Hall of Fame legend and former Bucs’ coach, Tony Dungy, once said, “If you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse. You don’t just stay the same.” And this version of the Bucs, with Todd Bowles at the helm, hasn’t shown improvement and has looked remarkably similar over his four years as head coach.
His defense’s performance looks the same from year to year: it blitzes, and if it doesn’t get home, it gets torched. There’s little pass rush from the front four, and the pass defense is largely porous… this is Bowles’ unit of responsibility and at this point, his defense is what it is, a below average defense.
The offense fluctuates depending on the coordinator of the year. Because Bowles is a defensive-minded coach, the offense remains in flux, as offensive coaches come and go. Two years ago, Offensive Coordinator, Dave Canales, left for the head coaching job at Carolina. Last year, OC Liam Coen left for the same position at Jacksonville. This instability is one of the downsides of having a head coach who specializes in defense.
Todd Bowles and Liam Coen – Photo by Tampa Bay Times
Bowles’ teams have consistently experienced major mid-season losing streaks. Once or twice may be a coincidence, but after four consecutive years, it has now become the norm and reveals the true nature of Coach Bowles’ teams.
If not for a weak division, Bowles’ Bucs would not have made the playoffs even once during his four seasons as coach. They’ve never finished with a record good enough to qualify as a wild card participant. And that was all while playing a soft NFC South schedule.
What gives us hope that this year or next year will be any different? The only difference might be that our division is getting better, and we will be left behind.
We’ve become overly safe in every aspect of this franchise. We draft safely… bringing in starters but not stars. Our offseason moves involve spending too much on bringing back our own average players while neglecting to add real talent. We’re cautious with our coaching staff, allowing underperforming coaches (i.e. – special teams coach) to linger too long. And we’ve settled for mediocrity.
A franchise doesn’t need to risk everything, but it must take calculated chances from time to time. When was the last time we took a chance on a sought-after free agent? When will we stop opting for the safe draft pick, when the risk could yield a franchise player instead of just a guaranteed starter?
I’ve seen it all with this franchise—worse coaching (Leeman Bennett, Lovie Smith) and less talent (1983-1996, 2009-2019). But I’ve also witnessed two championship teams (2002 and 2020), and neither achieved success without taking significant risks.
I’m tired of playing it safe. Let’s take off the safety vests and dive in. I’d rather hunt for treasure than just sit on the boat.
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Yes
Bucs would need to win a playoff game for anyone to consider otherwise
im not confident we will get to 10 wins let alone somehow beat the Rams or Seahawks
If not for a weak division, Bowles’ Bucs would not have made the playoffs even once during his four seasons as coach. They’ve never finished with a record good enough to qualify as a wild card participant. And that was all while playing a soft NFC South schedule
great write up.
Just offering an alternative way to look at what you describe above.
It could be that Bowles has a flaw that many people attribute to player-friendly coaches and that is that he can get them to win when they need it but not when the win requires true discipline and commitment. That theory might explain the midseason slumps or even the strong finishes. So, your point still well taken because that type of team is limited, no doubt.
I would say that this really stood out to me as a possibility with the Patriots game because we saw in the Patriots a much more prepared and disciplined team. Not that there are not other examples, just that that one stood out to me. Losing to the Saints at home in this game stands out for similar flaws, in my view. From blown defensive assignments (I think one of our edge rushers jumps inside on the long QB run ) to Otton not going past the line to gain on the 4th down play. DETAILS blown over and over. Usually attributed to coaching
If not for a weak division, Bowles’ Bucs would not have made the playoffs even once during his four seasons as coach. They’ve never finished with a record good enough to qualify as a wild card participant. And that was all while playing a soft NFC South schedule
great write up.
Just offering an alternative way to look at what you describe above.
It could be that Bowles has a flaw that many people attribute to player-friendly coaches and that is that he can get them to win when they need it but not when the win requires true discipline and commitment. That theory might explain the midseason slumps or even the strong finishes. So, your point still well taken because that type of team is limited, no doubt.
I would say that this really stood out to me as a possibility with the Patriots game because we saw in the Patriots a much more prepared and disciplined team. Not that there are not other examples, just that that one stood out to me. Losing to the Saints at home in this game stands out for similar flaws, in my view. From blown defensive assignments (I think one of our edge rushers jumps inside on the long QB run ) to Otton not going past the line to gain on the 4th down play. DETAILS blown over and over. Usually attributed to coaching
This may be taking this theory too far but there several Bucs defensive players you could say have contract-itis, play declining after the the big deal. Dean obviously stands out but even McCollum or AWJ? Maybe a bit unfair, but you don't see playmakers making plays very often. So, again, maybe the same approach that makes Bowles a fairly good HC for a young developing team works against a bit as they have some success?
who knows? just a theory
The offense has improved every year since Bowles was finally FORCED to fire Byron Leftwhich, until this latest regression form Liam to Grizzard. The defense has not only not improved at all, id say they look somehow worse every year. Bowles has proven to be a lot like some other past coaches in Lovie Smith and Byron Leftwhich, where they just flat out don’t adapt or evolve their game plan, ever. It’s time to move on.
What gives us hope that this year or next year will be any different? The only difference might be that our division is getting better, and we will be left behind.
Bingo.
As I’ve said numerous times before, this team has taken on the identity of their Head Coach.
Lifeless, lost, inept, unprepared, zero fire or killer instinct.
Unfortunately, I don’t think anything changes.
The excuses are already built in.
Can we see them play a game with Wirfs and Evans together before we write the obituary.
Can we see them play a game with Wirfs and Evans together before we write the obituary.
LOL, never.
Can we see them play a game with Wirfs and Evans together before we write the obituary.
LOL, never.
so wirfs was able to practice friday but couldn't go sunday or did we just assume we would beat the lowly Saints
should have Evans and Wirfs out there Thursday as that becomes a must win game.
or did we just assume we would beat the lowly Saints
You mean Wifs was healthy but as a precaution they sat him? The same HC who got Godwin and Evans injured? :-)
or did we just assume we would beat the lowly Saints
You mean Wifs was healthy but as a precaution they sat him? The same HC who got Godwin and Evans injured? :-)
i would garner Wirfs was good enough to play if we needed him too, given the limited practice he got in on Friday but we chose to rest him because we thought we can beat the lowly Saints
you think that was feasible? I certainly do. Watch both Evans and Wirfs be out there on Thursday night and you'll have your answer.
Correct. Now just sit back & wait to see when Licht/Glazers take action.
you think that was feasible? I certainly do. Watch both Evans and Wirfs be out there on Thursday night and you'll have your answer.
Well it's definitely possible but if your point is Wirfs is 95% Sunday but let's sit him because it's the Saints.. not sure that's right. I don't think the coaching staff for a team in our spot would've the Saints game as a sure win.
would be great if he plays Thursday. Evans too
@jc5100 - no, sorry. This isn’t about a game here or a game there. There are many other teams with devastating injuries. Teams like the 49ers still look to be a playoff dark horse.
With or without this player or that player, this team shows the same repeated issues. And wirfs and Evans aren’t going to slow down cousins or get a pass rush against anyone. The obituary isn’t being written, but the written warning should be.
I thought trouble as soon as I saw wirfs was out. Oline was already having issues.
