“Some Tricks Up His Sleeve”
October 18th, 2025
Former defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers joined the Lions in 2025.
Kacy Rodgers not only spent six years in Tampa as Todd Bowles’ trusted defensive line coach and run defense guru, he also was by Bowles’ side for four seasons in New York, even calling Bowles’ defense there.
Rodgers somewhat mysteriously left the Bucs for the Lions after last season. He’s got the same role in Detroit.
Can he give the Lions an edge?
“He’ll have those guys ready to play, so he’ll have some tricks up his sleeve, so we better be ready,” Bowles told the Buccaneers Radio Network this week.
Joe thinks Rodgers can help the Lions offense, Joe believes. If there are hidden tips to slowing Vita Vea and Greg Gaines at the point of attack, Rodgers will know what those are.
Beyond that, Joe’s not concerned. Rondé Barber has talked about this at length years ago. Barber believes intel about another team often does more harm than good because it can sort of slow a player through overthinking — and the information is not always helpful.
October 18th, 2025 at 8:49 am
I wonder how Ronde feels about the intel he and Bucs had on the Raiders in SB XXXVII courtesy Chucky. Exception or the rule? Regardless, I agree with the premise that it’s more about beating the man in front of you.
Very unique situation, considering it was Gruden’s offense that was being executed. Much more to share on the offensive side than defense.–Joe
October 18th, 2025 at 9:02 am
Great point Smash. I would love to hear Rondé’ take on that. Remamderbthe John Lynchburg sound byte?
October 18th, 2025 at 9:04 am
I hate spell check.
Ronde’s
Remember the
Lynch
October 18th, 2025 at 9:26 am
im surprised one of bowles coaches left for a sideways move. he must have thought bowles was holding him back
October 18th, 2025 at 9:48 am
Yeah, tell that to the Bucs who won the Superbowl against the Raiders. That defense knew what was coming on every play thanks to Gruden’s knowledge of the Raiders offense.
October 18th, 2025 at 9:54 am
Joe … ‘Rodgers somewhat mysteriously left the Bucs for the Lions after last season. He’s got the same role in Detroit.’
Considering that last season’s defense did the worst of any since our 2019 defense, I’m not surprised that Todd Bowles made some coaching changes. Actually he made quite a few.
o Charlie Strong took over as the defensive line coach.
o Mike Caldwell returned as our inside linebackers coach.
o Larry Foote became the outside linebackers coach & run game coordinator on defense.
o George Edwards became the pass game coordinator on defense.
October 18th, 2025 at 10:30 am
Of course, the intel Jon Gruden provided was pivotal to the defense stopping the Raiders offense. After all, Gruden was the designer of the Raiders offense.
October 18th, 2025 at 12:29 pm
Just Like Carlton Davis tried to scheme up a plan that failed them last year…bring it on Kacy Rodgers baker is gonna show you was being on the other side feels like
October 18th, 2025 at 4:51 pm
Wow, what a surprise about Gruden, the Bucs’ 2002 SB win, and the Raiders. Even if the game wasn’t thrown, that Defense would have creamed LA. Go back and watch it.