Todd Bowles Doesn’t Care About History This Week
December 14th, 2023
Talkin’ Packers receivers.
In the mind of Todd Bowles, the Bucs have had a good history playing in Green Bay.
The only time the Bucs played at Green Bay since Bowles arrived in Tampa was when he was the team’s defensive coordinator and the Bucs faced Aaron Rodgers and the mighty Packers in the NFC Championship game.
The Bucs won and went to the Super Bowl.
Bowles confessed yesterday he’s not hip to how the Bucs have played at Lambeau Field before he got here. And he doesn’t care. He’s locked in on Sunday.
“I’m sure the weather plays a part in some of the things they do, but they have a good football team,” Bowles said when asked about how well the Packers play at home in December (undefeated under Matt LaFleur).
“They’re very well coached and they finish up ballgames in December. We’re trying to finish up ballgames in December.
“I don’t know too much about the history that they had against the Buccaneers, but we’re going up there to win a game. This is this year’s Buccaneers and we’ve got to go by this year.”
Bowles ought to be worried about his pass defense. The Bucs are getting gouged through the air, allowing an average of 264 yards passing a game.
And look out, first-year Packers starting quarterback Jordan Love has turned the corner. In the past five games, he mostly has played well (not so much last Monday night at New Jersey).
What impresses Bowles about the Packers is their young receivers.
“These guys are young, but they’re route runners,” Bowles said. “Normally you either face speed guys or big guys that can catch. They’ve got size, speed, and they’ve got precision. They’re very good route runners, they have very good hands, and they compete.
“At any point in time, any one of them can beat you. That’s what makes it hard about these guys – they’re all pretty much on the same level. They’re very good football players. You might not have heard the name, but if you watch them play, those guys can play.”
Well, the best way for the Bucs to slow a quarterback or even receivers is to get after the quarterback. It’s hard for a quarterback to throw while lying on his arse.
The last time Bucs sacks king Shaq Barrett played in Lambeau in the NFC title game, he absolutely terrorized Aaron Rodgers — three sacks, four quarterback hits and two tackles for loss.
Shaq is having his worst healthy season since coming to the Bucs in 2019. The last four games, Shaq has been MIA. No sacks, no quarterback hits and one tackle for loss.
The law of averages say Shaq is due. Sunday would be a good time.
December 14th, 2023 at 10:55 am
Both coaches and players have emphasized that at this point in their season, every game is a playoff game. Shaq better get it together for this one. This game will be a bit test to see where the team is in their “development.” Bowles says they’re not making the mistakes they did in mid season. We shall see. GO BUCS!
December 14th, 2023 at 11:12 am
The packers are the walking wounded on offense. Watson, Reed, and Wicks are 3 out of their top 4 receivers. They are all hurt and could miss the game. No way they are full strength if they do go. It’ll be short passes to Aaron Jones and Dillon (if they play). Bucs could win this game just based on injuries.
December 14th, 2023 at 11:20 am
So…no podcasts this week?
December 14th, 2023 at 11:20 am
The Clueless Todd’s 10 Green Bay 30.
December 14th, 2023 at 11:31 am
9 on the goal line is a mistake from last week.. not a mid season error.
December 14th, 2023 at 11:31 am
Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
December 14th, 2023 at 12:11 pm
Thanks for your lock of the week Jeff . We don’t even need to play the game now. You idiot
December 14th, 2023 at 12:33 pm
That previous win had nothing to do with Hot Toddie. That win was all about Brady.
Yes, they won as a team, but that was an Arians team.
December 14th, 2023 at 12:55 pm
Look at the film the past few weeks and you’ll see the cornerbacks giving receivers a 10 yd cushion. Our cornerbacks are great press corners but they are backpedaling and leaving huge gaps for the quarterback to find.
December 14th, 2023 at 1:20 pm
Well, the Packer blogs are filled with ” 3 out of our top 4 receivers might miss the game”. “Jaire Alexander might miss the game.”
It’s crunch time and history doesn’t matter, injuries don’t matter. What matters is who wants it more. I think that team has guys named Chris, Mike, Baker and Rachaad. Throw in an Antoine and Lavonte for good measure. LFG, beat those Cheese heads!
December 14th, 2023 at 1:22 pm
Team positive can sit this one out. “..and the horse you rode in on.”
December 14th, 2023 at 1:45 pm
Sadly, there is no “law” of averages. Shaq is pretty much down and out. Diaby is due though and so is Watts. Bucs by 5.
December 14th, 2023 at 1:46 pm
I don’t know how often this happened but I saw on more than one play the Falcons were double teaming Shaq.
December 14th, 2023 at 1:47 pm
Todd Bowles may not care about history but he is very close to becoming history..
December 14th, 2023 at 2:30 pm
Hopefully history with a good end game not end of his story these guys will put it together as a solid group this week they r due
December 14th, 2023 at 3:10 pm
It’s going to be a battle but the Bucs have some advantages to at least mitigate the Pack’s home field advantage.
As Joe said…The law of averages say Shaq is due.
As several posters have pointed out…The Pack seems to have more injuries than the Bucs
And last but not least…The Pack are coming off Monday night…a depressing loss to a crappy team AND a short week to recuperate and get ready.
December 14th, 2023 at 3:46 pm
Bucs are relatively healthy on DLine and Linebacker. Leave crybaby White home. The offense is definitely healthier than the Pack’s O is. Plus, ST with MCLaughlin and neutron bomb Camarda. Only thing ST hasn’t done yet is run one back. It’s about time they did. Factor in better weather conditions, too. Now, Canales is my worry. Mebbe his O will win in spite of him. Go Bucs!
December 14th, 2023 at 4:40 pm
I was thinking the Bucs could beat the Pack and Jax….until I started to see the Irrational Exhuberance on JBF. Now sadly I must predict 2 losses in a row and a Mayfield fail. Possible win v Carolina and a loss in the finale to the Stainks.
December 14th, 2023 at 6:28 pm
Well let me be a cold dose of reality on what actually went down that game:
Yes, we were winning big because of Brady before halftime. It was 21-10 at halftime after that awesome touchdown throw to Scotty Miller.
But in the 2nd half? Brady threw 3 interceptions. On 3 consecutive drives!
The Packers got within 1 score of us (8 points down) and were driving and close to scoring, when for some bizarre reason, Aaron Rodgers held back instead of rushing for what would have been a walk in touchdown on 3rd down. They inexplicably decided to kick a FG on 4th down, and then the Bucs were able to run out the clock on their next possession and get the W.
We had a whole lot of luck help us win that game that night.
December 15th, 2023 at 12:01 am
Are the Bucs in Greenbay or near by for a practice outside and a walk through with some pitch and catch walk through for a good 1.5 hrs on Sat …….. if you don’t spend a few days up there even though it’s only 35 -40 you are not giving yourself the best chance for your best performance!! Hopefully Bowles has enough sense but I would be surprised if they flew in today !!