At Home With Todd Bowles
September 29th, 2026
There’s at least one goal that every NFL team shares, and it has nothing to do with a Super Bowl.
Every team wants to establish a strong home-field advantage. It’s good for fan vibes, good for the community and good for business. Teams invest millions into the stadium experience and fans feeling good about it is a major part of any organization.
Enter Todd Bowles. The Bucs now have a losing record at home (18-19 — Joe did not factor in a “home game” win played in Munich), including 1-2 in the playoffs, since Bowles took over as head coach to start the 2022 season.
That’s miserable and not the mark of a high-quality team or a head coach that’s been able to establish the importance of defending the home turf.
For years, Joe called The Licht House, aka Raymond James Stadium, “Den of Depression.” The reason was simple: the Bucs hadn’t mustered a winning record at home for many years. The ugliness peaked when the Bucs went winless at home during the 2014 season, capped by Team Glazer and friends agreeing to tank the final game — a home game — without the decency to apologize to fans.
Joe vowed to keep the Den of Depression nickname until the Bucs secured a winning record at home in a season. That glorious day came on Jan. 3, 2021. “Den of Depression” was forever retired.
This week, as a home game sure to have 50 percent Packers fans approaches, Joe is getting the old “depression” vibes for the first time in many years. And Joe cannot be alone.
Two things keep running through Joe’s head. First, it’s mind-boggling that the Bucs have won the NFL’s premier annual customer service award (based on season ticket holder surveys) for 12 years running despite their home-performance blues. Second, backup turned starting QB Jalon Daniels should be working on his silent count for Sunday, for when noise on third down will be overwhelming.
September 29th, 2026 at 12:31 pm
Incorrect. Todd Bowles has a playoff record of one and two at home. He lost in the Cowboys after the 2022 season. He beat the Eagles after the 2023 season and he lost the commanders after the 2024 season.
September 29th, 2026 at 12:34 pm
Jim the correction was not needed it was based on games played at home not actual losing anywhere.
September 29th, 2026 at 12:35 pm
50% seems low, I could see that though with the Packers struggling. I think the unknown element Daniels brings will entice a few fans that weren’t going to go to show up. Still think there will be more Packer fans than Bucs. The total stadium capacity will be 40% packer fans, 30% Bucs fans and 30% empty seats
September 29th, 2026 at 12:37 pm
@ Jim good catch! And that Cowboys game was a massacre! What a way for the GOAT to go out.
September 29th, 2026 at 12:37 pm
I still can’t believe the Glazers picked Todd Bowles over Liam Coen
September 29th, 2026 at 12:44 pm
For the record just one game Sundays game against the Packers is sold out
September 29th, 2026 at 12:44 pm
has it occurred to anyone that maybe the Buccaneers are put in the role of the Washington Generals BY DESIGN ? The Washington Generals showcased the talents of their opponents the Harlem Globetrotters by losing games to them in predictable and comical fashion – check – every so often , but very rarely, were the Generals allowed to win a game – check – the Glazers don’t care what color the jerseys are in the stands as long as seats are filled – the corporate boxes are for business functions and nobody really watches the games – been there – so why would the Glazers care about winning when Northern visitors and vacationers will fill the seats ? that was the whole marketing plan for the Orlando Dreamers (and maybe the Tampa Rays) – to expect the Glazers to do anything for hometown fans is folly – they make the same $ regardless
September 29th, 2026 at 12:49 pm
Wayne perez….FULL of Packers fans.
September 29th, 2026 at 12:49 pm
I know why they keep winning. Surveys are also sent to the visiting team fan attendees. lol
September 29th, 2026 at 12:57 pm
Pay attention to the Packers’ financials……as a publicly-owned entity, it’s the only team that has to report its financials. Teams make a pile of money without putting one ass in the seats. Ticket sales are simply gravy……..not sure how many luxury boxes are filled and sold, there’s the big bucks…..along with companies that pile out MAJOR cash to be the “official” whatever of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers……..
