It’s Getting Late Early
October 25th, 2024
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
If Todd Bowles has a fire extinguisher handy, he’d better use it.
Tampa Bay’s defense is melting down before the smoke-filled eyes of Buc Nation and the Glazer family.
In his sixth year as czar of the defense, Bowles finds himself with injuries to overcome on offense and substantial holes to fill on a defensive unit that has been ravaged twice in the past three games.
Even if Liam Coen finds creative ways to minimize the absences of Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, the Bucs won’t be taken seriously as NFC contenders until they can make key stops again and play more cohesively on defense.
The timing of the Evans and Godwin injuries couldn’t be worse. A loss on Sunday would drop the Bucs a game behind the Falcons, complete a season sweep and improve Atlanta to 4-0 within the NFC South. That’s no way to defend a division title.
Despite the return of Antoine Winfield Jr., this secondary is in shambles. And if talented rookie Tykee Smith is sidelined by a concussion, the job will get even harder against Kirk Cousins and Patrick Mahomes the next two weeks.
Bowles isn’t used to seeing his side of the ball manhandled like this.
Only four teams are giving up more points. Only four teams are allowing more average yards per snap. Only four teams have yielded more first downs. Only two teams give up more yards after the catch.
The biggest problem for Bowles? Tampa Bay’s defense isn’t any better against the run, where opponents average 5.3 yards per carry. Last year, that number was 3.8. That’s a good number — 5.3 stinks.
There’s no defensive foundation to build off at the moment and here come the Falcons, who rolled up 550 yards against the Bucs in their first meeting. The Bucs haven’t tackled well all season and 44 percent of opponent drives are ending up in a TD or a FG.
K.J. Britt is struggling and the lack of a consistent edge rush is prompting Bowles to bring the house too often. Even Lavonte David and Jordan Whitehead were exploited by the Ravens, who reeled off 34 consecutive points after facing a 10-0 deficit.
The biggest answers must come on defense, Ira Kaufman explains.
The last time Tampa Bay’s defense was this generous came in 2019, when Bowles first arrived as defensive coordinator under Bruce Arians. Even then, the Bucs were stingy against the run while finishing 29th in scoring defense.
In 2020, 2021 and 2023, the Bucs boasted a top 10 scoring defense.
Talking A Bad Game
That’s not going to happen this year and Bowles is sick about it.
He often talks about communication issues as a key factor in this frustrating hospitality, but that seems like coachspeak. It’s not like this defense has been overhauled.
There’s no excuse for a communication breakdown.
Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, Logan Hall, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Anthony Nelson, David, Britt, Zyon McCollum and Winfield Jr all played for Bowles in 2023, when opponents averaged 7 points less per game compared to this season.
Bowles has to do a better job of tailoring his defensive scheme to this roster. Midway through the season, communication should not be a major obstacle every week. If it is, Tampa Bay’s coaching staff needs to streamline what is being asked of these defensive players.
These are challenging times for Bowles, who needs to reclaim his reputation as an innovative defensive coordinator. If he can’t, a depleted offense will be asked to carry the load.
“We’ll be alright,” says guard Ben Bredeson. “We’ve got a great room of receivers and we’ll be ready for Atlanta. There’s no quit here. This is an extremely close team and everybody will pick each other up.”
It’s getting late early around here. If the Bucs don’t get their defensive woes straightened out, they could very well hit the bye week at 4-6, saddled with a 4-game losing streak.
That kind of start would seriously threaten Tampa Bay’s hopes for a fourth consecutive NFC South title.
Coen has done an impressive job ramping up this offense. The Bucs are averaging 30 points and their third-down conversion rate (50.6 percent) is tops in the league. That kind of production will need to continue — even with Godwin and Evans sidelined — unless Bowles can turn this defense around.
“This team is filled with great people,” says rookie receiver Jalen McMillan. “At the end of the day, we’re not going to let injuries ruin our season. Obviously, Chris and Mike are our heart and soul. They make this team go, but now we need people to step up. That’s where I come in. We’re going to do it … let’s go to work.”
