Todd Bowles: Bucs Still Figuring Out Identity
December 11th, 2022
So despite having the greatest football leader in history, a man Bucs ownership and its GM say is a generational and organizational tone-setter and culture-shaper, the Buccaneers’ football team doesn’t know what kind of team it is or wants to be in mid-December.
In March, Todd Bowles was handed a sweet ride with eight cylinders and plenty of horsepower, along with a crew of seasoned mechanics in the shop. And what are the Bucs’ now?
Bowles isn’t sure.
Bowles said after the humiliating loss at San Francisco this evening that his message to the team was, “Decide who we want to be. We can’t be an up and down team. “We got four weeks left to find out what we want to be during the season (inaudible) accomplish our goal.”
Joe thinks the Bucs already have decided who they want to be.
Sadly, that’s a team that wiped out a hell of a lot of good that Tom Brady did for this organization, and a team that collectively is willing to play — and coach — without fire and ultimate sacrifice.
Joe wonders if Bucs honchos still consider themselves all-in on the 2022 season?
December 11th, 2022 at 8:45 pm
Identity is u suck at coaching!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 11th, 2022 at 8:47 pm
A 55 yarder when his longest was 51 during practice…and under that pressure.
Figures, rely on a 3 to be made since you’re so inept at everything else….but let me guess, its the kickers fault since you dont ever OWN UP TO ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 11th, 2022 at 8:48 pm
Identity: Flat, un imaginative, and boring.
At least with BA he made Brady chuck it out there to try and be explosive. Bowels is so afraid of turn overs he killed this season. Speaking of turnovers, why the hell do our corners not turn their heads when the ball is in the air?? It’s like he told them to just guard their man and not worry about the ball
December 11th, 2022 at 8:49 pm
Joe sooner or later you have to aknowledge that the best leader of NFL history is part of the problem!
December 11th, 2022 at 8:50 pm
from his presser, he sounds like a make who should be fired, and he knows it. How many times can you say that your coaching sucks and still be employed?
December 11th, 2022 at 8:50 pm
I don’ think the team has the problem, the man just might.
December 11th, 2022 at 8:51 pm
*man
December 11th, 2022 at 8:51 pm
You’ve coached this team for 3 years . Why do you not know the strength of this team you stupid baboon
December 11th, 2022 at 8:52 pm
This guy ain’t no coach, that statement right there is proof. BA fooled the glazers pretty good.
Clean house and start fresh, unfortunately there is no hope this year, Bowels has no clue and has given up, players aren’t responding. Again props to BA for looking out for his pal.
December 11th, 2022 at 8:55 pm
Zz. Every QB in the NFL would look like dog sh!t with the whole running the offense. A wr screen almost got picked off for Christ sake. The defense knows what’s coming. Just about every play. Of course the QB is part of the problem he is stuck with the ball in Leftwich offense
December 11th, 2022 at 8:55 pm
Damn I’m so sick of this idiot. This team had an identity before you became head coach you freakin moron. Top 5 offense and defense. You come along and it all goes to sh!t. Apparently he thinks the locker room is full of dummies
December 11th, 2022 at 8:55 pm
We want a coach not a clown. Identity. Is he a nut job?
December 11th, 2022 at 8:55 pm
GTFOH with this nonesense! Geez, it’s one thing to have a talent poor team and have a bad season. I’ve seen plently of those and it’s expected. We have tons of talent just gong to waste because of this jack@$$ head coach. I don’t like being mean to folks, but Bowles is our worst coach since Richard Williamson. This entire season has been an utter travesty.
December 11th, 2022 at 8:56 pm
All this is true, but TB12 is not helping.
December 11th, 2022 at 8:56 pm
we know our identity- LOSER
Just like Bowles
December 11th, 2022 at 8:56 pm
All this stuff about energy and identity and all that is nonsense to me. Either you run and block and catch and tackle and score points or you don’t. And the Bucs don’t.
December 11th, 2022 at 8:56 pm
“We gotta do better, we gotta do better”. When you look at the man in the mirror Mr Bowles, have an honest conversation with yourself and ask if you really have it inside yourself to be a HC? Perhaps you were meant to be a very good defensive coordinator instead. As for finding the team’s identity… you’ve played 13 games already, the regular seasons almost over… and you don’t have an idea of the team’s identity??? Again look in the mirror. I sincerely wish you to be successful at something you do well.
