some games all around were dead (LAR) but fact of matter is, you aint winning many games with an average defense at 18 points per game or basically having a 1 to 1 TD/INT ratio
Yes that was the point I was getting at.
Hypothetically a better offense = playoffs 2025. Just use 2024 as the proof or the way those last games played out.
So, there are two obvious reasons to think the offense should be better, health and a new OC.
The defense should have better take talent so it's at least possible th defense improves, maybe only modestly.
That is potentially a playoff formula so that is the path that always existed for a Bowles return.
I think it's a bit of fools gold though because the entire concept is sugar candy fragile because several players quit the defensive system in 2025.
Bucs would have to start strong to even have a chance.
i mean Bakers numbers were comparable to 2023; the major difference being we had a better defense in 2023 then we did in 2025; still, if this team is going to do anything, i think Baker needs to be closer to 2024 performance
2023 Defensive Line up - Kancey, Vea, Hall, JTR, White, David, Barrett, Dean, Davis, AWR, Neal
2025 defensive line up - Roberts, Vea, Hall, Diaby, Dennis, David, Reddick, Dean, Morrison, AWJ, Smith
one could argue actually more talent in 2025 or comparable atleast; so interesting to see such a decline in defensive performance particularly in the PPG metric. I take it Points are what counts and not so much yards.
2023 - 23rd in YPG, 7th in PPG
2025 - 19th in YPG, 20th in PPG
one could argue actually more talent in 2025
So I get the point that you're making because we certainly added to the defensive backfield.
But if a boat has multiple leaks, and you plug one, the boat is no better. The 2025 defense still had no dominant front line, and the linebacker play was atrocious. 2024 that was covered up a bit by the offense.
If Reddick was 10 to 12 sack guy, the Buc probably make the playoffs . Hell, if Tykee Smith just plays basic fundamental safety, the Buc probably make the playoffs.
