What Todd Bowles Likes About 2026 Bucs
August 9th, 2026
Early breakdown of Bucs.
Last year, there were several things not to like about the Bucs. For Joe, the main red flag was the defense.
It wasn’t just that the defense was lousy. It was they quit on KitKat-eating Bucs coach Todd Bowles, Joe is convinced.
So the Bucs made an effort to bring in guys this offseason with heart, passion and maybe a tendency toward violence. The Bucs had to change the DNA of the defense.
Now we are way, way early into the 2026 campaign. The Bucs have only had four padded practices. But even at this early stage, a coach may get a whiff of what his team will be like when the season kicks off.
Bowles was asked what he likes about his team roughly 11 days into training camp.
“They’re really mentally tough, and they’re making each other better,” Bowles said. “They understand what we have on each side of the ball, and they’re really trying to make each other better – from the pass rushers and the tackles, to the interior, to the wideouts and the [defensive backs], and the quarterback seeing different coverages and disguises, battling mentally with the safeties.
“They really talk about everything after the play, so I like that about them.”
Camaraderie is a good thing. Wanting to improve is hopeful. Last year in December, Joe swears when the Bucs broke huddle on defense, they hollered not, “Ready — BREAK!” Instead, they were yelling, “Ready — TULUM!”
No, not everyone quit on the defense. But enough to help sink the season.
August 9th, 2026 at 12:10 am
“WHY did they quit though?” is the most important question people should be asking. Everyone can feel all warm, fuzzy and mentally tough 11 days into camp, let’s see where that mentality stands from Week 13 on. Hearing the same message over and over and seeing a HC/DC who doesn’t have the answers, or the ability to make adjustments to what’s not working, can change a players attitude over the course of a season.
August 9th, 2026 at 12:18 am
“Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” General George Patton
August 9th, 2026 at 12:52 am
5-12.
August 9th, 2026 at 12:52 am
Carolina Panthers signing Kyle Trask!!!! Their rookie QB got a hamstring issue after the HOF game…
Could this be the Trask revenge season, lol??
August 9th, 2026 at 5:23 am
Deep down, Bowles likes that this will be his final NFL season.
August 9th, 2026 at 5:25 am
Joe … ‘It wasn’t just that the defense was lousy. It was they quit on KitKat-eating Bucs coach Todd Bowles. Joe is convinced of it.’
Joe … ‘Not everyone quit on the defense. But enough to help sink the season.
Might be wrong, but that’s the first time I can remember you caveating your ‘the defense quit last season’ conclusion Joe. And I can easily agree with that conclusion because we got rid of a LOT of players for a reason.
Our Bucs’ defense was very INCONSISTENT last season. For instance:
o Games 1-2: Started off like gang-busters, going 2-0. Defense gave up only 39 pts (19.5 PPG) to Falcons & Texans, and that’s largely why we won; offense only scored 43 in those 2 games (21.5 PPG).
o Games 3-5: Defense gave up 94 pts (31.3 PPG … yuck) to the Jets, Eagles & Seahawks, but we went 2-1 because our offense scored 92 pts (30.7 PPG).
o Games 6-8: Defense settled down a bunch in giving up only 48 pts (16.0 PPG) to the 49ers, Lions & Saints. We went 2-1 in that series largely because of the defense (offense only scored 62 pts in those 3 games (20.7 PPG average).
o Games 9-11: Defense totally fell apart IMO in giving up an astronomical 106 pts (35.3 PPG) to the Pats, Bills & Rams (all 3 in the Top-5 offenses last season). Meanwhile our offense struggled to put up a total of 62 pts (20.7 PPG).
o Games 12-14: Defense rebounded some, but against much lesser teams, in giving up 72 pts (24.0 PPG) to the Cards, Saints & Falcons. We won 1-out-of-3, but could’ve gone 3-0 if defense had played better. Offense improved some against 3 meh teams, scoring 68 pts (22.7 PPG).
o Games 15-17: Defense rebounded even more, surrendering only 57 pts (19.0 PPG) to 2 more meh teams, while the offense struggled to put up 53 total pts (17.7 PPG).
