Biggest Obstacle For The Bucs: The Bucs
December 28th, 2025
Bucs beating Bucs.
Boy, Bucs coach Todd Bowles hit the nail on the head early last week when he spoke of where the team stands in relation to the playoffs and how they have painted themselves into a corner.
“We understand we control our own destiny,” Bowles said. “But our biggest enemy right now is us.”
There’s no doubt about it.
Bowels is correct. The Bucs put themselves in this pickle — a 7-8 record after starting 6-2 — by letting a rookie runaround quarterback beat them on the ground! Joe can live with a quarterback beating you through the air but on the ground is inexcusable. And that came against a division rival, New Orleans, at home for crying out loud!
Then, with a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter, a combination of a horrible interception, a dropped pass and gutless defense — a hallmark of the Bucs the past few years — Tampa Bay choked away a win on national television before losing last Sunday.
The Bucs’ biggest enemy is the Bucs.
So if the Bucs do lose today, you can bet it will be a combination of Bucs turnovers and rotten pass defense giving a rookie quarterback so much time he can order takeout from Hometown BBQ.
December 28th, 2025 at 1:20 am
Actually the biggest enemy for the Bucs is Bowles and always has been because as long as he’s the HC they’re stuck in endless mediocrity. Rooting for the Dolphins so that we can finally end this vicious cycle we’ve been stuck in since 2022. Bowles should have never been the HC.
December 28th, 2025 at 1:43 am
Lose out and we will all be happy.
December 28th, 2025 at 1:51 am
I have been thinking about Kliff Kingbury OC for the Commanders former coach of Arizona. Proven play caller, look @ his Profile and we have way more Talent on Offense than cards and Washington.
He’s young. Just need to find a DC. Baker can be successful under him. Murray always looks like he doesn’t care enough. KK will would be a solid hire.
December 28th, 2025 at 1:56 am
The Bucs biggest enemy is the 8 months pregnant genius whose best skill is to take all the aggression and desire out of his players by continuing to dump more on their brains when what they desperately need is simple, fundamental discipline and leadership.
I can’t and won’t cheer for this team to win another game until this well meaning growth on the body of the Buccaneers is removed.
December 28th, 2025 at 3:23 am
Bowles has been the main problem. He is stubborn on his D, will not adapt and throws his players under the bus when his calls backfire like they did with Dean on Sunday. On special teams, he should have fired McGaughy after the Jets game but he did not and let everyone on the team know that no one is accountable. On offense, he has managed to stagnate that too by forcing the young OC to run the ball 30 plus times when the team has finally got all 4 talented WRs on the field, but ignores them. Bowles is the problem. Allow him to coach next year and there will be no Buc fans in the stands, corporate sales and merchandise revenue will crater. Fire Bowles, fire him, fire him.
December 28th, 2025 at 3:30 am
This is it….better win!
December 28th, 2025 at 4:38 am
No fan of Bowles but still hoping for a W
December 28th, 2025 at 6:32 am
I hope the BUCS can win today, but win or lose bowlzo must go. I simply do not feel like the BUCS can beat anybody at all right now. We run the ball just well enough to lose. We pass the ball just well enough to lose. We play defense just awful. Special teams? They’re special all right. Can we scrape up enough guts and pride to beat another crappy team? Can we tackle Archane at all? Even if we clog the run lanes he will kill us on short passes. I’m donning my Animal House toga and advising all of us to start drinking heavily. Maybe if we see two Bakers scrambling around one of them might score.
December 28th, 2025 at 7:11 am
Prolonging the inevitable
December 28th, 2025 at 7:32 am
I understand the extreme lack of support for Bowles….but rooting for losses is totally unacceptable.
Go Bucs….run up the score & gain some confidence!!!
December 28th, 2025 at 7:51 am
Bowles is big enemy. Fans on the run.
December 28th, 2025 at 7:53 am
The bitterness towards Bowles has turned the fan base against the team. The Glazers really have no choice but to fire him he’s become so vile in fans eyes. NFL is still a business. Bringing Bowles back would be bad for business.
