Ira Kaufman’s 10 Takeaways From Bucs-Patriots
November 9th, 2025
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
Jason Licht cut a forlorn figure after Sunday’s setback.
To say Tampa Bay’s GM trudged toward the locker room would be a massive understatement. Licht kept looking down at the floor, trying to comprehend what had just transpired.
Buc Nation shared his bewilderment.
Coming off a bye week, the Bucs appeared disjointed on both sides of the ball en route to a 28-23 defeat against the surging Patriots. With two losses in the past three games and road matchups against the Bills and Rams dead ahead, Tampa Bay faces the prospect of yet another midseason lull.
The only good news came from Berlin and Charlotte, where the Falcons and Panthers each failed to pick up a game on the Bucs in the NFC South.
Big plays doomed a Buc defense that entered the game healthy and on a roll. Rookie Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson, whose previous long run this season was 27 yards, gouged one of the league’s premier rush defenses for TD runs of 69 and 55 yards.
Kyle Williams got behind fellow rookie Benjamin Morrison to haul in a 72-yard scoring pass from Drake Maye and veteran Mack Hollins added a 54-yard reception midway through the fourth quarter.
The offensive story for the home team was equally depressing as Baker Mayfield couldn’t find a rhythm.
Tampa Bay converted only 5-of-13 on third downs and Mayfield — so effective on scrambles — failed to have a rushing attempt for the third consecutive game.
Todd Bowles offered no excuses for a poor overall performance.
The Bills will surely be in a surly mood after they were waxed by Miami. The Bucs didn’t turn the ball over on Sunday, but they didn’t make many plays, either. Rookie Tez Johnson caught a pair of TD passes and Tykee Smith gave the Bucs a late chance with an end zone interception, but the Pats never lost their poise en route to their seventh consecutive victory.
Tampa Bay’s gap integrity was awful on Henderson’s two long scoring runs. Maye was sacked only once and averaged 8.4 yards per pass attempt.
Thousands of New England fans in the crowd went home jubilant while the Bucs were left wondering why they didn’t appear refreshed and rested.
Here’s how the Patriots improved to 5-0 on the road under compelling Coach of the Year candidate Mike Vrabel:
* The Bucs offense is officially in a funk. After beating the 49ers 30-19 a month ago, Tampa Bay was averaging 28 points. During the past three games, that average has shriveled to 18 points and Mayfield hasn’t had much success getting the ball downfield.
* Cade Otton and Emeka Egbuka combined for 15 catches and 197 yards, but Egbuka was the only target who gained more than 16 yards on a reception. Sean Tucker’s 18-yard dash was the only run that gained more than 12 yards.
Luke Goedeke made a strong return.
* Left guard Ben Bredeson, Tampa Bay’s most consistent offensive lineman this season, departed in the opening quarter with a hamstring injury. He was replaced by Michael Jordan. On the positive side, right tackle Luke Goedeke (foot) returned to the starting lineup for the first time since Week 2.
* New England took the lead for good on the final play of the first half when Stefon Diggs leaped over Antoine Winfield Jr. for a 1-yard scoring catch on fourth down after three run stuffs at the goal-line. Less than a minute into the third quarter, Henderson ripped off his 55-yard run to put the Pats up by 11 points.
* With the Bucs trailing 21-16, Mayfield had his chances in the fourth quarter. One drive was undermined by an offensive pass interference penalty against Sterling Shepard that wiped out a fourth-down pass to Otton that gained 29 yards. After New England’s ensuing punt, the Bucs went 3-and-out. Smith’s pick with 5:17 remaining kept hope alive, but Mayfield couldn’t convert a fourth-and-3 from the New England 27.
* It was a rough day for Morrison, who was also flagged for pass interference in the second quarter.
* Maye entered the game completing passes at an NFL-best 74.1 percent clip. While he hit on only 16-of-31 throws on Sunday. two of those completions went for more than 50 yards. An effective scrambler, Maye gained only 13 yards on his seven rushing attempts.
* Sean Tucker averaged almost six yards on his nine carries but Rachaad White continues to struggle while Bucky Irving remains sidelined. White, a potential unrestricted free agent in 2026, carried 10 times for 38 yards and gained only 16 yards on his five receptions. Since Week 3, White is averaging a mere 3.3 yards per carry.
* Bowles takes pride in playing fundamentally sound defense. He had to be shocked after yielding four plays of 54 yards or more. “We have to fix it ASAP before it hurts us in the long run,” said Lavonte David, who led Tampa Bay with nine tackles.
