Ian Beckles: Todd Bowles “Overachieved”
December 12th, 2024
Steady ship.
Reunited and it feels so good.
A pair of former local sports radio giants who used to unite to bring Tampa Bay area listeners quality radio are Jay Recher and Ian Beckles. Radio is oftne a dirty business and neither guy is now fully employed in the business.
That doesn’t mean the two cannot link up and provide quality content to the masses. Recher launched a podcast and he invited Beckles to join him to talk Bucs in sort of a reunion.
There, the discussion was about whether Bucs coach Todd Bowles gets enough credit for always finding a way to get the Bucs to the playoffs.
Beckles said he doesn’t know of another NFL coach who has “overachieved” like Bowles has with the Bucs the past two years, and perhaps this year.
“I don’t know if there is a coach who has overachieved more than Todd Bowles in the last few years,” Beckles said.
This year is another example, Beckles noted.
“Every one of our stars go down,” the former Bucs starting guard said. “Every one of our stars — both receivers went down. We’re still here.
“Both of our safeties go down. We’re still here.
“The great Joe Tryon-Shoyinka goes down. And we’re still here.”
Joe would have added Tristan Wirfs, too. And Jamel Dean.
(Rag on Dean if you wish. But when he got hurt in New Orleans and was placed on injured reserve, the Bucs went on a four-game tailspin. With him back in the lineup, the Bucs are 3-0.)
Beckles doesn’t think the Bucs roster is all that. So with the Bucs’ injuries, most coaches would put their tail between their legs and lose, he said.
Beckles has a good point. When other teams would panic and fold their tents, the Bucs fight back and find a way.
https://twitter.com/jayRecher/status/1866721892612100333
December 12th, 2024 at 5:17 am
Hate to admit it but it’s a valid point. I may get upset with the lack of pass rush and soft coverage like everyone else but we are always in it in the end. You can’t blame him for injuries but the plugging in new players throughout the year is impressive. The only thing I can keep harping on is the lack of tenacity from us on defense. When I see the Lions play I love that aggression and swarming football. That is a personality trait and that starts at the top.
December 12th, 2024 at 5:19 am
So it seems he’s going the route of blaming Licht’s roster construction over bowles’ coaching for the team’s issues this season (and I assume last as well?). As if Licht just draws these draft picks out of a hat with no consultation with bowles. I SWEAR some people give this guy the biggest pass EVER! So now he has NOTHING to do with who the team drafts; we keep hearing from Ira, the Joes et al, about how bowles has NOTHING to do with the offense… If the only thing this guy is in charge of is the defense (psssst the defense SUCKS and it SUCKED before the injuries too), WHY did we bother making him HEAD COACH? Surely it wasn’t for his game management acumen. Did Licht insist on continuing to start Devin White & Ryan Neal & KJ Britt when everyone on earth could see they weren’t the best options? What a joke. Remember after last season, people were calling for Tomlin to be fired? The coach that has won a Super Bowl as a HC, who has never had a losing season, whose Steelers regular season record is .639? Meanwhile we’re content with a .511 Bucs regular season record (1 game over .500), Brady’s only losing season, 1 playoff win in 6 full HC seasons, multiple 500+ yard passing games given up, making rookies & backups look like All Pros, multiple QBs having record games against us, etc. etc. It’s a losing mindset to accept this mediocrity. Overachieve my backside! Even with all these injuries & roster holes, we should’ve beat Atlanta. We also should’ve NEVER come out as flat as we did vs Denver, win or lose.
#nomoreEXCUSES
#FIREbowles
December 12th, 2024 at 5:46 am
he may not be the best coach in the league or even top 6 but starting over sounds like another 10 years in loserville, back to the dark ages
Todd Bowles pros- super calm when everything is going wrong, occ comes up with brilliant defensive performances, gets a poor talent defense to play above it’s level
cons- sleepy personality, boring, too much coach speak, sometimes his players lack motivation and somebody like ME 13 has to throw his helmet and yell at the D bc Bowles is not that guy
look how Merriweather came off the street and played really good, gotta be a good system to plug old guys in and they can make an immediate impact
im not the biggest fan but the alternative is too scary to consider and please no Belicheck we will all head to the skyway bridge and jump
he looks way better when they are winning
December 12th, 2024 at 5:59 am
If you like mediocrity then Bowles is a great coach.
