The defense playing better than normal was a function of a defense coach making the entire game plan around protecting the defense and leaving the offense out to dry.
lol
Instead of trolling why don't your refute it?
Playing back and consistently allowing 10+ yard drives on conversion after conversion was the game plan.
No big plays... Which means clock eaten which keeps the offense off the field.
No turnovers, no punts, no three and outs, consistently poor field position.
Had the Bucs player hyper aggressive on defense you'd see more yards more point but also more punts and probably more turnovers so better field position.
I mean Fire, much respect but you expect me to "refute" your claim that Bowles sabotaged the team to protect his defense? They almost won the game and would jhave if the offense delivered.
The Lions were BLOWN OUT. They average 21.5 PPG allowed, they gave up 40+
sabotaged the team
Lol wut
a defense coach making the entire game plan around protecting the defense and leaving the offense out to dry.
Bowles did not sabotage the team by making the game plan about protecting the defense lmao. He actually had the right game plan, which was to keep the Commanders in front of them, make them drive the entire field. Proof is the Lions game where the Lions did the OPPOSITE and that the Bucs win the game if the offense only has average production .
Here you go (again):
The Bucs OFFENSE is the strength of the 2024 team (undeniable), they performed TWO SCORES under average
The HALLMARK of the Bucs offense was 1st Qtr scoring. Best 1st qtr offense in the league. The only managed 3 points with TWO possessions AND a quick STOP by the Bucs defense
The HALLMARK of the Bucs offense was RUSHING (top 5, 146 per game) and Commanders defense was bottom 3 rushing defense. The Bucs rushing offense not only underperformed for the game (101 v 146), but it choked on key plays. The fumble and in the 4th qtr AND could NOT convert a 2nd and one . . . TWICE in the 4th qtr. and on top of that those two plays were a BLOWN play and a NEGATIVE RUN.
The Bucs DEFENSE held the Commanders offense ONE SCORE below their average and that is with the Bucs offense turning the ball over on their own TWELVE YARD LINE. The same Commmanders offense put up 45 the next week on a D that averaged 21 and even 23 against an Eagles defense that average 18, so the Bucs defense was the only playoff defense that over performed against the Commanders in the playoffs.
BECAUSE THAT IS AN UNDENIABLE TRUTH - Bucs defense only defense that over performed versus Commanders in the playoffs - Bowles haters have turned that POSITIVE INTO A NEGATIVE "yes but, that is WHY the Bucs lost!" Lmao "the entire game plan around protecting the defense."
*****
The Bucs lose the game because the OFFENSE does not live up to its hype during the game. Its did not score early (hallmark) and it could not score when it needed to and it had all the critical gaffes in the game.
Its is NOT time of possession that keeps the TOP 1st quarter scoring offense from scoring in the 1st quarter (the way the Bucs win games in 2024 is scoring early and running) it is failed EXECUTION.
Drive 1 a critical drop for a 1st down by McMillan.
Drive 2 the vaunted Bucs running game goes for ZERO and then 2 and then cant convert a 3rd down.
I get the impact of long Commander drives, but turning that into the reason for the offense's failures (rhythm) is the very HEIGHT of BDS. Suggesting it was an intentional sabotage by the coach (game plan built to protect the defense" as opposed to WIN the game) is beyond BDS
a defense coach making the entire game plan around protecting the defense
Fire even if you disagree with the macro-level (offense versus defense) breakdown, we should be able to agree on this, you as someone who likely watched on TV and me in the stadium, along with a sea of Commanders fans:
In the 4th quarter the Bucs are up by FOUR POINTS and the Commanders are driving. One of those LONG drives you referenced BUT the Bucs defense actually makes an END ZONE STAND and we take the ball over UP FOUR POINTS.
Commanders fans down, Bucs fans up!
We take the ball over on offense having just had our offense score a TD on its own long drive. Our top 5 run offense versus their BOTTOM 5 run defense. PERFECT set up to win the game. At a minimum, the offense is going to eat up more clock and reverse field position. We are up by FOUR they need a TD, so take 4 or 5 minutes off the clock, get a FG (TD would only tie it) or even PUNT and the Bucs are in decent shape.
The Bucs offense even gets a WIN with a 1st down . . . but then fumbles.
The mood in the stadium completely reverses. NO ONE IN THIR RIGHT MIND thinks the Bucs defense is going to make a SECOND end zone stand and they do not
Okay, down only three though with the ball and PLENTY of time. Coen's offense gets a SECOND CHANCE
We start at the 25 and right out of the gate BANG, 25 yard pass to McMillan. Run, run . . and BANG 20 yards to Otton. The Bucs offense is on its way
NINE YARD run by IRVING. BANG!
Commanders defense on its heels (Commanders fans down) . . Bucs now FG guaranteed (WAS 21 yard line) lets go get the TD and leave the Commanders down 4 AGAIN with probably 2 minutes
NOPE . .Blown play . . .Negative run . . .have to kick FG to tie.