* The Bucs are still in good shape in the division, but they harbor bigger ambitions than winning a fifth consecutive NFC South crown. They are no longer tied for the best NFC record and very well could be 6-5 by the time they return home Nov. 30 against the Cardinals. That’s the day Simeon Rice enters the Ring of Honor … perhaps the sight of some retired franchise legends can snap the Bucs out of their lethargy.
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November 9th, 2025 at 7:14 pm
Another typical Todd Bowles season.
I pray he’s gone after the first round blow out that we all see coming.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:16 pm
White isn’t a good RB. Something level headed Bucs fans have been saying since the first time Bucky ran the football. The fact that this team couldn’t get 3 yards on 2 plays with the game on the line says it all. And that not due to injuries. That’s play calling and execution. They have a lot to work on with little time to get it fixed.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:17 pm
What had just happened was his offense and defense responding in kind to him sitting on his hands, hoarding his draft picks of unproven hope instead of actually coming off some for proven help which this team desperately needed. He let his team know that he wasn’t going all in this season, and they emulated their GM’s decision today.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:17 pm
Why am i sad?.. They just didn’t play good team wide and still had a chance. Long season. If we get healthy and actually play good, look out. Go Bowles!
November 9th, 2025 at 7:18 pm
Golly, if only Macmillan were not injured so we could get a washed up qb some “time with the number ones”.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:20 pm
Lethargy…OUCH..but TRUE…our TB Boyz need some VIGOR
November 9th, 2025 at 7:22 pm
Well documented list. You could have added an eleventh; the Bucs happened to be totally out coached. How can a defense after a bye week come out and give up four huge splash plays? Who is the defensive coordinator? Injuries? Nope those are on offense. Special teams? at least no block punts this week. Heart? Todd’s teams have never had heart. Something is wrong with this coaching staff and the make-up of this team. A team unable and unwilling to rise to the occasion against better teams.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:27 pm
Only 3 Real Takeaways …
1. Pats made the plays when it counted. Bucs didn’t (except Tykee).
2. Baker had lost his mojo.
3. No pass rush.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:28 pm
Guys, the Patriots are the better team right now, period.
The Bucs didn’t play poorly, certainly no on defense, they just lost to the better team. Give me Bucky, Godwin or Evans or even McMillan, give me a legit RG, and the Bucs win the game.
The Pats are really good, tied for 1st in the AFC, they’re much more healthy, blew out the Bills, and they barely hung on in this one score game.
Give all the doom and gloom stuff a rest, save it for after the Rams game, that’s when you’ll be at peak melodrama.
Then from there, the Bucs schedule eases up dramatically, guys should be coming back healthy, and the Bucs should go on a run going into the playoffs.
Just stop with all the doom and gloom. An injured Bucs team lost a close game to a better team. That’s the story. And will likely be the story next week, and the following week as well.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:32 pm
All these doom and gloom dramaqueens were all the ones in week 6 celebrating like they won the Super Bowl because they got 1st place on the ESPN power poll – and they’re the same jackballs chanting MVP then as well.
Now they’re saying it’s all over, cut everyone, the season is doom, why even play another game we’re never going to win again.
The mood swings are what you expect from women, not from men.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:32 pm
Bowles 1-6 after byes. He’s taken this team as far as he can. We’re going to get freezed out in Buffalo, and burned by L.A.. If, and I say if, don’t count on 2 wins against Carolina, we win the division, we’ll get beat in the first round. All Todd is capable of. Going to take a bold move like Malcolm did with Tony to kick this team over the top. N.E. played like their coach, fit, and tough. Bucs played like their coach, fat, soft, and sloppy.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:37 pm
Yet ANOTHER G’damned HAMSTRING INJURY. Ugh.
Are we ever going to have 4 starting linemen for a game? Our 4 top WR’s? Ever?
I mean, EVER?!
November 9th, 2025 at 7:37 pm
Rod, how many times do you need to see this movie before you know how it ends? Yeah, doom, and gloom, because we have seen this movie before. Hint, it doesn’t end well.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:39 pm
I agree with Rod.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:41 pm
Come on guys it’s the same thing ever season with Bowles he wins the division and the front office celebrate and then does dumb stuff and loses in the playoffs. This team will never be SB bound with him at the helm.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:41 pm
I thought Egbuka looked good considering he is our #1 and is likely getting the most coverage, I am pleased with Tez Johnson, Otton was good. The offensive line is bad in the middle specifically. Baker cannot seem to escape for runs any more. Our running backs were ok, Tucker was pretty good. It comes down to the fact that Patriots were good and we were not our best.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:43 pm
Rod I am a woman, I am disappointed but not overly surprised, lots to like and dislike. I am not all over the place emotionally. lol.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:45 pm
Thank god Jason got caught up in his emotions and paid Godwin and didn’t pick up Devin who was desperate to prove himself after we already invested so much in him. Jason needs to get off the sidelines and dispassionately watch from above.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:46 pm
Those big 50+ yrd plays killed what could have been a good D showing. Take away one of the TDs and the Buc’s win despite an inconsistent O showing.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:50 pm
Also, since Jason fell in love with Barton’s InTaNgIbLeS we’re stuck with a dude who abandons the middle on key plays “TO HELP OTHERS”, leaving middling rushers right into Baker’s lap. And why waste a draft pick on Klein if he’s nothing more than 5th string?!
