Today, the Bucs suffered a crushing defeat to a 2-10 Saints team led by a rookie quarterback who had never rushed for an NFL touchdown—yet he managed to score two long rushing touchdowns against us. It’s hard to pinpoint where the blame lies because it feels like it’s everywhere.
The most successful play for the Bucs offense today—and throughout 2025—has been Baker Mayfield scrambling on broken plays and running for first downs. Meanwhile, Emeka Egbuka has gone from a potential Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate to a player who seems to have two drops every game over the last five or six weeks. He dropped a crucial third-down pass in the first half and a potential tying touchdown in the fourth quarter. Yes, it was a high catch, but it was certainly catchable.
Our short-yardage offense has become the worst in the NFL, with the Saints stuffing more short third and fourth downs than we care to count.
On the defensive side, we allowed numerous third-and-longs to an inept offense. In the second half, we struggled to stop the run. Playing soft zone on a soggy, torn-up field due to rain gave the Saints countless opportunities to exploit us with dump-off passes throughout the game.
Every coach and player is to blame for this debacle. Over the last 6 to 7 games we have not come close to demonstrating the play of a playoff team.
This loss stings, and it’s clear we have a lot of work to do just to win another game this year. Let’s hope they don’t wake up too late. Because this team’s window is closing fast, if not already closed.
Season is done
team isn’t going to get it together with this coaching staff.
Even if we make playoffs with 9 wins, we will get steam rolled in first round
This is easily our worst loss in Bowles Bucs head coaching history
2022 - this was just a season of impedance. Probably losing to Cleveland in overtime wasn't great but in Bradys first and only losing season as starting QB, they just never got it together. Still, the Pittsburgh, Carolina, Browns, and Dallas ass whooping in the playoffs didn't compare to today
2023 - Losing to New Orleans when we were in a clinching scenario was pretty weak in week 17 this year 23-13 clunker. There were some other shit losses but that was the worst. Still, doesn't compare to today. This season will go down as Bowles most successful season as head coach winning a playoff game
2024 - Losing to Dallas back-up QB was bad in prime time but no losses this year compare to today
2025 - The Rams ass kicking was our worst ass beating since 2020 Saints game but this Saints loss was brutal. When you factor in what was at stake, versus the competition and how the team faired.
Baker hasn't thrown for over 200 yards since New England game. He has thrown for over 300 just once this year.
This team finished the year strong in 2023 and 2024....they thought it would be the same this year but doesn't look like it. We haven't looked good since October 12th 49ers game.
I do not think it is devastating because if the Bucs can sweep the Falcons they are back in the driver seat of the division. However failing to sweep the Saints OR Falcons would be devastating for sure.
Because that leaves Panthers x 2 and the red hot Dolphins.
When you lose to a team liek the saints with less talent than you do at almost every spot on the roster, its because guys weren't focused enough, you can see it on the very first drive.
Olave dusted zyon on the go route first play, bowles goes into zone majority of the game because he doesnt wanna get beat deep (but honestly fuck it if the guy you pay 16million is gonna get beat deep, and youre scared to get beat deep man2man why'd you pay him? if you trusted to pay him 16 million you should trust to man2man on a wr liek olave). Shough gets an easy game as a rookie because he makes easy underneath throws where it doenst have to test his arm talent, and they just keep the chains moving, with checkdowns. (LBS made it easy too btw thye made the decisions and throwing windows too easy)
@alldaway a 2 and 5 record over our last 7 games is pretty devastating. It’s definitely not us moving in the right direction. Nothing about this team gives me any confidence that we can beat the panthers twice, nor beat both the falcons and dolphins.