December 12th, 2024 at 6:08 am
“Reunited and it feels so good.” Peaches and Herb circa 1978..nice throw back Joe’s.
December 12th, 2024 at 6:09 am
I’ve been listening to Ian Beckles for many years, especially on the radio.
Ian really needs to be in the field nationally for Bucs commentary because he speaks honestly about the Bucs along with Rick Stroud.
You “Young Bucs” no pun intended needs to listen to this man’s words of wisdom.
December 12th, 2024 at 6:09 am
The “great” JTS? Idk about great but he’s alright. Beckles has a great point but playoffs isn’t the bar that is set for Bowles. Can he get us even further than the playoffs is still the million dollar question that’s yet to be answered.
December 12th, 2024 at 6:09 am
Bowles is our Tomlin. That’s not a bad thing. Everyone just misses the TB12 bucs where wins seemed automatic. The bucs health are the only reason they are not the number 1 seed in the league. When Godwin was here the bucs were practically unstoppable, including the injuries on D.
December 12th, 2024 at 6:44 am
Wow…another Todd Bowl is wonderful fluff article. Great coaches find ways to win and poor ones ways to lose and Todd’s closer to the latter. Everyone seems to think the injuries are keeping us down and if that’s the case what happened last year when we finished 9-8 or the year before when we finished 8-9. Todd just seems to find ways to lose but yeah let’s get his bust ready for Canton..
December 12th, 2024 at 7:05 am
Goldenbuc, you may recall the team was 7-5 at one point under Brady during SB winning season.
And what are they now? 7-6.
Those ragging on Bowles are forgetful or ungrateful for where they are now with the losses of Goedeke, Evans, Godwin, Dean, Winfield, Britt, Smith, JTS, Edwards, Bryce Hall, SirVocea, Watts, and Whitehead, some for the year or extended periods of time.
This has been a masterful job of plugging holes and using duct tape to field a team.
December 12th, 2024 at 7:09 am
Keeping this team in the fight after the Brady years doesn’t get enough attention. Whether its the salary cap or injuries this team though ugly more times than not. Has remained in the fight.
December 12th, 2024 at 7:16 am
Being the second youngest team in the NFL means you’re in the middle of a rebuild. Very fortunate to stay competitive during a full rebuild, but I’m happy we’re still in a playoff hunt. For that I’ll give Bowles a lot of credit. Not happy at all about losing to the Falcons twice though. That was on the coaching staff!
December 12th, 2024 at 7:18 am
2nd Youngest Team in the League, and they could go to Detroit in the playoffs and win. Already did it once, they do not fear the lions one bit!
December 12th, 2024 at 7:38 am
Some of Bowles’ detractors will be unhappy with the tone of this article. It certainly has given me a new appreciation of our head coach/defensive coordinator.
Go Bucs! You can do it!
December 12th, 2024 at 7:43 am
Overachieved damn people are really going overboard this year and guess we have to deal with this trash coach one more year. Coen has single-handedly saved his job and now he’s getting credit for the offense. His defenses are consistently one of the worst and winning this sorry division at 8-9 9-8 is not overachieving. Haha some on you actually agreed. The offense has overachieved not the defense, they were getting roasted this year before the injuries and roasted like this last year fully healthy I’m not sure what’s wrong with the eyes. No one believes in stats or a trend since 2019 anymore just injury report it’s so sad
December 12th, 2024 at 7:44 am
Beckles is being sarcastic. He rags out JTS as much as he used to destroy Geraldini and Barrett Ruud.
December 12th, 2024 at 7:44 am
Can’t believe this is same blog group who 3 weeks ago wanted to tie Coach Bowles to a railroad track. Like I said then if team finishes 10-7 he is more likely to get a contract extension, then to get fired. Don’t know any ownership group that would fire a HC after winning division 3 years in a row. This article makes some great points as to how Bowles has had to juggle injury problems all season.