November 9th, 2025 at 7:52 pm
Unfortunately for us, Bowles just signed a fairly long contract extension and our revolving for of OC’s has currently yielded us a bad one.
We need a better OC and a better DC if we want to win it all someday.
At least maybe a way better OC next year and then give him the biggest contact a coordinator has ever received in order to not lose him.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:53 pm
Revolving *door
November 9th, 2025 at 7:53 pm
Hi Ira. I was at the game today. I became a season ticket holder this year with great seats. I was sitting at the 40 right under the tv cameras.
Anyway, I usually agree with what you say. However, today I will ask you to hear a slightly different opinion.
I thought White was very effective today . He had quite a few good runs of 5 yards or so and kept the chains going. However, White is not Bucky. He is not the guy to break opens runs from the backfield. He is best at the 5 yard runs and really good in the passing game. However, for what ever reason he is not be used at what he really excels at. He really needs to be in the passing game, where once in space he makes people miss. With that said , yes agree the Bucs had no big runs, other than Tucker had one for 15 yards or so.
The defense, well we have seen that run up the middle break for touchdowns a few times now. It was like history repeating itself on that play. My guess Dennis again out of his gap. Bowles and players were saying it has to be fixed. Well , I think we need someone else other than Dennis in the middle. My guess we see that say play a few more times this year unfortunately. We may be beyond the point of getting it fixed.
You may have said it best the other day about Licht may later regret not adding a player or two at the trade deadline..
My fear going to the game today.
The Bucs just don’t have the weapons needed to play good teams like the Patriots, Rams and Buffalo. We also saw today the defense can’t carry that load Today was the wake up call I was fearing. Yes we may soon likely see us at 6 an and 5. Evans isn’t returning anytime soon. Godwin as we know him may be done for the year. Bucky?, who knows.
Yes it looks like the dreaded lull has returned, with no relief in the immediate future. Yes today was that wake up call!! The offense is in trouble and the defense can’t bail them out.
November 9th, 2025 at 7:53 pm
Bowles ineptitude all around another loss
Here comes 6-5…
November 9th, 2025 at 7:53 pm
Licht seems to have his sights set on just the division. What a shame. This was his opportunity to maximize and bring in some talent. Missed on Micha and did absolutely nothing to help or improve this team and season before the trade deadline. Missed opportunity. I don’t think we beat BB or LARams. Sad. I feel like the season is just meh, over in terms of winning big and any hope for a playoff run is done
November 9th, 2025 at 7:54 pm
I normally like to stick with the positive… But, is it just in my head or does Shephard get called for a pick at key times of games. This year. Last year. As a Vet shouldn’t he know how to do it by now without drawing the penalty?
November 9th, 2025 at 8:04 pm
D-Rome Says:
I agree with Rod.
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I do as well!
November 9th, 2025 at 8:09 pm
6-5 incoming. Defense blew today. Offense was offensive. If we get healthy in time for the playoffs, maybe we can do some damage. If we are one and done again, it’s time to change some things.
November 9th, 2025 at 8:11 pm
McDaniel>Grizzard
Vrabel>Bowles
Maye>Mayfield
Pats D> Bucs D
Tough to watch this Bucs team
November 9th, 2025 at 8:15 pm
You’re feeling great!!!
54 yard reception for a TOUCHDOWN!!!!
Then someone says it was the teams shortest touchdown play.
I was the first no vote in the pole today and put me down for two more losses.
6 and 5 baby.
November 9th, 2025 at 8:21 pm
All though the final scores don’t indicate it, Philly, Detroit and the Pats beat us down..
We haven’t had a win like those all season. Baker is right , this team has an attitude problem. They’re emulating Bowles. His method of coaching is to make smart ass remarks during the week and not much else apparently.It’s a little too Raheem Morris for my taste. He’s not their Buddy.
We should’ve hired Vrable after Arian’s left.
