Are The Bucs Are A Great Or Good Team?
November 11th, 2025
Classifying the Bucs.
Joe has a high standard for “great.”
Sadly, over the years, the word “great” has been badly watered down. Many use the word “great” when “OK” is more apt. Sometimes, it’s worse.
On Sunday, Joe saw a reference to the Bucs’ pass rush as getting “great pressure.” Lawd.
So yesterday, Bucs coach Todd Bowles was asked the difference between a good and a great team.
Bowles has played on a great team, the 1980s and early 1990s Redskins under head coach Joe Gibbs. He’s coached very good teams with the Bucs and one when he was defensive backs coach under Wade Phillips in Dallas.
Shoot, Joe wouldn’t even consider the 2002 Bucs or the 2020 Bucs great teams. They were very good and loaded with very good players as well as great players. But those teams only won one Super Bowl each.
Great teams win several.
Bowles was asked Monday in his day-after presser if the Bucs are a great team or a good team? And, what is the difference between great and good?
“The difference between a good and a great team is preparation on a daily basis,” Bowles said, likely sending a not-so-indirect message to his Bucs.
“I don’t think we’re great,” Bowles said. “We prepare. Most of the time, we’re very good. It’s just one or two guys that have a blank or a ME (mental error) here or there that costs everybody else, and it’s a different guy each time, and we’ve got to get that fixed.”
Joe doesn’t know if, as we stand on Nov. 11, the Bucs are a good team. Yeah, you are what your record says you are. But in two of the past three games, did the Bucs look like a good team to you?
At times they sure looked good. Other times, like this past Sunday, not good.
November 11th, 2025 at 3:08 am
“Are The Bucs Are A Great Or”… Bucs are or a good team right now, soon to be great again though.
Just having fun Joe lol…
November 11th, 2025 at 3:19 am
GOOD enough to make the playoffs? YES. GREAT enough to go far in them? NO. That is the breakdown in the simplest of terms.
November 11th, 2025 at 3:31 am
The roster can win a Super Bowl.
The actual players playing is not SB ready.
Whatever happened to Baker, injuring his oblique or other injuries not mentioned, has caused a different version than the Baker before the Detroit game.
The Bucs need the Baker version from before the Detroit game to have any real chance to go anywhere, let alone a SB.
6-5 is staring the Bucs in the face…. with Buffalo and the Rams coming up,
sure hope not, but it is way to possible
November 11th, 2025 at 3:51 am
Whatever adjective one uses to describe the team, the roster assembled by Jason Licht had the potential to compete with anyone, and play in the Super Bowl. But the team as it is at present, with all the injuries, and lack of continuity on the on-line, isn’t very good IMO.
They’re still good enough to get into the playoffs because of their strong start and their easy schedule from Thanksgiving on. And if they can get Bucky, Evans, and some other key guys back, there is still a chance they can go deep into the playoffs. But I’m getting the feeling that this just isn’t their year. I hope I’m wrong. I’d gladly consume an extra large serving of crow if I am.
All that said, I believe the criticism of Bowles & Licht is rediculosly ignorant. After losing three of their top four WRs, their #1 RB, the continuity of their o-line, Kancey & Walker on the defense, and well as others, the ceiling for this team is nowhere close to where it was back in the preseason. The offense certainly had the potential to be great. But our areas of strength back then are now areas of weakness. That’s neither the fault of the HC or GM.
November 11th, 2025 at 3:53 am
This is a joke, right?
They have the talent to be better than good but lack the attitude and confidence that great teams have. They are not killers.
We all know that Bowles is what’s preventing this team from taking the next step.
November 11th, 2025 at 4:08 am
Good, not great. Too many weaknesses. Think part of it is lack of depth and experience in the backups, injuries of course, missing a few key players like a proven edge rusher, and a big problem with poor coaching on both sides of the ball. Grizzard is pretty bad so far. OJT with an OC that has never even called a HS offense is not good for a team with this much talent. Stupid really.
November 11th, 2025 at 4:32 am
Good to great is what I’m hoping to see during the rest of the season. We’ve seen it before.
November 11th, 2025 at 5:40 am
Bowles never takes any responsibility!