Everyone in the stadium knows the game is basically over because Commanders have almost 5 minutes and any score wins.
POINT: whatever one makes of the macro stats, the 4th quarter begins WITH the LEAD and includes an End Zone stop by the defense to keep that lead and a FINALLY HOT OFFENSE takes over . . only to then shoot itself in the foot when it needed it most
LOGICALLY, you cannot simultaneously believe the Bucs offense was the reason for the Bucs success in 2024 (it was) and then switch to the defense was to blame for the playoff loss when that defense got a critical stop in the 4th quarter to keep a lead that the offense then choked away TWICE?????????
Or stated much more succinctly, you're aligned with this guy
The defense is allowed to get a turnover and/or hold the opposing team to a FG. There is no rule against either of those things.
lol
He led comeback wins in any of the early games last year but it's not like we were putting up 30 points a game on offense either.
Hmm...I wonder why.
sabotaged the team
Lol wut
a defense coach making the entire game plan around protecting the defense and leaving the offense out to dry.
Bowles did not sabotage the team by making the game plan about protecting the defense lmao. He actually had the right game plan, which was to keep the Commanders in front of them, make them drive the entire field. Proof is the Lions game where the Lions did the OPPOSITE and that the Bucs win the game if the offense only has average production .
Here you go (again):
The Bucs OFFENSE is the strength of the 2024 team (undeniable), they performed TWO SCORES under average
The HALLMARK of the Bucs offense was 1st Qtr scoring. Best 1st qtr offense in the league. The only managed 3 points with TWO possessions AND a quick STOP by the Bucs defense
The HALLMARK of the Bucs offense was RUSHING (top 5, 146 per game) and Commanders defense was bottom 3 rushing defense. The Bucs rushing offense not only underperformed for the game (101 v 146), but it choked on key plays. The fumble and in the 4th qtr AND could NOT convert a 2nd and one . . . TWICE in the 4th qtr. and on top of that those two plays were a BLOWN play and a NEGATIVE RUN.
The Bucs DEFENSE held the Commanders offense ONE SCORE below their average and that is with the Bucs offense turning the ball over on their own TWELVE YARD LINE. The same Commmanders offense put up 45 the next week on a D that averaged 21 and even 23 against an Eagles defense that average 18, so the Bucs defense was the only playoff defense that over performed against the Commanders in the playoffs.
BECAUSE THAT IS AN UNDENIABLE TRUTH - Bucs defense only defense that over performed versus Commanders in the playoffs - Bowles haters have turned that POSITIVE INTO A NEGATIVE "yes but, that is WHY the Bucs lost!" Lmao "the entire game plan around protecting the defense."
*****
The Bucs lose the game because the OFFENSE does not live up to its hype during the game. Its did not score early (hallmark) and it could not score when it needed to and it had all the critical gaffes in the game.
Its is NOT time of possession that keeps the TOP 1st quarter scoring offense from scoring in the 1st quarter (the way the Bucs win games in 2024 is scoring early and running) it is failed EXECUTION.
Drive 1 a critical drop for a 1st down by McMillan.
Drive 2 the vaunted Bucs running game goes for ZERO and then 2 and then cant convert a 3rd down.
I get the impact of long Commander drives, but turning that into the reason for the offense's failures (rhythm) is the very HEIGHT of BDS. Suggesting it was an intentional sabotage by the coach (game plan built to protect the defense" as opposed to WIN the game) is beyond BDS
Again wut? I never once said Bowles sabotaged the team. He made a game plan. I'm not even trying to say it was a "bad" game plan (although I didn't agree with it) but it was far from a sabotage and it almost worked. Key word almost.
I think it was a measured attempt to mask the defense's failures by limiting big plays via bend don't break.
And Washington countered with taking what the defense gave them over and over.
So it was a +1 for the defense but at the cost of the offense having no rhythm... No time on the field. So -2 for the offense.
You're completely ignoring TOP and total drives.
It really matters when your defense has to play super conservative and give up endless third down conversions... There were no short possessions and no short fields. Both stops pinned the Bucs inside the 20.
I'm not sure why you can't grasp this? It's not a sabotage it's a defensive minded game plan for offense-forward team.
Using this word sabotage is intellectually dishonest.
a defense coach making the entire game plan around protecting the defense
Fire even if you disagree with the macro-level (offense versus defense) breakdown, we should be able to agree on this, you as someone who likely watched on TV and me in the stadium, along with a sea of Commanders fans:
In the 4th quarter the Bucs are up by FOUR POINTS and the Commanders are driving. One of those LONG drives you referenced BUT the Bucs defense actually makes an END ZONE STAND and we take the ball over UP FOUR POINTS.
Commanders fans down, Bucs fans up!
