Todd Bowles’ Expectations
May 27th, 2022
Bucs coach Todd Bowles.
So next week is the final week underwear football season, the end of of Bucs volunteer OTAs. The week after is mandatory minicamp.
Several Bucs players have missed voluntary underwear football practices. Some starters have made appearances and then bugged out of town, or they arrived a week late.
New Bucs coach Todd Bowles doesn’t have an issue with dudes blowing off OTAs. First, they are voluntary. Second, there have been few changes with the Bucs. The same guy is overseeing the defense (Bowles) and Byron Leftwich is still the offensive coordinator. So it’s not like absent players are losing time in a brand new offense or a brand new defense, or with brand new coordinators.
Just about the only difference is former Bucs Super Bowl-winning coach Bruce Arians isn’t on the sidelines cussing people out and cruising around in his red golf cart.
What Bowles does expect is for every player to show up at mandatory minicamp without a beer gut, Bowles said in so many words.
“For those guys that aren’t here, I expect them to come back in shape and fit right in,” Bowles said. “It’s not going to stop the installs we’ve been doing.”
Bowles doesn’t believe dudes will be out of shape. Why? Because Bowles suggested the players know better.
“These guys are professionals,” Bowles said. “They’ll come in in-shape [and] ready to go. When they do come in, I expect to have full competition and full bore. Everyone should be ready to go.”
Joe remembers last year receiver Tyler Johnson skipped Bucs OTAs but went to Tom Brady-led practices instead. Johnson then showed up to training camp out of shape and Arians loudly grumbled about this. After a few arse-chewings and Johnson smartly working hard to get back in shape, it seemed like he learned his lesson.
Let’s hope no one else on the Bucs roster tries to test Bowles in this way.
May 27th, 2022 at 9:34 am
This team is on a mission. You can hear it in their voices during interviews. I doubt anyone is going to show up out of shape. By all accounts they’ve got this year with Brady at the helm and that’s it. Let’s get er done!
May 27th, 2022 at 9:54 am
In shape is essential……it is also an indication of the mindset of the players…….making millions should require being in shape…..as for TBBF…..not in shape but I don’t make millions…..
May 27th, 2022 at 10:15 am
Speaking about Tyler Johnson, IMHO that was the pinnacle of arrogance, for him to come in, out of shape, on an NFL Team with so much talent at receiver.
I am glad he learned his lesson!
May 27th, 2022 at 10:26 am
Chris … not just on ‘an NFL Team with so much talent at receiver.’ In what world did Tyler Johnson expect showing up out of shape with Tom Brady as his QB to work out well?
May 27th, 2022 at 10:32 am
TBBF … I agree with you wholeheartedly; showing up in outstanding physical condition is essential. It may be a business, but it’s also a privilege to be one of the few selected to play in the NFL. Got no business even being allowed in the door if you can’t keep yourself in top physical condition.
May 27th, 2022 at 10:52 am
In shape does not mean football shape, especially in Tampa. It takes a lot to be able to deal with RayJay in Sept. Look at Vita. He will continue to be limited in snaps.
I have high hopes and am glad that so many veterans at least made an appearance, but Bowles is going to have to so more than say they are Professionals if he wants a deep playoff run.
May 27th, 2022 at 10:56 am
@Defense Rules
You are absolutely right! Tom Brady is way too good and too driven to allow an out of shape receiver like Tyler Johnson once was, to take the field!
May 27th, 2022 at 11:59 am
I hope Johnson didn’t learn his lesson to late. Bucs have a lot of good receivers, ready to take his place.
May 27th, 2022 at 12:11 pm
According to Joe, Tyler was practicing with Brady (skipping OTAs), when he showed up out of shape, so when you ask “In what world did Tyler Johnson expect showing up out of shape with Tom Brady as his QB to work out well?” Brady’s arrogant world where TB supercedes all other options. Yet another pr casualty (see RoJo, the franchise on AB’s behalf, some might say both of his HCs…) to preserve the chosen one. Love him when he’s winning SBs for the bucs, but really tired of his idolization/worship
May 27th, 2022 at 12:46 pm
It’s disgraceful to show up out of shape. It’s job #1. It shows a lack of discipline to show up in anything other than terrific shape.
I don’t think TJ was the only one by a long stretch. Several bucs, especially defenders looked slow. If the bowles/Belichick comparison is true, I’d expect conditioning to be a focus. Tom Brady credited one thing above all in the comeback against Atlanta in the superbowl, superior conditioning
May 27th, 2022 at 2:59 pm
Fans should expect that Todd can teach his secondary to know their assignments when in zone and tackle a ball carrier. Oh, and try not to fall down when trying to cover a prime target in crunch time. How about those expectations, Todd?
May 27th, 2022 at 5:51 pm
PSL BOB – Absolutely correct 💯👍
May 27th, 2022 at 5:57 pm
Goatfarmer – I think that’s why they brought in some good veterans for that problem. As you said , young secondary who by the way has never had a veteran with any real starting experience their entire career.. And Richard Sherman doesn’t count as he was a late season addition and only played a few games. Now we have Logan Ryan and that beast that was a great player for the falcons.. Yes I know his name I just hope you do .. Go Bucs
May 27th, 2022 at 9:18 pm
Today’s NFL is a year-round gig. Decades ago they took months off and got in shape during training camp. With all the OTA‘s and private trainers and nutritional expertise etc. etc. etc. being in shape is the last thing any team should have to worry about with their players.
We have already heard JTS added 15 pounds. Scotty Miller added 15 pounds. Darden added a little weight. Johnson has already shown up in shape. I think this team is ready to roll!!
Still just slightly worried about DT. I believe they sign someone to add to the rotation. I don’t know if it will be SUH though. I think he can help against the run and with his experience but he really dropped off last year
May 27th, 2022 at 10:45 pm
I expect Bowles to be badgering Licht every day to get him another outside corner that can play.
May 28th, 2022 at 7:32 am
Is it just me that feels like when I’m watching Todd Bowles do an interview it is a lot like watching the teacher in Ferris Bueller’s day off. I hope the players feel more inspired by him when he talks than I do. Can anyone say: Bueller….Bueller….Bueller 😴😴😴
May 28th, 2022 at 11:32 am
BUCman it’s you. Some players need to be inspired some need a kick in the butt. Todd Bowles looks to me that he’s capable of doing both. GOBUCS!