Sunday Question No. 7 Rankles Todd Bowles
September 16th, 2026
Interesting Wednesday news conference this afternoon at One Buc Palace.
Bucs head coach/defensive coordinator Todd Bowles met with the local media throng and was asked the typical mix of questions about players and performance. But after question No. 7, specifically about Sunday’s loss to the Bengals, Bowles seemed to have reached his limit for questions on the Week 1 game.
Joe’s pal and WDAE radio host Rock Riley asked Bowles how he felt about Sunday’s pass rush and whether some Bengals success on offense was because QB Joe Burrow was getting rid of the ball quickly.
That seemed to be Bowles’ cue to redirect media to the upcoming Browns game in Week 2.
“Well, he got the ball out. Again, guys, I addressed all these things on Sunday and Monday. And we have moved on to Cleveland, so I’m kind of over Cincinnati, personally,” Bowles said.
Joe can’t recall hearing Bowles react that way to game questions less than three days after the final whistle. It’s pretty standard for media to still be talking about the prior game, especially a Week 1 contest.
When Bowles began his Monday news conference, he noted that there wasn’t much media in attendance. So perhaps Bowles was trying to send a message: show up on Monday or you’re going to miss out.
Joe gets it, but Bowles should realize he’s not really talking to media at the podium. He’s talking to fans. That’s the audience, and the media is simply a conduit.
One day (hopefully in Joe’s lifetime), the Bucs will get smart and ask their head coach direct fan questions at a Monday or Wednesday news conference. The fans are the stars of the show and what it’s really all about — along with Team Glazer’s wallet.
Let the fans’ voices be heard, and let coaches speak directly to them. The technology is in place to make it happen.
September 16th, 2026 at 7:47 pm
Even he knows if he loses this game, his seat will be as hot as Hades! He is going to have to finally beat an AFC North team! Could see some big changes week 3, depending on what happens Sunday.
September 16th, 2026 at 7:50 pm
God I hate to agree with Todd on this one. He had addressed it, and by Wednesday it needs to be about the next opponent. You have to admit Joe, the media tends to beat a dead horse.
September 16th, 2026 at 7:52 pm
I believe Todd Bowles is feeling comfortable
He don’t carry himself like a guy with his job on the line
I think he could have done a better job with his rotation
Especially with Anzalone, Vea, Bain
September 16th, 2026 at 7:53 pm
41-24 Bucs ,,,, I’d like to say worse (41-13) but I got to see it first
September 16th, 2026 at 7:58 pm
Let the fans ask the questions? Talk about a clusterfork. I don’t think so.
The team could screen the questions. Wouldn’t be hard. Heck, they have non-media ask questions at presidential debates. –Joe
September 16th, 2026 at 8:02 pm
Todd Monken returning to Tampa! Ahh the Dirk Koetter days, still get shivers thinking about it. Go Bucs! Do the impossible Todd, beat an NFC North team for once, You mucked it up last time when you dialed back the GOAT against the Brownies!
September 16th, 2026 at 8:03 pm
If you watch closely you’ll see a well coached team. The refs stole the game from Bowles.
September 16th, 2026 at 8:07 pm
The fans Joe? Aside from this here site, I can’t name a single journalisming organization that doesn’t hold their audience in the highest contempt. And the NFL is notorious for not being a whole lot better (hello bevy of streaming services and black out games.)
September 16th, 2026 at 8:08 pm
Sunday can’t get here quick enough.
September 16th, 2026 at 8:10 pm
@MCBay, actually Baker lost the game for us, with the Oline being 2nd. The defense wasn’t great, but they def weren’t the reason the Bucs lost. Ever since that 49er game last year, Bakers deep ball has been wildly inconsistant!
September 16th, 2026 at 8:12 pm
And not having ME13 will def hurt the Red zone passing game. Could take a bit to adjust! Go Bucs
September 16th, 2026 at 8:29 pm
I just wish that WDAE would put an end to that horrible, boring ass Monday player interview with t whoever that girl is. I mean, it’s SO BAD. It just makes you want to fall asleep while driving. These players are just NOT that interesting at ALL, and her questions are horrendous. She doesn’t know what she’s talking about and soooo typically, doesn’t know anything about the history of the sport. Hell, you can tell that SHE’s even bored AF (at least comes off that way)… There’s just no depth there. When Trotter mentioned that it was his first “Pick-6” since High School, she was like, “WOW.” And, then continued to go on about it for quite awhile, acting as if that was forever ago, and was a frequent common event LoL. It’s like, Come-On… Most players play their entire careers, and NEVER sniffing one. AND, then I’m like hell, it couldn’t have been but just 4-5 years ago, TOPS LoL. And, she went on about it… WOW. I thought she did a little better, but those interviews all last season were BRUTAL. I’d just be driving down the road while zoning out and not paying attention, and would be like, “What in the HAIL am I listening to… This is AWFUL. They just need to SCRAP that nonsense, and then put “JoeBucsFan” in that time-slot, on every Monday at 5:00pm on the day after the Bucs Game. It’d actually be PERFECT. Cause, NOBODY’s wanting to listen to that CRAP. And, that’s just exactly what it is. CRAP.
