Predictable Running Game Scrapped
February 10th, 2025
Joe heard this and wanted to point a finger of shame in Todd Bowles’ direction.
The Buccaneers’ legendary left tackle, Tristan Wirfs, sat down with former Pro Bowl Bears guard Kyle Long during Super Bowl week and explained that Bucs’ running game in past years was too predictable for defenses.
Wirfs praised departed Bucs playcaller Liam Coen for capitalizing on the athleticism of the Bucs’ offensive line by getting the line moving and running off the ball and keeping the run game diverse.
He also pointed most to Coen’s use of presnap motion.
“I think that was the biggest thing,” Wirfs said at a CBS spot on Media Row. “Liam started using the presnap motions to kind of slow the defense down. Because a lot of the time in previous years, it’s like, we’d line up and run the ball and we’re like, ‘Ok. They know what’s coming. We’re running duo. Everyone runs duo. … But it’s like they knew what we were doing. So now it’s like he just added little variations to stuff.”
Perhaps Joe is being harsh, but Bowles was head coach during years when the Bucs’ run game was predictable and plodding. Surely, as a defensive coordinator, Bowles could see that in his offense yet the fixes didn’t come. Coen did not invent presnap motion.
Why didn’t Bowles demand a less predicatable run game?
February 10th, 2025 at 3:52 pm
To be fair, he Bowles asked for variation and less predictability in the running game from Leftwich and that staff. They couldn’t deliver. Hiring Canales, I think he expected a more diverse approach due to his connection with Waldron and thus McVay. Canales did not deliver on the diverse offense, though g maybe he would have if he had been around for another year. Bowles then knocked it out of the park with the Coen hire.
February 10th, 2025 at 4:05 pm
It’s been reported repeatedly that Todd gives his OC autonomy.
OC, O-line coaches, talent (or lack of talent) on the offensive lines are all more suitable villains than Todd for a crap run game during those years.
Or like one Joe pointed out in many articles – it was Rachaad’s fault 🙄
February 10th, 2025 at 4:14 pm
My issue with Bowles has been that he’s too hands-off with the offense, similar to how B.A. was with the defense. But B.A. knew when to intervene. So reading this is honestly hilarious after hearing you guys claim he’s forcing OCs to run the ball or micromanaging the play-calling the last 3 seasons. So, which is it? Is Bowles the puppet master dictating the run game, or is he just sitting back letting them do their thing? Come on, you can’t have it both ways! LOL.
February 10th, 2025 at 4:28 pm
Perhaps it’s because he’s a far below average head coach!!!!
February 10th, 2025 at 4:36 pm
This is a bit of a stretch. When something works on offense it’s the GREAT OC when something doesn’t work it must have been the HC who is also the DC.
IE There is no way Bowles is going to look good in that scenario.
IF Bowles had taken a heavy hand in the Offense and Canales or Coen said they could have done even better if Todd hadn’t interfered everybody would be justifiably livid.
It could be justified as more ammo in Todd needs to hire a DC to give him more time as HC including getting knee deep in the offense. Do we really want Todd knee deep in the Offense. Did BA want to be knee deep in the defense?
So did Todd really want Leftwich to begin with? When BA knew he was stepping down it was BA who made sure Todd got the head gig. Isn’t it more than likely BA also made Leftwich part of a package deal and Todd was too loyal to both BA and Leftwich?
I mean this is getting pretty close to a no win situation. Offense improves dramatically and Coen gets ALL the credit. Offense succeeds well enough the year before for the OC to get a HC gig with ONE year of play calling and design under his belt, but Todd gets the blame for lack of running smarts.
I get arguments about Todd’s defensive “style”. He might be “pioneering” in a copycat league that is evolving every year. His “pioneering” may be misguided.
It’s more than reasonable to ask why Todd doesn’t hire a DC unless he’s unable to trust anybody but himself but that is not a valid excuse.
Bottom line. Bowles has IMPROVED the Bucs record in all three of his years despite the SB talent hangover and an injury bug last year that took out the highest paid Safety in the entire league, a guy who had been a proven game changer!
