“We Don’t Play Ourselves”

May 27th, 2023

Goals of underwear football.

There is not a lot you can get out of underwear football.

Since there is no hitting allowed of any sort, about the only thing you can glean from some positions is if guys know where to line up on certain calls. Of course, for skill positions, with corners and linebackers guarding receivers and running backs and tight ends in pass plays, you can get something out of that.

So earlier this week when Bucs coach Todd Bowles was asked if running a new offense in practice will help the defense since the Bucco Bruce Arians offense won’t be used for the first time since 2019, Bowles waved off the notion.

“We don’t play ourselves,” Bowles said. “Defense installs different things and offense installs different things. On different days, the offense might have something in to get the defense, and vice-versa.

“We install what we install. We get ready to play for the season, not each other. The fact is you’ve got to do your rules and do the right thing – it helps out on both sides of the ball. It’s a healthy competition but nobody is game-planning each other out here.”

Basically what Bowles is saying is the defense responds to how it reads keys. So it doesn’t matter who is on the other side of the ball or who is on the field.

Same with the offense. It may adjust to a defensive set but not teammates on defense.

One big thingsBowles said the Bucs are working on in underwear football is getting in shape to withstand the rigors of a 21st-century NFL training camp (which means limited hitting, only one practice daily and wearing those Great Gazoo padded helmets).

23 Responses to ““We Don’t Play Ourselves””

  1. Hunter's Crack Pipe Says:

    “One big things Bowles said the Bucs are working on in underwear football is getting in shape to withstand the rigors of a 21st-century NFL training camp.”
    .
    .

    Oh the rigors of those time-limited one-a-days during which you aren’t even allowed to hit each other most of the time.

    So basically getting into middling shape.

    Only half joking.

  2. Chris@Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa Says:

    I am eagerly waiting to the practices and the game with the NY Jets.
    I want to see us bring the heat on Aaron Rodgers!
    Iron sharpens Iron!

  3. Rod Munch Says:

    I two the quote from Bowles above, put it into AI and asked it to continue the conversation… You don’t even need interviews anymore, the AI can do all the boring and cliche coach speak…

    ————–

    Bowles leaned back in his chair, his eyes scanning the field where his players were diligently practicing their respective positions. With a sense of calm confidence, he continued his thoughts.

    “Competition is an essential part of our training camp. It pushes our players to give their best and helps us identify areas for improvement. However, it’s important to remember that during these practice sessions, our primary objective is to prepare ourselves for the upcoming season as a whole, not to outsmart each other.

    “The offense and defense work independently on their respective installations. We focus on refining our own systems, ensuring that every player understands their roles and responsibilities within the team. We believe that by perfecting our own execution, both sides of the ball will benefit.

    “Our coaching staff designs various strategies and plays, allowing us to challenge and evaluate each other effectively. This healthy competition fosters growth and enables our players to develop their skills within the context of a team. But make no mistake, our ultimate goal is to perform at our best when we face opposing teams during the season.

  4. Beej Says:

    Jets still have Jordan Whitehead?

  5. Crickett Baker Says:

    That helmet link doesn’t seem to work.

    If we don’t play ourselves this season it should be better than last.

  6. sasquatch Says:

    Can we stop with the AI sh!t?

  7. Rod Munch Says:

    No.

  8. HC Grover Says:

    The game was on the line. The HC had to decide when to act but the DC was yakking in his other ear. The HC did not agree with the DC so he had to decide what to do. Should he punt and count on the D to stop the opponent or go for it on 4th down? What’s an HC/DC to do?

  9. HC Grover Says:

    We need an AI Robot for HC. Bowles can be DC and Caneles OC. I can see it now…Danger Kyle Mayfield DANGER!

  10. Bojim Says:

    It’s hard to take those helmets seriously. But whatever it takes.

  11. Hunter's Crack Pipe Says:

    Joe in Michigan

    OMG that was funny.
    Time to start drinking.

  12. TF Says:

    We play ourselves and hopefully get at least a split we go 6-11 and maybe tied with the Falcons.

  13. Brandon Jeff Says:

    I think AI should be implemented at least as a learning tool. Ask it what is the best course of action under different football situations. Also different strategies to mitigate another team’s strengths or tendencies. You could at least give consideration to what it comes up with.

  14. Brandon Jeff Says:

    I bet the AI wouldn’t suggest a run up the middle every first down!

  15. Hunter's Crack Pipe Says:

    TF Says:
    “We play ourselves and hopefully get at least a split…”
    .
    .
    This was pretty good too. 🙃

  16. Fred McNeil Says:

    Hey @Rod…was the AI mimicking Bowlzo or Kamala “Heels Up” Harris???

  17. Fred McNeil Says:

    Your OTHER left!!!!

  18. ATLBuc Says:

    Hunter. You’re late buddy!

  19. D-Rok Says:

    Homie D. Clown once famously proclaimed, “Homie don’t play dat.”

  20. Hunter's Crack Pipe Says:

    D-Rok Says:
    “Homie don’t play dat.”
    .
    .

    You shoulda put this on the massage thread!

  21. Lakeland Steve Says:

    He’s starting to sound like Byron (we do what we do) Leftwhich

  22. realistic-optimistic Says:

    If you watch the interview, he looks annoyed answering questions about underwear football. Can’t say I blame him, but cmon, you’re one of 32 NFL head coaches. Act like you enjoy your job.

  23. RustyRhinos Says:

    Wish Ali Marpet had gotten together with the “Great Gazoo” he might still be playing, if it was taken seriously. Concussions kill careers or cut them drastically short. But the “Great Gazoo” helmets make some folks uncomfortable just like seeing other folks wearing clothing with the effects of water vapor in sunlight does.

    GO!!!!!BUCS!!!!!