Todd Bowles Pressed For Feedback On Bucs’ Run Game
September 16th, 2024
Todd Bowles was asked about the Buccaneers’ undefeated rushing attack today during his visit to SiriusXM NFL Radio.
So with two games in the books, the Tampa Bay running game ranks 29th in yards per carry at 3.4.
MVP candidate Baker Mayfield is the second-leading rusher behind rookie RB Bucky Irving.
Co-host Pat Kirwan, the former Jets linebackers coach and Bucs scout, knows how much Bowles wants an effective running game and bore in on Bowles to give a straight answer.
“When you watch the film, you got to get objective on some things. Tell me about how you felt about your run game — and not your leading ball carrier Baker Mayfield,” Kirwan barked. “How did you feel about blocking for the run and requiring the run to be even better with some of the games coming up?”
Bowles sounded a little dejected.
“It’s gotta be better,” Bowles replied. “I mean, [the Lions] shot the safety down a few times where he got through; they had one more than we could block. But we definitely can be better in the run game there as far as holding onto blocks, especially getting blocks on the edge with the receivers.”
Yeah, it’s gotta be better. And Joe is confident it will be. Yesterday, the Bucs couldn’t move the chains on the ground when they needed it most, and they almost paid a bitter price.
Still, the Bucs got a massive “W.”
Joe can’t understand why the Bucs are unable to pound the rock successfully behind Tristan Wirfs. It’s a carryover mystery from 2023.
September 16th, 2024 at 5:44 pm
The Bucs were missing their starting Right Tackle…they did fine.
September 16th, 2024 at 5:51 pm
Skuuuules
September 16th, 2024 at 6:06 pm
The Lions are tough but we had a real weakness on the O-line. Hope Goedeke is able to play this week, but the Bucs better find someone who can come in as a backup and play well enough to keep our QB from being hospitalized.
September 16th, 2024 at 6:08 pm
Someone should tell Rachaad White, “See that pile of bodies at the line of scrimmage every time you’re handed the ball? … The trick in this league is to attempt to run around that pile, not directly into it every damn time! Capeesh??”
Agree that White is not been given the best OL line blockers in the NFL, but he’s gotta shoulder some of the blame for not using his head!
September 16th, 2024 at 6:19 pm
Maybe they should watch the Charges game film. They are killing it on the ground. It’s mystery what’s wrong.
September 16th, 2024 at 6:20 pm
Canales already feeling the heat.
September 16th, 2024 at 6:33 pm
The Bucs haven’t had a stable O-Line since the Super Bowl. They had 3 new starters on the line yesterday. And Tristan Whirfs missed time this off-season, with his contract issues. Cody Mauch is a second year guy on the line, he’s still learning. This Line need time for the guys to come together as a unit. It’s going to take time, l think we will start to see a lot of improvement by mid season!!
September 16th, 2024 at 6:33 pm
Baker averaged 6.8 yards per carry!
Bring in a fullback and run Baker.
Problem solved.
How’s Calijah’s vacation going? Where’d he go this year? Has he sent pictures?
September 16th, 2024 at 6:33 pm
*I meant Tristan Wirfs*
September 16th, 2024 at 6:37 pm
Dew … An experienced head coach named Frank Reich made it to 1-10 last year, then got canned. Year before that, another experienced head coach named Steve Wilks got them 6 wins in his 12 games, then wasn’t retained. Care to start a pool that Canales doesn’t make it that far?
September 16th, 2024 at 6:40 pm
When do the Bucs announce they’ve cut Sucke? That piece of trash blew up the entire game script on Sunday, and should never see an NFL field again. If they don’t cut him, it’s football malpractice by someone.
As for the run game, I went back and watched all of White’s runs again this week, and he wasn’t the problem – never is the problem. The problem, like always, is blocking. If there’s a hint of daylight, White gets you yards. But short of Barry Sanders, no one is breaking 3 tackles in the backfield on every play.