As for me I join with the get a DC crowd, delegation is the key to any successful executive. But as to dropping OLB/DEs into coverage and even VV I’m not offended. My fees are not hurt by experimention especially when you lose the most valuable player on the defense! Losing AW was like losing a QB from the D and an eraser for on field mistakes.
February 10th, 2025 at 4:38 pm
Rich
“Perhaps it’s because he’s a far below average head coach!!!!”
The league does not think so. He was 11th in Coach of the year voting which mathmatically puts him in the bottom of the top third. IE ABOVE average.
Perhaps it’s just that it’s hard to like Todd?
February 10th, 2025 at 4:39 pm
NFL….when you run….alls ya do is block an run….It has never ever change an aint that complicated…..Snap…block….run!
February 10th, 2025 at 4:52 pm
Considering the Coach of the Year voting is only done by 50 members of the national media that cover 32 teams (and most only their own), not sure how much stock to put into that 11th ranking @stpete lol.
February 10th, 2025 at 4:54 pm
Pre-snap motion is key. Especially with the talent we have in the backfield, and also allows QB option if he get’s in a jam.
February 10th, 2025 at 5:06 pm
As long as Bowles takes a hands-off approach to the offense, he has a scapegoat to fire at the end of the season to save his own skin. This isn’t his first rodeo.
February 10th, 2025 at 5:16 pm
Bowles an above average coach. Just in the NFL if you don’t get to the highest level, you are going to get replaced. Not if. when.
Look at Tom Landry, Andy Reid, and Bill Belichick.
February 10th, 2025 at 5:43 pm
Todd Bowles, the Buccaneers’ Run Game, and the Offensive Line Rebuild:
The Data-Backed Truth Bruce Arians’ Offense Was Never Run-Heavy
Consistently ranked bottom-10 in rushing:
*2019: 95.1 YPG (24th), 3.7 YPC (28th)
*2020: 94.9 YPG (28th), 4.1 YPC (18th)
*2021: 98.4 YPG (26th), 4.3 YPC (15th)
💡Despite starting his NFL coaching career as a running backs coach for the Kansas City Chiefs (1989-1992) under Marty Schottenheimer, Bruce Arians’ offensive philosophy evolved into a pass-heavy approach. Over 17 years as a head coach or offensive coordinator, his offenses cracked the top 10 in rushing only twice. By the time Todd Bowles took over, the Buccaneers had been firmly established as a pass-first team.
The Offensive Line Collapse (2022-2023)
Major Departures & Retirements:
*Ali Marpet (LG) – Retired (2022)
*Ryan Jensen (C) – Injured (2022), Retired (2024)
*Donovan Smith (LT) – Released (2023)
*Shaq Mason (RG) – Traded (2023)
Bowles’ Offensive Line Rebuild (2023):
*Tristan Wirfs (RT → LT)
*Luke Goedeke (G → RT)
*Cody Mauch (Rookie RG)
*Robert Hainsey (C, replacing Jensen)
Run Game Results (2022-2023):
*2022: 76.9 YPG (32nd), 3.4 YPC (31st) – Worst in the NFL
*2023: 88.8 YPG (30th), 3.6 YPC (29th) – Still bottom tier
The 2024 Turnaround: Elite Rushing Attack
Rushing Production (2024):
*149.2 YPG (4th in NFL)
*5.0 YPC (2nd in NFL)
*Franchise Record 2,536 Rushing Yards
Key Changes:
*Liam Coen (OC) – Implemented motion-heavy, zone-blocking scheme.
*Bucky Irving (Rookie RB) – 1,122 yards, 5.4 YPC, 8 TDs.
*Offensive Line Stability – Improved cohesion & execution.
The Bottom Line
✔ Arians never prioritized the run game – Bowles inherited that system.
✔ The O-line collapse (Jensen/Marpet retirements) was the real issue in 2022-23. ✔ Bowles rebuilt the offensive line, and by 2024, the run game was dominant.
✔ If Bowles was blamed for 2022-23, he deserves credit for the 2024 turnaround. ✔ Cold, hard data proves that the struggles were roster-driven, not just coaching.
💡 Once the right pieces were in place, Tampa Bay produced the best rushing attack in franchise history.
February 10th, 2025 at 5:59 pm
Stpetebucsfan, well said
February 10th, 2025 at 6:33 pm
“Why didn’t Bowles demand a less predicatable run game?”
