“Cycle” Talk Returns; “We Know What We Have With Todd”
March 5th, 2025
Bucs GM Jason Licht.
Man, Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht doesn’t play soft zone defense when defending Todd Bowles.
Bucs fans heard that when Licht stepped into the Ira Kaufman Podcast last week.
On Radio Row at the NFL Scouting Combine, Joe asked Licht about fans being hard on Bowles’ coaching performance over the past three years.
Licht emphasized that Bowles has done a strong job getting the most out of his roster and navigating through injuries and tough times.
“We need to get some more players and depth in certain spots. It’s just the cycle we’re in that we had to focus last year on offense. You know, not everything is, ‘You can put it on the [head] coach,'” Licht said.
“And, I mean, you guys [at JoeBucsFan] talk about The Lost Decade all the time. We’ve been going to the playoffs for five straight years now and Todd’s been here the whole time. But he’s been the head coach for three of those years. … I mean, I guess there’s expectation to win the Super Bowl every year, but I think Todd’s been doing a great job steadying the ship and pulling us out of some ruts [in 2022 and 2023] and keeping the faith and keeping guys positive, and we’ve done some great things …
“You never know what you’re going to get with a head coach and we know what we have with Todd. And we’re going to do whatever we can to help improve the team for him.”
This reminded Joe of Licht telling John Romano of TampaBay.com, the internet arm of the twice-weekly community newspaper serving part of the Bay area, that Bowles did a “remarkable” job last regular season.
In that interview, Licht also mentioned the “cycle” of reloading the roster post-Tom Brady and that defense is behind offense in that process.
Yes, it’s obvious the Bucs will have a defense-heavy draft next month, though that could change slightly if the NFL landscape in free agency next week shapes up in a Bucs-friendly direction.
March 5th, 2025 at 12:05 pm
Yes we do. One way or another we will keep it close to .500
March 5th, 2025 at 12:28 pm
That’s pretty cool that he referenced your Lost Decade title. They’re definitely reading. Keep up the great work Joe!
March 5th, 2025 at 12:29 pm
Do not look away if that offensive player in draft falls to you.No matter your defensive needs. If he’s the player representing a #1 draft ok. But if not trade back. No sense to pay a guy like the one we have on the defense end now JTS.
March 5th, 2025 at 12:34 pm
Bucs make money with a .500 team or a little better.
If the Bucs want a Superbowl they will have to get another Coach
March 5th, 2025 at 12:37 pm
Looking at our 2025 opponents, I’ll predict that this year’s schedule will be no harder than last year’s schedule. Of the 8 teams we play at home this season, only 1 had a winning record last year. Of the 9 teams we play on the road, 5 had a winning record. What’s interesting though is that 3 of our 2025 opponents had 8-9 records, so they were close last season and MAY get over the hump in 2025. Of significance, 4 of our 7 losses last season were to teams that ended up with losing records.
Still, if the Bucs can ‘fix’ our defense there’s no reason we can’t win the NFC South again in 2025. An improved record of 11-6 would be quite consistent for Todd Bowles (8-9 in 2022; 9-8 in 2023; 10-7 in 2024). I’m convinced that’s doable providing we can end up with both our offense AND defense in the Top-10 this season (in Points).
March 5th, 2025 at 12:43 pm
Wow………….Talk about a backhand complement…” We know what we have………..”
I am indifferent to Todd Bowles except to note it appears he is a “players coach.” Bucs players respect him and appreciate that the team is about them and not the coach. Impressed that TB has rallied the team the last couple of years to win division crowns. Betting that with 4-5 new defenders this year that the defense improves dramatically. This means they limit possession time, generate more turnovers, and force punts and limit 1stdown conversion. 2025 will be a real test of Bowles coaching skills. Do agree with many here that TB ought to find an experienced DC.
March 5th, 2025 at 12:47 pm
Free Atrain
March 5th, 2025 at 12:49 pm
Todd Bowles is the definition of mediocrity.
March 5th, 2025 at 1:02 pm
I’m surprised no mention of where Todd can improve and I guess I should just assume there is… but without that assumption, we’re left taking Licht’s words at face value… sounds very comfortable with mediocrity.
March 5th, 2025 at 1:02 pm
‘we know what we have with Todd.’
YEP!… Nothing special!
A person at the HC position that is barely passable…
March 5th, 2025 at 1:05 pm
So the goal is to start out good. Then go into a slump mid season. Then when at the end to barely make the playoffs. To get kicked out of playoffs in round 1 or 2. Got it cause that’s the pattern we have seen from Bowles.
March 5th, 2025 at 1:23 pm
Bucs fan81….right on the money!! BINGO. This is a trend….Bowles is not a ” special ” HC…if anything he’s barely average. Wakevup Bud Lyght…we work hard to upgrade the players yet let a mediocre guy coach them??? Doesn’t make any sense at all. It has to be BL cuz the Glazers fired Tony Dungy for a lot less….
March 5th, 2025 at 1:51 pm
I am a Bowles supporter….
First of all, this last season the roster hay plenty of injuries, and several at the same position,.
That being said, the roster is not as talented as everybody says….Just look at the secondary….We had no pass rush whatsoever and everybody blames Bowles, really? What about ILB, you think that you can be a serious super bowl contender with KJ Britt?, let me add, with Dean? with no depth on defensive tackle, when everybody know Vita can’t play many snaps…..
Each season his OC is out…….
With all that said, Bowles took as three times in a row to a division title….
