NFL.com: Final Five Weeks Big For Todd Bowles
December 4th, 2024
The shadow lurks.
A lot of Bucs fans are banking on a wet-toilet-paper-soft schedule in the final five games will vault the Bucs to the playoffs and perhaps even an NFC South title.
However, playing one of the worst teams in the NFL on Sunday and needing a miracle to pull a win out of the jaws of defeat ought to sober up even the most devout Bucs fan.
Friend of Ira, Judy Battista of NFL.com, believes that soft schedule could very much work against Bucs coach Todd Bowles. Battista listed eight coaches that need to be looking over their shoulders in the final five weeks and she included Bowles.
(Nowhere does Battista use the term “hot seat.”)
Battista believes if Bowles and the Bucs get tripped up by one of these lesser teams and miss th playoffs, it may set the wheels in motion for action from Team Glazer.
Battista also pointed out that a defensive-minded coach like Bowles having one of the league’s worst defenses is not a good look.
Bowles is in his third season as the Bucs head coach, and they went to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons, winning a playoff game last season, the first since Tom Brady retired. In the weak NFC South, though, the Bucs have never won 10 games in a season under Bowles, and this season, with a cascade of injuries, the Bucs lost four in a row. They have also lost both games to the Falcons, and their defense, entering Week 13, had allowed, on average, the fourth-most overall yards and passing yards in the league. Still, Bowles has a chance to get the Bucs to the playoffs again, thanks to Atlanta’s inability to pull away in the division. An improved defense will be required. The unit got off to a good start following Tampa’s Week 11 bye by allowing just seven points to the Giants in Week 12, but on Sunday, the Bucs allowed Bryce Young to pilot a two-minute drive and take the lead for Carolina late in regulation. Then, in overtime, the D forced a turnover that led to Tampa’s winning field goal. The Bucs have a very manageable schedule, and they and the Falcons are both 6-6 atop the division.
That game in Carolina fully shook Joe. Before that game, Joe was beginning to think the Bucs could take care of business, especially with the Dixie Chicks imploding.
But that Carolina game, man, the Bucs had to fight their arses off just to barely, by the skin of their teeth, survive a truly trash team.
How can Joe trust this team in any game if that’s the way the team came out to play with so much at stake?
It wasn’t just the players going through the motions with no energy, save for a select few professionals, but the game also included truly baffling, head-scratching coaching moves like this and this sprinkled in.
December 4th, 2024 at 7:43 am
Time will tell , but do not believe for a second that Glazers will not look at Evans and Godwin injuries as partial justification for any resulting shortcoming.
December 4th, 2024 at 7:43 am
I think Carolina and Dave turned the corner. Know more after the Eagles
December 4th, 2024 at 7:46 am
The pundits say we can afford ( I disagree ) to lose one game, presumably to the Chargers.
If we prepare, and gameplan, the same way we did for this last game, every one of the five left are toss-ups. And after barely losing in overtime to us, the Panters believe they have the horses to beat us.
Our remaining schedule may be soft on paper, but if we prepare for it that way it will become quite hard.
And the search for Todds replacement will likely commence before the last whistle
December 4th, 2024 at 7:49 am
@ Bucsfan that would be justifiable if the offense was the reason the Bucs lost while Evans & Godwin were out. However, that was not the case at all.
December 4th, 2024 at 7:56 am
The reason why is not justifiable is that the problem is on defense. With injuries or without injuries they have been playing bad! This is the reality: we cannot stop anyone when we need a stop!
Just imagine: this D with last year Offense. How many wins would we have?
December 4th, 2024 at 7:58 am
Yes losing Godwin hurts. He is the ‘go to guy’ to keep the drives alive. But the DEFENSE is terrible. All teams have injuries but make adjustments. Once again Bowels & company made a ‘near rookie’ look like an all pro!
December 4th, 2024 at 7:59 am
I am not alone, me guesses, in wanting to move on from Coach Bowles. The sooner the better. The Bucs will always be just an average team as long as he is calling the shots. His history don’t lie.
December 4th, 2024 at 8:07 am
Glazers are going to have to decide, do we keep the defensive head coach who’s defense is one of the worst in the league. Or do we keep the offensive coach who’s offense is one of the best in the league.
December 4th, 2024 at 8:07 am
“””Battista also pointed out that a defensive-minded coach like Bowles having one of the league’s worst defenses is not a good look.”””
This is the main reason Bowles must be fired at the end of the season. Not the ONLY reason. Losing twice to the division leader in awful fashion is another reason. Having zero input or responsibility for the offense makes me ask the question What is Todd Bowles good at? His one claim to fame was supposedly a good defensive mind. Well that’s blown out of the water now. I have every confidence in the world that this team will blow the opportunity that still somehow exists to win the division. It’s what a Bowles coached team does.