December 11th, 2022 at 8:57 pm
BA Day…thanks pal now take you and your legacy staff and get out!
December 11th, 2022 at 8:58 pm
Their identity has been clearly established.
1. Head coach that leads the league in gutless punts and running out the clock
2. A stubborn OC with zero creativity
3. Offense that averages less than 18 points per game
4. Worst rushing team in the league
5. Defense that can’t buy a turnover
6. A penchant for committing dumb ill-timed penalties
December 11th, 2022 at 8:59 pm
Sorry coach. And I even support you. But if you trying to figure out identity in the 13th week..Well, You really don’t know your team. On the other hand, Win out all of the remaining regular season games? I have a reprieve in my hand. Now is what my dad use to call, N ut cuttin time. Guys, we looked really bad today. I was embarrassed as were you all. These last 4 games will tell the tale of the tape. Let’s see what we got..or do not have. Could this team win its last 4?
December 11th, 2022 at 9:01 pm
The rest of the league already knows who we are, Todd
December 11th, 2022 at 9:01 pm
@darin
That playbook has TB12 fingerprints all over!
We changed dramatically the way we played last year because TB12 didnt liked no risk it not buiscit style….
That being said TB12 this season hasn’t been very consistent by any means
December 11th, 2022 at 9:03 pm
How about your identity is you suck @ss as a HC and you don’t have the balls to can the worst OC this organization has ever seen. How about your identity is the person the make every buc fan question whether or not Arians intentionally screwing this team by making you HC
December 11th, 2022 at 9:04 pm
I can’t imagine being in the locker room listening to that speech and trying to take it seriously. These are millionaires a lot of them. Who doesn’t know bad leadership at their every day job when they see it
December 11th, 2022 at 9:05 pm
Decide who they want to be?!?! You gotta be $hittin me!!!! Scoring over 30 points a game and one of the best offenses in football to not being able to average 17 points a game!!! You don’t fall off like that without someone trying to change how they play! Sorry Bowles, you shouldn’t manage a lemonade stand and you’ve wrecked the goat!! After Brady got 100 tickets today so family and friends could watch this $hit show, I’m sure he wishes he did retire and stay married or wants to sit the rest of the year! I wouldn’t doubt he shows up to the next game with a bag on his head because he’s embarrassed of what youve done to this team!!
December 11th, 2022 at 9:08 pm
Bucs have known who they were the last 2 years.
Now they are all over the place since Bowles took over.
December 11th, 2022 at 9:09 pm
Here is the identity!! They look like your JETS!!!!
December 11th, 2022 at 9:09 pm
I had an epiphany tonight. Did we misread why BA was so enthusiastic about getting these two clowns head coaching gigs … maybe he just wanted them off the team!
December 11th, 2022 at 9:14 pm
I know their identity. We have a slow and old defense, incapable of stopping a fast and strong team, and a slow and old Offense, incapable of putting up more than 17 points generally, and even less against a good defense.
December 11th, 2022 at 9:15 pm
Good point Ultra. Like the wise man said, our record is what we are.
December 11th, 2022 at 9:15 pm
I think it’s pretty obvious what kind of team they are. They’re an underperforming, inconsistent, poorly coached team with an old QB that’s losing his arm.
December 11th, 2022 at 9:20 pm
Mad…good point. We are down 7 points against a new starting QB. We already have given him a psychological security blanket of 7 points. Then we give him the ball at his 45 yard line to start the next drive. That doesn’t sound like smart football to me, considering that we basically gave the guy every reason and opportunity to gain confidence. And after the second touchdown, he apparently had plenty of that.
December 11th, 2022 at 9:24 pm
Why isn’t Jason asked why he is putting up with this crap? Why he hasn’t inerviened ? Why Arians shouldn’t be responsible to fix this mess since he’s still under roof, for now ?
December 11th, 2022 at 9:26 pm
Did they have an identity last year and the year before? Now to why don’t know. After 13 of 17 games?
If the Glazers bring this coach back, then they deserve what they will get.
