Stingy Bucs Defense
October 25th, 2026
Playoff defense?
Joe can just see it now.
Many Bucs fans, who have been stomping their feet for years for the Bucs to move on from KitKat-eating Bucs coach Todd Bowles believe they are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
The Bucs have started the 2026 season 1-5. The howls for Bowles’ head on a platter can be heard from Dade City to Venice and every bar in-between.
But Joe can actually see Team Glazer build a case to keep Bowles. No, really.
Remember last year Bowles was sort of given a pass with all the injuries? Well, Joe can see something like that happen again come January.
Bowles is actually doing a solid job with his defense, even without any sort of pass rush. Consider the numbers that Rich Hribar of Sharp Football Analysis dug up.
41.2 percent of the drives against Tampa Bay fail to gain a first down, 4th in the league.
This is something that Joe has been screaming about for years, dating back to lousy Lovie Smith. Joe thinks football people are way too focused on turnovers.
First, a defense has to hope an offense makes a mistake in order to get a takeaway. If a defensive coordinator puts too much emphasis on takeaways (which too many seem to do), what happens when an opposing offense doesn’t make mistakes? You have lousy Lovie all over again.
Joe’s a huge believer in three-and-outs. Play good, strong, solid defense with strong tackling; at worst you’ll get off the field. At best the turnovers will come.
Punting is a turnover, too.
And the Bucs are doing just that. Bowles has his defense getting off the field. Regularly.
If this continues, Joe can see — he’s not predicting this but still could see it happening — Team Glazer saying Bowles is doing a good job with his defense. He only needs an offensive coordinator.
When the folks who cut the checks like an important employee, they will be creative when protecting him, whether the public at large agree with them or not.
"I don't feel like we've really sat with the fact that they're one of the best eight-ish defenses in the NFL right now.
Derrik explains why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have one of the NFL's most underrated defenses.
Sponsored by @usbank pic.twitter.com/WQc2CdMK6e
— The Athletic Football Show (@TA_FootballShow) October 24, 2026
October 25th, 2026 at 1:41 am
The defense has looked surprisingly good, at times. At the end of games, they pretty much choke, can’t get a stop when they need it most.
October 25th, 2026 at 1:44 am
Yeah just not when it matters the most. Like 4th qtr and ot.It’s a no more room for error 3-28 Bucs life.
October 25th, 2026 at 1:46 am
Joe says this,” Joe can actually see Team Glazer build a case to keep Bowles.” I completely agree. I believe there is a strong likelihood the Glazer family will just take the lazy and cheaper way out and keep Bowles and Licht. I can no longer cheer for this team. Honestly I have moved on from this team. The owners are not motivated to make this team better. Bucs can and likely will lose every game from here on out and it will change nothing. They will not fire Todd Bowles–he is their family friend that they adore. My new team won on TNF several nights ago and I think they have a chance at a hard run in the playoffs. So moving on from the Bucs–just such a poorly managed and coached franchise with owners too cheap and too lazy to do the right thing.
October 25th, 2026 at 1:49 am
and for tomorrow’s poll–my answer is : Panthers win
October 25th, 2026 at 1:58 am
stingy or stinky is the question…
if the fellas seem molded out or mildewed up, then they’re stinky stanky stunk…
but if the defense is acting like bowles’ new rebuilt defense, then they’re pretty darn stingy…
gotta give coach his props on that at least…the D is playing pretty darn well
October 25th, 2026 at 2:13 am
Don’t see that happening, but as they are now, if it does happen again the Glazers will deserve everything they reap from that decision.
October 25th, 2026 at 2:14 am
And lose even more fans, some permanently, in the process.
October 25th, 2026 at 2:16 am
Been a fan since ’76, but the current ownership apathy has some of seriously considering our options. Success and pride starts from the top down, and the Glazers are seriously lacking in both at the moment. Curious what’s caused the change in standards behind the scenes.
October 25th, 2026 at 2:17 am
Stingy? Give Todd a 3rd and 16 like against Pitt or 3rd and 28 and Todd will dial up a way to lose. Fire him yesterday. Glazers, shame on you for retaining him.
October 25th, 2026 at 2:24 am
the defense is otay
said buckwheat
October 25th, 2026 at 2:41 am
absolutely – Bowles & Licht will be back next year and the next year will be another mediocre to bad season – winning championships is not a priority – just the way it is