.the guy has had a defense that has regressed in each of the last 3 years.
Sure more talent can be added to the squad. Other than the 2020,2021 squads...could you argue this 2026 defense is the best in the Bowles era talent wise?
Well, the 2026 defense should be the most talented 2022 to 2026, yes, but not even close to 2020/21 and I think that is the disconnect between the "its Bowles" crowd and the Bucs leadership.
And here's a really simple way to see it.
In 2020/2021 the Bucs have one of the best VETERAN-LADEN run defenses in the league (2nd and 10th, I think). That is because the D line is Vea, Suh and Gholston and 2 great OLBs (JPP and Barrett) and TWO all Pro ILBs (29 Yrd old LVD and a just starting to slide White). Those players DOMINATE the LOS. DOMINATE. They have 39 sacks and 65 TFL. They are playing on the other side of the LOS so that why they are 2nd and 10th in run defense (YPC), respectively.
Behind them cleaning everything up is ALL WORLD 29 year old LVD 83.8 PFF coverage grade, 6th of among all LBs
In 2025, the same players in those front 7 roles create only 29 sacks (compared to 39) and 49 TFL (compared to 65 for 2020) and this time behind them to clean it all up they have FIFTH ROUND SVD (compared to 5th overall White ) and 36 yr old LVD, together arguably the WORST coverage LB group in the league. For example, 83.8 PFF LVD in 2020 is 45.1 in 2025.
So, even if 2026 talent is the best of 2022 to 2025 its still very young and worlds away from 2020/2021. Sort of tallest midget of the actual, post SB Bowles era. And even worse they may very well UNDERPERFORM their talent because Bowles may have lost some of them.
Bain isnt single-handedly changing the defensive culture as a rookie, even Sapp and Brooks could not do that.
Just to give this full context because I based it around RUN DEFENSE
In 2020 and 2021 the Bucs are #7 defense in scoring, 21.7 ppg and 20.9 ppg respectively.
In 2025 they are #20 with almost 25 PPG
This is why -- for better or worse - you should see this offseason the Bucs trying to make the RUN DEFENSE much bigger and stronger AND WHY they would draft a DOWNHILL LB orer a rangy green dotter. Its an attempt to get back to what they were, at least in style of play.