December 11th, 2022 at 9:29 pm
I’ve been SCREAMING for months about this team’s LACK of identity. They do nothing well. Every true leader instills a sense of what his group does well, and fosters that philosophy.
This team has NO IDENTITY. Joe’s, you know this to be true, and I’ve been harping on it for months.
Lack of identity means, at this point in the season, this team is doomed, and I say that as an optimist. No faith in this team, whatsoever, as a fan.
Debate me.
December 11th, 2022 at 9:29 pm
So I guess it is kind of like giving a guy a chance to fly solo, with you, Bruce,in the passenger seat. The plane is doing a nose dive towards the ground. The solo pilot doesn’t know the heck what to do to pull up and out of the dive. Bruce, do you get involved in piloting the plane? Or will it crash into the ground? Or is it too late? I don’t know what you will do.
December 11th, 2022 at 9:32 pm
Fire Bowles.
That’s the only comment to every story.
December 11th, 2022 at 9:33 pm
Screw these coaches.
I want them gone. NOW. I am tired of this spit!
December 11th, 2022 at 9:38 pm
Bucs had an identity before Bowles took over. Years of turning this culture around and he’s reversing it in a single season.
December 11th, 2022 at 9:39 pm
Heres what we all think of him and leftnut.
IDIOT IDIOT IDIOT IDIOT IDIOT IDIOT IDIOT IDIOT IDIOT IDIOT IDIOT IDIOT IDIOT IDIOT IDIOT IDIOT IDIOT.
OMG IM SOOOOOOOOOOOO SICK OF THE SAME THING EVERY WEEK!!!! FIRE THEM ALREADY, Or at least do as much PLAY ACTION AND HURTY UP AS YOU CAN. GIVE TOM MORE TIME TO THROW THE BALL FOR CHRIST SAKE. When tom did get time to throw, he made some good plays, like that deep pass to godwin. BROCK PURDY LITERALLY HAD ALL DAY TO THROW
December 11th, 2022 at 9:49 pm
Brady had a horrible game today. He couldn’t see open receivers or make the throws. Im not sure how much that hand injury effected him. But Brady should have been pulled at the half. The Oline didn’t do him any favors either. Why risk injury to your starting qb with two more division games left.
Legit Penalties killed scoring drives. Missed calls which no team should rely on for success definitely happened. The score doesn’t reflect how badly this team played. JTS doesn’t seem to have a clue. Donavan Smith seems unable to hold a block without actually holding. Sooo many things went wrong. The 49ers are an excellent team. Purdy seemed unbothered by Tamp’s defense. For a rookie qb in his first game to have a day like that. Just embarrassing for this team all around.
The only positive was Thompkins having a positive return game. Can’t believe we cut a guy to keep Darden. Without Darden being the eturn guy what does he bring to the team?
December 11th, 2022 at 9:54 pm
Just watched the Chargers score their 2nd TD on a 4th down at the goal line. Brandon Stanley understands this league is about scoring points. Wish Bowles would figure that out.
December 11th, 2022 at 9:59 pm
After 13 games? I mean, maybe in the first 4 or 5 that could be an explanation. What it is now is an excuse for sucking… Actually, they HAVE found their identity — they are an awful team with a shameful offense that can’t score points… That is who they are.
December 11th, 2022 at 10:07 pm
This guy’s a joke along with BL. Licht gave up on the season when he didn’t fire these clowns.
December 11th, 2022 at 10:08 pm
Nothing less than a total clean house will suffice. That includes the GM and BA. The losing and clueless culture that Brady was supposed to eliminate is in full force and effect and will continue as long as Bowles, Leftwich and the rest of the coaching staff is here.
December 11th, 2022 at 10:22 pm
I would not spend another dime on tickets for the bucks until they fire 🔥Everyone and start from scratch I would rather watch these idiots on TV.. I’m embarrassed to be a season ticket holder!! Throwing away money..Put this in the Times
December 11th, 2022 at 10:24 pm
A lot of competent coaches would salivate to coach this Bucs team. They can be an offensive powerhouse, become a best defensive team or can be both. Under Bowles, this team becomes an embarassment, a monday morning laughing stock discussion. Might as well pack up all their stuff, clean the locker room and just quit.
December 11th, 2022 at 10:45 pm
Hopefull the Glazers and Licht are figuring out the identity of the next coaching staff.