December 28th, 2025 at 7:54 am
Win win…Bucs lose we getn rid of Bowles. Bucs win and we get playoff game in Tampa.
December 28th, 2025 at 7:55 am
The biggest enemy is his leadership or lack thereof.
December 28th, 2025 at 8:03 am
Well look at this. TV Fox 51 Gainesville would always show the Buc Game when Tampa 13 did. Now they are showing Coen and the Jags instead. That shows how unpopular Bowles is right there. Fans on the run.
December 28th, 2025 at 8:08 am
Lots of blame to go around right now and a good sized heap also goes squarely on Jason Lichts’ head. Licht has been an abysmal failure at drafting or signing any type of pass rushers-PERIOD.
Licht has also shown a total ignorance of how to improve his squad with ANY trade deadline deals , even when it has been patently obvious to even the casual fan that the personnel in this LB group cannot tackle or cover at an above average level. Jordyn Brooks the leading tackler in the NFL and a great coverage LB was available and LICHT sat on his hands and said ‘Nah we don’t need him”. Horrible general managing.
I ask again when can JBF frequenters expect to see a Licht Confidence Poll? I believe Licht would be underwater, and rightfully so.
December 28th, 2025 at 8:20 am
Look for Ewers to break Dan Marino’s single game passing record of 521 yards today. The next time the Bucs cover someone over the middle would be the first time they cover someone over the middle. The offense has not been good lately but the defense has been garbage all season. You can’t be a defensive head coach and lose because the defense sucks. Licht’s “I am that man,” motto needs to be changed, this team is a bunch of mentally soft choir boys. I’m not saying you need criminals on your team but it’s football and you do need at least a few angry a-holes to be successful. Who’s the tough guy on this squad? Freaking JPP? If I was a Glazer it would be Bowles out & Licht on notice in 26. From 6-2 to knocked out of the playoffs with a week to go in the season is unacceptable.
December 28th, 2025 at 8:24 am
Monken’s offense put up 41pts with a backup QB at Green Bay. I would take him over Bowles yesterday. We can do better than this stiff, and he can take our meathead GM with him.
December 28th, 2025 at 8:28 am
@ Hodad Says: “The bitterness towards Bowles has turned the fan base against the team.”
I am much MUCH MORE bitter towards Lickt and the Glazers, myself. I’m sure Todd is doing the best HE can. THEY are all responsible. THEY hired him (and this roster) in the first place, & THEN ‘double-downed’ and kept them all. That’s all on THEM. 💯
December 28th, 2025 at 8:28 am
The comments anymore is just some funny is. We can all agree to disagree but anyone actively rooting for their team to lose is just stupid. Even if they lose out there’s no guarantee Bowles is gone. Are you guys connected with the glazers at one buc place? Friend of a friend of his sister in law told me. I cannot wait to sop the crying on here if Bowles is back next year
December 28th, 2025 at 8:35 am
Let’s just win the last two games! Show some Pride! Let’s Go Bucs!!!
December 28th, 2025 at 8:51 am
The Bucs are going to defeat the Fish today!
The Seahawks are going to destroy the Panthers today!
It will be next weeks game against the Panthers that determines who wins the NFCS with a dismal 9-8 record.
December 28th, 2025 at 8:54 am
Rooting for your team to lose is tough love. It’s like taking a loved one off life support. I don’t like where this team is. As a fan I want change. If that means wanting them to lose? Pull the plug!
December 28th, 2025 at 9:07 am
My inside sources tell me a lot of the Bucs players were out on the town in Miami last night partying like they just don’t care. Bc a lot them don’t after last week. Still feeling good about cashing Dolphins +6.
December 28th, 2025 at 9:09 am
Sorry, I cannot root for a loss. They seem to happen without any effort on my behalf. But I can root for the Glazers to see the reality that with Licht at the helm, they continue to dump money into this road trip down a dead-end road
December 28th, 2025 at 9:10 am
Yeah I can’t root for them to lose. I look forward too seeing our team.