September 16th, 2024 at 6:45 pm
Dew … Hadn’t followed them, but yes, the Chargers are killing it on the ground. And more importantly, they’re 2-0. Jim Harbaugh has them playing Michigan football.
Helps though when your defense is ranked #1. Also helps when the 2 teams you’ve played thus far are the 1-1 Raiders & the 0-2 Panthers.
September 16th, 2024 at 6:49 pm
I’ve got five on it!
Canales will be the scapegoat halfway through the season when the panthers are 1-8 or 1-9. Panthers are a dumpster fire.
September 16th, 2024 at 6:55 pm
It’s all Rachaad White’s fault….(Sarcasm)
September 16th, 2024 at 7:08 pm
K2
BINGO!
September 16th, 2024 at 7:16 pm
@JA – if you go back and watch the all-22, there’s really only 1 play where White missed a running lane. There just weren’t any holes yesterday. Bucky averaged 3 YPC yesterday, that’s not good either.
Fact is the Bucs o-line was getting manhandled. Everyone one of them, including the highest paid LT in the league Tristan Wirfs. The Lions were living in our backfield all game long.
September 16th, 2024 at 7:20 pm
Let’s not forget the Lions are a very physical team. A very good team, projected by some to be Super Bowl quality! That could have something to do with the run game or lack there of yesterday. We’ll be alright when LG67 is back at RT and the line gets a couple more games played together.
September 16th, 2024 at 7:22 pm
Awwwww….Devin White is a healthy scratch tonight. Wondering where we have heard AND seen that before?
September 16th, 2024 at 7:28 pm
If we don’t get the run game established, it’s going to make our QB put himself at risk too much. It also will result in additional pressure on passing downs – causing him to rush throws or take sacks.
Hard to believe they can’t run consistently behind Wirffs…
September 16th, 2024 at 7:29 pm
Canales’ only solid trait is being a qb whisper, and he said yesterday that he was sticking with his QB. He was hired to elevate the kids game. Then today he suddenly changes his mind. Anyone else think this call came from the owner? Doesn’t seem like a Canales move to me.
September 16th, 2024 at 7:31 pm
Scotty in Fat Antonio Says:
September 16th, 2024 at 7:22 pm
Awwwww….Devin White is a healthy scratch tonight. Wondering where we have heard AND seen that before?
——————
Are we having an attitude issue again Diva?
September 16th, 2024 at 7:33 pm
Yep, Devin White a HEALTHY SCRATCH tonite for the iggles….
Man had this guy’s stock plummeted 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️….
Wouldn’t be surprised to see him get cut.
The bad attitude must really be showing itself again.
Sure glad we got rid of him.
Sir Dennis is ballin’ now!!
September 16th, 2024 at 7:48 pm
Very early but Baker Mayfield mentioned as an “MVP candidate” in this article by Joe. We have come a long way from “ middling, journeyman, too short”, and so on from many on this site. If Bucs stay together and get 10 wins with a tough schedule and ultimately on to the NFC championship, Baker will have to be strongly considered. Great story if this plays out. Schedule only looking tougher with NO resurgence. Can’t believe that Atlanta with Cousins will be a non factor all season. Baker almost hit Otton yesterday by goal line. A great defensive play took away another TD. Expect we will see more of Otton. Would like to see him in more inside routes sitting down in front of LB’s. Those are easy completions if Baker gets help in middle of line.
September 16th, 2024 at 8:04 pm
Others on here have commented that the OLine has gone through a lot of changes since the SB win. One thing I do know is the OLine takes the longest to jell as a single unit. That’s once its personnel stabilizes. It looks like we may finally have the lineup. Now, they have to stay healthy and play together. Sure hope it happens this season. Time will tell.