November 11th, 2025 at 6:14 am
We are now 2-2 at home. That ain’t great, that’s den of depression stuff. Both losses weren’t really close. I’m glad Bowles refuses to let his team practice indoors during the brutal months of July, and August for that home field advantage. We only played to hit games in September, and it was a split. We almost lost the Jets game when Bowles admitted his team was gassed in the 4th quarter. What? Thought that was our advantage? I believe our injuries have something to do with training in ungodly heat. Is this team great, no. Are they even good? We’ll see the next 2 weeks.
November 11th, 2025 at 6:31 am
Gotta proofread Joe.
November 11th, 2025 at 6:40 am
I feel like we are living in our own “Ground Hog” Day episode. We’ll get into the playoffs due to winning a weak division and light end of year schedule giving us what looks like momentum. Only to play an actual good team and get beat (at Home)…our only win in the playoffs under Bowles was against a free falling pack it in Eagles team a couple of years ago. Until they prove otherwise – that’s who these Bucs are…Please prove me wrong!
Go Bucs!
November 11th, 2025 at 6:41 am
Not good right now, no.
November 11th, 2025 at 6:41 am
We have been “good” with luck and we are far from “great.” If we hadn’t had injuries we would have been more consistent and could be called “good” if we were 8-2 and great if we were 9-1 or 10-1. I just don’t see a Super Bowl with the injuries. Too many of our “good” players are inconsistent or injured. I think Grizzard doesnt know how to adjust to the injuries.
November 11th, 2025 at 6:43 am
I thought we could’ve been a great team but it turns out most of our players are really geriatric patients disguised as professional athletes.
November 11th, 2025 at 6:55 am
Good, not consistent enough in all three phases to be great.
November 11th, 2025 at 6:55 am
Bucs right now are an average team with average coaches. People are counting on the Bucs to run the table after the Rams game are being pretty generous.
November 11th, 2025 at 7:17 am
The Bucs can beat bad teams. They can beat mediocre teams 50% of the time. They can’t beat a good team.
This team is not great and with the injuries this season most games they aren’t very good either.
Mediocre is more accurate.
November 11th, 2025 at 7:29 am
only good team bucs beat was a seahawk team decimated by injuries. bucky could change things but his stature leads me to think he may have injury concerns his whole career. goedeke wasnt the savior. how will an older mike return from injury? he didn’t look great vs detroit. godwin injury prone due to his running style and fearlessness. this team is what it is a good team. bucky maybe only chance of a savior amongst the injured players
November 11th, 2025 at 7:36 am
I have been Bowles biggest supporter, but after a bye week and not have this team ready to play is inexcusable.and it’s every year we take a nose dive and barely squeeze into the playoffs.
When this season is over the glazers have to make a decision. Hopefully Bowles retires and we can get a coach that will hire a offensive coordinator and a defensive coordinator.
November 11th, 2025 at 7:38 am
Is it weird that I really don’t know what to think about this team? It’s obvious there is marquee level talent not playing that causes them to put a less talented team on the field, but if/when they get back how good are they really?
We don’t know because we haven’t seen it. I disagree with Joe about what defines a great team, but that is more on what defines a team. I look at each year as a separate year vs. a dynasty. So are the Chiefs a great team? Yes a dynasty, this year no.
For the Bucs, hoping to get most of the A Listers back for December. Until then I think it will be Hold Your Nose November.
November 11th, 2025 at 7:41 am
Both Jason and Bowles are stubborn. Not a good situation for a team that needs to make a lot of adjustments. As far as defense, both seem to put a lot of trust in rookie players that constantly get owned. Bucs don’t really have very good depth and Jason is always looking for a bargain player, meanwhile no edge rush at all and no defending the run on the outside. They were exposed by NE on both sides of the ball. Bucs have some pretty dumb players. Also, kind of sick listening to Bowles pathetic press conferences. My “No confidence” vote for Bowles has not changed.
November 11th, 2025 at 7:46 am
Slightly above average. Worst big play defense in the league. Bowles is TRASH and needs to go. This team will never win the SB with real life Cleveland Brown as the HC.
