Gambling Todd Bowles
January 6th, 2025
High-stakes roller now.
Now this is not the Todd Bowles that Joe had grown accustomed to.
Almost overnight, the Bucs head coach has gone from fishing through a tiny, rubber, palm-sized change pouch to pay for a Taco Bell beef taco to throwing $100 bills at the craps table in Aria with loose women circling in the background.
If Bowles has loud critics — and he does — one of their gripes is that he’s too conservative. Punts inside enemy territory. Content kicking long field goals rather than converting fourth-and-short.
Well, that image of Bowles got destroyed yesterday.
The most obvious was him giving the green light to offensive coordinator Liam Coen and quarterback Baker Mayfield to throw on the final play of a one-score game, risking a playoff berth, so Mike Evans could keep his 1,000-yard receiving streak alive (and pocket $3 million in Team Glazer bonus loot).
The not-as-obvious play was with the Bucs trailing 19-13 early in the fourth quarter, a fourth-and-eight from the slimy Saints-42.
Mayfield hit Jalen McMillan for a 33-yard gain.
(McMillan was penalized on the play but he made up for it two plays later when he had a fabulous catch of a bullet from Mayfield to give the Bucs what turned into the winning score.)
When did this high-stakes roller show up on the Bucs’ sideline? And yes, Bowles said going for it on fourth-and-eight was his call.
Bowles joked that Coen and Mayfield would want to try a fourth-and-30 if it was up to them. But yes, Bowles confessed, he was the aggressor on this decision.
“Oh, I made it,” Bowles said.
He explained his thinking.
“Well, we figured if we punt it, we weren’t gaining [anything] but about 20 yards,” Bowles said. “It was fourth-and-8 and we were trying to win the division, trying to win the game.
“You don’t want to look back and have regrets. We called timeouts, and we got a good play in. They did a heck of a job and Jalen [McMillan] made a heck of a catch. Baker [Mayfield] made a heck of a throw.”
So is this the new Bowles that fans can expect? Joe isn’t going there.
But if Bowles sticks to his explanation that he was trying to win the game, trying to jolt the offense into gear, then maybe Bucs fans will see a different Bowles beginning Sunday night against the Commandos.
Then, just like yesterday, it’s win-or-Cancun.
January 6th, 2025 at 3:50 pm
(smile) Love this piece. Let’s keep the fire going.
Another change are his recent decisions to receive the ball after winning a coin toss and this new aggression resulted in the Bucs getting some great jumps on team with opening drives, sometimes it didn’t, but at least Bowles clearly has more confidence in Coen/Baker combo than the Leftwich/Brady or even Canalas/Mayfield pair. And you know what? SO DO I?
Love Tom Brady but he clearly retired two seasons too late. Sad really because imagine how much sweeter it would have been if he had just settled for the exclamation point of winning a SB his first season without BB while Belichik continue to struggle. It would have been the perfect ending. Ah well that’s all spilt milk now.
January 6th, 2025 at 3:52 pm
If Bowles has loud critics — and he does — one of their gripes is that he’s too conservative. Punts inside enemy territory.
———-
See the Dallas game where that most recently happened.
Also, at the end of the game yesterday, if Bowles demands that they take a knee at the end … I think he was worried for his safety and I have zero doubt if they were on the road he’d have taken a knee.
In any case I’m glad he got out of the way for once and did the right thing. However that isn’t going to change who he is – and on Sunday if it’s 4th and 3 from the Redskins 45 yard line and the Bucs are down by 10, you can be sure he’s going to punt, even if his defense hadn’t stopped Washington all day.
January 6th, 2025 at 4:02 pm
Brady wanted another ring and all the records..its good that he caught her cheating and ruining their family I don’t understand how women get a pass for what they do but the men are the devil.
She deserves the worst in my eyes a betrayal of a man who loved his job.
January 6th, 2025 at 4:15 pm
Really, dude?
The only people that know what happened are Tom and Gisele, and even if we DID know, it’s not football. Leave that sh1t to TMZ.
