
Jaelon Darden is with Jameis in Cleveland
K J Britt is what he is- a 5th round pick
In the meantime, Bucs no longer have Shaq Barrett, Carlton Davis or 2020 version of Devin White
The last 7 games feature beatable opponents- the offense , minus Godwin , needs to score points.
November 19th, 2024 at 2:29 pm
@Buccaneer Bonzai
I agree it was a back door move by Arians to force Bowels on the franchise.
But that should have been dealt with as soon as Brady retired after his only losing season.
Not a coincidence that it happened under the toilet Bowels.
Should have been flushed after year one.
November 19th, 2024 at 2:38 pm
Licht is alright, but they might have selected an edge rusher instead of Jalen McMillan. The whole last draft almost was all offense, Joe please….
November 19th, 2024 at 2:50 pm
I accept that Licht shares a portion of the blame and deserves criticism.
Yes he has drafted some good players but also had some big misses, like most GMs. After all these years has had not found a good edge guy from the draft.
It is easier (and correct in part) however to talk about the Coach and that is because he is coaching the players and the team.
I think the arrival of Brady masked a lot of the issues on the team. It made everyone look better than they probably are. Lichts recored without Brady is not that good.
November 19th, 2024 at 3:04 pm
Thank you, Ira. I’ve mentioned several times here that Licht is responsible for really bad draft choices. You seem to agree. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.
November 19th, 2024 at 3:21 pm
“”Todd Bowles isn’t going anywhere if Bucs win 6 of last 7″”
Just because they made a nice run after another mid season collapse last year does not mean that’s going to happen again. I wouldn’t bet a wooden nickel that they win 6 of last 7. Being they’ve lost 4 in a row and counting it’s more likely they lose 6 of the last 7. This team is lost.
November 19th, 2024 at 3:42 pm
Licht brought in 2 veteran edge rushers in JPP and Shaq…..talent developed else ware…..and with those 2 an edge rush. Eventually, JPP and Shaq helped bring a Superbowl win. Since those two aged out, what has development in house given us? Bowles’s defensive position coaches are his guys. Will Bowles replace those guys of given the chance? Reminds me of Dungy and offensive coordinators. Too loyal and unwilling to change. Many of us doubt Bowles can get us over the hump much like Dungy couldn’t get us past the Eagles. There is plenty of talent all over this roster to win now. But, we need better position coaches on the defense to develop talent….and yes….simpler defense that can function even if s starter or two goes down.
November 19th, 2024 at 3:47 pm
Who said Licht gets a pass? From the Glazers, maybe but not from the fans posting on this site. Certainly not the fans
November 19th, 2024 at 3:53 pm
Oh, come on!! Last year everyone was complaining about the O-line. So they fixed it with the draft and free agency. Also last year, Everyone said Britt was the second coming replacing lazy White. Everyone screamed to get rid of Davis, so they did and now the whining is louder.
Joe Buck’s perfect General Manager commentators suck!
How about we just cheer on the team like this, Go Bucs!!
November 19th, 2024 at 3:53 pm
Bowles has some redeeming factors as a head coach. He is a steady coach that can hold his team together. He has proven that he is not gonna freak out and lose the team. But I have to agree that his conservative play calling has cost us a game or two. If he wins out and we make the playoffs he will keep his job and we may lose Coen. Is that what’s best for our teams future? Starting to doubt it. Coen seems like a keeper and Bowles does not.
I will say that Joe was right from the beginning. This team has no pass rush and this team is doomed because of that fact.
November 19th, 2024 at 4:15 pm
I agree with some of what Ira is saying. We have been dead wrong with the drafting of defensive players. Clearly, we are dealing with a lack of talent, and that doesn’t bode well for Bowle’s defensive scheme. You can’t cover up the lack of talent here. Could you coach them better? Maybe, but maybe they just aren’t up to it.
In Licht’s defense, the cap was a mess. We had to resign Baker, ME13, AW31, Wirfs and there are others that will need to be re-signed. If he traded for players at the deadline, he would have had to fit their contracts under the cap and mess up our cap situation in the future – depending on the player.
The hope on defense must have been that these players would progress, get better, no major injuries and the rookies would be able to make an impact. None of those seem to have come true.
November 19th, 2024 at 4:25 pm
Let’s be fair to Jason, he’s not the one calling for edge rushers to drop back into coverage for some cockamamie blitz formation.
November 19th, 2024 at 4:31 pm
Keep Bowles!!
November 19th, 2024 at 4:52 pm
FIRE bowles!!!