But Todd has to go. You can’t keep having mid season collapses.
I agree with one the fans we are so soft. Texans defense doesn’t let u breathe.
take the 49er’s two all Pro’s are out TWO!!! and still come too play. I just don’t
Understand the Vea and Lvd leadership on the field. When is some going too say enough is enough.
December 28th, 2025 at 9:11 am
The biggest obstacle for the Bucs, is literally, their HC.
December 28th, 2025 at 9:19 am
One name to watch for is Flores, DC for Minnesota. He was with the Pats I believe when Licht was there. Defense is our obvious weakness, he’s experienced and would possibly be onboard with keeping Grizzard. Not really a huge fan of DCs as HCs but he’s an upgrade over Bowles and if our defense was even avg in our weak division we would dominate.
December 28th, 2025 at 9:29 am
Kayla Says:
December 28th, 2025 at 9:07 am
My inside sources tell me a lot of the Bucs players were out on the town in Miami last night partying like they just don’t care
+++++++++++++++++++
Really. What sources?
December 28th, 2025 at 9:43 am
Joes, I just finished a Bucs bender (Raise the Red flag and your last 2 podcasts) and I disagree with your assessment of Licht. Throughout the documentary, Licht is portrayed as a sentimental follower who has been fortunate enough to have worked with highly competent colleagues whom he was wise enough to bury himself among. Licht is a great offensive scout, charming back slapper, and make you feel at home host, but when the ride gets bumpy he tends to fade into the background until his hand is forced by the Glazers or a true leader like Bruce. Sure he has picked 4/5 gems on the offensive side of the ball, as well as some very serviceable late round picks, but he is way too passive in the FA market, too much of a homer with his home grown picks, and too maliable when it come to choosing a HC. Other than what appears to be Licht’s greatest strength, loyalty, in his maybe we should give Fournette another chance convo with BA, that documentary shows Licht slow to react, overly reliant on staff to lead any charge (Spytek and Brady), or the Glazers themselves steering him to a HC change conclusion. Say what you want about how he is a proven Suprbowl GM, and I well tell you that even the the worst contractor can build one nice model home in a junky neighborhood. I believe JL has done well by this franchise but his good ol boy stogey and bourbon stchick has played out even before he stole BA’s persona. He has watched too many teams run amuck from Raheem to Bowles, while preaching character as he hides and never taking any accountability for his role in the neighborhood he built
Joe would start by saying don’t beleive everything you see on TV. The documentary is entertainment. Beautifully done, but certainly not reliable to assess what’s really happening behind the scenes. –Joe
December 28th, 2025 at 9:44 am
I saw a few posters actually rooting for a loss. Part of me can’t blame them. I want the BUCS to win, but I don’t think they will. Someone said that even if the BUCS lose out it doesn’t guarantee a bowlzo firing. I say that even the BUCS win the division and a playoff game bowles might not survive. He is just too far gone in the hearts and minds of the fans
Fans on the run.
Best hide your gun.
The field judge
Held a grudge
Flagging everyone
For the fans on the run
December 28th, 2025 at 9:52 am
HC Grover Says:
December 28th, 2025 at 8:03 am
Well look at this. TV Fox 51 Gainesville would always show the Buc Game when Tampa 13 did. Now they are showing Coen and the Jags instead. That shows how unpopular Bowles is right there. Fans on the run.
——
I don’t know if there’s a cause and effect relationship involved with that. Though I admit you could easily be right. Regardless, I do find it pretty damn interesting. As I would normally consider that neighborhood Bucs territory. On the other hand my kid went to UF and I discovered there are quite a few (student) Jags fans in that area. Shameful.