January 6th, 2025 at 4:15 pm
stpetebucs fan, Brady played for us exactly as long as we needed him to. We won a SB, then he stuck around long enough until we had an heir apparent for him. Don’t forget that. If we had gone 3-13 the next two seasons after the SB, we probably wouldn’t have been able to keep as many of our FAs as we did, or bring any in, especially our current franchise quarterback. Franchise quarterbacks don’t show up on a prove it deal for a 3-13 club, end stop. No Brady in 22, no Baker in 2023. Think about it
January 6th, 2025 at 4:21 pm
Agree totally Daniel Dream. Brady did us a huge solid sticking around for 2 morr seasons or else we would never had Baker. We would of been stuck with Trask and 5 or 6 wins being our ceiling. I am very thankful for the 3 years Brady gave us even if he tried to roll out to Miami. Glad Licht had the balls to say no to him and say it’s here or nowhere.
January 6th, 2025 at 4:24 pm
I was shocked when they went for that on 4th and eight.
I have no doubt we’d have more than 10 wins this year, if we’d been aggressive like that a little more often this season.
On the final play, I have to agree with what someone else said.
I was thinking to myself “He’ll get lynched if he makes Baker take a knee”.
I think the fans would have stormed the field.
And not in a good way…
It’ll be awesome if we see that same kind of aggressiveness from the coaching staff in the playoffs.
January 6th, 2025 at 4:29 pm
I hate on Bowles for a lot of deficiencies in his coaching, but I will give him credit that he has gotten more aggressive (at times), this season compared to the past two. Those were some great examples
Still plays is too safe / play-not-to-lose at times (Dallas game, KC game, etc.), but he has gotten a little better.
Now if someone could just help him learn how to manage a clock and maybe coach his DBs to not give 15 yard cushions… we might actually have a shot at the SB!
January 6th, 2025 at 4:33 pm
4 th and 8. Gutsy play call. Given the “smoke and mirrors” state of the defense, Todd deserve more credit, and not the “back-handed’ compliments given with far too much frequency here. Since the bye, this defense has been masterful at making half time adjustments. This is what Beleichek was known for. And no, Im not comparing the two. Simply stating we’ve got a pretty darn good coach. That play for Mike shot Todd’s credit score to 1000 with his players…classy. A fumbled snap, tipped ball. INT, and this board would’ve crucified Todd.
January 6th, 2025 at 4:41 pm
Mac I love how you Baker lovers always have to find ways to make digs at Trask when he’s never been afforded the things Baker has like he can’t improve the way Baker finally improved here. You don’t know what would’ve happened. Trask wasn’t as prolific in college as Baker was but he wasn’t a slouch either. He he knew how to get the ball into the endzone and he shined when finally given a chance. Baker was gifted the starting gig in Cleveland and from that 1st year until last year was up and down as a starter. It wasn’t until Canales reigned in his wildness and he finally grew into an adult man not some dude still living in his college image and then Coen showed him how to be the great qb he became this year after 6 years finally he’s arrived. We’ve never drafted a qb who got a 2nd contract nor win us a super Bowl. After what he showed in the so called competition against Baker last year I saw as he improves he could’ve been that guy but hey what can I say Baker has made that a moot point so we have to draft his replacement in a few years.
January 6th, 2025 at 5:03 pm
Remember the punter’s snafu? I think a component of Bowels decision was not trusting his punter.
January 6th, 2025 at 5:04 pm
This would be a massive upgrade if he sticks with it.
That’s all I want… treat every game like it’s do or die.
Only gain 20 yards – exactly, that’s one play through the middle of our D most games, shouldn’t worry about it that much in crunch time against an inferior opponent.
You don’t want to look back and have regrets – exactly! Use all your timeouts every half if you can. End of half yesterday I was hoping he would use the 2 he had. Yeah, wasn’t gonna be enough time to get the ball back, but get a look at their setup and call one. Extra rest for the D and maybe you change coverage or personnel based on what they showed you.
January 6th, 2025 at 5:15 pm
I imagine Coach had seen enough of our “punter” after he dropped the snap and shanked it off the side of his foot for 12 yards.
January 6th, 2025 at 5:27 pm
No. The old Bowles returns next week. That TD pass to Jmac was beautiful. Very Evans like. Plus Mayfield threw a perfect pass on the run. Top 5 QB.
January 6th, 2025 at 5:38 pm
David, you think Trask wants to re-sign here (to be a backup) or someplace like Vegas and try for a starting job?