December 4th, 2024 at 8:17 am
They have been plagued by injuries and the depth is , well depth .
There are other issues too , leadership from the coaching staff.
Go back to the first loss of the season, which was a unprepared, listless performance against a team that they should have crushed, just like last weekend.
This team ain’t going anywhere in the playoffs, even if they make it to the playoffs.
December 4th, 2024 at 8:27 am
They won. Get over yourself, Joe.
December 4th, 2024 at 8:40 am
I am a strong supporter of Bowles, however Judy is right on point.
The other way it could go is if Todd decides to retire if they don’t make it to the play-offs this season and/or after winning another SB. If we make it to the play-offs, guessing he will stay for one more season.
I believe Todd’s contract is up in 2027 and you must get three credited seasons in order to get paid your contract after retiring, unless you take another job in the NFL. I could be wrong though. That could play a part too.
December 4th, 2024 at 8:43 am
I think when you look at what Bowles has done for the Bucs overall it’s been decent. Better than average. As a head coach I think he has grown into the job. I think he has a good mentality for it. I suspect he is a good leader. Players respect him.
As a defensive coordinator not so much. From the fan’s perspective what I have seen the last couple seasons is a scheme that dares the opposing QB to beat you with proficient passing. Bowles scheme takes away the run…but he isn’t scheming a reliable pass defense. 🙄 nothing new here. And it’s been discussed, he diesnt appear willing ro shake up the defense. Is it the coaching? Is it the personell? Is it the scheme? Is it the coordinator? Tough question to answer. But if Bowles REALLY wants to be a head coach and escapes the chopping block this season I think he needs to be open to a shake up.
The reliance on complicated scheming isn’t working. Yeah, Kancey got a sack… but it isn’t 5 interior sacks a game with the edges dropping into coverage confusing the QB. Instead, the qb is sitting back there with extra pass pro dialed up and picking apart the secondary, especially the backers and Dean…or whoever is playing in place of Dean. I just get the feeling that a conventional scheme executed consistently ends up being more successful than this high brow heady sh*t Bowles is trying to pull and failing at. Yeah, if the personell were perfect this would be great. But the reality is he can’t even find serviceable backups on his own team to play becaise you have to have some sort of psychic mind meld with Todd to be a defender in his system. Christ…Winfield looks average this yr? Whitehead looks a step better than Ryan/Neal looked last yr. Why is that? It’s certainly not lack of talent at least not from Winfield.
All of Bowles defenders HAVE to be top athletes because they have to be able to run with wide receivers or fill the void in a zone as it shifts for extended plays. They have to be able to make up for the gaps in the scheme. The extended plays are a result of no or little timely edge pressure. QBs just aren’t rattled against Bowles…well, good QBs. He gets a few of the rookies for a game ot two, then even they start picking his system apart. What QB does Bowles own consistently? Jalen Hurts maybe? And how in the heck does Bowles find top 2% athletes in the NFL for EVERY position on his Defense? He can’t. The defense needs to be built for a couple top guys a bunch of average dudes and a couple of bottom barrel dudes filling in for the inevitable injuries that occur throughout the season. Building a 2% defense is ridiculous. The personnel doesn’t exist…and maybe the coaching doesn’t exist? Good lord…a top 15 defense.in the NFL this season would probably have given us at.least two more wins. Every time one a QB drops back I expect a completion now unless.it goes.toward McCollums side of the field.
Id like to see Todd remain HC. I think for that to happen his Defense needs a different leader. I don’t see Todd giving D coordinator up. So, if that’s the case…I’d rather see a HC who wants what’s best.for the team as a whole.
December 4th, 2024 at 8:49 am
We do know the Glazers fired Dungy with a winning record, but a playoff loss. We know the Glazers thought Dungy took the team as far as he could, and that wasn’t good enough. They went out, and traded for Gruden a coach they hoped would take us to the next level, and it worked. Now the Glazer’s don’t say much, but they did say they wanted to see progress this year. To me that would be winning 2 playoff games, not one. If we don’t win the division, or make the playoffs, that certainly isn’t progress. We’ll see how the final five go, but make no mistake, Todd is on the hot seast.
December 4th, 2024 at 8:53 am
If you think the panthers have turned the corner you don’t watch football. How can you turn the c corner with Dave Moore as your wr2. Bucs aren’t good even their top tight end was hurt.
December 4th, 2024 at 8:58 am
Joe, don’t know how you were expecting a blowout with Car. Yes, they are a poor team.