December 28th, 2025 at 9:55 am
I find it laughable that people are naming young OCs as possible Bolwes replacements when we just let 2 good ones walk out the door the last 2 years, just so they could keep Bowles as HC. That came directly from the Glazers. Then idiots want to blame Licht, when he qas forced to keep Bowles and any defensive player JL drafted or signed as a FAs is forced to try to succeed in a dumpster fire of a defense that would make Reggie White and Deion Sanders look like bums.
Funny how JL players he has drafted on offense have looked good with multiple OCs, but his defensive players havent panned out..gee maybe occam’s razor theory exist for a reason.
Replace Bowles ASAP. Missed out on Coen, Canales, Vrabel, Ben Johnson…all because the Glazers didnt want to fire Bowles.
December 28th, 2025 at 10:01 am
There’s a reason fans have turned on this team. They’re heartless. They’re mentally weak.
They’re passive. They have the energy of an LED. Absolutely sickening what this team has become. Firing Bowles and the ENTIRE staff is a no brainer. This coach has failed spectacularly.
December 28th, 2025 at 10:03 am
Does anyone the uniform combo today? Thanks…. Let’s Go Bucs!!!!
December 28th, 2025 at 10:07 am
I like the idea of Flores, but I would try a whole new paradigm, co HCs. Kubiak and Flores. When their side is on the field, they ultimately get to make the decision. Make it a true competition, do that for a season and whoever has the highest ranked unit ultimately gets the HC title. But you would need a real strong GM who is not afraid to lead and make player decisions, [Queue Metallica’s Master of Puppets] enter Bill Bellicheck.
I know this sounds ridiculous, but the NFL is slowly moving toward a WWF/reality TV format and this drama show would make us germane and gaining some audience. Just think how much Vegas could earn on the Bucs’ HC speculation. Not to mention their bed buddy, the NFL, with this must see tv. Why limit yourself to just subscription pay walls, Bucs games could all be pay per view…you could even put Kubiak and Flores in an octagon at season’s end to earn the HC title.
All kidding aside, tongue removed from cheek, I do like the trio of Kubiak, Flores, and B². I’ve always liked Flores’s defensive philosophy, think B² would make a better GM than coach, and you’d definitely need a Kubiak in the mix with those hard heads. How you mix and match, I have no idea (and i could lose B² in a heart beat), but Kubiak and Flores would definitely be on my r3place Bowles list
December 28th, 2025 at 10:22 am
Fire Todd
December 28th, 2025 at 10:29 am
Our top pass rushers we thought we would have this season were Kancey and David Walker- neither of whom played and that’s not Bowles’ fault. We specifically targeted Walker in the draft! Got so unlucky losing him for the season. He didn’t have an injury history. That’s losing at least 10-15 sacks minimum we could have had! I don’t blame Bowles for that (or Licht) and you shouldn’t either!
December 28th, 2025 at 10:33 am
We lost a LOT of pass rushing talent which would expose any secondary.
December 28th, 2025 at 10:38 am
Build the trenches! Front to back. No more receivers, no more early picks on CBs. Big uglies through the draft and FA. Pressure the opposing QB and protect ours. Nothing else should be on the table. We’d all over a monster TE, etc, but we must build the trenches. Then focus on LB.
December 28th, 2025 at 10:47 am
1-6 in their past 7 games after starting 6-2.
This is a bigger collapse than the 2008 season, which got Gruden launched for not being able to achieve more than mediocrity and 1 and done in the playoffs
December 28th, 2025 at 10:49 am
Nice reference to Man on the Run Fred . Too bad that a playoff win mean he stays which means the Glazers aren’t really in tune with what an NFL team is supposed to be. The first time they did it took them 2 coaches to get that team and still it didn’t last. Even Bill Parcells told them I’m good. The 2nd time it it took one but two qbs. Our problem is the Glazers don’t know how to pick head coaches or General Managers, and they don’t inspire great coaches to come here. They are the on the same page as Jerry Jones they’re just not the public eye and ear sore he is
December 28th, 2025 at 10:50 am
Root to win….
Root for a good draft pick no matter what number
Root for the coach to coach wins
Rooting to lose is a loser’s mentality.
