10 Questions For Bruce Arians
October 16th, 2024
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
From his perch in central Georgia, 435 miles from Tampa, Bruce Arians watches the Bucs with a keen eye.
The coach who led the 2020 Bucs to a Super Bowl victory is feeling prideful for the job his hand-picked successor is doing as Tampa Bay seeks a fourth consecutive NFC South title. I caught up with Arians this week to talk about Todd Bowles, Jason Licht, Liam Coen and Tampa Bay’s 4-2 start heading into a dynamic Monday night matchup against the streaking Ravens.
How do you assess the job Bowles is doing this season?
Arians: “I think he’s done a great job. Everything hasn’t gone easy, that’s for sure with all the injuries. Todd’s always had the pulse of the locker room. He’s always had that knack for knowing what the guys are doing and how they’re feeling. That’s what makes Todd so special.”
What about Liam Coen?
Arians: “Liam has done a hell of a job with this offense and Baker Mayfield is obviously playing with a lot of confidence. For a guy in his first year with this offense and the way they’re moving the ball, it’s very impressive. The guy’s really, really sharp. He’s putting guys in position to be successful. They’re scoring touchdowns — and that’s what it’s all about. We had a few years when we averaged 30 points — this offense is right there.”
Why has this run game taken off?
Arians: “Those two young backs (Bucky Irving, Sean Tucker) are making a big difference. I’ve been a fan of both of them. I’ve always loved Rachaad, but Bucky has added a great spark. They’re also doing a great job of blocking. That was Robert Hainsey out there last week at center, so you can’t give all the credit to Graham Barton. When Hainsey doesn’t have to block a big old nasty nose guard in front of him, he’s fine. They’re doing a great job of throwing to set up the run instead of the other way around.”
How’s this rookie class shaping up?
Arians: “Another great draft, that’s five or six in a row for Jason. He nailed it again. Tykee Smith is such a fierce competitor. Everyone coming out of Georgia right now knows how to play the game. Kirby Smart’s doing a great job. Smith has a knack for ripping balls out and Irving is an exciting rookie. Jason’s drafts have been outstanding for quite awhile. I’d say Zyon McCollum might be one of the best corners in the league right now.”
Are you surprised by Chris Godwin’s torrid start?
Arians: “No. Chris is back to himself and he’s in a perfect spot. They put him back in the slot, where he just thrives. The play-action passes fit what he does. With Chris, it’s not just the great catches. It’s what he does in the run game and his importance as a teammate and a leader.”
Are you concerned about Mike Evans at this point?
Arians: “Not really. Mike is banged up, playing hurt. He’s struggling a little bit with some stuff in his legs. We’ll get him healthy and ready to go.”
What went through your mind watching the second quarter against the Saints?
Arians: “That’s what I love about this team. They went out at halftime and made the right adjustments. A lot of teams could never make those kinds of adjustments because they’d be in the locker room too pissed off to listen. Todd’s guys listen. They made the adjustments and had a hell of a second half. They finally calmed down. Every time we play the Saints, it comes down to penalties and turnovers. Don’t make those lose-your-poise mistakes … let them do it.”
What do you expect Monday night against the Ravens?
Arians: “That two-headed monster between Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry is tough to stop. And that Baltimore defense is legit. Our guys will be ready and I hope our fans take over the stadium and we don’t see much purple there. I know the Ravens have given up some passing yards, but there’s more to the story than just numbers. They’re usually playing with a lead, so other teams give up on the run and throw, throw, throw. The Ravens are jumping on people early, so those pass defense numbers can get skewered.”
How well is former Bucs OC Todd Monken doing in Baltimore?
Arians: “He’s doing a great job. He did a great job when he was at Georgia, running that offense. Todd’s always been a hell of an offensive mind. I’ve always had a lot of respect for him, way back when he was at Southern Miss. His success with the Ravens doesn’t surprise me at all.”
Do the Bucs have enough mental toughness to handle adversity?
Arians: “This team has had great leadership for a long time. When you’re able to keep the core guys and then you add in someone like Baker, it just adds to it. I love where this team’s at right now.”
October 16th, 2024 at 1:13 pm
Thanks Ira, and thanks Coach Arians for the championship.
I wish you would have added a question 11, Ira. “Why in the world was the resignation and transfer of power to Bowles done so late?’”
Unless I just totally missed it, I’m still not sure what went on there. He wanted to give it a go but health concerns took over in the end?
October 16th, 2024 at 1:16 pm
Refreshing. Thank you Ira and BA. Especially the part confirming what we know Mike is banged up and that Baker and Bucky are the spark of the offense.
I also liked the insight on the Ravens defense. Hopefully there will be more of an opportunity to run than I thought.
October 16th, 2024 at 1:17 pm
BA for prez
October 16th, 2024 at 1:19 pm
THAT WAS AWESOME!!!!
I love hearing from old coaches. It’s cool he spotlighted Tykee Smith. I loved this draft pick. He played like a Pro Bowl vet last game. AWJ v2
October 16th, 2024 at 1:27 pm
A wonderfully positive interview!
“Those two young backs!” Bruce is a big fan of Bucky and Tucker. Love it! Bucky does have that spark.