November 11th, 2025 at 7:57 am
imo, the difference between the 2 is execution and consistency…great teams execute to perfection consistently….good teams are Jackel & Hyde…
luckily, we dont have to be “great” now….we have to be “great” starting late DEC…
Bowles needs to tell Grizz no less than 15 rushes per half….5 off tackle, 5 between the tackles, 5 creative versions of runs(jet sweeps, draws)…
GO BUCS!!!
November 11th, 2025 at 8:08 am
Time will tell, I believe we have the talent, add better health and a little luck. Sunday is in the rear view mirror, time to focus on this week. Buffalo is in disarray and scrambling for answers identity. Bucs need to bring a smash-mouth blue collar mentality to the game prep and execution. Score early, take the crowd out of the game and let the defense feast on a one dimensional team struggling from behind
November 11th, 2025 at 8:11 am
We currently have a good team, with our walking wounded team. I want to see what we are with a healthy team. Then we might get a chance to call them a Great team. To me I think we have a great collection of players, we just need to get healthy. We can do better, can’t every NFL team. We are still in the lead of our division. Keep moving forward, take our loss to NE as Motovation to dominate the rest of the teams we have to play.
GO!!!!!BUCS!!!!!
November 11th, 2025 at 8:12 am
OK team
November 11th, 2025 at 8:18 am
The Defense did not play well Sunday, particularly the secondary and linebackers responsibilities on run defense. And they don’t have an effective edge rush.
The offense is missing 5 starters, including 3 of their best receivers and best running back and the QB is getting shadowed by the opponent, taking away his scrambling options- they fight but due to the injured talent there is not much room for execution or mental errors.
November 11th, 2025 at 8:33 am
Right now, they look like a middle-of-the-pack team, at best.
November 11th, 2025 at 8:57 am
Good but not great. Injuries on offense are obvious handicap, new/inexperienced OC is learning on the fly. Defense has too many lapses, not enough consistent pass rush up front. We live and die by the blitz, good QBs aren’t as impacted so it’s really about our offense. We look good in a weak division, anyone who follows the Bucs knows in prime matchups we tend to flounder. Same in the playoffs….the team has the identity of Bowles which frankly is what Baker keeps referencing about coming out flat. The team needs “juice”….they need to be challenged and held to a championship level. Bowles is too passive, doesn’t light a fire under anyone ever.
November 11th, 2025 at 9:00 am
This team sucks especially the defense no way they beat good teams if they maje the playoffs
November 11th, 2025 at 9:15 am
Having Dean standing on the sidelines while Morrison takes his place. All Bowles said was Morrison will learn from his mistakes. Not trading for wide receiver help was a dumb move by the GM.
November 11th, 2025 at 9:18 am
IF WE GO ONE AND DONE IN PLAYOffS AGAIN IF WE EVEN MAKE IT , TIME FOR A NEW COACHING STAFF . CANT TAKE ANOTHER YEAR OF THIS CRAP HEAD COACH. ! SORRY NOT SORRY ! 😡
November 11th, 2025 at 9:24 am
They will be 6 and 5 in 2 weeks #!!
November 11th, 2025 at 9:44 am
So many here have an overinflated opinion of this team since 2022. The 2022 team was a team in decline and lost many players and Tom Brady was no longer Tom Brady. 2023 was a year of transition and absolutely overachieved and even won a playoff game. 2024 was another step forward particularly the offense but the defense took a step back. This season is still playing out but when you consider the injuries, we continue to overachieve. We are as snake bitten on the injury front as the 49ers and we’re better than they are and have had a more difficult schedule. We should be thankful.
November 11th, 2025 at 9:45 am
6-5 incoming
I’d say average at best. Licht owns it all. The coach, the lack of pass rush…all of it.
We’ll win the midget division again and get knocked out in the first round.
November 11th, 2025 at 9:49 am
Aaron — you’re not wrong. We are in the middle of Groundhog Day v3.0
Same pattern
Same excuses
Same end result
Good talent
Not a good team
Even worse coach.
COACH (def) an individual who trains and instructs athletes or teams in a particular sport to improve their performance.