It wouldn’t have mattered…
Firstly – following the losses of Cappa, Marpet and then Jensen – the Bucs did not have enough talent at either Guard or Center position to be very successful running the ball in ’22 and ’23 – regardless of ‘scheme.
From the ‘coaching’ standpoint – Leftwich was completely incapable of scheming up much of anything beyond some minor variations to the Arians playbook.
And Canales didn’t really have the experience or knowledge to run scheme differently once his bread and butter runs up the middle weren’t working.
Also – underachieving OL coach Harold Goodwin was the common thread as the ‘run game coordinator’ for both those OCs….
In 2024 Goedeke came into his own at RT, Mauch at LG leveled up as expected into a good player by his 2nd year. Licht drafted a legit future stud at Center to replace the very replaceable Hainsey and Bredeson surprised by holding his own to solidify the LG spot….
That and Coen hired “good” OLine coaches for 2024 and also used his experiences under McVay and at Kentucky to creatively scheme some effective run plays – relying greatly on the athleticism of his suddenly “good” OLine to positive effect.
Oh – AND Licht scored a major coup by drafting 1st round talent Bucky Irving in the 4th round….
February 10th, 2025 at 6:42 pm
This is unbelievable!! Neither offense in the Super Bowl was as explosive as the Buccaneers offense !!
All the Bucs need are a few defensive adjustments and they should make a strong run at the Super Bowl in 2026 !!
Under Todd Bowles the Bucs have everything they need !!
Go Bucs 2025 !!
February 10th, 2025 at 7:05 pm
Maybe the reason the Bucs had the worst run game in 2022 and 2023 was because they didn’t have a guy like Bucky Irving?
When you’re starting running back is a washed Leonard Fournette, who could barely make the bills practice squad you’re not gonna be very successful regardless of the scheme…
And if you want to talk about predictability, how about when Liam Coen stopped splitting carries after the Cowboys game and teams figured out that we just gonna hand it to Irving
February 10th, 2025 at 7:54 pm
Time to get Jon Gruden an the phone…
February 10th, 2025 at 8:19 pm
Why on earth would we need to get Gruden on the phone ?
He’s a career .500 coach, who’s rah rah style was good for a minute, but now old hat.
February 10th, 2025 at 8:25 pm
Let’s get that 11th place trophy out and on display.
February 10th, 2025 at 8:44 pm
LUV You da man!!! That was incredibly well done!
Pickgrin and no surprises from you either. Great analysis.
TbBucs3 Also an excellent point!!! BUCKY IRVING. Some here have been offended that I dared to compare him to Barry Sanders. I did so respectfully pointing out that unless Bucky can put up another nine years like last season he’s no Barry. But it is TRUE that Bucky’s rookie numbers were close to Barry’s and in fact he had a slightly higher YPC
Fred…”Time to get Jon Gruden an the phone…”
Are you aware that Bowles has a far superior post SB record than Gruden?
Bowles has a higher win % than Chucky already and if he wins ten he’ll be waaaay ahead. If he doesn’t then perhaps some here will get their wish.
I understand that but it saddens me why many of those same people hope he doesn’t make it. Are we not all Buc fans here. Oops forgot about the trolls eh?
February 10th, 2025 at 8:46 pm
Aqualung
Aren’t you one of the guys who is hoping Bowles fails this year so he can get fired fulfilling your wet dreams?
February 10th, 2025 at 8:55 pm
He literally did. You just walked us through how he did.
The Leftwich-Arians offense had that kind of run game. Byron’s lack of alternatives is a big part of what got him fired. While Canales brought more with him, the run game and OL were Arian carry overs. Primary focus was fixing Baker. After that, Bowles got Coen in large part because of how he uses the run game. Far beyond Canales (who is doing a fair job in Carolina). New run game coaches, who are still here under Grizz.
I don’t get the angle of the article… why didn’t Todd fix it faster?
February 10th, 2025 at 9:25 pm
There are fans who are supportive, then there are are critical and the tere are non-fans and trolls. Why the latter two bother us is beyond me.
February 10th, 2025 at 9:28 pm
Another i told you so for joe.