January 6th, 2025 at 5:40 pm
Who does not want Bowles to succeed?
January 6th, 2025 at 6:02 pm
Sorry but I don’t believe Brady had anything to do with us getting Baker. I believe that was all on Licht and Bowles. Bowles wanted him and Licht got him.
Also believe the offense Brady and Leftwich wanted to run contributed to Arians
sudden departure.
January 6th, 2025 at 6:08 pm
Bowles is mostly conservative because for years he’s had faith in his Defense.
I think during this season he has lost a bit of faith in his Defense, seeing how so many times they can’t get stops. I think once that happens enough he finally realizes he has to be more aggressive on Offense or the team is more likely to lose. Play to your strengths.
January 6th, 2025 at 6:11 pm
gambling on offense has been fruitful
those gambles on 3rd down blitzes seems to be a losing proposition all too often (especially in 1st halves and against good teams)
January 6th, 2025 at 6:19 pm
Let’s not forget what the punter had done before that. Coach probably didn’t want to see him out there again any more than we did. Bobble drop a decent snap, then shank it off the side of your foot for 12 yards. What a fiasco. Too bad Camarda went weird. He was such a weapon when he was right.
January 6th, 2025 at 6:20 pm
not forget what the punter had done before that. Coach probably didn’t want to see him out there again any more than we did. Bobble drop a decent snap, then shank it off the side of your foot for 12 yards. What a fiasco. Too bad Camarda went weird. He was such a weapon when he was right.
January 6th, 2025 at 6:33 pm
Imagine that we actually have to debate giving credit to a head coach for making a gutsy call wow. Forget all that it’s no one can be perfect just fix your damn defense we’ll worry about the rest. It’s just the whole passive aggressive thing doesn’t work for me. Aggressively blitzing on damn near every play but giving up 10-15 yards of cushion so you don’t get beat deep, that’s why your players are so confused.
January 6th, 2025 at 6:44 pm
Some of yall would still be morons if you were hit with a genius stick.
January 6th, 2025 at 7:11 pm
Glad to see Todd take chances. Having confidence in his players abilities to make must have plays is a step in the right direction.
January 6th, 2025 at 7:16 pm
Excellent point!
January 6th, 2025 at 7:22 pm
Is it too Pollyannish to ask Team Glazer to promote Liam to HC but offer Todd a demotion to DC versus firing him? Then, stay or go is his choice. I get there’s weird dynamics but I think Todd can handle it if he chooses to stay.
January 6th, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Not sure why you’d want to run off a guy whose record gets better each season and he just accomplished something no Bucs coach has ever pulled off: Division crown in each of his first three seasons.
As Joe typed earlier today, Bowles is closer to an extension than he is getting fired — or demoted.
Unless Bowles decides to retire — which he adamantly told Joe and Ira separately a few weeks ago was a BS rumor — he ain’t going anywhere.
January 6th, 2025 at 8:07 pm
Joe Says:
January 6th, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Is it too Pollyannish to ask Team Glazer to promote Liam to HC but offer Todd a demotion to DC versus firing him?
Not sure why you’d want to run off a guy whose record gets better each season
———-
The issue is the team is winning because of the great offensive play – and despite of the defense. Bowles gets a ton of credit for finding OC’s, he’s got a talent for that, but if you lose Coen, you’re counting on Bowles to pull another rabbit out of the hat and it’s just a ton to ask.
Winning a very weak NFC South isn’t really that big of a deal when you do with with 8, 9 and 10 wins, something isn’t winning any other division other than the equally awful AFC South.
Ideally, however, Coen ends up not getting any HC offers, I’d much prefer to keep him as OC since I think he’s done an incredible job as play caller, and the last thing you’d want is to see him taken away from that duty. But if it’s Bowles and his defense, or Coen and the offense, I’ll take Coen 100 out of 100 times.
I don’t dislike Bowles, I think he’s done a very good job, but mainly he’s done a good job with picking OC’s as Canales was what, his 11th pick – and Coen wasn’t at the very top of his list either. I’ve said it before, but Bowles should just market himself as a consultant for teams picking OC’s, he’ll make more money doing that than he makes as head coach.