December 12th, 2024 at 8:24 am
@Pewter Power
The over achieving is on point because the franchise is NOT putting adequate resources on the defense yet Bowles is leading the team to stay afloat!!! Most teams win a Superbowl then fall off a cliff!!!! So called fans do realize in 2020 the Bucs were the oldest team in the league so when people call the Bucs fanbase spoiled they hit the nail right on the head!! Move on from JPP and Suh with no real replacements and this foolish fanbase expects Dline to produce just the same and if they don’t WELL ITS BOWLES FAULT!! Yeah the Bucs paid a few guys but they are cutting corners left and right for anybody paying attention to see CAUSE THEY ARE REBUILDING ON THE FLY but yeah Buc fan doesn’t care Bowles better win more than he did last year or I won’t go to home games and support this team. The average Buc fan is BY FAR the worst fan base in all of sports mostly clueless fools that don’t understand the Glazers went all out sometimes over spending to win that SB with Brady now it’s simply not the case and YES Bowles is over achieving with what he has to work with so the organization will have more to work with in the future
December 12th, 2024 at 8:33 am
Lets wait till the end to pass judgement.
December 12th, 2024 at 8:44 am
Nonsense. The 3-0 bounce back is against opponents averaging 2 and a haif wins. And even then, they were lucky against the Kitties. I have come to learn that Beckles just likes to spew opinions without really doing his homework.
Gipper – when divisions are broken down into 8 four team units, winning the weakest of the 8 is not a meaningful accomplishment. Such is the case with the NFC south.
Currently: Only one team above .500 – Bucs at 7-6
2023: Bucs win division at 9-8 which includes an extremely lucky win against the (You guessed it) the Kitties.
2022: Bucs win division with 8-9 LOOSING record.
If ever, there was a time when a coach should be fired after 3 straight division championships, this may be the year.
December 12th, 2024 at 8:45 am
Bunch of whiny, fair weather yahoos is what I think of the grousers on here. Bet they couldn’t survive 1983-95 when Bucs and fans were going through an actual Dark Age of DOUBLE DIGIT losing seasons. I think both Licht and Bowles have done the best they could with the walking wounded team.
December 12th, 2024 at 8:48 am
Bowles will always be just good enough to lose in the first round of the playoffs.
December 12th, 2024 at 8:48 am
Todd Bowles sucks😂
December 12th, 2024 at 8:54 am
RBUC says: Most teams win a Superbowl then fall off a cliff!!
WRONG!
Green Bay Peckers
Miami Dolphins
Pittsburg Steelers
Dallas Cowboys
SF 49ers
NE Patriots
Baltimore Ravens
KC Chiefs
All repeated or remained playoff teams for multiple years folllowing SB win.
December 12th, 2024 at 9:14 am
Don’t just pick a handful of franchises to support your point like the Great Peckers but put ALL the years the NFL has had a SB Champion!! I think you will realize I’m correct!! In 2020 when the Bucs won it all the Detroit Lions were multiple years picking in the top 10 of the draft to have the talented team they have today and they are STILL trying to climb that mountain for the 1st time in franchise history( stacked full of talent STILL haven’t won anything yet)
December 12th, 2024 at 9:16 am
The poor tackling is inexcusable and I believe is basic coaching to get the team ready to play aggressive and to deliver a blow when tackling…. this team does neither.
December 12th, 2024 at 10:37 am
*i have never seen the amount of injuries on a bucs team as this season
* the injury that hurt the most was Chris Godwin( should not have been on the field) that might be 2 more wins he is priceless to this offence
*for the most part the blitzes are not getting there winfield and d white from 2020
2021
*yes the head coach could use more fire you cannot change your personality that is who he is
December 12th, 2024 at 10:41 am
I usually dont agree with Beckles, but I am with him 100% on this one…..
I back Bowles 100%, and I dont forget sometimes he makes big mistakes…..
But this is a limited roster, no depth on key positions, big stars are injured and they keep on fighting, and being relevant…..
