Todd Bowles Acknowledges Production Loss

April 11th, 2023

Fifty percent of the Bucs’ 2022 interceptions — 50 percent — and their only defensive touchdown left the building in free agency.

The Bucs had 10 picks last season: cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (Titans) had two, as did safety Mike Edwards (Chiefs), and safety Keanu Neal (Steelers) grabbed one. Edwards also had pick-six off one of those interceptions.

(Joe won’t count the pick by Logan Ryan since he is currently unemployed.)

That’s a lot of defensive production to lose from a good defense, especially when the players are all young.

Joe addressed this in a 1-on-1 sitdown with head coach/defensive guru Todd Bowles in Phoenix last month, and Bowles gave an expected response after acknowledging the loss.

“We lost some production but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it up,” Bowles said. “I look forward to the guys coming in to make up our production. I thought we were short as a group from an interception standpoint. I thought we missed a bunch of them and we can get better in that category. But anytime you lose guys that’s helped you the past few years it’s going to be a different type of player coming in. We have our eyes on a few guys that we understand that can come and do just as well or make an impact. Hopefully, we get’em.”

The Bucs signed safety Ryan Neal in free agency from Seattle last week. He talks a good game, but he’s not a proven ballhawk with just one interception and one forced fumbled through the past two seasons.

“Missed” interceptions have been an issue for Jamel Dean and Carlton Davis through their careers, which is why neither has been to a Pro Bowl. Joe can’t count on their hands to clean up.

Antoine Winfield, Jr. is a major X-factor when it comes to production. The Bucs are pulling him from nickel cornerback duty this season so he can make more big plays like he did prior to 2022.

Of course, whoever the new nickel corner is will be counted on to make plays, even if he’s a rookie.


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15 Responses to “Todd Bowles Acknowledges Production Loss”

  1. Redeemer Says:

    They have to create more turnovers, by sheer luck alone. That wasn’t a good defense Joe. When they faced bonafide offenses, they got roasted. Yes they did hold down some really stinky ones, but a good defense that dosent make. I still think Bowles is living in a bygone era.

  2. Beej Says:

    One unstated reason we had fewer picks was the opposing team was rarely behind and having to air it out to come back. Combine THAT with lack of a pass rush to hurry the qb into mistakes, and there you are

  3. TampaBayBucsFanSince1976 Says:

    Clark Phillips III is the best slot corner and consistently scores off of picks , but Bucs will have to move up from 19 in 2nd to grab him as he will go about 10-15 spots before they pick.

  4. Chris@Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa Says:

    WE will need a pass rush, if we want to increase our interceptions.
    Beej hit the nail on the head

  5. Rod Munch Says:

    Ronde Barber had 10 INTs in 2001. Heck, Wayne Haddix, had 7 INTs in 1990, and 99% of Bucs ‘fans’ don’t even know how he is.

    This is a chance to get better, as 10 INTs for an entire team is awful.

  6. gotbbucs Says:

    Problem is we only got to face Jameis Winston one time last year.

  7. SRQ Bucs Fan Says:

    Bowles used the “H” word. Hope is not a strategy, although I hope he is right.

  8. Goatfarmer Says:

    Redeemer, we’ll said. Certai posters deny the facts and the data and are offended when anyone dare bring up your point. The playoff teams averaged more than 30ppg against Bloweszo’s defense, and the excuses come in waves.

    Bowels is in love with his “genius” image, so it’s unlikely that he will change anything necessary to correct / improve the flaws. But hey, maybe he surprises. That would be awesome. And as likely as a bag of gold bullion falling out of a brinks truck in front of my driveway, without being noticed.

  9. Redeemer Says:

    GF, exactly. It’s Bowles way or the highway. Keep living off the superbowl performance, when Mahomes had a Jr. College line protecting him. Why is it so hard for people to admit FACTS? P. S. If that brinks truck makes its way to your driveway, remember me.

  10. SlyPirate Says:

    Every Time I Read a Bowles Comment …
    I’m reminded he’s a terrible HC. This is going to be a tough year.

    The good news is next year we’ll be able to outfit our new HC with a lot of good young players, excellent draft picks, and money to spend.

  11. sasquatch Says:

    On paper, the defense looks like it’s going to have problems producing sacks and turnovers. Maybe we can find some rookies who surprise or vets who step up. On the hopeful side, we still have time to find guys. Bowles turned the D around here in his first year as DC, so I’ll remain hopeful… but we’ve gotta get some help up front out of this draft. Pass rush increases interception opportunities.

  12. Dooley Says:

    I’m w/@Beej

    Maybe playing with a lead or having an offense that can consistently score > 2 TDS a game in 2023 will help our defense get into attack mode more often playing with a tie/lead. In 2022, the only significant break our defense would get from the offense during the game was at half time, lol

  13. Bucsfan13 Says:

    @Redeemer. You’re spot on. The defense was overrated last year. Our anemic offense did them no favors, but if you really dig in you will see the level of difficulty for the offense was greater for the offense. The offense faced some tough defenses. The defense faced some bad offenses, and when they faced a good offense they faltered.

  14. Bojim Says:

    Maybe Davis can get 1 or 2 this year

  15. garro Says:

    Bowles = Blah Blah Blah