Joe will cut you off there. Joe expected strong quarterback play from Baker Mayfield. It did not happen. Two bad interceptions, plus hesitating to take clear running lanes in the first half, in addition to not looking comfortable overall in the first half. Second, Joe was not counting on two bad snaps from Graham Barton and a disappearing act from Vita Vea. –Joe
However, the team and qb have been gainning confidence over the last few weeks. That coupled with the game was a div game and the play of this defense , how could you think it would have been otherwise?. . This current Bucs defense is no where near a playoff team. Yes they still may win this division, because it appears no one is actually capable currently.
However, there is no calvarery coming to aid this defense. Their is no middle linebacker capable, no edge rush to speak of and the team is now signing Ryan Neal to the practice squad.
PLease make no mistake with this defense any remaining games are suspect to a loss. Finally, yes I don’t think Bowles’s understands, he doesn’thave the talent to do all the blitzing he does. They don’t get to the qb enough to rattle him and the secondary is to poor to cover. The result you see it on the field wide open spaces. I think we do need a new coach, scheme and some talent at edge rush and middle lb. It is sad t say we finally have an offense, but we also have a defense that can’t ssupport.
December 4th, 2024 at 8:58 am
Against the Chiefs last week, Aidan O’Connell threw for 340 yards and 2 TDs with a 65% completion percentage and 0 INTs. They only lost by 2 points in a hard fought game. Raiders are not a cakewalk.
I think the same goes for the Panthers. Young had won 2 of his prior three games coming into that one, and was a stop against the Chiefs away from being on a three game winning streak.
Every game in the NFL is hard to win. I sense some people bet on the Bucs to cover and are taking it out on the rest of us. Feel free to stay away or stick to moneylines!
December 4th, 2024 at 9:09 am
So was KC unprepared, uninspired, bad defense – that barely squeaked out a win against this terrible Carolina team? A little perspective please.
We all want to see improvement and a 9-8 season doesn’t cut it. Agree that winning 2 playoff games should be the hard line.
December 4th, 2024 at 9:13 am
The Bucs will win just enough games against these bad teams for Bowles to keep his job, then we will lose Cohen. Ugh
December 4th, 2024 at 9:19 am
10-7 but another first rd exit from the playoffs and I think Bowles is done. Frankly our OC is too good to let go and unless Bowles wins a SB, I think the Bucs prefer the younger offensive mind that’s remained productive despite injuries vs the aging Bowles whose defense has been on a steady decline.
December 4th, 2024 at 9:23 am
Carolina Defense did a good job confusing and pressuring Mayfield.
Bucs got some breaks with the Carolina missed FG’s and B Young inaccurate passes.
Bucky Irving has emerged as an NFL star
There are no easy division games.
Take the win and stop crying because it wasn’t a blowout.
December 4th, 2024 at 9:32 am
You people and your KC BS. KC has been in tight games all season long. Maybe they are not as good as you think they are. They have been lucky and have Mahomes to save them.
December 4th, 2024 at 9:40 am
With Todd Blows in charge the Bucs could very well win out or lose out and that’s the problem. There is no consistency with this team or coaching staff.
I would love nothing more than for this to be the last 5 games of Todd’s reign of terror with his Cover Who Pass Defense but I hate losing too much
December 4th, 2024 at 9:43 am
We’ve seen the same scenario play out before with the Bucs, when coaches like Lovie Smith and Mike Smith get figured out and exposed. You know when it’s hit rock bottom when the coach signs players that “know his system”, even though the player is terrible and the system is terrible (see the PS signing of Ryan Neal). This is where Bowles is now.
December 4th, 2024 at 9:46 am
In the podcasts I Know you didn’t think Panthers were going to do much but these are always scrappy games with them. Division games can never be underestimated. Also, one other comment, I’m not sure but I seem to like the bucs on the road more than I do at home lately.
December 4th, 2024 at 10:05 am
Well, since the Bucs are 0-12, let’s fire every coach and their assistants. Hurry up Glazer Boyz!!
December 4th, 2024 at 10:07 am
What a distortion of reality! Before losing so many players to injuries, the Buccaneers beat Detroit, beat Philadelphia, and beat Washington. Be careful what you wish for. The refs missing an obvious face mask in Atlanta, then dubiously spotting the ball cost them a game. Look what is happening to the 49ers without their best players. It isn’t Bowles fault that the defense lacks talent. That will be fixed this off season.
December 4th, 2024 at 10:51 am
Buddha: correct.
December 4th, 2024 at 10:54 am
The Ghost of Christmas Belichick is coming to visit Bowles soon…….
December 4th, 2024 at 11:00 am
Budda, I feel that your perception is a little off too. Having players like vita drop into coverage totally ridiculous. Having him drop back is the very essence of trying to fit a sq
December 4th, 2024 at 11:05 am
,,,trying to fit a square peg in a round hole “just to fit a scheme” is what is happening in Tampa. That is obvious all the way out here in Oregon. That is what the problem is. Can’t be fixed if TB stays
December 4th, 2024 at 11:08 am
Unless the Glazers make Coen the head coach next year hes as good as gone. A lot of coaches on the bears offense worked with Coen in Los Angeles thats a possibility and also Kentucy is on the verge of releasing their head coach in the college ranks thats the two main landing spots.
