Ronde Barber has become the latest former Bucs player to voice concerns about Head Coach Todd Bowles and his defensive strategies. This follows recent exit interview comments from players Yaya Diaby and Jamel Dean, as well as remarks from running back Rachaad White, who suggested that after the organization let go of several defensive coaches, they perhaps should have made even more changes… all the way to the top.
It’s unusual to see such open criticism, particularly when Bowles has received backing from ownership to stay on after a disappointing season. However, the comments from Diaby and Dean regarding Bowles’ decision to take a full week off during the bye week, along with the number of walkthrough practices throughout the season, raise questions about the level of confidence within the locker room.
During a recent episode of The Ronde Barber Show, Barber highlighted the complexities of Bowles’ defensive scheme, stating that it demands players to quickly process information and master concepts that extend beyond traditional positional roles. “When it comes to game day, [Bowles] is the one making the calls. His defense is difficult. It’s hard. The playbook is comprehensive,” Barber explained.
He concluded with a clear sentiment: he does not approve of the current approach. These strong statements reflect a growing concern among both Barber and current Bucs players. It will be intriguing to see how Bowles addresses this criticism moving forward. If the team encounters early struggles next season, they may be quicker to spiral, having already experienced setbacks this past year.