September 16th, 2026 at 8:39 pm
NCbucfan
I agree with you his deep ball has not been very accurate. It would have been a whole different ball game if he had hit a wide open Egbuka on the first deep ball of the game. I don’t remember a second deep ball to be honest. But egbuka was 3 steps on the defender and it was 5 yards under thrown. Should have been 7. I think he needs to connect on a couple deep balls early next game. Get some confidence back. I would throw at least 10 next game just not on wards side. It’s going to be along season if we dink and dunk and the safeties don’t have to worry about over the top. Should get a couple golden opportunities on play action when we get the run game going
September 16th, 2026 at 8:40 pm
Jeffbuc, for sure! Having Mcmillian back should help as well.
September 16th, 2026 at 8:44 pm
Joes, are you going to start a weekly article on who loafed in the previous game? Similar to what you did a month or so after reviewing last years games? After reviewing game film, you could call it “Loafing on Sunday” or some other catchy article title. I would have to think that La Vita Vea Loco was at the top of the list.
September 16th, 2026 at 8:58 pm
WDAE is a old, old radio station, an ancient station
September 16th, 2026 at 9:00 pm
He was right. But…I suspect he is fully aware of his situation. If he loses 3 of the first 4 games, he might just get fired immediately. I mean, I doubt it because the Glazers don’t like to fire people during the season…but if they do, it would give the opportunity for Zac Robinson to get head coaching experience aas the interim head coach.
If he were to win 10 games (allowing the Bucs to go 11-6)? He might keep the position. But I want Tomlin.
September 16th, 2026 at 9:00 pm
How about we upgrade the microphones for press if they are a conduit to fans. I can hardly hear what they saying.
September 16th, 2026 at 9:05 pm
If I was that inept and unqualified I wouldn’t want to talk about my latest huge embarrassing failure either.
Let’s have a little sympathy for the otherwise intelligent amount us.
I’m sure he’s stressed out about losing his job in a few months if not sooner.
He’s the Sultan of Suck.
September 16th, 2026 at 9:06 pm
The Bucs used to have a boom mic handled by a guy off to the right (speaker’s left) of the podium who was unseen on videos. Of course, anything operated by a human will cost money. So a few years ago the Bucs got rid of the dude holding a boom mic to capture questions and planted mics in the ceiling of what the Bucs call “the studio room.”
The audio has sucked ever since.
September 16th, 2026 at 9:07 pm
I was listening to that press conference and as soon as Rock as that question, even I cringed a bit because not only was it asked after the game and again on Monday..it was asked prior to that in THAT press conference…just worded differently.
I actually loved Bowles response. Like guys, come up with some fresh questions about Sunday or move in to the Browns game.
Rock could’ve asked, “Todd, you’ve mentioned Bain taking a step back and the pass rush not working together as a group against Cincy, what gives you confidence things will be different against this Browns team”?
September 16th, 2026 at 9:08 pm
Bowles is an ostrich sticking his head in the sand.
September 16th, 2026 at 9:09 pm
@ Lightningvinny1 Says: “41-24 Bucs ,,,, I’d like to say worse (41-13) but I got to see it first”
That seems like an awful LOT of ‘points’ there! No way can I envision the BROWNS scoring 24-POINTS right now, no matter who they had a Quarterback. If they do… It will most likely mean a real bad day for the Bucs. Honestly, I have a real hard-time seeing the Bucs hangin’ 41. I see-it as being, either a low-scoring, REAL UGLY game, that the Bucs just barely ‘squeak by’ in… Like, 17-16. Orrrrr, the Bucs just blow ‘em out and the Browns get absolutely boat raced. I don’t see the ‘middle’ of the two happening… BUT, that’s the reason they play the games. So, WHO KNOWS!?
September 16th, 2026 at 9:12 pm
With some of the ridiculous comments/questions asked by some on here, you really want them asking the coach? Seriously? That would be a great use of time. Lol. Maybe we let Rod Munch wear your media credentials and let him go in Your place ….
September 16th, 2026 at 9:17 pm
What coach wants to dwell on questions from the media about the last loss? I don’t blame Bowles for wanting to move on to past the Bengals game.
That said, first question I wish the media would ask him is …
‘What are you doing this week to improve the pass rush that stunk in Cincinnati last Sunday?’