We take the ball over on offense having just had our offense score a TD on its own long drive. Our top 5 run offense versus their BOTTOM 5 run defense. PERFECT set up to win the game. At a minimum, the offense is going to eat up more clock and reverse field position. We are up by FOUR they need a TD, so take 4 or 5 minutes off the clock, get a FG (TD would only tie it) or even PUNT and the Bucs are in decent shape.
The Bucs offense even gets a WIN with a 1st down . . . but then fumbles.
The mood in the stadium completely reverses. NO ONE IN THIR RIGHT MIND thinks the Bucs defense is going to make a SECOND end zone stand and they do not
Okay, down only three though with the ball and PLENTY of time. Coen's offense gets a SECOND CHANCE
We start at the 25 and right out of the gate BANG, 25 yard pass to McMillan. Run, run . . and BANG 20 yards to Otton. The Bucs offense is on its way
NINE YARD run by IRVING. BANG!
Commanders defense on its heels (Commanders fans down) . . Bucs now FG guaranteed (WAS 21 yard line) lets go get the TD and leave the Commanders down 4 AGAIN with probably 2 minutes
NOPE . .Blown play . . .Negative run . . .have to kick FG to tie.
Everyone in the stadium knows the game is basically over because Commanders have almost 5 minutes and any score wins.
POINT: whatever one makes of the macro stats, the 4th quarter begins WITH the LEAD and includes an End Zone stop by the defense to keep that lead and a FINALLY HOT OFFENSE takes over . . only to then shoot itself in the foot when it needed it most
LOGICALLY, you cannot simultaneously believe the Bucs offense was the reason for the Bucs success in 2024 (it was) and then switch to the defense was to blame for the playoff loss when that defense got a critical stop in the 4th quarter to keep a lead that the offense then choked away TWICE?????????
I'm going to say this one more time: tying the game with under 5 minutes left in the 4th isn't "choking".
Being up 4 with the ball inside your 15 yard line isn't some guarantee. Even if we don't turn it over but instead punt, the defense is going to give up yet another long drive into scoring territory.
The defense with the GAME TIED allowed Washington march down the field and win the game after the offense tied it.
If you want to pick any ONE drive as a choke, I'd say that fits the bill.
The playoff game vs the Commanders is ancient history. Y'all debate that shit 'til the cows come home. I'd rather talk about the inexcusable 2-7 collapse the following season. All phases sucked, and that's on the HC!
I'd rather talk about the inexcusable 2-7 collapse the following season. All phases sucked, and that's on the HC!
But, he’s a super duper nice guy. And that’s what matters.
Look at how the team rallied behind him and fought til the very end.
And, that winning culture!
ME13 will tell ya’ all about it!
tying the game with under 5 minutes left in the 4th isn't "choking".
look at the drive. they CHOKED. a busted play and a negative run.
"Bucs lost because of a defense that OVERperfomed. Offense actually UNDERperformed BUT Offense underperformed because of defensive game plan ergo . . Bowles."
:-)
The playoff game vs the Commanders is ancient history. Y'all debate that shit 'til the cows come home. I'd rather talk about the inexcusable 2-7 collapse the following season. All phases sucked, and that's on the HC!
and that same HC who lost the team in that 2-7 collapse is back ... what could go wrong?
NFC South Division Winner
Bucs +140
Saints +290
Panthers +350
Falcons +425
PFF post free agency power ranking has the Bucs at 20. BUt that is ABOVE all other NFC South teams
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Without Mike Evans and Lavonte David, two of the longest-tenured Buccaneers in franchise history, a changing of the guard is underway in Tampa. The losses extended to Jamel Dean and Logan Hall, among other players with significant experience in the Buccaneers system. As the departures mounted, the Buccaneers moved to fill in the gaps with capable contributors, such as Alex Anzalone, Kenneth Gainwell and A'Shawn Robinson. Those moves allow Tampa Bay to get younger and potentially more productive in key spots, but it comes at the cost of familiarity.
NFC South Division Winner
Bucs +140
Saints +290
Panthers +350
Falcons +425
PFF post free agency power ranking has the Bucs at 20. BUt that is ABOVE all other NFC South teams
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Without Mike Evans and Lavonte David, two of the longest-tenured Buccaneers in franchise history, a changing of the guard is underway in Tampa. The losses extended to Jamel Dean and Logan Hall, among other players with significant experience in the Buccaneers system. As the departures mounted, the Buccaneers moved to fill in the gaps with capable contributors, such as Alex Anzalone, Kenneth Gainwell and A'Shawn Robinson. Those moves allow Tampa Bay to get younger and potentially more productive in key spots, but it comes at the cost of familiarity.
If the Bucs don’t add one rookie or make any other changes to their lineup prior to kickoff, they will be more competitive than they were last season. While Evans is a huge loss, there’s some efficiencies gained with fewer mouths to feed. I realize they have to rank us somewhere but 20 feels like they see the same injury riddled team with a patchwork offensive line being trotted out in September. It’s lazy writing.