September 29th, 2026 at 12:59 pm
Doesn’t matter if it’s bucs fan money or opposing team money it all spends the same to the glazers if they really wanted to they would do more to garner bucs fans but like I said all the money spends the same cancelled my season tickets when they decided to keep bowels I’ll spend my money on something else thanks.
September 29th, 2026 at 1:02 pm
If you were an NFL owner, wouldn’t you want a winning team, organization, franchise, culture? I’d value walking around knowing my organization is elite more than making a few extra $ than the next guy. And it would start with the GM and Head Coach. Have respect for your last name, the franchise, the city, the fans. Have high standards!
September 29th, 2026 at 1:04 pm
Geez I wish Joe would explain the Moderation. Benign things get flagged and people say some other crazy things on here that make you scratch your head. How about a post on moderation rules?
September 29th, 2026 at 1:04 pm
According to AI Bowles record at Ray Jay is currently 17-18 since he’s been head coach. That’s unacceptable.
September 29th, 2026 at 1:07 pm
@Wayne Perez, then people are truly excited about the unknown Daniels brims or there will be 70% packer fans to 30% Bucs fans.
September 29th, 2026 at 1:29 pm
Oh what about the heat advantage? Isn’t that why we train outside all camp in the miserable heat? Aren’t teams supposed to wilt before us? Can we finally bury the myth that the heat gives us a home field advantage. Think the Packers are going to wilt Sunday? Just like Licht is a ROH GM, Bowles is a defensive guru, we have the best O line in football, can we put all these myths to rest? We’re a failed organization from top down. That’s the truth.
September 29th, 2026 at 1:48 pm
Joe, I just watched an interview of Gerald McCoy on ESPN. He was asked what is the most disappointing team in the NFL and he said the Bucs. He was asked why and I won’t spoil that for you or the other readers but it is eye opening.
September 29th, 2026 at 1:48 pm
Just gotta home game it better. Fixed.
September 29th, 2026 at 2:21 pm
Correction JBF, it’s not only the Den of Depression but the start of another lost decade. Paying Baker that massive amount, despite having the recent history of the Deshaun Watson and Tua debacle shows just how incompetent the glazers, Licht and the rest of the front office have been. The players like Baker and VV should have never been rewarded for their mediocre play.
September 29th, 2026 at 2:41 pm
Hes got the defense playing ,and he personally hasn’t turned the ball over
September 29th, 2026 at 2:44 pm
Now do the the record of the night games!
September 29th, 2026 at 3:25 pm
Todd hired the last two OC’s. Hmmmmmmmm
September 29th, 2026 at 3:28 pm
The Glazers don’t like to pay for fired coaches.
It’s a horrible way to lose millions.
Do you guys know why Zac Robinson is an NFL OC?
He’s handsome. They even said “Dave Canales” fits the profile of à HC.
Why? Because he’s handsome.
Rob Ryan never had the chance to be a Head Coach bc of his long hair.
He wasn’t marketable.
I have no idea why we hired Zac Robinson. He averaged 20 points per game with the Falcons. 20 ppg!
We need Bruce Arians to come out of retirement to call plays.
September 29th, 2026 at 3:28 pm
Someone called it “The Sewer of Shame.” That is harsh and not earned. Bucs have Bowles, that’s the important thing.
September 29th, 2026 at 3:30 pm
Well two straight years of no home playoff game revue bonuses for the glazers. I’m thinking they’re more po’d about that than the percentage of Parker fans in attendance this Sunday. Which of course will be substantial.
September 29th, 2026 at 4:02 pm
If the game is sold out it will be 60-40 Packers fans. Wisconsin travels extremely well for both college football & especially the Packers. Most come to Florida for the week and finish it up with the game. Anyone in the restaurant business will tell you there is a ton of Green Bay jerseys running around Tampa when they are in town. What is really sad is I can’t remember the last time the Bucs have been Completely out this early in the season. Don’t get me wrong I’ve been around for 2-14, but I can’t remember that far back.