Was worried about Mike being banged up. But after reading Arian’s comment, I feel much better. Reading between the lines from his comment, it sounds like Bruce is still actively involved even from Georgia. He said – “We’ll get him healthy and ready to go.” We know they will. Go Bucs!
October 16th, 2024 at 1:29 pm
Wow, wish Ira could sit down with Coach BA after every game and we get a regular Joe Bucs article on what he sees.
Little nuggets.
* When Hainsey doesn’t have to block a big old nasty nose guard in front of him, he’s fine.
* Bucky has added a great spark.
* Baltimore pass defense better than the numbers of yards they give up (just like the Bucs)
* Todd’s guys listen – Todd’s always had the pulse of the locker room.
October 16th, 2024 at 1:34 pm
Arians always wanted too coach mayfiled when he was with cbs he said one team he would love too coach if he unretired was the browns he loves bake mayfield just imagine how explosive this offense would be if he was still our coach
October 16th, 2024 at 1:34 pm
BA brought a winners mentality back into Tampa after so many years of a loser one. The vets are passing the baton to the younger guys who be are rising up to the NFL challenge. These are exciting times to be a Bucs Fan!!! The fans see it! See the possibility! The National Media are starting to see it too! Thanks BA for making Tampa a great football town once again!
October 16th, 2024 at 2:05 pm
I wonder what BA said right when the Falcons scored the TD in OT after the game was in the bag in Todd’s lap.
October 16th, 2024 at 2:12 pm
he’s right about hainsey lol
GO BUCS!!!!!
October 16th, 2024 at 2:31 pm
Love hearing from BA and trust what he’s seeing when it comes to this team. Best coach this team has had in my 20+yrs watching this team.
Great job Ira. Keeping BA in the ol Rolodex is a nice touch and I really appreciate you getting his feedback. Keep it up JBF
October 16th, 2024 at 2:47 pm
Me, too. I greatly enjoyed the article.
October 16th, 2024 at 2:48 pm
Key word “We’ll”… Tells me BA has a bat phone strait to the coaches at One Buc Place I’m sure he’s still on PR at some capacity… Love me some BA!!! GO BUCS!
October 16th, 2024 at 3:03 pm
Enjoy retirement Bruce, you deserve it. Thanks for the championship.
October 16th, 2024 at 3:37 pm
Love this column!
October 16th, 2024 at 4:06 pm
Great on Ira.
Thank you.
LFBake!!!!!
October 16th, 2024 at 4:21 pm
BA always has such a calming effect on people when he talks.
So glad to hear Mike will be ready at some point.
Hopefully it’s this game because we will need more from him than just 2 catches on the first drive.
October 16th, 2024 at 4:31 pm
Based on Arians’ comments, two key goals of the should be: (1) Scheme a run game that will work against the Ravens’ D. This will be a test to see how good Irving, Tucker, and the o-line really are. And (2) Score early and don’t get behind. Keep the score tight so we don’t have to throw on every play. Mixing run and pass with play action will be the key.
On defense, the obvious objectives are (1) to limit Henry’s yardage and (2) spy on Jackson so he doesn’t break off too many splash plays. Both players will get their yardage, but if we can limit those explosive plays, we can win this game. No! We WILL win this game! GO BUCS!
October 16th, 2024 at 4:45 pm
79 Defense:
Everybody knows the answer to that question. That was when Tom Brady ordered it.
October 16th, 2024 at 4:54 pm
BA made a very important point about the cohesion and camaraderie in the Bucs locker room. This team is a unit with its coaches. He also knows ME13 is hurt and needs to rest. I noted he didn’t dare (nor did Ira) bring up the referee help-the-Aints free for all in the second quarter. He did point out the Bucs regained their poise in the locker room during the halftime break. That backed off the zebs. It will be the same, if not worse, with the Ravens. They are among the NFL darlings along with quite a few other teams. Bucs have never been in that exclusive “club.” Man, I want Tampa Bay to play its best game Monday nite. I’m starting to get some good vibes like I did with Detroit. Figured I was nuts. We will see.
October 16th, 2024 at 5:42 pm
Great article! Still miss BA, his press conferences were the best.
October 16th, 2024 at 5:56 pm
It’s clear Dave Pear is that relative at Thanksgiving you have to invite, but you roll your eyes whenever they start talking.
Anyway, thanks for the positive, feel good article. Almost all of us appreciated it.
October 16th, 2024 at 6:27 pm
Lol Dave Pear. I bet you can’t print any of those words on this web site.
October 16th, 2024 at 7:07 pm
No need to misconstrue, I enjoyed more than a few celebratory beverages after we gave it to the Aints up the dirt road in the second half.
Ravens…….Harbaugh………..Lamar……….
You know.
October 16th, 2024 at 9:54 pm
Don’t think I’ve ever heard the term “great” applied so many times in one interview. Of course, no prior coach is ever gonna criticize his hand picked successor.
The test for Todd’s ability to coach will come this week against one of the best. Sean Peyton, gifted with mediocre talent at best, made Todd look like a H.S. coach. Against Harbaugh, Todd will have another chance to prove his worth.
October 16th, 2024 at 10:44 pm
Great interview! Some very telling and interesting quotes. You don’t see anything this good in newspapers these days, for sure. Thank you Ira!