There are teams with nothing to play for ….winning in spite of draft position….those teams are showing heart…..
December 28th, 2025 at 11:02 am
StPete, the 49rs have had more injuries than the Bucs. Bosa , Warner were the heart of the defense. Purdy missed 7 games. But, they realized they needed help and went an added a few players at mid-season. What did we do? Thy are going to the playoffs and we are playing in the toilet Bowles. Light and Bowles out on the same bus.
December 28th, 2025 at 11:15 am
The odds are that the coach will be let go
December 28th, 2025 at 11:25 am
Dilfer did some amazing amazing things at UAB. Bring him in and let him be a player coach
December 28th, 2025 at 11:29 am
I don’t understand the hate towards Licht and the players he has assembled.
Yes Brooks would have been a nice add, but he wouldn’t have saved the team from this disaster. That is why Bowles must go. He got the job by DEFAULT after all.
This team has enough talent to beat anybody which is why we are all so peeved at Bowles.
But going down some rabbit hole doesn’t help.
I do think the Glazers were idiots for this experiment.
We all knew Bowels was a bad coach after NY. The Glazers are too nice for this business. The Jags will be worth more in 5 years you watch. Their owner went out of his way for that Coen hire and it will pay off.
December 28th, 2025 at 11:44 am
if, ifs and buts were candy and nuts
December 28th, 2025 at 11:45 am
if, ifs and buts were candy and nuts
December 28th, 2025 at 11:45 am
I still believe Klint Kubiak would be my top choice how he has maturated in his craft… PLUS, he has family ties to HC experience that he may draw from to help him acclimate faster at running a winning NFL team….
That said, Todd Monken is a very strong 2nd and growing on me… Monken has an idea of what he will have to change and fix organizationally having been with the Bucs before…
I would not hate Mike LeFleur… Could Joe Brady better develop Mayfeild… Maybe!
December 28th, 2025 at 12:00 pm
Kubiak or Daibol if we had to pick,,, Glenn for DC ,,, Bucs will need to act fast though,, if Bills lose first game in playoffs , Daibol could be headed back there ,, Need an offensive , young HC,,
I sill would give a few picks to trade for Shanahan or a pick for Stefanski ,,
That said Todd could still save his job this year
December 28th, 2025 at 12:16 pm
Bring back Todd Monken as head coach
December 28th, 2025 at 12:21 pm
The Glazers…They will give Bowles a bonus for getting as close to .500 as is possible w/o a tie. If Bucs tie and beat Panthers he will get a 20 year contract for a perfect .500 season.
December 28th, 2025 at 12:40 pm
Getting the defense off the field is one.
December 28th, 2025 at 12:49 pm
See after last week game I’m was yelling for Kubs & Flores.
and then I forgot about Kliff OC for the Commanders. Who coached the cards and in college true play caller no question. But then you have to pry Flores or Matt Birk from the Texans with ass HC position.
December 28th, 2025 at 12:53 pm
Or we could find a completely new way to loose. Fire over confident mistake prone clueless opposing qb loving Bowles! Immediately.
December 28th, 2025 at 12:54 pm
Rooting for Bucs wins as always. It just won’t hurt as much if Bowles gets canned.
December 28th, 2025 at 1:05 pm
@ Durango 95 Says: “Well look at this. TV Fox 51 Gainesville would always show the Buc Game when Tampa 13 did. Now they are showing Coen and the Jags instead.”
Yep. I just said a few weeks ago, JUST WAIT… You already know it’s happening! Everyone in Orlando and surrounding areas, will be all-aboard the Cohen Jags-Train! The Bucs will be losing LOTS of Fans. Hell, who would YOU rather buy a ticket to see, and to watch on tv!? It’s going to HURT BADDDDD. The Glazers HAVE TO ‘stop the bleeding’ and get with REALITY. Fire Lickt and Bowles. This franchise is in desperate need of fresh new blood and a BETTER WAY!!!!