January 6th, 2025 at 8:07 pm
Still think he is way too conservative. I mean he punted on the Saints 39 yard line yesterday. Like really either go for it or kick a field goal. If we are going to win the playoffs Bowles is going to have to be way more aggressive. I mean he doesn’t have to go full on Detroit mode and go for it almost every 4th down but you’re not gaining much punting in enemy territory.
January 6th, 2025 at 8:10 pm
That’s right Joe. He’s not going anywhere. And honestly, he’s done a good job inn the past few weeks. Good for him!!
January 6th, 2025 at 8:35 pm
🤣🤣🤣
vivid
January 6th, 2025 at 8:36 pm
A fun fact I saw from Jets fans…
Todd Bowles’ best season as a head coach came with the Jets (.625), yet he missed the playoffs.
As the head coach of the Buccaneers, he’s made the playoffs every year despite holding just a .529 winning percentage.
January 6th, 2025 at 8:41 pm
@Bucsfan81
He did go for it on 4th and 8 with over 10 minutes left. That was pretty aggressive
January 6th, 2025 at 9:24 pm
DavidBigBucsFan99 He was afforded the chance to beat Baker for the starting job.
January 6th, 2025 at 9:41 pm
Many of you people don’t seem to realize that the Bucs did not win any games this year because of Bowles Caching but lost as least 3 games because of it.
January 6th, 2025 at 9:57 pm
Joe Says:
January 6th, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Is it too Pollyannish to ask Team Glazer to promote Liam to HC but offer Todd a demotion to DC versus firing him?
Not sure why you’d want to run off a guy whose record gets better each season
—————
Because we are underachieving year after year because of him and making the playoffs in spite of him. What would Joe have said after Atlanta, Dallas, and the first half Sunday. The second half against the weak Saints and euphoria of Evans accomplishment does make Todd a good coach.
Ask Baker and Evans Coen or Bowles. Let them decide.
January 6th, 2025 at 9:58 pm
Re: Joe Says:
January 6th, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Is it too Pollyannish to ask Team Glazer to promote Liam to HC but offer Todd a demotion to DC versus firing him?
Not sure why you’d want to run off a guy whose record gets better each season
—————
Because we are underachieving year after year because of him and making the playoffs in spite of him. What would Joe have said after Atlanta, Dallas, and the first half Sunday. The second half against the weak Saints and euphoria of Evans accomplishment does make Todd a good coach.
Ask Baker and Evans Coen or Bowles. Let them decide.
January 6th, 2025 at 10:03 pm
Bowles baffles me sometimes but, like last year, Bowles kept the team together and might have them peaking at the end of the season. That is good coaching.
January 6th, 2025 at 10:17 pm
Did this man @Wishing say ask Evans and Baker?
You mean ask Baker to choose between Bowles, the guy who pushed for him to start, pushed for him to be resigned, and handed the keys to the offense to Baker… you think Baker will choose anyone but Bowles… Baker LOVES Bowles
Ask Evans? He loves Bowles more than Baker does…
Yall fans just say anything
January 6th, 2025 at 10:19 pm
And this man @Jason hates Bowles so much, he wants us to believe that Bowles, the HC who makes all the final decisions, gets no credit for wins, only losses…
Hmmm… interesting.. sounds like a hater to me
January 6th, 2025 at 10:28 pm
Munch…..you keep saying that winning the “weak” NFC South is nothing. You seem to keep forgetting that after winning, the Bucs have to play a first place schedule the following year. And those are winners of what you consider much stronger divisions. And we usually win a majority of those.
Stop selling this team short.
January 6th, 2025 at 11:05 pm
“I have zero doubt if they were on the road he’d have taken a knee.”
Munchmeister this is why you have zero credibility here. Once you take a position you double down and just make yourself look doubly dumb.
In this case it’s also incalled for nastiness. Who the eff cares about YOUR doubts about a class act considering your classless behavior.
Yeah I know who let me stay up late in the old folks home. Your insults have lost any power Muncher because of your other posts!!!
January 6th, 2025 at 11:13 pm
“Yeah, I mean we drew one of the toughest defenses in the league. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles has been one of the TOP DEFENSIVE MINDS IN FOOTBALL FOR A LONG TIME, and him having a whole off season to prepare for this one always makes a tough challenge, but it’ll be fun.”
Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury.