December 12th, 2024 at 10:45 am
Bunch of bullspit he hasn’t achieved anything
December 12th, 2024 at 10:49 am
100% about Dean, he’s better than most fans think.
Not sure I can agree about overachieving the past 2 years though. I mean they went 8-9 and then 9-8, and the former was with the literal GOAT at QB. That’s more of a race to the lowest common denominator.
December 12th, 2024 at 10:57 am
Let’s get real here—building a championship roster and sustaining success isn’t a straight line, especially after a GOAT like Brady leaves. Jason Licht, under a tight cap, has done a remarkable job retooling the roster while balancing short- and long-term needs. The Pro Personnel Department has found contributors, and the draft picks are trending upward.
As for Todd Bowles, love him or hate him, the man’s found a way to win two consecutive division titles with a patched-up roster of UDFAs, rookies, and injury replacements. That’s not luck—that’s leadership. Sure, the defense hasn’t been perfect, but when you’re dealing with constant injuries, it’s about adaptability, and Bowles has kept the ship afloat.
People love to point fingers at losses, but let’s not act like winning in the NFL is a cakewalk. Atlanta? Denver? Those are games you want back, but this team is competing, not folding. Bowles has flaws—every coach does—but the “fire him” crowd conveniently forgets he’s overcome more adversity in two years than some teams see in a decade.
As for overachieving? Look at the injuries, the cap situation, and the lack of experience among coordinators, then tell me how many other coaches could even sniff .500. This isn’t mediocrity; it’s a rebuilding phase, and we’re fighting through it. The negativity is fine—fans are passionate—but let’s cut the exaggeration. Bowles and Licht are building, and it’s trending in the right direction.
#PatienceWinsChampionships
Go Bucs!
December 12th, 2024 at 11:06 am
Cont:
Bowles is doing more with less, and anyone paying attention can see it. The franchise went all-in for the Super Bowl with Brady, became the oldest team in the league in 2020, and is now in the inevitable rebuild phase. Moving on from guys like JPP and Suh without real replacements wasn’t Bowles’ call—that’s a byproduct of rebuilding on the fly while managing a tight cap. Yet, Bowles still has this team afloat and fighting, which most teams can’t do after a Super Bowl run.
For those whining about defensive production, let’s stop pretending the D-line can magically replace legends without investment. The front office is cutting corners strategically to position for the future, and Bowles is the one holding things together. Is it perfect? No. But overachieving with what he has? Absolutely.
And let’s not forget, fans griping now clearly didn’t live through the ‘80s and ‘90s when we couldn’t even sniff the playoffs, let alone compete for division titles. Some so-called fans need a reality check: Licht and Bowles are playing chess with limited pieces, setting the team up for long-term success.
As for “poor tackling” being a coaching failure? Give me a break. Half the roster is walking wounded, and the other half is young or undrafted. Coaching can only go so far when you’re constantly plugging holes. For now, Bowles is overachieving with what he’s got—and if you can’t appreciate that, maybe 1985 called, and it wants you back.
#PerspectiveMatters
December 12th, 2024 at 11:06 am
whatever ian. cupcake division and mayfield always plays. he has the best OC. he basically loses almost all the close games, unless opponent helps him down the stretch. he is a great teacher/father figure to players, and keeps them focused on effort, but is the weakest link of the non-players on many occasions, especially in-game
December 12th, 2024 at 11:47 am
And yes poor tackling is a coaching failure when you never practice
December 12th, 2024 at 11:48 am
Ugh, first comments just disappeared into the ether again.
Oh well.
2022 – underachieved
2023 – overachieved
Critical game moment decisions and clock management? Still A LOT of room for improvement from the HC.
December 12th, 2024 at 12:34 pm
Say GUYS, Beckles IS RIGHT YOU KNOW. We are the walking wounded with several patches here and there. But the, “Great JTS Goes Down” line sent me into hysterics spilling my coffee all over my desktop. Thats a good one.