See, problem solved.
September 16th, 2026 at 9:51 pm
Organization is devolving into a clown show again sadly. These players don’t give a spit what Toad has to say, he won’t hold them accountable as long as they’re one of his guys.
So let me get this straight. 31 year old Vita Vea, who has NEVER gave two spits about football or the Bucs to begin with, tells the team to trade him to the west coast a month before the season basically so he can chill. Instead of capitalizing on a GOLDEN opportunity to send a message, save money, and get a mid round pick, what happens? They let his fat a$$ stroll up and down the sideline everyday in a floppy hat while his teammates bust their ass. And is he criticized for it? Of course not! Toad calmly reminded us how valuable he is (lmao) and how much he’s beloved by everybody (that I believe—-who doesn’t like the easy going fat guy). And then the cherry on top….they capitulate and give him what he wanted: more money and less work.
Problem also is Suh being in his ear. Suh thinks he’s like a hybrid business/philosophical genius (shocker), so no doubt in my mind he’s feeding Vea’s “F the team, maximize your leverage, etc” attitude. Suh did it everywhere he went and was always respected, but never liked.
Unfortunately the chummy family thing works only when your QB is Tom Brady and you’re a SB caliber team. Toad and Jason have been riding those coattails for years too long, and it’ll be interesting to see if Jason gets the axe after they go 6-11 this year. Toad will be gone on black Monday.
September 16th, 2026 at 9:54 pm
Fans do not want to hear about how their favorite team lost to an opponent on Wednesday. This behavior of the Tampa sports press is nauseating. They are constantly and quite consistently nagative to their home team and push that narrative more so than other cities sports press that I have lived and worked in. Tampa sports press will pour salt in the wound untill the team brings home a trophy. I am not saying you need to be a Tampa gruber, but geesh, you all need to look in the mirror.
September 16th, 2026 at 9:56 pm
wow looks like Uncle Ira is gonna remain a selector – congrats to JBF – this crew really is the most entertaining Bucs folks out there – keep it up
September 16th, 2026 at 10:02 pm
TBH, I didn’t read past the first paragraph nor the first comment. I have exactly one thing to say. If Bowls-zo doesn’t like hearing criticism of what has been a Browns-like team of late… Motivate these clowns to earn their money and maybe start trading under- performers. Ok, Baker kinda dorked it against the Bengals. I’m not worried about him yet. Coaching seems to be the problem.
September 16th, 2026 at 10:07 pm
By Wed, it’s time to move on to the next game. Pretty standard.
September 16th, 2026 at 10:13 pm
“Show up Monday or you’re gonna miss out.”
Yeah he doesn’t get it at all. You’re not his adversary. You’re a conduit to the people that fund the league, the yachts, the European trips and yes, his salary.
It’s the same reason he doesn’t get that he can affect motivation, or that “just talking to someone” isn’t the same.
No big picture with this dude.
September 16th, 2026 at 10:16 pm
Can we ask why his defense ALWAYS has trouble tackling?
September 16th, 2026 at 10:17 pm
@ Kalind Says: “The fans Joe? Aside from this here site, I can’t name a single journalisming organization that doesn’t hold their audience in the highest contempt. And the NFL is notorious for not being a whole lot better.”
That is THE absolute truth. You are definitely ahead of the game. They outright hate and despise YOU (normal everyday citizens, “the people”). Especially, the ELITE traditional, mainstream legacy media. It’s all a big club. More like, a corrupt cabal. And, sports (so-called) “journalism” is every single bit as insufferable, and even WORSE. It’s how you get to having 95%+ entirely ‘negative’ coverage directed at one particular party or candidate, and then 85% mostly all ‘positive’ coverage, directed towards another. It’s all a FRAUD. It’s why up to over 96% of the networks and other ‘traditional’ outlets ALL donate to the same side. Take a guess, which ‘side’ that would be just based off of the percentages above. It’s an obvious tell. There are NO “standards.” They are ALL ‘activists’ masquerading as real journalists. It’s 💯 intentional. They have ZERO shame. Their entire LIVES revolve only around ‘POLITICS’ and THE AGENDA at all times, 24/7/365. They’re all ‘in’ on it together. And, they are THE most miserably insufferable individuals, on THE PLANET. No real true friends (most without even ‘family’ – at least who can stand them). ALL FAKE with FAKE “lives,” and who are completely empty inside. They hate you for you being YOU. Especially, if you are to dare think for yourself, and are able see right through THEM. Because, to them… They are BETTER THAN you.