September 16th, 2024 at 8:13 pm
in a another note- devin white is a healthy scratch. sounds like last year and he’s done his best work in the nfl. thank you super bowl 2020. that was the peak of that guys career
September 16th, 2024 at 8:15 pm
Coach up your OC, Todd. Be involved with coaching the O-linemen. And don’t let Coen ever leave the DRuler on an island alone, or even with mere chipping from a poor blocking TE or a groined RB, again.
Thank you.
September 16th, 2024 at 8:27 pm
Because Bredeson and Mauch are not very good inside and Barton is learning. Also, their best run blocking lineman Goedeke was out.
September 16th, 2024 at 8:42 pm
We gotta start running behind Wirfs more often. He’s one of the most athletic guys on our team. Why wouldn’t you?
September 16th, 2024 at 8:46 pm
3 years ago, we lost Ali Marpet, Alex Cappa , and Ryan Jensen.
Jason Licht believed his fan mail, calling him a genius when it comes to Line men.
So for two years, he made no real attempt to replace our 3 interior line men.
First year gave Brady his only losing Season. Leonard Fournette got destroyed all season long.
We finished dead last in the league in rushing.
Fare thee well Probowler Lenny Fournette.
Last year was the worst interior line I’ve ever seen. I don’t wanna talk out it.
Rashad White never saw a running lane all year. Because there weren’t any.
We Finished Dead last in Rushing in the league once again.
This year, Licht actually made a move at Center. Graham Barton will have rookie struggles- but he will be outstanding.
But we have the Worst two starting Guards in the league. They shouldn’t be starting in the XFL. And this is Jason Licht fault.
Bucky Irving and Rashad White combined for 40 yards Sunday. Neither averaged 4 yards a carry.
We are 29th in the league. A 3 place move up!
These are the facts. Others will blame the Running backs. The Offensive coordinator. Todd Bowles.
But it’s none of their faults. It’s Jason Licht fault, for sending out the worst line in the league 2 years in a row.
This year, worst guards in the league.
And Tristan Wirfs has looked horrible
And our TEs can’t block. Can’t catch. Can’t run. Why haven’t we addressed TE?
Others will have differing opinions.
But these are the facts. We can’t run, because our line sucks
September 16th, 2024 at 8:51 pm
Mauch is horrible, not strong enough, Skule is a joke, Bredeson is at best a backup. Barton is a rookie and still learning. That leaves Wirfs who has gotten beaten so far this season. With the exception of Wirfs this O line doesn’t seem to have much talent in the running game. Barton will continue to get better, the others not so much.
September 16th, 2024 at 9:06 pm
I’m watching this Eagles game and they did a pitch to Barkley and that bum couldn’t break 8 tackles to get 4 yards, he needs to be cut.
September 16th, 2024 at 9:07 pm
ATL defense is Stout.
September 16th, 2024 at 9:22 pm
Watching the ALL22 today, and last week, the thing that stands out with this new offense is how much the interior of line moves – in particular Barton and Cody.
For all the praise Barton has gotten, he’s whiffed on a number of plays. Not in any way down on him, but I think people are looking at some highlight blocks instead of his overall play. He’s still learning the position, and is asked to do a lot of 2nd level blocking, and doesn’t always get to where he’s supposed to be. But, again, it’s a lot of movement – and it shows how athletic he is. He’s got to have some fantastic stamina for sure. But he’s missing a number of blocks – once he knows his role better, I think we’re going to see him being one of the best centers in football – but that might not happen for a bit.
As for Cody – if you’re watching TV, there’s been a couple of blocks where it looks like he’s being manhandled, but I know from last week, one of the blocks, to me it certainly looked like he was expecting help from Barton who took on someone else – so Cody was leveraged for a double team and only got the guy from the side, so it looked bad – but in reality I’m pretty sure it was just a blown assignment. I only watched the White runs and plays with Evans today so far, but Cody didn’t standout, good or bad.
Also, Bredeson, he’s been very solid so far this year. I haven’t noticed him at all, which is a good thing. He does seem however to be much more of a traditional guard, I don’t see him moving nearly as much as Cody and Barton – I assume by design. But so far that looks like a very solid signing for Licht.
