It’s been two days since the Bucs lost to the Rams in season-ending, heart-breaking fashion, 30-27. But safety Jordan Whitehead is far from over it. The Tampa Bay strong safety took to Twitter on Tuesday morning to express his frustration about not being on the field during the Rams final drive. Shortly after sending the tweet, Whitehead deleted it.

On the Rams game-winning possession, Whitehead never saw the field. Los Angeles quarterback Matt Stafford ran a draw for a loss of one, then hit Cooper Kupp on back-to-back throws to put the Rams in position for a chip shot game-winning field goal. Instead of Whitehead, safety Mike Edwards was back deep next to Antoine Winfield. The Bucs didn’t consider a dime package defense, running nickel with Sean Murphy-Bunting joining Carlton Davis and Jamel Dean on the field.

Bucs S Whitehead Deserved To Be Out There

Let’s be clear about one thing: Whitehead’s presence probably wouldn’t have made a difference. The Rams two game-winning passes were completed against Murphy-Bunting, who fell down in coverage, and Winfield. Both of those players were going to be on the field, in those positions, no matter what. The issue on the 20-yard completion to Kupp was that Murphy-Bunting stepped on the receiver’s heel in coverage, falling down. Then, on the 44-yarder that set up the game-winning kick, there was confusion on the field thanks to Bowles calling an all-out blitz in a tempo situation. Coaching malpractice.

Bucs S Jordan Whitehead – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Having said that, the process behind having Whitehead off the field in that situation is a poor one. Bowles wanted to keep his blitz packages open, which is why Lavonte David and Devin White were both out there. But one of the linebackers should have been off the field, as it was a clear rush four and cover situation. Bowles misused his personnel all game long, so this was nothing new. He overplayed Jason Pierre-Paul, never got Shaq Barrett matched up on a backup left tackle and played Vita Vea just 47 percent of the snaps.

Whitehead’s frustration is valid. He’s been one of the best defenders on the team this season. He earned the right to be on the field in that late-game situation, even if it wouldn’t have changed the result. As Whitehead prepares for free agency, playing 60 of 72 snaps against the Rams could weigh heavily in his mind. To be fair, Bowles has valued the Pitt product as an every down player this season. But that playoff usage might be a blow to the safety’s pride. Especially in a game of this magnitude.