Just think how horrible and stupid their ‘policies’ and ideas (or lack there of), truly are… Their side is entirely dependent on THEM to push their ‘narrative’ at all times, in order to ‘tip the scales’ in THEIR favor. And, they STILL struggle mightily, just to barely reach a 50/50 split. You can look at EVERY major current event or news story on Apple News, or on your laptop’s Microsoft/MSN feed, & etc.… It will ALWAYS BE slanted towards the SAME ‘political’ party on ALL of their ‘promoted’ articles… 31-0, 69-0, 100-1, and on and on. So, do you actually think that is just some type of a coincidence!? Hmmmm… Why are their (so-called) “errors” and “mistakes” ALWAYS, benefitting the exact same side (“their side”), EVERY single-time!? That must also be a “coincidence” again, right!? Lmao. But, just think if it were the other way around, and the media was entirely skewed towards the ‘other’ side, at the tune of 95%+. Fricking LANDSLIDE. Every. Single. Time. That really should tell you something, IF you have an actual brain.
September 16th, 2026 at 10:30 pm
@ Kalind – if you’re looking for Fan-FIRST, and love watching and keeping up with college football, then the “Paul Finebaum Show” is where it’s at. Old PAWL, the “mouth of the south,” cares most about the FANS. On his show, the “fans” are THE SHOW. Been doing it a loooong time. It’s really amazing. Great great show. 4-hours a day, Monday thru Friday, 52-weeks a year!!!! It’s a Treasure.
September 16th, 2026 at 10:53 pm
Well, you have actual real Bucs reporters asking some of the most basic dumb ace questions during those press conference, while ‘acting-like’ they’re really asking something serious (and ‘special’), thinking they’re getting to the bottom of it and digging real deep. LoL. Such as, “Do you think Bucky’s shoulder had anything to do with his fumble!?” HORRIBLE. Just asking CRAP just to be asking CRAP. I would’ve loooved to have seen the look on Todd’s face when that was being asked as a serious question. But, that’s the thing… It was NEVER “serious” in the first place, nor was ever intended to be. It was just MORE CRAP. While, feeling the need to have to ASK SOMETHING. There were several others, as always, by the same person.
September 16th, 2026 at 10:58 pm
Yeah, Bowles is going to blame Bucky’s shoulder for causing his fumble. EVEN, if it had been the reason. REALLY!? And, it wasn’t. COME ON.
September 16th, 2026 at 11:23 pm
Personally I rely solely on the chat comments of this fine website for all my sporting news. Apparently this “Bowles” fella is quite popular and has been for several years. In fact, people seem to talk of little else…
September 16th, 2026 at 11:38 pm
Joe actually thinks that’s a very valid question. Why wouldn’t you ask that?
September 16th, 2026 at 11:57 pm
Earnest
All fair points. Firing Bowles and keeping the pseudo GM wouldn’t fix the problem.
It’s time for a clean slate and actual knowledgeable front office staff and a legitimate head coach.
September 17th, 2026 at 12:43 am
The amount of resources that have been dumped into the front 7 of this team in the last few years and the resulting lack of production and development of those players is mind boggling. Yet we are led to believe that this man is a great defensive mind.
Where’s the proof?
September 17th, 2026 at 12:59 am
Did I miss all the success that the Bengals had on offense?
They scored 16 points when they didn’t get the ball on the Bucs side of the field… and the defense scored 7.
Against one of the best offenses in the NFL.
That’s called a good day, not a bad day.
If Bum Baker didn’t singlehandedly cost the Bucs the game, people would be encouraged at the defensive play to open the season.
September 17th, 2026 at 1:15 am
Bowles always talks about “fixing” problem areas…Does the pass rush look fixed? Of course he doesn’t want to talk about it, it’s terrible and he knows it.
September 17th, 2026 at 1:17 am
Rod Munch: Encouraged? Encouraged???? Hahahahahaha!!!!!!
September 17th, 2026 at 1:30 am
Rod Munch: The article was about the “pass rush”. The lowest pressure rate for any team in the NFL in that game. You’re too busy hating Baker to know what you’re talking about.
September 17th, 2026 at 1:53 am
Smoke Porterhouse Says:
September 17th, 2026 at 1:30 am
Rod Munch: The article was about the “pass rush”. The lowest pressure rate for any team in the NFL in that game. You’re too busy hating Baker to know what you’re talking about.
———-
Burrow was getting the ball out quickly – that is done by design to avoid the pass rush. The only true weak spot on the defense was the terrible play of Analzone, who was awful, in addition to missing a ton of tackles, he wasn’t getting into his zone drops, and he’s mostly the reason the Bengals got the points they got (which again was just a net of 9 points when the Bengals didn’t start their drives on the Bucs side of the field).
If Baker in this game just played as well, as say Mike Glennon, the Bucs easily win the game. The loss was 100% on Baker. For the 5th time in the last 6 games, he singlehandedly lost the game.