This is it. We’ve waited eight weeks for the Bucs to break free from this skid, and Saturday’s game against the Panthers is their last chance. If they can secure a win and get help from the Saints in their game against the Falcons on Sunday, this team could still find its way into the playoffs after more than two months of disappointing football. A playoff appearance might help us forget the recent struggles—at least until the next loss.
BUCS WIN IF…
Bucs on Offense: If Todd Bowles can completely step back from offensive meetings this week, we have a shot. Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard has crafted effective game plans early in recent matchups, focusing on aggressive play from the start. However, as the game progresses, there tends to be an excessive focus on the run/pass ratio, and we all know where that pressure originates.
I want to see the Bucs give Baker Mayfield the opportunity to either carry this team or face the consequences. Let him find his rhythm early and maintain it. I’d love to see Mike Evans finish with 80 yards and a touchdown, Chris Godwin with 6 catches for 65 yards, McMillan contributing 4 catches for 70 yards, and Egbuka with 2 catches for 30 yards and a touchdown. Let’s finish strong with a rushing touchdown from our running backs and another through the air.
Bucs on Defense: Here’s hoping Bowles can formulate a plan to prevent the Panthers’ offense from resembling the ‘99 Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf.” We tend to make any offense look unstoppable.
The Bucs should aim to force Panthers’ quarterback Bryce Young to win the game with his arm. Shutting down their running game is crucial, and we need to avoid leaving receivers in one-on-one situations. Challenge Young’s arm strength and accuracy by making him fit the ball into tight windows. If he can do it, then they deserve the win.
PANTHERS WIN IF…
Panthers on Offense: They need to establish a running game to set up effective play action. Target Tetairia McMillan frequently; he’s an athletic force. By shifting Bucs defenders toward him, they can create openings elsewhere. If they can score 23 points, they’ll likely secure the win.
Panthers on Defense: If the Bucs come out with the same offensive game plan they used in their first meeting, the Panthers should focus on shutting down the run. However, they must also be prepared for a normal NFL offensive plan of a balanced mix of pass and run plays. Never know when Bucs coaching might wake up.
Providing safety help over the top on Evans’ side is essential, and they should aim to keep Baker in the pocket, forcing him to throw. He hasn’t looked comfortable doing so lately.
FINAL WORD
I’ve held out hope for a Bucs victory over the last four weeks, but I believe that ship has sailed. Once a coach loses a locker room, it’s tough to regain that trust. The heart of the team seems to be fading. Hopefully, they’ll undergo a much-needed transformation in the offseason.
Prediction: Panthers win 27-16.
Bucs pull it together
31-20 Tampa……baaaaaayy
Bucs win but still miss the playoffs. The worst of both worlds
Bucs have to try a new game plan. The game plan of let the defense win isn't cutting it. Granted the offense has been a let down late in the games the last four games but the defense isn't elite.
The fat lady has sung. It's over.
Panthers 24 - Bucs 20
I donno guys, my confidence in this squad is close to zero. I thought for sure they woulda beat the Saints and Falcons and they couldn't. They just got beat by a 7th round QB driving a dumpster thats on fire in Miami.
I hope something clicks and they figure it out but im not confident at all.
Tampa - 35
Carolina - 20
As much as I want to win and make the playoffs don’t think Todd Bowles being around will help anyone.
i have as much faith in him as I do in Aaron Boone(I’m a Yankees fan unfortunately) none.
panthers 27
Bucs 20
@debucsown report today that Bowels is safe, win or lose.
https://x.com/i/status/2007460229215134008
@theknees I sure F***ing hope not!
would have to think Bucs would have given a vote of confidence this week if any of these reports were true
i am concerned because we are a poorly run franchise that there is no guarantee that Bowles is replaced but would think we've have to move on from him with a 7-10, 8-9 record after a 6-2 start.
@badabingbucs keeping him makes zero sense, its blatantly obvious this team is poorly coached. The talent on offense along means at minimum this is a 10 win team.
AND Bowles is a "defensive guru" whos defense fails us every week.
These things combined just prove Bowles is not the man for this job!
@chadrico - if the Glazer’s truly feel this way, then they’ve lost touch with what it takes to win a championship. Like I said last year, if we let Coen walk we will be kicking ourselves. We will be left with a team that can’t play defense and lose a top 5 offense. So many people said we could bring anyone in here to coach these offensive weapons. But that’s not how the NFL works. Without coaching, players fail. Nothing will change next year. We can bring in Maxx Crosby and Jordyn Brooks, but we’ll still be running Bowles defense. You don’t lose a locker room like this year and turn it around. A 2026 year with Bowles back would be the most lame duck year ever for a professional franchise.