November 19th, 2024 at 4:52 pm
Licht has missed some picks and there’s no doubt he’s got weaknesses. Running backs used to be one of them. White, Irving and Tucker are all hits to one degree or other. DEs are still a problem. Corner backs are still middle of the road.
But the thing with Licht and his staff…. They hammer away at it until they figure it out.
November 19th, 2024 at 4:53 pm
You’re my guy Sage but you missed me with this one and I criticized licht draft and roster all offseason so for me this article is super little late but I’m still putting the blame on Bowles
Apparently this defense doesn’t work without the combination of guys like Suh, JPP and Shaq because this coaching can’t develop anyone. They have to come in and be studs day one.
Dean is handpicked so is Zyon and the coach decided he didn’t need to draft corners. Licht doesn’t tell the coach what to do it’s a joint effort.
Dennis is the better linebacker but Bowles wanted Britt that’s why Dennis was the backup
The head coach has to be the reason Logan hall wasn’t given competition. Look what happened when Bowles wasn’t happy with the punter licht drafted and he also targeted Merriweather to cut.
The issue with licht is he thinks these damn undrafted free agents are so freaking valuable that he won’t make serious in the draft and in season. The 4-7 is why fans target Bowles, that’s just what I expected so he was targeted the moment he was hired and now he’s just wasting the youth of talented players
November 19th, 2024 at 5:51 pm
Licht has done a fantastic job in some areas and is lacking in others, but for the most part has done well. The one thing I’d be critical of is his obsession with high-character players. You may be able to get away with this on offense, but defense requires angry individuals who want to knock the crap out of you. The NFL is very physical! I’ll use our own Warren Sapp as an example. He may have been one of the biggest d!cks in the league, but he was a superstar. Suh wasn’t known to be a nice guy most of the time either. You have to bend your own rules sometimes to do what is best for the team.
November 19th, 2024 at 5:55 pm
I don’t watch any of the Todd Bowles press conferences, it’s as boring as watching paint dry, but I heard he said that one of the defensive players was “timid”. I wonder where the player got that from, with one of the most SCARED head coaches in NFL history.
You can sum up Todd Bowles scheme this year in one play: He had a 6-7, 270 guy who ran a 4.82 coming out of college trying to cover a Hall of Fame RB in McCaffrey late in the game on a critical 3rd Down. That’s not gonna cut it.
November 19th, 2024 at 6:11 pm
I keep hearing about JTS and Hall… If you look at who the top sackers are, they were ALL high first round picks. JTS was #32, Hall was 2nd round. Mebbe DL could do a more comprehensive study on that.
November 19th, 2024 at 6:49 pm
Licht and his drafting will be a big reason why this team will be better next year once they toilet bowles.
November 19th, 2024 at 7:40 pm
Still way more talent on that side of the ball than 31st and dam near last in every important stat. Don’t think radio has say also who he likes on that side of the ball
November 19th, 2024 at 8:44 pm
I’ve been blaming Licht for years for his terrible drafts, especially on the defensive side of the ball and the way he has blown numerous No.1 and No. 2 picks and got blasted for it. The 2016 and 2020 drafts were complete wastes of selections.Devin White, JTMs, and Logan Hall have all gone belly up and those picks are what are hurting the team the most. Licht best moves were in FA and the trade for JPP so why doesn’t he do something like that again especially on the defensive side of the ball because overall his drafts have sucked.
November 20th, 2024 at 10:37 am
I’m a die hard bucs fan ,but I’m going to say it now,it’s going to be close but no playoffs for the bucs this year
There’s undoubtedly going to be a game or even two ,like the Atlanta games and chiefs games that we should have won ,but won’t !
The defense as always will again be the issue!
In the NFLit seems that teams always have a certain identity whether it’s offense or defense year in and year out!
The Bucs were always Untill recently identified by their defense!
What happened ? Hmmm!
November 21st, 2024 at 9:42 am
I have not made my mind up on replacing Coach Bowles. There is a lot of football to be played and he has faced a lot of challenges this year with injuries. If the conversation continues I feel Jon Gruden should be in the conversation for returning as head coach. We extend second chances in the NFL as management and fans. I feel Coach Gruden deserves one as much as anybody. He has done a lot and devoted his life to the sport not to mention at Tampa Bay. I am not sure of the context of his communications that were so long ago but I do not feel there is a racist bone in Jon Gruden’s body. I vote if a coaching decision is in the future we in Tampa do not have far to look.
November 24th, 2024 at 9:48 am
What a disaster season this has been. The injury bug has been too much to overcome this season.