December 4th, 2024 at 11:17 am
This Bucs team has exceeded expectations period. They always play hard for Coach. 1-2 in OT this season with both losses devoid of an offensive possession.
The offense is just gonna get better this season and beyondduh
It’s all good keep it running don’t be foolish
December 4th, 2024 at 11:23 am
Buddha Says:
December 4th, 2024 at 10:07 am
What a distortion of reality! Before losing so many players to injuries, the Buccaneers beat Detroit, beat Philadelphia, and beat Washington. Be careful what you wish for. The refs missing an obvious face mask in Atlanta, then dubiously spotting the ball cost them a game. Look what is happening to the 49ers without their best players. It isn’t Bowles fault that the defense lacks talent. That will be fixed this off season.
^^^^^^^
You’re worried about a missed call vs. Atlanta, I’m talking about a Todd Bowles defense that got absolutely SHREDDED by Kirk Cousins. The same Cousins who hasn’t done much against most teams, but he made Todd Bowles look like a COMPLETE FOOL.
December 4th, 2024 at 11:37 am
I’m pulling so hard for this team. That includes the coaching staff. Hope we have a better punter next week. And make sure that punter is a decent holder. Maybe Trask could practice holding with the field goal team this week and finish out the season as the holder. Defense needs to just keep it simple and play every play like their hair is on fire. The right breaks and we’ve still got it right in front of us. Our offense without Godwin hurts so we need the defense to step up even more. Let the suits start working on getting us more defense this draft, meanwhile let’s finish this season like so many of us believe we can. Last game we needed a big time 35 second drive to tie it and a big turnover by our defense to win it-maybe that was just what we needed. GO BUCANEERS
December 4th, 2024 at 1:57 pm
joe – steve already disagreed with you on coming out with “energy”. it isnt like the bucs went down right away. not playing well is not the same as energy. you are the guy that says leadership doesnt matter so energy sounds more like a metaphor. every week the nfl crazy things happen and teams do better and worse than expected. its an ok football team overall. it was a division game, it doesnt matter about “talent”, all those games will be close. Look at the raiders and chiefs. chiefs were 9 point favourites but ohhh nooo maxx crosby they have talent! it’s the nfl man. get over it already and move on to the raiders. your assessment is off.
December 4th, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Algo Rhythm can play zone. Let me try again.
The Bucs head couch compiled a losing record over four seasons.
With the Bucs, he was known for defense and with a head coach (BA) who held him and everyone accountable the defense was pretty good. Not as good as his supporters like to say. Bring up the Super Bowl and I’ll puke. Mahomes was on one arm and one leg, his OTs had been cocktail waitresses a few weeks before the game and there were 5 balls that hit his receivers in the facemask that weren’t caught.
His record with the Bucs is 24-25. That is a losing record. Find me another head coach with losing records for two franchises. You can’t. It’s a performance based business, that’s why.
And then, his specialty – his defense is so porous a D-2 college QB could shred it.
Sunday against the Panthers was the last straw. Todd is done. Over. Cooked.
Jason knows.
December 4th, 2024 at 3:26 pm
Nothing about the Carolina game was surprising to me for 2 primary reasons:
1. Bowles’ defense, due to both injuries and scheme / play calling, has sucked out loud for a while now. He routinely makes backups and rookies look like all-pros.
2. Panthers had won 2 in a row before taking Chiefs down to the wire and losing. Plus they’re a divisional opponent, those games are almost always tough (except when the Saints used to spank us each season).
The only surprises to me were Gill looking even worse than he had been previously (which was already bad), and Graham Barton having probably his worst game as a pro.
December 5th, 2024 at 9:56 am
Just check out the Bowles confidence poll. Pretty obvious that over 50% of those that post here feel that Bowles isn’t the guy to take the Bucs much further than 8 or 9 wins. The fact that Atlanta is in a free fall should put extra motivation for the Bucs to pull together as a team and stop with the false starts and soft coverage. I found it totally unacceptable that when the clock was running down they were letting Panthers run outs to the sidelines for 5-8 yards and stopping the clock when they only had one or two timeouts (I forget).
Since he is the HC and DC and we are not seeing any improvement on the defense while at the same time the offense is effective with their best receiver injured is a sign that he doesn’t understand defending the pass with his own personel.
Surely the Glazers are watching and if there is a good candidate to take over next year, they are “all ears” listening.
December 6th, 2024 at 5:43 am
Take it easy Joe the Panthers took the one loss Chiefs to the brink just a week before