The X-Factors Fans Are Overlooking
November 23rd, 2024
Todd Bowles
So the 4-6 Bucs sure have painted themselves into a corner by losing their last four games.
Many, many, many folks are pointing at the strong second half of the season last year as not just reason for hope, but as an expectation the Bucs can flip the switch and return to the playoffs.
As Lee Corso famously says, “Not so fast, my friend!”
One reason the Bucs went 5-2 to close the 2023 regular season was due to Chris Godwin having some of his best games of the season.
In December, Godwin, had 155, 78 and 81 receiving yards in three straight games, respectively, to help put the Bucs on the doorstep of the NFC South title in December.
As we all know, the Bucs gutted out a division-clinching victory on the road against the Stinking Panthers to end the regular season.
This year, there’s no Godwin. He trashed his ankle against Baltimore and has since had surgery. Todd Bowles weeks ago cautiously admitted there is a scant chance Godwin could return if the Bucs reached the postseason.
Sadly, the Bucs aren’t there yet. Also sadly, no Bucs receivers have stepped up to firmly secure Godwin’s WR2 status, forget WR3.
Another overlooked hill to climb for the Bucs if they hope to run the table, or go 6-1 the rest of the way, is how is the defense will magically improve.
The Bucs allow the sixth-most points per game at 26.6. Last year the Bucs’ defense was just the opposite: The Bucs in 2023 allowed the sixth-fewest points per game at 19.1. That’s a full touchdown difference. That’s big.
No Godwin and a big-time drop in the defense are two major obstacles the Bucs must overcome if they hope to play meaningful games in January.
November 23rd, 2024 at 9:37 am
@Joe
Enough with the excuses about receivers being hurt. There’s still enough with Otton and Shepard. The problem is we don’t throw deep passes enough to keep the defense honest.
And if we have such great RBs, then run the damn ball down their throats!!!
Play action passing gets set up when you run the ball effectively.
But in the Todd Bowels era, you don’t play to win, you find a way to lose.
November 23rd, 2024 at 9:51 am
You can’t be a defensive head coach and have all the losses be because of the defense. Nice guy, but in the words of The Big Dog (RIP) AMF Bowles. Any team success the Bucs have will be in spite of the head coach.
November 23rd, 2024 at 9:54 am
Unfortunately we won’t make the playoffs this year and bowles will have to go we need pass rushers and db’s to be a playoff team
November 23rd, 2024 at 10:01 am
Maybe, just maybe, the Glazers will realize Bucs aren’t going anywhere with Bowles as HC and maybe Licht will draft and also get as FA edge and LBs next year..
November 23rd, 2024 at 10:20 am
Excuses are what you have with a two-franchise loser who’s supposed to be a defensive masturmind and has the worst defense in the NFL. A random coach off the street would have this team 7-3 at least. Losing all four of those games at the end requires a very special brand of ineptitude. We hasznd that.
November 23rd, 2024 at 10:24 am
BallHawk75 I don’t often agree with you but I do agree “run the ball down their throats”. But what we need to see is the defense winning a game late for us. Might be tomorrow, maybe the next few weeks. That may be the confidence boost we need to get going. I still feel real good about these next 7 games because our team knows there are no easy games in this league. And I think the team knows the stakes each of these games. Need 7 of 7, no other way to look at it.
November 23rd, 2024 at 10:31 am
Is McMillan back and healthy? I’m really hoping the return of Evans can mean some more success for these younger guys, and JMac really needs to step up.
November 23rd, 2024 at 10:38 am
Joe, you said the magic words !! I havebeen saying over and over. How do you expect this defense to magically improve!!! Yes,I would love to see it and maybe magically!!! it will happen. However, I just don’t think so and as I have said, who wants to watch this defense play in the playoffs. If the offense was totally healthy, meaning yes both Godwin and Evans , then yes, the offense might be able to score enough points to over come the atrious defense.
Defenses with the numbers the Bucs have usually dont make playoff runs, more like draft runs.
The good news, I saw tis morning that their are some good and affordable corners in free agency avaiable next year. I sure hope the Bucs make a play for 1 of them. I think I am done with Dean. He is always hurt, plays to soft and can’t catch the ball. It is sad when the fans and team ae waiting for him to return .. However , yes compared to who they have behind him, he is an all pro. Sorry to be so sour on this defense, but , I just don’t see any magic over the next 7 games.
November 23rd, 2024 at 10:47 am
Even if Godwin could return for the post season no way his family, or agent let him. Godwin ain’t risking another injury with no contract for next season. Bowles even suggesting it shows how delusional he is.
November 23rd, 2024 at 11:57 am
Not a wide receiver, but I would argue that Otton has stepped up and certainly could be regarded as the #2 option currently (assuming Evans plays) – especially compared to his almost non-existent output last year (until the playoffs).
We definitely need a non-running back at #3, though, unless they go to their pony package far more often in coming games, sending White or Irving out as a slot receiver.