Ira Kaufman Talks Ravens Loss And Faith In The Bucs
October 25th, 2024 at 10:15 am
The season rides on this game. Losses to Chiefs and 49ers are already a forgone conclusion. If the Bucs lose to Falcons they need to tank and rebuild. Bowles will defiantly refuse to tank after the bye, but it will happen anyway. MAYBE that will finally send Bowles to a Comfortable retirement. Sad thing is that should have happened two seasons ago following the Rams playoff loss. Has anyone noticed how 4th quarter collapses have become the trademark of Bowles defenses?
Interesting match up of HCs / DCs. Bowles is the better HC, but Morris is the better DC.
October 25th, 2024 at 10:17 am
I’m lost for words about this defense!!! I’m 100% Italian with a big mouth and that is hard to do!! I actually saw Britt spinning in circles Monday night totally lost and confused! Great article Ira, Go Bucs!!
October 25th, 2024 at 10:26 am
Ira … ‘There’s no defensive foundation to build off at the moment.’
Fantastic analysis Sage; you nailed it. But for Bowles to ‘fix’ this defense (and it desperately needs ‘fixin’ right now), he’s gotta have the horses. Right now I’m not certain that we’ve got them. We’ll find out soon enough though.
Our ‘big guys’ upfront (Vea, Gaines, Kancey & Hall in particular) aren’t exactly setting the world on fire (playing ‘very pedestrian’ football would be more like it). They’re leaving gaping holes for RBs to run through, and aren’t creating nearly enough inside pressure (nor opening lanes for blitzers?). To their credit, they do have 7 sacks in 7 games though.
Our DE/OLBs (Diaby, JTS, Nelson, Braswell) aren’t getting either the sacks (only 5.5 total for those 4 guys) or the pressures (19). Opposing OCs know exactly how to beat this defense now based on the past performances of our starters. We’re too small upfront, and we’re too ‘lumbering’ on the outside.
Our ILBs have become a joke. Britt has long been a very good S/Ts player, but he’s not a starting ILB. And everyone knew that BEFORE this season started, yet the Bucs’ front office CHOSE to disregard fixing that major weakness in either free agency or the draft. I love watching LVD play, but the reality is that even he has lost a step. Age does that to professional athletes.
Our Secondary SHOULD be the strength of this defense, but even it’s struggling. Major injuries to Winfield & Dean have taken their toll it seems, but other injuries to Izien & Smith have also. I’m sure it’s hard to have great ‘communication’ back there when the players are constantly changing (and the guys in front of you aren’t getting it done).
Despite all that, we are where we are and we’ve got what we’ve got. Suck it up and play better. Excuses might make losers feel better, but a loss is a loss. If we lose to Atlanta again, we can almost surely kiss the playoffs goodbye.
October 25th, 2024 at 10:28 am
At the beginning of the season, I had the Bucs at 5-5 at the bye with a really tough set of games right before the Bye. If the Bucs and our fans have some resilience after this tough stretch, the Bucs can go 7-0 after the Bye:
at NYG
at CAR
vs LV
at LAC
at DAL
vs CAR
vs NO
The Bucs need to split the series with ATL to win the division. With a 7-0 finish, we have a chance at a wildcard slot. But to go 7-0, the defense needs to get back to our own standard as Ira has shown.
October 25th, 2024 at 10:31 am
Thank you Ira. What Bucs fans need to know is, what are the questions Jason and the Glazers are asking Todd about the steps to fix the defects in the defense? He could have asked Jason to fortify the roster before the trade deadline. So “our guys are our guys.”
We get the feeling that when something isn’t working, Todd just stays with the same thing, only louder. Getting late early, indeed.
October 25th, 2024 at 10:48 am
I am starting to lean towards DRs feelings about this defense. We need to draft some studs this draft. We are not getting rid of our coach. He’s a good one. We’ve overcompensated on this offense the last few years. Let this draft be remembered for defense. I’ve recommended Stutsman and Bowman from OU. Not because I follow OU but because these guys are gonna have great NFL careers. Now we need edge rushers and DTs. Who knows some players will help us there?
October 25th, 2024 at 10:55 am
History with Bowles as the HC tells us that we’ll be a 500 ballclub at best when the season ends. Only way to salvage the season is to win the division games remaining and pick off wins vs NY G-men and LV. That would put us at 10-7. Probably the best case scenario.