November 9th, 2025 at 8:23 pm
You sissies are so emotional
November 9th, 2025 at 8:27 pm
I can’t watch the game in Jax but just reading about the big plays that the D gave up tells me the D owns this loss. Offense is as good as it can be without Irving, Evans, Godwin, MacMillan. We forget how critical MacMillan’s injury is. Bud surged big time late last year and figured to be a significant threat alongside Evans and add Ebuka and it was going to be a stud receiver corp. Then add injuries to the O-line and it’s been a mess. This is not Bowles’ fault despite all the geeks on this site pining for his firing. And to think getting a WR before trade deadline would’ve helped is delusional. And for those earlier saying Coen should’ve been kept and to fire Bowles are clueless. The Jags blew a 19 point lead in the 4th. I watch the crap Jags every week because I’m forced to living in Jax. Their organization sucks from the top down. Their QB is meh and Mr. Coen hasn’t impressed.
November 9th, 2025 at 8:30 pm
Right now this isnt an NFL offense. The fact that we barely have any healthy wide recievers, our o-line is in shambles, and Cade Otton is the only TE thats caught a ball this year is insane.
I’m trying to cut Grizzard some slack given the injuries on offense, but at some point you need to adjust to what you have.
In today’s NFL, your head coach has to have an offensive background, or whats happened to the Bucs the last two seasons is going to continuously happen.
Giving Bowles an extension in the offseason was asinine and only delays the inevitable.
November 9th, 2025 at 8:47 pm
You realize how this coach never takes responsibility and always blames the players?
November 9th, 2025 at 8:54 pm
Colonel Angus, I’m thinking most all of us needed to hear that. And we need to think about that. We damn sure don’t wanna be a bunch of emotional little sissy boys. I’m gonna look in the mirror on my way to bed. And quit pounding on this keyboard like an emotional sissy girl. Thanks Colonel.
November 9th, 2025 at 8:58 pm
ANOTHER one AND DONE BOWLES SEASON. ! THIS COACH IS GETTING US NOWERE ! SAME OLD CRAP. ZERO MOTIVATION .DEFENCE HAS NOT IMPROVED , OFFENCE IS GOING BACKWARD ! WE ARE A GOOD TEAM IN A WEAK DIVISION . THST WONT CUT IT IN THE PLAYOFFS .IF WE MAKE IT . ITS ALL ABOUT COACHING ! WE LET TONY DUNGEE GO FOR LESS . COME ON GLAZER BOYS TIME FOR NEW BLOOD !
November 9th, 2025 at 8:58 pm
Bowles defense is boom or bust. He blitzes constantly, if he’s guessing right, it looks genius. If not, it looks like blown coverage. Team is simply outmatched against winning teams. With Godwin, Evans and Irving out, it’s going to be tough to run our offense.
November 9th, 2025 at 9:24 pm
Lot of people on here don’t seem to realize what this team’s record would be without Baker Mayfield.
November 9th, 2025 at 9:26 pm
Another hamstring….
This team needs to clean house in the training department.
November 9th, 2025 at 9:31 pm
Told you guys after the Saints game 6-5 was coming. Bowles has a 3 or 4 game losing streak every year. Wouldn’t be surprised if Arizona beats us. Buffalo going to rip us next week after getting embarrassed today by an awful fins team. Then we all know a butt whooping is coming against the Rams. McVay owns Tampa and Toilet Bowles defense. That one is going to be really ugly. Plus we all know Baker and Bowles record on prime time games. Gizzard is no wizard either. Absolutely no creativity. Off a bye week no less. The offense is very boring to watch.
November 9th, 2025 at 9:41 pm
stay calm, but sh!t could be hitting the fan…
we’ve only won 1 game in the past month, and it was against the lowly saints – and we only had 7 points at the half in new orleans…
so we’ve lost 2 of 3…and now gotta jump on the road to buffalo and the rams…
logistically we could spiral into losing 4 of 5 if the boys don’t elevate their game…
a midseason tumble could be in the works…
the offense is bad and the defense gets gashed with the blink of an eye…
buffalo is gonna be tough at home since they’re spiraling as well, and falling far behind new england in their division…
it looks to be 35 – 40 degrees, and potentially rainy in buffalo, in an advanced weather look-see…
gotta stay optimistic tho…let’s go bucs !
November 9th, 2025 at 9:42 pm
@ StormyInFl – I don’t like this training staff either, BUT did you actually SEE THAT particular play!? You had the turf completely give out and you had 300+POUNDS of MAN literally doing the ‘SPLITS’ there! There was nothing he could’ve done to have kept his hamstrings from absolutely SHREDDING there!!!! Did you not see him jogging off the field, while holding his NUTTS!? It was pretty awful.