February 10th, 2025 at 9:29 pm
Boy did I butcher that one. Nevermind.
February 10th, 2025 at 9:37 pm
An honest question that nobody seems prepared or perhaps capable of answering.
How much power did Tom Brady bring with him? DUH he was the GOAT. After winning the SB his first year here did that power increase exponentially?
When the last check on Brady’s power, a feisty BA retired and gave the reins to Todd did Brady’s power increase yet again.
When Brady “retired” for more than 40 days in the off season leaving JL and the Bucs in the lurch, subsequently shopped around for another team to play for his final year did he pick up even more power? The Bucs FORCED him to HONOR his contract if he wanted to play another year!
How much “power” did the “OC” title give Leftwich? More than Brady? Really?
I have some stock in the Sunshine Skyway to sell!
Just sayin that logically Brady at minimum shares as much blame as Leftwich his final season! Could Brady have audibled out of plays? Did he simply give up and run whatever Leftwich game planned and called during the games?
Not saying Leftwich is a great play caller. Simply pointing out the fact that Brady deserves as much blame as Leftwich for that horrid year.
February 10th, 2025 at 9:48 pm
Great post SPBF. I seem to remember that when BA sent TB up one of his conditions was that he would keep all of the coaches for a year. He had to keep Lefty.
February 10th, 2025 at 10:00 pm
Bowles just need to get his teams to be consistent. Bucs look like a super bowl team for a few weeks, the a very good team, then we suck, suck some more, then we look good, then very good, then we look okay, them good, then tou get it. Player play hard for this man. The number one thing that bothers me and it just gets to me bad. Is when he says the players just are not doing what he’s asking. When the corners are playing off and he says he told them not to and they do it every week. That’s a problem. Jamel Fram can go, Zyon looked like a pro bowler for a minute, taken Smith is a baller obviously Winfield jad a down year. The secondary and a pass rusher MUST be improved no matter what. We can’t ignore the edge again. We can’t. Randy puffs a lot Gregory ain’t gonna cut it. We gotta fo all on. I’d rather have Myle’s Garret than Godwin. I would hate ro lose Godwin but we still amost averages 30 without him. We just can roll out that secondary and edge again.
February 10th, 2025 at 10:38 pm
SPBF – if you would lay off the tender butthurtness for a minute, you will know I am advocating for Bowles as Head Coach. He is doing two huge jobs and the team would be better served if he played to his strengths and turned over the defense, which is not championship caliber, to some fresh energy and thinking. It’s not worth the energy to imagine everyone hates Todd. They don’t.
He’s simply not great at trying to do two huge jobs. Although he did win an 11th place trophy, I see your point.
February 10th, 2025 at 11:17 pm
That’s not a fair assessment Joe. Bowles inherented the offensive staff and he fired the majority of the staff on that side if the ball. Coincidentally the run game didn’t get going until the oline coaches, Goodwin and Gilbert left.
February 10th, 2025 at 11:53 pm
reminds me of ‘heathers’ ‘why do i smoke these things?’ ‘cuz you’re an idiot dad’ ‘oh yeah, thats it’
February 11th, 2025 at 12:28 am
Bowles created the o line……..
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA AHA!
Yeah RIGHT! sure he did HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA PUKE!
February 11th, 2025 at 2:04 am
Some well written comments by JBF’s BUC fans on this topic, nice job guys, not reason to repeat any of it except to make one slight modification….
Bowles didn’t rebuild the running game & OL, GM Licht and his staff found the right pieces that helped the Bucs run game improve so dramatically in one year.
February 11th, 2025 at 3:09 am
spbf – 45 y.o. Brady was negatively effected by a # of things his final season (2022)…. but NONE more significant than the loss of his entire interior Oline…
Behind Marpet, Jensen and Cappa – even a 43/44 y.o. old Brady could masterfully use his superior reading and anticipatory skills along with his still live arm to shred defenses throwing to 2 HOFers and 2 Pro Bowl level receivers in Evans, Gronk, Godwin and AB to throw to….
But in 2022, with the entire high end interior OLine gone, No Gronk and no AB – Brady looked mortal and at times worse because he had no mobility whatsoever and had no choice but to throw balls away or take a sack when pressure up the middle came all too frequently.