The Cost of a Blitz: How a Single Play Changed Bowles’’ Career Path

At the end of the 2021 season, the Vikings were wrapping up an 8-9 campaign and decided it was time to part ways with Coach Mike Zimmer.  During their search for a replacement, they made a strong push for Bucs DC Todd Bowles, who played a crucial role in the Bucs’ Super Bowl run in 2020.

While the Vikings were conducting their coaching search, the Bucs were focused on making a run at back-to-back Super Bowls, having just defeated the Eagles in the Wild Card round. This caused the Vikings to explore other candidates while Bowles was still in the mix.  As the Bucs prepared for their divisional matchup against the Rams, Bowles was at the top of the Vikings' wish list. They even discussed potential staff members, including his close friend Kacy Rodgers as the Vikings' DC.  It seemed like a done deal for both parties, even boxes were getting packed, until the Divisional Round game against the Rams unfolded.

On January 23rd, the Bucs, led by Tom Brady, appeared poised to win another championship. The problem was the Rams and Coach Bowles defense were standing in the way.  The Rams dissected Bowles defense for a 27-3 lead early in the 3rd quarter, which easily could have been 34-3 if not for Lavonte David poking out the ball from Cam Akers inside the 5 yard line just before halftime.  It was a horrible performance by Bowles defense up to that point.  The Rams moved the ball up and down the field with ease. 

After halftime, somehow, the Rams began to self-destruct.  Maybe it was the Brady-effect?  Multiple unforced turnovers and a Bucs offense that woke up, led to a remarkable comeback. The Bucs tied the game and were poised to take the game to overtime with ALL of the momentum in front of the home crowd.  The game turned on a critical decision by Bowles to run an all-out blitz with less than 30 seconds remaining, leading to a game-winning field goal for the Rams.  This decision not only cost the Bucs the game but also Bowles a potential job opportunity with the Vikings, who ultimately hired Kevin O’Connell instead.

In the aftermath, Bowles was ridiculed for his defenses' performance and for his end-of-the-game decision making.  Later in the offseason, Bucs' head coach Bruce Arians, and good friend of Bowles, stepped down, allowing Bowles to take over as head coach.  I can't help but feel that this was influenced by Arians' disappointment over Bowles missing out on the Vikings job.

Now, the Vikings have an excellent offensive-minded coach in O’Connell and a solid DC in Brian Flores, while the Bucs are left with Bowles, who has underperformed both as a DC and a head coach.  It's noteworthy that the Vikings opted against Bowles, especially considering the defensive issues that have persisted since that playoff game.

I believe it's time for the Bucs to consider moving in a new direction.  Bowles’ defense continues to have the same weaknesses in scheme.  We know what we have in him and his defense.