November 9th, 2025 at 9:47 pm
Team is vastly overrated. Holes everywhere.
November 9th, 2025 at 9:47 pm
Shut-up, Les… NOBODY’s ‘firing’ the HC during the season here, so just chill.
November 9th, 2025 at 9:47 pm
i miss all the bowles is amazing at picking offensive coordinators posts.
November 9th, 2025 at 10:03 pm
Hell I’m not too upset over the loss..the Panthers and Falcons both lost today too..so that helps with the sting.
November 9th, 2025 at 10:04 pm
If it’s another mid-season collapse AGAIN, and another 9-8/10-7 ‘limping’ into the playoffs AGAIN, just barely escaping out of another very weak division AGAIN, and just to go home in the ‘first-round’ AGAIN… Then, decide to bring back HC Todd Bowles to yes, have ANOTHER run at it AGAIN. There will be a definite feeling of total “malaise” throughout the entire offseason, leading up ‘till Week-1 2026. 💯
November 9th, 2025 at 10:05 pm
One and done again in the playoffs and Bowles is toast.
Btw where’s his head cheerleader 813Buc today?
November 9th, 2025 at 10:08 pm
lol Bowles is not going anywhere they just re signed him to an extension. Your going to live and die with Bowles mid seasons slumps for the next 4 or 5 years no matter what his record is.
November 9th, 2025 at 10:11 pm
I dont think its a mid season collapse, the bucs just struggle vs the good teams.
November 9th, 2025 at 10:13 pm
BucsFan81…you’re sadly mistaken…the Glazers don’t care about money…they’ll eat his contract like they did with Schiano…AND Gruden.
November 9th, 2025 at 10:15 pm
Hell weren’t they still paying Gruden for like 3 years after he was fired?
November 9th, 2025 at 10:30 pm
since 76 its a yucs life
November 9th, 2025 at 10:53 pm
Same team as the past few years just with some added depth at WR.
November 9th, 2025 at 11:14 pm
Mac Says:
November 9th, 2025 at 9:31 pm
Told you guys after the Saints game 6-5 was coming.
———
And I wrote that the day the schedule came out in May. It was pretty predictable looking at the schedule.
November 9th, 2025 at 11:54 pm
I’ll bet the occurance of a QB throwing for3 touchdowns with zero interceptions and no turnovers and adding a drive for a field goal and losing the game is so rare that noone on this sight can tell me when the last time it happened or if it’s ever happened was? Mayfield isn’t playing up to par? This Tampa crowd is a tough one. Some might call it a joke.
November 10th, 2025 at 12:09 am
Those QB numbers would guarantee first ballet hall of fame and greatest QB in NFL history. I’ve spent 2 and a half years defending Mayfield and I’ll continue to do so. His best trait is winning. Anybody see what he inherited at Cleveland. Or the mess of a floundering team- remember Brady’s last season-8-9 and blown out in the first round in one of Dallas only playoff wins in 30 years. Yes, his superpower is kicking in. We’re definitely winning more than 10 games this year. He’s a winner. More every year. Watch. And learn.
November 10th, 2025 at 2:12 am
Kenton Smith Says:
November 10th, 2025 at 12:09 am
Those QB numbers would guarantee first ballet hall of fame and greatest QB in NFL history. I’ve spent 2 and a half years defending Mayfield and I’ll continue to do so. His best trait is winning.
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This delusional idiocy is why people hate the Baker Boi(s).
Baker was fine today, wasn’t the problem – but also didn’t do a single thing an average QB wouldn’t have done. He had chance after chance after chance to make a play and give the Bucs the lead in the 4th quarter, and got ZERO points. The only reason his numbers look decent is because of the garbage time TD when the Pats are sitting in prevent.
Give it a rest, you dope. No one was even complaining about Baker today and yet you idiots still come in and talk about how he’s the greatest to ever play a game. It’s a mental illness with you freaks.
November 10th, 2025 at 2:34 am
Sure Rod. Do what he did today and Baker would throw for 5000 yards with 51 touchdowns and no turnovers. Any average quarterback does that. Give it a rest, you dope. Tampa hasn’t just gotten better since Mayfield got here but they have gotten way better. Every single year. And you know it. And you liked Trask. And said he beat out Mayfield? There was no competition you moron. Any football player, coach, or fan with a lick of sense knows that. Maybe we can lose another game or two this year and get you excited enough to post 100 times another time or two this year. You delusional idiot.