Of course the negative nellies will say he was being nice ahead of a game. Yeah. Perhaps some of the harder corps here will suggest that an actual professional football coach knows less than the keyboard warriors here who haven’t coached the first game. Yeah that’s the ticket.
January 6th, 2025 at 11:48 pm
Bucks ‘n’ Bucs Says:
January 6th, 2025 at 10:28 pm
Munch…..you keep saying that winning the “weak” NFC South is nothing.
———-
I have? Where’s that quote?
January 6th, 2025 at 11:49 pm
stpetebucsfan – isn’t it past your bedtime? Don’t the orderlies cutoff internet access at like 7pm at the old folks home?
January 7th, 2025 at 1:31 am
is big ballz bowles back in bizzz…?
the playoffs are a different animal…
let the coconuts hang out, and hang loose, if you want a shot at the superbowl… 🙂
dan campbell sure as heck will
January 7th, 2025 at 1:42 am
Which is more likely? Jayden Daniels throwing for 225 yards and three TDs in the first half, or Jayden Daniels throwing for 100 yards and two interceptions in the first half?
Asking for a friend.
January 7th, 2025 at 1:56 am
daniels is skinny like a basketball player…
coach has to dial up some pressure and have dudes run thru him, early and often…
bowles likes old school football – this sunday is a day to bring the old school hit the qb approach…
and not worry about the penalties…
#EarlyAndOften
welcome the rookie back to tampa…old school nfl style
January 7th, 2025 at 2:47 am
Rod Munch-I’m not sure because I’m not a neurologist but “I have? Where’s that quote” I think you may be slowly losing it. Literally scroll up a little bit and you can find your quote. And then the nursing home joke about stpetebucsfan may show you have a phobia about extended care options. These maladies are degenerative and sorry to say progressive. And like I said I’m not sure. And don’t worry about it anywho because there are currently no treatments available. Let’s just hope that it’s the slowly progressing kind. You’re in our thoughts dude! Hang in there!
January 7th, 2025 at 7:43 am
“”Unless Bowles decides to retire — which he adamantly told Joe and Ira separately a few weeks ago was a BS rumor — he ain’t going anywhere.””
So it’s very likely we’ll lose Cohen to keep Bowles as HC. That seems absurd to me.
January 7th, 2025 at 7:52 am
The most glaring negative about Bowles to me is the fact that virtually every rookie or backup QB has career days against Bowles led defenses. Throw in the Kirk Cousins performances against the Bucs vs the rest of the league.
But I want him to succeed very much. He’s a great man. I hope he makes me eat my words in this post season.
January 7th, 2025 at 9:37 am
Sometimes I wish some of you maroons were around for the start of the Bucs franchise. It sure would give your Bowles’ b1tching more cred. With the exception of the 1979 season, it was a rough haul until the ownership change and the hiring of Dungy in the mid 1990s. I’m talking about a pro football team who set many records for LOSING. I’m talking about fans with actual-paper-bags-on-their-faces losing. You ninnies are spoiled, that’s for certain. I’m all in for Licht, Bowles and the entire Bucs krewe. Go Bucs Sunday Nite!!
January 7th, 2025 at 11:09 am
“Sometimes I wish some of you maroons were around for the start of the Bucs franchise.”
“fans with actual-paper-bags-on-their-faces”
OMG it was terrible I remember those days and do not miss them the Sombrero was great the games not so much, but as a kid I made my paper bag with style and flair so there’s always that.
@orlbucfan
100% agree with you just sit back and enjoy the wins while they are happening!!!
January 7th, 2025 at 11:11 am
Also F.T.S. hahahah remember when Cam jordan was like now that Brady is gone the Bucs can go back to the bottom of the NFC South where they belong well………..didn’t the panthers beat the aints in standings lmao
January 7th, 2025 at 4:46 pm
St. PeteBucsfan, quit chasing the dragon. Brady was on his game in his second year. Still holds the Bucs record with most wins in a season 13-4. Would have gone to the SB if he had any recievers left and if Bowles hadn’t called his stupid zero coverage blitz against the best QB against the blitz in the NFL. After that he was left with Leftowich without BA as an OC. Get some help.
January 8th, 2025 at 8:48 am
Love to see by some quotes that Alzheimers is running it’s course…