We can all see that there’s been no improvement
November 11th, 2025 at 9:51 am
Good team as far as players go, could be great with fewer injuries and a better coaching staff. Compared to the rest of the NFC South the Bucs are a great team as the ATL has talent but a horrible head coach who is imploding as we watch, Carolina is talent deprived and obviously showed they are still a 10 loss team after losing to the Saints at home who will go 3-14 and get in the QB sweepstakes of 2026.
That said, unless the Bucs get healthy pronto, it is likely a 4 seed and one and done unless the Bucs get to play an even more beaten-up team like the niners in the wildcard and then they will simply lose in LA. Philly or Detroit in the divisional…..
November 11th, 2025 at 10:13 am
The Bucs are on the verge of being good and have the talent to flaunt with being great, they just don’t have good coaching!
I would LOVE to see this roster coached by a quality winner as HC…
Coached discipline, BETTER game management, Better Schemes, BETTER killer instinct…
November 11th, 2025 at 10:15 am
Mid team, coaches, GM. Awful training and medical staff.
November 11th, 2025 at 10:19 am
They’re great in a perfect scenario where everyone is healthy and on the field, but they’re only a good team when you start removing 5 or 6 of their most highly paid and highly drafted players .
November 11th, 2025 at 10:20 am
Looks like the NFC south will hand the Bucs another division title because they are SO bad….. Any one of the other teams ever get decent, the Bucs will not sniff the division title again as long as this coaching staff remain….
November 11th, 2025 at 10:34 am
At this point and what they are rolling out there they are neither.
November 11th, 2025 at 10:47 am
Here is the real deal. Our Bucs are a above-average team with potential to be a good team. I don’t think we get there because we do not have a Pass Rush and our Defense is up and down. No matter how good your offense is, you gotta stop somebody to be good or to be great. We will win the NFC South And maybe even a game in the playoffs. But no big fat chanpionship Cigar.
November 11th, 2025 at 11:47 am
Those first 3 wins were lucky and credit to Baker
This team is a house of cards – and will show their true colors over time
Lotta talent on that defense except pass rush which Todd doesn’t care about
And now they’re playing politics with the corner rotation- it’s gross
November 11th, 2025 at 12:16 pm
Turn the question slightly…do the Bucs have good or great coaches? Neither, some are good, some are bad (special teams), none are great. The connection is Todd as head coach. It’s his staff. What’s Todd’s overall record?
November 11th, 2025 at 12:27 pm
I’d say average unfortunately. If the offense plays to it’s abilities and the defense they we are between good and great so excellent. The Bucs are inconsistent. Offense will light it up then go stale for 3 games. Defense will lock down the eagles for negative yards for a half then get burn. We are consistently inconsistent lol
November 11th, 2025 at 12:33 pm
@Bobby M
You hit a Bingo! That’s Exactly RIght.
Baker Mayfield has Now OPENLY called this out for All to Know and Hear. He JUST said directly to the public that the problem IS Within… Well, for those who are listening to the teams Number #1. He’s Desperately trying and fighting to keep his team, “in the game”.
November 11th, 2025 at 12:57 pm
Average at best.
November 11th, 2025 at 1:22 pm
Josh schooled the wooden Indian with a 2 week prep.
November 11th, 2025 at 2:28 pm
I don’t believe Godwin or JMac will play again this season. And now I’m thing Bucky will be out indefinitely and thats after 7 previous weeks not playing. Basically we’re F’ed.
November 11th, 2025 at 2:58 pm
It will be the same old story: nothing changes except the year. Todd Bowles sends out the same old scheme, and the defense continues to get beaten deep, with no Buccaneers defenders in sight when the opponent catches the ball. There’s no pressure on the quarterback, and the holes in the defensive line are so big you could drive a semi through them. Where are the defensive ends? If we had any good ones, where are they? It’s going to be the same thing all over again: one game in the playoffs, and then it’s back to “we’ll get them next year.” Honestly, Todd Bowles must go if the Bucs want to make it to the Super Bowl.
November 11th, 2025 at 5:15 pm
Average enough to win a bad division. That really is the story of the past 3 seasons.
November 11th, 2025 at 7:14 pm
.500 team
November 11th, 2025 at 8:34 pm
Stick a fork in them boys. Season has been wasted by Jason Licht and out of season injuries. What a waste