December 11th, 2022 at 11:32 pm
One outstanding feature not mentioned in this blog is the fact that Tampa has no offensive line! I don’t care who is running the ball or throwing the ball. It can’t be done with this line! No backup for Swiss cheese Donavan Smith? Throw in the offensive coordinator with piss poor plays and you have a major storm brewing. No plays over the middle, no tight end involvement. Even with Joe Montana this team couldn’t win! Why is it the Bucs are always playing from behind from the start?
December 12th, 2022 at 12:02 am
Bucs won SB37. Two years later they won four games.
Two years after SB55, they win 6. But this time with skill players.
Lesson and it was taught again by SF today –
Trenches. We suck in the trenches now. No Marpet, Jensen, Cappa. Wirfs banged up, Donovan has regressed horribly. No Suh, JPP, no BA to hold individuals accountable. And I think we miss Rojo’s running style. He ran hard.
Softest team I’ve seen the Bucs put out there since the end of 2011 when Raheem was in free fall.
Bowles needs to go but time for Licht to stop listening to who some quarterback wants and beef up the trenches, then hire some coaches who can scheme and coach players.
December 12th, 2022 at 5:57 am
It’s amazing how bad coaching can entirely destroy an amazing team
December 12th, 2022 at 6:23 am
It’s real easy to blame the coaches Tod Bowles defense has been playing good all year except for this game. But offense has been the problem with this team and we all know Brady is holding this team back if this any other quarterback the blame would be on him and him alone just like have done every quarterback this team has drafted. I knew this was going to happen once Brady lost AB and Gronk that y’all were going to blame the coaches and everyone else because Brady has declined. That’s why I can’t stand you fake Patriots fans and you Brady worshipers. I can’t wait until Brady is gone so this site can go back to being a bucs web site again.
December 12th, 2022 at 6:50 am
These buc fan don’t have no ideal about football the o line can’t block for Brady who can’t move because he is old stop being blind by the pass.the missed 3 TD easy throw tonight. All season the defense have been keeping it close go back and review the score. Brady can’t handle the blitz no more.
December 12th, 2022 at 6:55 am
These buc fan don’t have no ideal about football the o line can’t block for Brady who can’t move because he is old stop being blind by the pass.Brady misses 3 TD throw tonight. All season the defense have been keeping games close go back and review the score. Brady can’t handle the blitz no more. Stop being Homer’s the should retire. 49er QB was able to move around from being tackle Brady fold before getting hit.
December 12th, 2022 at 7:30 am
wait, there are ups?
December 12th, 2022 at 7:45 am
Todd says they dont want to be “an up and down team”. I believe theyve met his goal. Even when they win its so ugly or so lucky its hard to consider it “up”. If they indeed stumble into the playoffs it’ll probably be as a historic level underdog for handicapping.
December 12th, 2022 at 8:57 am
MadMax:
I agree 100%. To me game was over with the FG decision on that first drive! Don’t give that team great field position after already down 7-0 and give them more momentum
December 12th, 2022 at 10:41 am
Buczilla Says:
“GTFOH with this nonesense! … I don’t like being mean to folks, but Bowles is our worst coach since Richard Williamson. This entire season has been an utter travesty.”
.
.
The worst part, to me, is that now that they have over-promoted Bowles, there is no way that they can fire him and talk him into staying on as DC.
We had a historically bad defense under Mike Smith, and Bowles (with the rest of the defensive staff) turned it around immediately. Had the defense in the top 10 in season 2. And now, thanks to Bruce Arrogance we not only have a lost-in-space head coach who needs to go, we are going to lose the best defensive coordinator we’ve had in a long time.
December 12th, 2022 at 11:01 am
Goatfarmer Says:
“Trenches. We suck in the trenches now.”
.
.
For the money spent on Hicks and Gage, we could have had Suh and Tretter. Probably with change left over. I will never understand.
December 12th, 2022 at 4:31 pm
We know Bowles identity terrible head coach!!!!!!
December 14th, 2022 at 11:18 am
These “Catch Phrases” (theres one right there) drive me nuts!
Identity? Really?
Wonder what Lombardi would have said about “identity”?
Probably something “not suitable for children”! See Idid it again!