But if the wheels totally come off and we go 7-10 and no playoffs, a case can be made to fire Bowles. Coen could easily be installed as a HC next year and find a new DC. NFL stands for Not For Long.
The installed HC probably has to win or go home for good.
October 25th, 2024 at 11:01 am
Bucs are still the better team but Teams thinking Super Bowl don’t give up when teammates gets hurt they play harder for him and try to win the game. Bowles isn’t thinking super Bowles either he’s thinking job security so this will be his best game plan ever. This squad just doesn’t have the right mindset and that is because of the coach
Giving up 154 yards to a below average receiver like Drake London when he’s never hit 75 yards in a game except on us.
October 25th, 2024 at 11:20 am
Dave Pear … ‘What Bucs fans need to know is, what are the questions Jason and the Glazers are asking Todd about the steps to fix the defects in the defense? He could have asked Jason to fortify the roster before the trade deadline.’
And how do YOU know Fruit Loops that Bowles didn’t do exactly that and ask Licht to ‘fortify the roster’? Jason is the one who CREATED this roster (it’s sorta kinda a GM’s responsibility to stock the cupboard, and the coaches’ job to prepare the meal?). Hard to make a delicious chocolate cake if your pantry & refrig is stocked with nothing but beer. Of course, drink enough beer and I guess no one cares whether you’ve got chocolate cake or not.
October 25th, 2024 at 11:31 am
The problem with Bowles is that he is slow to react and has lousy contingency planning. The guy is going to live with rookies and marginal backup players and expect to win. Where there heck is Jason in this mess? This is like a freight train coming right at the Bucs at 5 mph, but they are not going to step off the tracks. Everyone sees it coming, but Bowles.
October 25th, 2024 at 11:35 am
I beg to differ, throw me a rack of Land Shark and watch what me cook
October 25th, 2024 at 11:37 am
Oh boy.
October 25th, 2024 at 11:56 am
Thank you again Ira, for pointing out where the true problem is with the Bucs. Todd’s loyal sycophants will now blame Jason. Kind of hilarious, if Todd asked Jason to get Hassan Reddick, Jason gets it done. If Todd said, “We need Cooper Kupp” Jason gets it done.
He didn’t. On top of shockingly inept in game decisions and a “scheme” that has been diagnosed, and the insistence of dropping pass rushers into coverage and rushing CBs and Safeties, the players he has have regressed before everyone’s eyes. Any new talent brought in would undoubtedly follow suit.
And Todd continues to the same exact things only worse.
Maybe it’s time for Liam to go into Todd’s office, close the door, and tell him what time it is.
The defense has better personnel than many teams. They are quite simply poorly coached, as the results illustrate.
No matter how many capitalized words and long winded, multiple excuses any resident pontiff wants to write.
October 25th, 2024 at 12:09 pm
Great insight, Ira!
The locker room has had it going with an energy vibe, and wham just like that it seems as though the air was knocked out of the room.
I love Jalen’s attitude. If the team goes on the field with that optimism it should be a great game for a Bucs win.
October 25th, 2024 at 12:47 pm
Dave Pear … ‘if Todd asked Jason to get Hassan Reddick, Jason gets it done. If Todd said, “We need Cooper Kupp” Jason gets it done. He didn’t.’
Since you evaded the question when I asked the first time Fruit Loops, as always, I’ll rephrase & ask again: How do YOU know what went on in those conversations between Bowles & Licht?
Bowles is playing with the hand that he’s been dealt on defense. Licht pumped what money we did have available into the offense (re-signing Mayfield, Wirfs, Evans) plus FAs (Bredeson, Opeta) plus draft picks (Barton, McMillan, Irving, Klein, Culp). Sizable disparity in talent level between this offense & defense.