So looking at the season in 3-game spurts (after the first 2 games) here’s how the 2 sides of the ball compared:
o Games 1-2 (2-0): Offense – 21.5 PPG; Defense – 19.5 PPG
o Games 3-5 (2-1): Offense – 30.7 PPG; Defense – 31.3 PPG
o Games 6-8 (2-1): Offense – 20.7 PPG; Defense – 16.0 PPG
o Games 9-11 (0-3): Offense – 20.7 PPG; Defense – 35.3 PPG
o Games 12-14 (1-2): Offense – 22.7 PPG; Defense – 24.0 PPG
o Games 15-17 (1-2): Offense – 17.7 PPG; Defense – 19.0 PPG
Our offense had only one great spurt … Games 3-5 when we went 2-1. Our defense was up-and-down all season. They did excellent in Games 1-2, 6-8 and 15-17. They did meh in Games 12-14, and were terrible in Games 3-5 and 9-11. Our defense’s biggest weakness: talent … we couldn’t match up ‘with the big dogs’. The Eagles, Lions, Pats, Bills & Rams all whooped us … badly … and beat us up physically in the process. Thus the reason for all the changes this off-season: get bigger & nastier.
August 9th, 2026 at 6:21 am
We had 4 starters on our front 7 who had no business being there, and 3 of them aren’t even in the NFL anymore
August 9th, 2026 at 6:41 am
DR, as always, another outstanding break down.
What I cannot comprehend is the roller coaster aspect of how the Bucs played last year and what caused it.
Oct 5, we beat Seattle in their crib 38-35. This was against a SB quality defense, as we now know.
Then the next week, on Oct 12, we score 30 vs the 49ers and win at home 30-19.
Two very, very good teams.
Then on Oct 20, in a prime time game, the Bucs can only score 9 points in a 9-24 blow out to the “ok” lions. When I watched this game, IMO, this was the turning point of the season bc we did NOT even come to play. No one mentions this game. But the lack of intensity by the Bucs was CLEAR. The Lions came to play in a prime time game against an opponent that was considered (at that time) a SB contender. The Bucs only showed up as a pretender.
So, point being, and with the benefit of hind sight, how do we score 38 points against a SB quality defense and 9 points in a prime time game against a Lions team that did not even make the playoffs???
Injuries? Did other teams figure out Grizz?
August 9th, 2026 at 6:51 am
It wasn’t just that the defense was lousy. It was they quit on KitKat-eating Bucs coach Todd Bowles. Joe is convinced of it.
But. but …but why didn’t the Balloon Headed Glazers see fit to force Mr Kit Kat to quit aka Fire
What is Mr. Kit Kat doing differently this season so far
Should have gotten Jim Schwartz to come in and at least been a consultant
Great Googly Moogly!
August 9th, 2026 at 6:53 am
Since you can’t edit your comment once you post …. I wanted to add ….. it’s too late to make any real changes….. so if the Bucs flop right out of the gate in 2026…. what exactly is the plan? I hate wasting seasons… rebuilds are a pain in the butt! Time Waits for NO Man!
August 9th, 2026 at 7:20 am
We had no fire starters on defense. Worse, we were soft mentally, and physically. The blame with Bowles, and Licht ly in the fact they thought Dennis was the answer at MLB, and David had another year in him. On the D line they counted on Kancey staying healthy. Reddick, and Braswell turned out to be a joke. We’ve upgraded. Trotter IS that firestarter in the middle. You can tell, it’s in his DNA. He is going to change our defense like Hardy did. Every great defense has a great MLB. We haven’t had one in years. Then you add Bain, A Rob. Coaching is about Xs, and Os, You still need the players. You can’t make a Dennis into a Ray Lewis, you have to be born that way. Trotter wasn’t only born that way, he was bred that way. Him, along with Bain could be pillars for this defense for years to come.