Please put every fact, don’t make selective facts, like clock management to conservative…that of course are true, but there re many others to take under consideration….
March 5th, 2025 at 1:51 pm
#BlameBowles
March 5th, 2025 at 1:57 pm
Sorry to see so many of you couldn’t have your man crush Liam Coen to be your head coach
March 5th, 2025 at 1:59 pm
zzbucs
The fact is the Bucs lost a home playoff game to a rookie where the defense (that Bowles specifically coaches) didn’t force a punt.
How did all those division titles help in that game? Bowles has the final say on who makes the roster so if the team isn’t talented, whose fault is that?
Bowles is average on his best day imo but let’s see if he improves this year.
March 5th, 2025 at 2:00 pm
Bowles won 8 in 2022, 9 in 2023 and 10 in 2024. So without looking at the schedule or doing any analysis, I’m predicting 11 wins in 2025. See — I can pull a number out of the air just like some of these so-called online football experts.
March 5th, 2025 at 2:01 pm
Bucs score with a minute left to take a slim lead.
Then the opponent goes to work …
Wide open pass completion to underneath zone
Wide open pass completion to underneath zone
Wide open pass completion to underneath zone
Wide open pass completion to underneath zone
Then FG or TD to lose the game as time expires.
And let us not forget the two OT losses to KC and Atlanta where the offense never saw the field.
But that’s Todd’s way. He doesn’t wanna give up the long ball.
Someone needs to give him the Biff/McFly knuckles to the head and scream: YOU CAN STILL LOSE THE GAME. LOOK AT THE SCOREBOARD!
March 5th, 2025 at 2:21 pm
A ton of logic behind those comments. You try to do everything you can to build around and improve to help your HC, who has shown he’s at least better than solid. Hopefully that includes improvement from Bowles himself.
I dunno. I see a guy (despite many positive traits and skills) that coaches not to lose. I don’t see a Lombardi coming from that approach.
Hope I’m wrong!
March 5th, 2025 at 2:26 pm
Todd Blows is always gonna be average nothing more
Pass defense confuses him
When to go for it on 4th down is baffling
When to call a timeout is a puzzle he can never figure out
Leaving Cooper Kupp single covered in a playoff game sounds like a good plan for him
He’s not a good coach
March 5th, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Obvious——
“I dunno. I see a guy (despite many positive traits and skills) that coaches not to lose. I don’t see a Lombardi coming from that approach.”
I couldn’t agree more. Those who never take chances are destined for mediocrity. Both Dan “Gamble,” as they call him in Detroit and Sirianni in Philly use 4th down almost always as just another chance to get a first down, and they play press man or tight zones on defense.
In other words, everything is challenged, where Bowles is content to punt, give up the short stuff on defense and hope the opponent eventually screws up—not a winning philosophy in my meaningless two-cents of a book.
March 5th, 2025 at 2:51 pm
HC Grover Said:
March 5th, 2025 at 12:05 pm
Yes we do. One way or another we will keep it close to .500
AAAAAAAAAMEN!
The man is nothing if not Incredibly Average. That’s why I’ve taken to calling him Incredibly Average odd Bowles. It’s like the man is allergic to staying above .500.
March 5th, 2025 at 2:53 pm
@Bee
That’s ONE fact, put all facts together, IMO Bucs fans can’t put all the data together, I am not saying Bowles is V Lombardi by any means, I am saying that he is a good Coach when you put ALL the data together…..Not just the negatives ……But the main problem at least for me, is that Bucs fans, and many so called journalist/experts, think that Bucs roster is super talented, and I disagree, I think that you have some talented players, but that’s it….., I don’t see much talent on defense….Vea, Kancey, LVD (35 years old),and let’s hope Winfield is back….
Honestly do you think, that with 4 players on defense you can go that far?
March 5th, 2025 at 3:16 pm
His clock management is very suspect and obviously their defense always seems to not make the big play when they need it. That’s a reflection on him. Sorry.
March 5th, 2025 at 4:01 pm
Bucs Guy … ‘See — I can pull a number out of the air just like some of these so-called online football experts.’
I flat don’t understand commenters like you. JBF is a blog. Folks have the freedom to make whatever comments they want.
Some, like myself, prefer the analytical approach. Others make more emotional comments. Some go for humor. Whatever. But danged dude, why chastise others for THEIR comments? If they’re not to your liking, there’s a very easy solution: Don’t read them.
March 5th, 2025 at 6:54 pm
CTB .500.
March 5th, 2025 at 8:39 pm
Bowles haters r always quick with angst now get some of them balls & stuffum in mouth so we can move on to real tampa fans
March 5th, 2025 at 8:43 pm
Last time I check bowles is above 500 with a SB Ring that is 90% better than 90% of all coaches in nfl stuff those stats where u wipe ass
March 5th, 2025 at 9:22 pm
I love that we are going to have one person responsible for game/clock management this year. TB and JL are not fools.
Go Bucs!
March 6th, 2025 at 12:37 am
Bowles is a good CEO type coach. Players like him and that is important. Just make sure our coaching staff is strong and give them autonomy.
March 6th, 2025 at 2:55 am
The Lost Decade, LOL! It’s true but Joe you must have felt like a dooosh ! On the one hand you’re feeling good, Licht is paying you attention. On the other hand Licht is thinking here comes the lost decade doosh! I’d rather speak with Jenna but I’ve got doooosh here.
March 6th, 2025 at 2:57 am
The contrast in drive & the quest for championships between the Lightning & Bucs was fully on display today. The difference is shocking really.