October 25th, 2024 at 1:04 pm
If they are ‘blown-out’ on Sunday, and the defense shows NO signs of hope whatsoever, then the FO must immediately shift their focus to the longterm future of the franchise… Not in the short term. I would try moving JTS to a team needing depth at the position, in order to make a strong playoff push… If you can get a 6th, do it NOW. They’re prob not re-signing him beyond this season anyway. Also, I try to move RWhite. Same deal… to a Playoff team (be a great fit in Dallas, if they can ‘win’ these next two weeks). Then, next offseason… Move Dean, Vea, & yes, Mike Evans. Try to re-sign Godwin, if you can reasonably, & (hopefully) if he can fully recover back to being at 💯 again, then move him too, before the trade deadline. Stockpile draft-picks, continue developing the young talent currently on the roster, get yourself into a great salary cap position, build the roster (especially defense and O-Line), then draft a QB (and WR’s) ‘high’ in the draft in ‘26-‘27 drafts… Let the rebuild begin!!!! Let’s Go. Invest heavily, through the draft AND free agency on the Defense AND O-Line… Have it already preset, LOADED, and READY for your new STUD QB and WR’s on Rookie-level contracts, then enjoy that run for a good few years, before having to worry about their contracts and then paying them.
October 25th, 2024 at 2:04 pm
Long way to go. However the Glazers, and Licht think this roster is better then last years. That won’t bare well for Bowles if the team should finish worse.
October 25th, 2024 at 4:22 pm
Too much natty lite in the cupboard and damn sure no chocolate icing.
October 25th, 2024 at 4:37 pm
A loss to ATL and the season is close to over. I wouldn’t throw games on purpose but I’d guess the Bucs end 8-9.
October 25th, 2024 at 4:40 pm
Offensive teams figure out this defense after halftime. It always happens with this coach and it got old as soon as Cooper Kupp caught that discussing pass over the head of Antoine Winfield Jr. If they loose this weekend to Atlanta, you can stick a fork in them, they will be done.
October 25th, 2024 at 4:46 pm
Anybody heard from Calijah Kancey? The proclaimed Savior and coming Messiah on the D front? This guy has been way overhyped and underproductive even when he does see the field. EELe should put out and APB for JTS and realize that two sacks by Hall doesn’t relieve his BUST status. Time to move on from those two guys and BRING IN A DC already because Bowles ain’t it!!!!
October 25th, 2024 at 6:57 pm
Seasons pretty much over. If we lose Sunday and then again on Monday against the chiefs just pack it in and start focusing on the draft for next year. We may need a new head coach. We need to draft edge rushers and we need new LB and possible a CB since deal breaks down injured every season. Time to retool the party is over.
October 25th, 2024 at 7:51 pm
Bucsfan81 … ‘Seasons pretty much over. If we lose Sunday and then again on Monday against the chiefs just pack it in and start focusing on the draft for next year.’
Unfortunately, fake fans like Fruit Loops drag others down the cesspool with them. I’ll stand by my earlier comment that ‘If we lose to Atlanta again, we can almost surely kiss the playoffs goodbye’. BUT … regardless of what our final record is, that doesn’t mean we should just roll over & play dead. If I ever saw the Bucs do that, I’d start rooting for another team right then & there. If they’re not willing to give their all, they’ve got no right to expect fans to stand behind them to the bitter end. Fortunately, this Bucs’ team is NOT quitters.
October 25th, 2024 at 8:22 pm
Dave Pear brought up Hassan Reddick. The guy wants close to thirty million a year for a once ten to twelve sack player at the back nine of his career. I wouldn’t mind offering him that much through incentives, but not guaranteed and certainly not multi year. Besides, I don’t see him enjoying Bowles’ defense.
October 25th, 2024 at 9:05 pm
I’ve been watching football a long time…it’s really tough to tell when off ball linebackers are having a bad day until you see the box stats…
But with Britt you can actually see how bad of a player he is…he’s slow and stiff…takes bad angles….its really hard to watch
October 26th, 2024 at 6:35 am
Bowles needs to go
October 26th, 2024 at 9:20 am
I agree. Our defense has been suspect and it’s time for Bowles to show his defensive coaching ability. I’m tired of the communication excuse. If your defense is that difficult then maybe you need to simplify and let the guys play fast. If they lose Sunday I predict a meltdown and Bowles will be replaced by Liam Cohen at year end. We need new blood as leadership and a new voice in this locker room. Cohen will also be a hot commodity especially if the offense continues to produce with Evans and Godwin out. I’d rather keep Cohen than Bowles bases on the last 3 years of history.