August 9th, 2026 at 7:20 am
the lions game showed the 25 bucs weakness for sure. the bucs went in forecast to light the score board with mvp baker and me13 against all back ups in detroit defensive backfield, but detroit came out playing great defense and shot the bucs down, me13 carried off on a stretcher and the season came crashing down
August 9th, 2026 at 7:27 am
I’m more worried about our CBs than any other unit on this team…
All this other stuff is just bunk and spunk IMO.
I don’t care how much “perceived toughness” a defense has.
If our CBs suck this defense will suck.
POINT BLANK PERIOD.
August 9th, 2026 at 7:32 am
AND “YES” – I know – I know… I can hear it already.
“But a better pass rush will help our crappy CBs.”
This is somewhat true.
However – even if our pass rush improves the CBs will still have to ball-out if the Bucs are going to win 10-plus games in 2026/27.
I just don’t see it happening at this juncture.
August 9th, 2026 at 7:32 am
Hodad … ‘We had no fire starters on defense. Worse, we were soft mentally, and physically.’
Agree 100% Hodad, but that’s talent (or lack thereof). That to me is on Licht as our GM. As for Bowles, his problem most of the season was trying to over-compensating for mediocre talent in spots. And oh ya, constantly trying to put lipstick on a pig.
The lack of talent & physicality showed up BIG-TIME last season against the big dogs. We didn’t just lose to the Eagles, Lions, Pats, Bills & Rams; we got beaten to a pulp. And my bet is … the talented guys on our team knew exactly what was going on.
August 9th, 2026 at 7:35 am
He is a dead man talking.
August 9th, 2026 at 7:36 am
Marine Buc … ‘I’m more worried about our CBs than any other unit on this team’.
Me too, BUT … the real key to Bowles’ defense IMO is the linebackers (both inside & outside). They sucked last season, and the CB (and Safeties) couldn’t compensate for that. The LBs will be MUCH BETTER this season. And as a result of that, plus a better pass rush, the CBs (and Safeties) shouldn’t have to compensate nearly as much. Thus their play SHOULD improve considerably just by letting them do what they do best.
August 9th, 2026 at 7:46 am
@Hodad: “The blame with Bowles, and Licht ly in the fact they thought Dennis was the answer at MLB, and David had another year in him. On the D line they counted on Kancey staying healthy. Reddick, and Braswell turned out to be a joke.”
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Hodad, that is so on the money. I don’t normally criticize Licht, I think he drafts well. But a lost Dennis, early retirement LVD, waste of $ Reddick (@$14M) and shocking Braswell? Are you kidding me?!?! Then add in the fact there was NO depth at Guard. None. Nada. Zip.
THAT is a major FAIL and that is ALL on Licht. That is 100% his job and is not on Bowles.
August 9th, 2026 at 7:54 am
@DR, I get your point, but the real key to Todd’s D is stopping the run. That begins with the front line, in particular, VV. We cannot count on Kancy, he is a luxury. I know everyone is excited about Robinson, but he wasn’t outstanding with the Panthers, so how much better is he going to be over Hall?
The LB unit is very important to stopping the run and the short passing game.
I do not agree with ppl in here who say trade VV. That will completely F-up the improved personnel that were added this offseason.
Simple argument: WITH VV, who are you going to double? VV, Yaya or Bain? Without VV, who you double is much easier to scheme against, IMO
August 9th, 2026 at 8:00 am
@ DR
“The LBs will be MUCH BETTER this season.”
They couldn’t be much worse…
“Thus their play SHOULD improve considerably just by letting them do what they do best.”
Sounds like “wishful thinking” to me BUT I hope you are right DR.
I still believe the CB unit and our GMs complete FAILURE to upgrade this unit will spell doom for the Bucs in 2026.
August 9th, 2026 at 8:04 am
@ DR
One more thing…
“the real key to Bowles’ defense IMO is the linebackers (both inside & outside).”