December 12th, 2024 at 1:15 pm
American capitalism is based on capitalism and meritocracy, it is what made this country great, it’s not based on Trumponian cronyism where if you kiss his ass you get a job you are not qualified for in the weakest manner. if there is a better candidate out there then hire him. If not let the underachiever stay in place, but just don’t hire another jag off just because he is out there. The Glazers have never fired a coach who didn’t deserve it.
December 12th, 2024 at 1:57 pm
He’s definitely not overachieving with the defense this year. He’s been a. 500 coach for us. Unless you think this team is devoid of talent he is not overachieving at all.
December 12th, 2024 at 3:48 pm
I’ve seen multiple people here say the Dline stinks because we haven’t put “resources” or “investment” into it. I can sure agree that outside Vea (still playing part time) and Kancey (quarter season missed yet again) who flash & then fade into the background, the Dline stinks. But between the 2 of them and JTS & Hall, it’s asinine to claim we haven’t invested draft resources (+ Vea’s big extension) into the Dline. They just aren’t good. And if Lee has said it once, he’s said it 1000 times, bowles has NEVER developed an edge rusher.
As far as the defensive “talent” argument: it sure doesn’t help (with drafting or FA signings or anything else) that bowles’ tired, outdated, figured out, bend AND break, gave up 12% of the 500+ yard passing games in NFL history, soft as charmin zone coverage, dropping edge rushers and 350# Vea into coverage, paying 2 man corners top 15 $ to play zone, defense requires guys to have 8 PhDs to understand. As much as it’s a cover for everything else wrong with this defense, that’s the root of all the “communication issues” bowles & rodgers can’t shut up about. It’s too complicated (and ineffective). When guys don’t know what they’re supposed to do, they play slow. And that effects how the top talent plays and it effects how the backups forced to start play.
All you guys whining about the lost decade are ridiculous. I was there for it too, but I’m not so traumatized by it that I’m willing to accept .500 record, 1 and done playoffs, 19th pick in the draft ad infinitum. And bet your last dollar that’s how things are gonna be as long as bowles is our coach.
December 12th, 2024 at 3:59 pm
(29th)Total Defense,(29th) Passing Def . (16th) Rushing Def . (24th) scoring Def (16th)Red Zone Def . (24th) Third Down Def .
You call this overachiever 🤣🤣🤣
December 12th, 2024 at 4:02 pm
We have 0 identity on a Defense that has a defensive HC . Enough Said
December 12th, 2024 at 4:11 pm
Bucs Offense (7th) Total Offense 37 TDs (6th)in passing,(10th) in rushing if you can believe that. (4th) in Scoring .(2nd) in Red Zone Scoring. (2nd) in 3rd down Offense.
You could say Cohen is an overachiever 1st year Both Star WRs go down.
But Bowles Beckles 🤣🤣 Cmon Man !!
December 12th, 2024 at 5:31 pm
No, duh the Bucs have invested draft capital—Vea, Kancey, Hall, JTS—but here’s the thing: young pups need time to develop, especially in the trenches. That’s why adding experienced veterans like Suh or JPP in the past was crucial. They’re not just playmakers; they’re mentors who accelerate the learning curve for young pups. A young 3 or 5-tech makes fewer mistakes when there’s an “old dog” in the room showing them the ropes. That balance of veterans and youth is how successful teams build dominant defensive lines.
As for Bowles’ scheme, calling it “tired” or “figured out” shows a lack of understanding. Complexity isn’t the enemy here—it’s the lack of execution. Bowles’ system demands high IQ and communication because it’s designed to create confusion for offenses. When it works, it’s lethal. When it doesn’t—often due to injuries, inexperience, or roster turnover—it can look disjointed. That’s football, not some indictment of the scheme itself. Dropping Vea or edge rushers into coverage isn’t madness; it’s a calculated way to disguise looks and disrupt rhythm. It works when the personnel and execution align!!!
And about this “traumatized by the lost decade” crap—yes, many fans remember those dark years. But unlike some, they recognize that mediocrity isn’t the same as rebuilding. Bowles inherited a cap-tight roster after the Brady era, and he’s kept this team competitive while developing young talent and dealing with injuries. That’s not “accepting mediocrity”; it’s laying the groundwork for sustained success.