As for Wirfs, from what I see, both the Redskins and Lions tried speed moves on him – and he does what tackles do, if someone goes wide and fast, he just pushes them past the play. I think people watching TV think he’s being beat, but he’s not. Last week vs the Redskins he did that, but Baker was getting some pressure inside and ran backwards out of the pocket and got sacked. Again, people watching TV thought Wirfs screwed up, but the QB isn’t supposed to be there, so that was actually a sack on the interior since they’re the ones that pushed Baker back into the sack. Otherwise Wirfs has looked fine so far.
As for the run game, to my eye, this scheme seems very complex for lineman – and I think once they learn the system better we’re going to see some good results. Yesterday the trash play of Sucke just blew up everything. Sucke played the worst game I’ve ever seen by an offensive lineman, and I’m not exaggerating. Maybe there’s been worse games, but I’ve never seen them.
September 16th, 2024 at 9:30 pm
Remember Bredson wasn’t originally penciled in as the starter, Opeta was until he was injured, Barton looks fine, Wirfs and Goedeke are good, and Mauch we have to wait and see.
Licht and company know what they are doing when it comes to oline. They have spent 8 premium draft picks (rd 3 or higher) and found long term high level starters with 5 of those picks, the other three are Hainsey, Mauch, and Barton. Barton is already looking like he is another high level hit for Licht and company. I would say Hainsey is a quality backup and the verdict is out on Mauch still.
September 16th, 2024 at 9:36 pm
Nice assessment Rod. I agree it’s part learning the scheme and part getting a feel for the guy to your righty or left. I think Skule disrupted the gel process as they need to be a solid wall and if one guy falls the wall has door the defense can blow through. I feel we need to see how they do with a few more games and healthy.
September 16th, 2024 at 9:43 pm
I’m ready to see Bucky get the early down carries and get spelled by Tucker.
White is a glorified 3rd down back. This is year three with no production.
Time to stop blaming the oline.
September 16th, 2024 at 10:03 pm
i wonder if our RB is tipping off the defense when he’s gonna get the ball. it’s on you joe, all you gotta do is ask someone important if that’s possible 🙂
September 16th, 2024 at 10:30 pm
it would have been massive if we ran the ball for a first down at the end of the game, and then took a couple knees…
but luckily the D finned out
September 16th, 2024 at 10:32 pm
Jeffrey Becker — good question. I tend to think the answer is yes. In fact I believe that’s been a problem even before Bucky.
September 16th, 2024 at 10:40 pm
Uh, we drafted Barton (1st 2024), Mauch (2nd 2023), Goedeke (2nd 2022) and Klein (6th 2024).
We weren’t active in free agency, mostly because we couldn’t be, due to cap constraints. But to say he made no real attempt to replace them is false, especially considering Jensen injury happened in training camp.
September 16th, 2024 at 10:46 pm
And what has “probowler Lenny Fournette” done since he left the Bucs?
(Nothing)
You can give Licht some ish about last year, but 2022 was kind of a fluke thing. Jensen was supposed to be center, Hainsey at guard, and Goedeke at the other guard spot.
September 16th, 2024 at 10:47 pm
Bijan Robinson that bum couldn’t break the tackle to get 4 yards. What an a-hole, he needs to be cut. Everyone knows if you can’t get at least 4 yards on every play, regardless of blocking, you deserve to be cut.
September 16th, 2024 at 11:00 pm
Mostly Peaceful Trask Fan Says:
September 16th, 2024 at 9:43 pm
I’m ready to see Bucky get the early down carries and get spelled by Tucker.
White is a glorified 3rd down back. This is year three with no production.
Time to stop blaming the oline.
———-
Completely wrong take.
Also, Tucker stinks. He’s a generic north/south runner, nothing else – no moves, no wiggle, no agility, just north/south. Yes, I know in the preseason vs 3rd stringers now working at UPS that he had a decent cutback – on Sunday’s he’s dropped for 1.5 yards on that. There’s a reason he was over 2 yards per carry worse than White last year.