If this is true our GM should have been fired for the horrid defensive roster we had last season ESPECIALLY at those two specific positions…
PATHETIC.
August 9th, 2026 at 8:25 am
Great posts, but whether you’re talking about offense or defense you have to take into account special teams. Bowles style of coaching depends a lot on field position since he’s on the conservative side. If you give the opposition the ball at the 50 yard line because your special teams are terrible bad things happen. It’s a domino effect! Even if you stop them they’re punting the ball to the 5 yard line. Offense then has to drive 95 yards. Not to mention they’re basically already in field goal range.
August 9th, 2026 at 8:33 am
Did he say because it’s his last season as head coach
August 9th, 2026 at 9:01 am
The D failed because Baker wasnt lining up as edge rush and getting enough tackles and sack pressures…..no wonder we’re not extending him with a respectable offer….ALL BAKER’S FAULT!!!
August 9th, 2026 at 9:17 am
Good point bucnjim,
Bowles should have been fired for keeping his buddy Mcguaghy on staff all year. He was clearly incapable and incompetent. When kicking the ball into the endzone to give the other team the 35 is your best defense, you should be fired the same day. You just can’t forgive Todd for that. You can’t blame it on the players and you can’t call him a great coach. Incompetence on display. Our bottom 30 are no worse than any other team.
August 9th, 2026 at 9:24 am
@ Mad
“ALL BAKER’S FAULT!!!”
Are we skipping our meds again today?
Love you bud.
Hang in there… We are only a few more weeks away from Valhalla.
August 9th, 2026 at 9:27 am
Todd is just happy to be employed. He fired everyone else as scapegoats.
I’d like to think the spot light is now on him and his Swiss cheese scheme.
But history shows that he gets extended when he fails miserably.
That’s some job security for you. Fail upwards no matter the result.
Bowles knows losing.
August 9th, 2026 at 9:33 am
There she is. What up Mari e Why did you hoard all the midol? Nevermind, i aint explaining myself to you….just leave a little out next time to go around for some of your other girlfriends here.
August 9th, 2026 at 9:41 am
@ Mad
I’m going to quote my Grandma twice here – I know you are probably broke but hopefully you can at least “pay attention”.
#1 – if you can’t say anything nice just sit and chill and enjoy the sangria.
#2 – “aint” isn’t a real word and you ain’t supposed to say it.
Wise words from a wise woman.
August 9th, 2026 at 10:12 am
Your soured estrogen runs thick Mari e….look, you hoarded all the midol for a reason, now uP the dose a liitle more please…..for all of us, and I aint kiddin
August 9th, 2026 at 10:26 am
@ Mad
You make a very compelling argument.
You win brother…
August 9th, 2026 at 10:39 am
aww…… it’ll come back though, a woman never really loses an argument….didnt your Grandma tell you that too? Maybe you were adopted….dont worry, all good.
August 9th, 2026 at 10:49 am
too funny….
just say ” yes dear your are right”
August 9th, 2026 at 11:11 am
@ Win
LOL!
If it was not for double standards – MadMax would have no standards at all…
August 9th, 2026 at 12:07 pm
Senor Harry … ‘I do not agree with ppl in here who say trade VV. That will completely F-up the improved personnel that were added this offseason.’
I agree with you wholeheartedly about Vea’s importance. I v ery much want to see him stay & anchor our DLine, BUT … if he’s gonna be a cancer in the locker room, I’d much rather we trade him. I’m old-school to the extent that I believe he should honor his contract without griping in the press or ‘pretending’ to have a back injury (if that’s in fact the case; none of us none for sure).
I personally don’t think he’s worth as much as HE (and Suh?) think he’s worth. And because of that, I doubt that he’ll be re-signed after this year. I know that Bowles has publicly stated that he’s very happy with what the DLine has right now (even without Vea), but we’ve all heard that line before (too many times).
August 9th, 2026 at 12:45 pm
“If it was not for double standards – MadMax would have no standards at all”
See? lol
its ok princess, i got you