“I’ve Never Been More Excited”
September 4th, 2026
What makes most football coaches drool uncontrollably?
No, not turnovers, but great guess.
It’s having powerful players in the trenches on both sides of the ball. The old adage says, “the game is won in the trenches.” Often that’s true, but this isn’t 1977. The game has diversified.
Todd Bowles was asked about his excitement level during his recent visit to the The Rondé Barber Show. He said it’s off the charts. Why? The trenches.
“Year 5 as the head coach and I’ve never been more excited,” Bowles said. “I think we got very good up front on both sides of the ball. The competition in camp was unbelievable with [Rueben] Bain and [Luke] Goedeke. Obviously, with YaYa going at it, Tristan [Wirfs] was out with [Ben Chukwuma] going there [to left tackle] and Vita [Vea] coming back late and getting [Graham] Barton better, it was nonstop [competition] up front.”
(Yes, this episode was recorded after the Bucs’ backup offensive line put on a horror show in the last couple of preseason games.)
Joe gets Bowles’ excitement. The Bucs have five — five! — first-round draft picks that will start in the trenches: Rueben Bain, Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, Tristan Wirfs and Graham Barton. Plus, they’ll have at least two second-round picks alongside them. What other team has that?
Bowles added that he also was super excited for the news Vea extended his contract after seven season in Bowles’ defense.
“He does everything for me from an intelligence standpoint up front, so when he got signed back it was a big relief,” Bowles said.
September 4th, 2026 at 4:19 pm
Well, the optimism is nice….but, same as last year and year before…..so, question!!??
What has changed with you to realize some of the corrections with your coaching decisions? Some things were clearly not correct last year….Have you identified them, no ego involved, and started looking at different ways to handle things more efficient?
September 4th, 2026 at 4:23 pm
I think the Center position is our biggest concern upfront
We have Graham Barton and Dan Feeney as our Centers
I hope Barton has a breakout season this year
September 4th, 2026 at 4:32 pm
MadMax:
You’re right,
After reading your post, I’ve thought about what you’ve said and I’ve decided to really put my ego aside and start looking at some different ways to handle things more efficiently.
If it weren’t for you setting me straight here in this blog, I may have stuck to the same old ways.
After some serious ego free thought, I believe it’s a good idea to play even more deep zone and increase the cornerback cushion by at least five extra yards.
You will probably see a new thing this season where we drop defensive lineman into pass coverage to disguise and surprise the other teams. It’s an idea I’ve been pondering.
I’ll also be keeping a larger bag of Kit Kats closer during the games for clarity and energy.
We’re gonna play it better and coach it better.
Thank you for your suggestions and support.
Coach Todd
September 4th, 2026 at 4:37 pm
If only Brasswell worked out better…. Seriously though looking forward to watching this new D Line get after it
September 4th, 2026 at 4:57 pm
AFAIK our top EIGHT O linemen got few/NO snaps in the preseason, not worried about that department
September 4th, 2026 at 5:44 pm
I know, can’t help but think if Braswell was a pro bowler, how awesome that would be if we didn’t wiff on that pick! Oh well, change is among us in a good way
September 4th, 2026 at 9:40 pm
Kit Kat’s ?
September 4th, 2026 at 10:18 pm
Who is brasswell? Our defensive line is as deep as can be. I like the new attitude. Our offensive line is stupendous, but shallower than a mud puddle. We have little depth in the secondary. Lady Luck, be a lady this year.
September 4th, 2026 at 10:39 pm
And our receiving corps has dood depth… For the moment… Worrisome as far as health goes
September 4th, 2026 at 11:45 pm
Sheesh Winfield is ripped.
September 5th, 2026 at 10:32 am
So far so good 👍. Of course the season hasn’t started yet. We’ll see in 8 days. This team needs to compete with the better teams. The first game, on the road, will be a good barometer. The offense needs to get a fast start! Play with a lead. The defense needs to get off the field on 3rd and 4th downs! The special teams needs to play well too!!! Won’t be long now!
September 5th, 2026 at 1:19 pm
Winfield is ripped,now if we can get him to play ball like he used to.
September 5th, 2026 at 2:26 pm
I’m excited too….for 5-12 and Todd is finally shown the door.
September 5th, 2026 at 5:47 pm
Winfield better run faster #67 is too close behind licking his lips ! Gosh dang it what a pic!!
September 6th, 2026 at 1:24 pm
Infome, I think we saw something in Jacksonville and I hope they fix it. That was ugly..