Bucky, meanwhile, so far I like what I see. However when he gets the same blocking as White, the results have been similar.
September 16th, 2024 at 11:01 pm
74 Buc fan, I think Canales was probably given a release from a promise ownership asked of him when hired. My speculation is that Canales was asked to stick with Young and agreed prior to being hired. After the first two games, ownership has had a eureka moment.
I get the sense that many are rooting against our former OC. Going with the Panthers, it makes sense, but I hope he succeeds more than fails. Not at our expense, in any way. Just make that team competitive & do a good job. I can’t fault him for taking an offer to be a head coach in the NFL. Plus, I think we’re better off with a fresh perspective. Canales was who we needed in a season where few wanted to work as an OC in Tampa.
September 16th, 2024 at 11:02 pm
Hey, Rod. You’re snook?
September 16th, 2024 at 11:06 pm
Wow, this Eagles defense at the end is like watching Todd Bowles vs The Texans.
September 16th, 2024 at 11:07 pm
Agree that the benching of Bryce Young has Tepper written all over it.
September 16th, 2024 at 11:08 pm
Damn – that was truly a Bowles vs Texans level collapse by the Eagles. What idiots. A terrible soft prevent trash defense.
September 16th, 2024 at 11:12 pm
F-U Eagles.
What losers.
September 16th, 2024 at 11:13 pm
Wow. This is the kind of thing that could resurface those internal turmoils in Philly. The Linc sounds like an 80k seat mausoleum.
September 16th, 2024 at 11:14 pm
Eagles had 1 job. NFC South no joke this year NFL better start changing there tune on our division
September 16th, 2024 at 11:14 pm
One good thing comes out of this Eagles collapse… tuning into Philly sports talk to hear them cry and whine and demand the coach is fired, the Hurts is cut, Barkley is traded… They have some of the worst fans, right after Packers fans.
September 16th, 2024 at 11:15 pm
Ef the iggles!!!
MORONIC coaching….
Just gave this game to the Falcons at the end 🤦🏻♂️
Falcons didn’t win it.
Hope the whole iggles locker room blows up in the next week before we play them.
WOWWWW, what a horrendous HC with his decision making…
IDIOT!!!
September 16th, 2024 at 11:16 pm
Cousins is like a thief in the night in Philly.
Absolutely stole one.
September 16th, 2024 at 11:19 pm
Yeah terrible defense by the Eagles but if Barkley made that catch on. 3rd down, none of that would have been necessary.
Eagles blew it, especially after that amazing stop by CJGJ on Bijan.
September 16th, 2024 at 11:19 pm
Is Mike Smith the Eagle’s DC?
September 16th, 2024 at 11:19 pm
Maybe Canales will come and ask for Trask……
September 16th, 2024 at 11:20 pm
HAHAHAAAAAAAAAA
The Eagles post game radio is already hilarious and they haven’t even gotten to the stupid callers yet. The announcers are all bashing Barkley for dropping that late TD, sound like they’re about to cry.
I can’t get enough of this.
September 16th, 2024 at 11:22 pm
Be careful what you ask for Intern
September 16th, 2024 at 11:22 pm
Trask Fan, totally disagree…..
INEPT MORONIC COACHING gave this one to the Falcons…..
4th & FOUR early in game and you don’t kick sure FG and instead go for it. That is MORONIC!!!
End of game you throw the ball instead of run it close to Falcons goal line as Falcons have no timeouts….could have wasted a ton of clock……
Just stupid!!!
Lions HC would never have gone for a 4th & 4….
September 16th, 2024 at 11:24 pm
Terrible drop by Barkley, Falcons are resurrected.
September 16th, 2024 at 11:24 pm
Munch, why you laughing??
I do hate the iggles too but they needed to beat the Falcons tonite….