September 29th, 2026 at 4:11 pm
As a season ticket holder, they are very reachable and the reps are awesome. So definitely can see that. See ya up in 304 screaming for Bowles to fired!
September 29th, 2026 at 4:16 pm
“Team Glazer and friends agreeing to tank the final game — a home game — without the decency to apologize to fans.”
That is sooooo Glazer like. Have no class. Nor do they give a rat’s patoot about the fans.
They should have issued a full refund to each ticket holder.
September 29th, 2026 at 4:21 pm
Bowles blows… send him packing
September 29th, 2026 at 4:22 pm
the only thing more disappointing then the OL play so far this year is the fan base. its 3 games into a 17 game season. Yeah this stat and yeah that stat but its 3 games, root for your team.
yes i think Bowles needs to be replaced, yes i think Robinson was a bad choice for OC, no i’m not upset with any of the player personal moves this offseason and i never have and never will wish for or root for the Bucs to lose a game.
Find a way to win now, deal with the rest in the offseason
September 29th, 2026 at 4:27 pm
The fans have given up on the Bucs! This is what happens you are complacent with mediocrity! Away fans are salivating at the chance to watch their team steamroll the Bucs in Tampa! The entire coaching staff needs to go!!!
September 29th, 2026 at 4:30 pm
Bill, Every single one of us will be glued to the TV by 12:55pm on Sunday. This is just therapy for our long depressing week. All of us are fans or we wouldn’t be here. We just have different views of how this team should move forward. I’m going to stand by my statement that Coen would be at least 2-1 with this exact same team. Might even be 3-0!!!!
September 29th, 2026 at 4:41 pm
The Bears looked great with their backup QB last night!!! There just might be some hope for the Bucs yet!! 😉. The D and OL need to step up and play like their hair is on fire!!
September 29th, 2026 at 4:43 pm
Oh I forgot the Bears have a real good HC… The Bucs, not so much!
September 29th, 2026 at 4:50 pm
Joe. Myself, my son’s and good friend will be attending my first Bucs game in about 20 years when I was a season ticket holder. Will be the week 6 game against Pittsburgh. ( no, I’ve never adopted the sqealers as my team. Always will be Buccaneers) I am not looking forward to what is sure to be 70% squealer fans. It is unfortunate that the Bucs are stinking on ice this year. This game and the Bolts game are bucket list items for me. Guess I’ll wear my Rays jersey. 🙁
September 29th, 2026 at 5:17 pm
End of 2025 season and a vast majority of Bucs fans were screaming for a new HC… Instead the owners reward such hot sewage display by extending the problem…
Owners chose friendship of their customers so now they can deal with the consequences of their stupidity!
September 29th, 2026 at 5:29 pm
Never can wrap my head around the idea of keeping a HC and firing the whole staff. Some of you guys think Baker pulled one over on the Glazers? Todd Bowels throwing the entire staff under the bus to save himself and they bought that….
September 29th, 2026 at 5:40 pm
Part of home field advantage is the fans. Once our fans become angry with the team, the coaches, the management they don’t go to games yelling for people to be fired. They just stop going to the games, period. Bucs fans are consumers. We know what good teams look like. We know what good coaching looks like. Our expectations are no where near being met.
September 29th, 2026 at 5:41 pm
OldSchool, You’re right! Is there a top 15 NFL coach who would be sitting at 0-3 with the players we currently have on this team? Would anyone hire Bowles when he is let go? The answer to both is NO!
September 29th, 2026 at 5:55 pm
Bad decisions and choices are coming home to roost. An ideology that supplants experience and proven success has been afoot since Bowles was hired. Why would an ownership group hire someone with a losing record? Ideology. A very poor way to run a franchise.