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Week 15: Bucs Win If / Falcons Win If

ehinote · 2025-12-11T03:08:00Z

After starting the season 5-1, who would have predicted that this Thursday Night matchup against the Falcons would become a must-win for the Bucs? Since that strong start, the Bucs have struggled, going 2-5. It’s been a true Jekyll and Hyde season. Last week’s loss to the Saints marked my 10-3 record in predicting Bucs games, and it was the most disappointing of my misses. My confidence in picking a Bucs victory is at an all-time low, but let’s break down what each team needs to do to secure the “W”. BUCS WIN IF… Bucs on Offense: The Bucs offense has taken major steps backward. Injuries haven’t helped, but there seems to be something deeper at play. Baker Mayfield hasn’t looked sharp throwing the ball downfield for at least five games. My biggest concern at the start of the year with Josh Grizzard’s offense was its vertical dimension, which has never been one of Baker’s strengths. Ironically, our most effective play this year has been when Baker tucks the ball, escapes trouble, ducks his head, and runs for a first down. It’s sadly become our most consistently successful play. We’re seeing fewer instances where Baker gets into his drop and delivers the ball on time to find an open receiver. I’m not sure if he’s struggling to read the field, lacking confidence in the plays, or if his receivers just aren’t getting open, but he has missed opportunities. It’s time for Baker to start pushing the ball downfield, as this offense is stuck in neutral. I believe we’ll need to win in a shootout on Thursday night, and starting slowly is not an option. Our success will largely hinge on Baker’s arm. At least having Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan back on the field adds some much-needed firepower. Bucs on Defense: I’m feeling more negative about Bowles’ defense now than I ever have during his tenure in Tampa. The scheme, technical coaching, and talent all seem to be lacking. Kirk Cousins may not come into this game with any momentum, but the Bucs gave him two get-right games last year. If we thought Saints rookie Tyler Shough hurt us with passes over the middle, just wait… Cousins thrives on that. I usually have a defensive scheme in mind for these matchups, but right now, I’m at a loss. I don’t see us excelling in any area. Unless our pass rushers step up and apply more pressure, I’m not sure how we slow down the Falcons. Let’s hope Drake London is sidelined; if not, he could be a problem. I’m counting on Antoine Winfield Jr. to step up… aside from the game in New Orleans, he’s been largely invisible. Some of that is due to Bowles placing him in deep middle third coverage. Go ahead and bet the Over in this game. FALCONS WIN IF… Falcons on Offense: Bijan Robinson is the Falcons franchise, but for this game, they need to lean on Bucs’-killer, Kirk Cousins. They can put up 20+ points by halftime, if they throw 70% of the time or more on first down. The Bucs defense struggles against heavy early-down passing, so they should keep it simple and throw the ball. The Falcons can lean on Robinson in the 4th quarter to run down clock and wear the Bucs down in the fourth quarter. Falcons on Defense: The Falcons should be able to pressure Baker Mayfield. Their rookie edge rushers will eventually get to him if he continues holding the ball too long. They need to keep Mike Evans in check and contain Bucky Irving. Making the Bucs be patient and work down the field will be key. They should get plenty of support from their offense to give them a chance to pull this game out. FINAL WORD I’m all in on a Bucs win today, but it’s purely from the heart. This team is struggling right now and needs a victory to break free from this downward spiral. Let’s hope the Falcons do what they do best—blow games. We could use one of those moments now more than ever. Prediction: Bucs 30, Falcons 24

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Biggs3535

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Luckily, the other team is poorly coached too

Posted : Dec. 11, 2025 10:20 pm

Mic and White Tiger reacted

White Tiger

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Posts: 2599

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Offensive scheme is bad, spotty, but really good talent may overcome some of that.

Defense is just awful, no one’s coming back to fix this defense.

We’re going to have to score a lot of points, beyond this game.

Posted : Dec. 11, 2025 10:20 pm

ChadRico reacted

FireBowles2026

(@firebowles2026)

Posts: 6627

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Check down for 15 lol

This defense

Posted : Dec. 11, 2025 10:20 pm

ChadRico

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Master At Arms

Our front 4 may as well just drop in coverage, they get ZERO pressure

Posted : Dec. 11, 2025 10:21 pm

Mic

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Where is the swarming

Posted : Dec. 11, 2025 10:21 pm

FireBowles2026

(@firebowles2026)

Posts: 6627

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The only easiest fucking check down for 15 yards you'll ever see... What a fucking joke

Posted : Dec. 11, 2025 10:21 pm

Donkey_Hunter

(@donkey_hunter)

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Herbstreit:

"Boy, the zone defense doesn't seem to be working tonight".

Astute observation, Kirk.

Posted : Dec. 11, 2025 10:21 pm

White Tiger reacted

Mic

(@mic)

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Posted by: @firebowles2026

↑

Check down for 15 lol

This defense

Guys arent looking to hit no urgency

Posted : Dec. 11, 2025 10:21 pm

BadabingBucs

(@badabingbucs)

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Hell yeah best play by McCollum ever

Fake injury, have defense rest

Posted : Dec. 11, 2025 10:22 pm

White Tiger

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Posted by: @mic

↑

Where is the swarming

on the sideline, near the heaters.

Posted : Dec. 11, 2025 10:22 pm

FireBowles2026

(@firebowles2026)

Posts: 6627

Captain

Thank God they punted. Zero chance we get that stop. Just run someone to the middle

Posted : Dec. 11, 2025 10:22 pm

Biggs3535

(@biggs3535)

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Posted by: @mic

↑

Where is the swarming

It’s inexcusable when you have a defensive coach as your HC/DC.

Posted : Dec. 11, 2025 10:22 pm

ChadRico reacted

FireBowles2026

(@firebowles2026)

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Bowles has zero energy and his team embodies that

Posted : Dec. 11, 2025 10:23 pm

BadabingBucs

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Posted by: @firebowles2026

↑

Thank God they punted. Zero chance we get that stop. Just run someone to the middle

Zyon being a bitch actually helped us there

Posted : Dec. 11, 2025 10:23 pm

Donkey_Hunter

(@donkey_hunter)

Posts: 6412

Captain

Raheem should've 100% gone for that.

Two shitty Head Coaches out there this evening.

Posted : Dec. 11, 2025 10:24 pm

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Week 15: Bucs Win If / Falcons Win If

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