September 16th, 2024 at 11:26 pm
I’m not welcome here?
September 16th, 2024 at 11:31 pm
Bucfan1988 Says:
September 16th, 2024 at 11:24 pm
Munch, why you laughing??
I do hate the iggles too but they needed to beat the Falcons tonite….
————-
Why would you ever pass over the opportunity to trash Philadelphia? The city, their fans, they all suck. Atlanta is too boring to care about.
September 16th, 2024 at 11:35 pm
Who immediately goes to the losing teams radio personalities for entertainment?
Of course they are upset, it’s what happens in every town who’s team loses.
September 16th, 2024 at 11:56 pm
It’s gonna take more than a first time coordinator two games to improve a decade of a sorry run game
September 16th, 2024 at 11:58 pm
Munch, I trash the iggles on almost all games except one like this.
If they play the Saints, I gotta pull for iggles 🤷🏻♂️…
Any other games though I’m in total agreement with you, lol!
September 17th, 2024 at 12:04 am
RGA Says:
September 16th, 2024 at 11:35 pm
Who immediately goes to the losing teams radio personalities for entertainment?
———-
People who aren’t complete bores.
September 17th, 2024 at 12:06 am
Dave Pear is posting tonight without trashing Kyle Trask, amazing.
September 17th, 2024 at 12:07 am
Bucfan1988 – Well yeah, I was wanting the Eagles to win – but once they loss, nothing is as fun as listening to their fans whine and squeal. Well, unless it’s listening to Packers fans whine and squeal.
I grew up in the NFC Central, those teams – mostly the Packers – I hate. The Saints, Panthers and Falcons are just boring teams, beating them feels the same as beating the Jags. It’s just a W, and that’s great, but it’s nothing personal. But stomping the Packers, now that is fun. Although beating the Lions, you kind of feel bad for them as they have to live in Detroit, so they do get a small amount of pity.
September 17th, 2024 at 12:10 am
It’s going to be a three horse race, Falcons, Saints and Bucs. Falcons have seriously upgraded at QB over Ridder.
September 17th, 2024 at 12:56 am
HAHAHAHA… some woman just called into the Eagles sports talk to say that this week 2 loss feels just like when the Eagles lost the Super Bowl a couple of years ago.
That’s why you listen – to hear idiots like that cry. If you can’t find joy in that, you probably hate Christmas.
September 17th, 2024 at 3:08 am
Listening to the losing teams media market for entertainment. That’s funnier than hell Rod Munch. How’d I never think of that one? I saw you were doing that after the Detroit game Sunday. Wonder which teams fans whine the most. I’ll bet the Eagles fans are dumber than the Lions fans.
September 17th, 2024 at 8:38 am
Highest paid Tackle in the league, can’t run behind him…
Highest paid Safety in the league, still an awful pass defense that allows teams to move up and down the field at will
Team is lucky to be 2-0, inept coaching all over the field
September 17th, 2024 at 10:19 am
Highest paid safety in the league didn’t play ya dummy
September 17th, 2024 at 12:15 pm
Kenton Smith Says:
September 17th, 2024 at 3:08 am
Listening to the losing teams media market for entertainment. That’s funnier than hell Rod Munch. How’d I never think of that one? I saw you were doing that after the Detroit game Sunday. Wonder which teams fans whine the most.
———
From my experience, by far it’s the Eagles fans. They have the dumbest, whinest takes. Also the Packers fans are ultra whiny, and personally that’s my favorite. The Lions fans were pretty tame and dull. The Falcons fans are just boring. Carolina is such a dull team no one there cares. The Saints fans are mid. I haven’t heard the Cowboys fans, but you’d assume they’re terrible. Hopefully I’ll find out this year.
September 17th, 2024 at 4:07 pm
It’s a wonder to me that Canals’ neck isn’t broken, trying to hold his big head up. One year after getting his “dream job” he thinks he can be a head coach. I wonder how many people hold that same opinion. HA!