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Has This Iteration of the Bucs Run its Course? Is it Time to Move On?

ehinote · 2025-12-08T16:50:15Z

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. Check out BuccaneerBlitz.com for more Bucs insight like this.

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BadabingBucs

(@badabingbucs)

Posts: 3325

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Posted by: @bucsbits

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Posted by: @badabingbucs

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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

i have no issue with them expecting to beat the saints but I think if both Evans and wirfs play Thursday was it not possible for them to play Sunday?

I’d say if that’s the case, 96 hours may not make that big of a difference

quite frankly even taking the saints likely should have led to a Bucs win

wtf

Posted : Dec. 8, 2025 8:05 pm

seekpar

(@seekpar)

Posts: 1521

First Mate

Posted by: @donkey_hunter

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Posted by: @ehinote

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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.

SPOT ON!

Posted : Dec. 9, 2025 10:19 am

OlafSnowfake

(@bucsbits)

Posts: 9366

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Posted by: @badabingbucs

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was it not possible for them to play Sunday?

maybe, but I think both were inactive? Not sure. If thewy were close for the Saints maybe they'd have been on the bench.

I though Evans broke his clavicle? That's not an easy injury to protect when he comes back

Posted : Dec. 9, 2025 10:52 am

OlafSnowfake

(@bucsbits)

Posts: 9366

Captain

Posted by: @bucsbits

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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

Funny way to make a similar point

"Gerald McCoy: Bucs Need Greg Schiano-Style Coaching"

He doesn't mean "toes on the line." He means fundamentals.

Posted : Dec. 9, 2025 11:00 am

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Has This Iteration of the Bucs Run its Course? Is it Time to Move On?

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