“We’re Close To Putting All Three Phases Together”

November 17th, 2025

Was progress made Sunday in the world of the Buccaneers? Absolutely. It’s as sure as the crisp on Joe’s fried haddock sandwich Saturday in downtown Buffalo.

Todd Bowles told a national audience today that he’s feeling confident.

“We’re close to putting all three phases together. We put a few more phases together yesterday,” Bowles said on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “We’ve just got to tie it all togethter. And I’m confident we’ll do that.”

Joe will play optimist, too. The Bucs’ offensive line is improving weekly, and backup guards Michael Jordan and Dan Feeney got the job done yesterday.

How many teams run the ball dominantly with backup guards, guys whose ceilings aren’t exactly high? And the Bucs also accomplished that with wide receivers and tight ends posing little threat yesterday. Those groups combined for only 128 yards receiving.

There was no stopping the Bucs’ run game yesterday, at least nobody on the opposing team.

As for the Bucs defense, Bowles got his turnover “phase” cooking with two interceptions. Tykee Smith and rookie Jacob Parrish are impressive young defensive backs. The punt game was good, too.

Bowles says the Bucs are close to putting offense, defense and special teams together. Should fans buy in?

156 Responses to ““We’re Close To Putting All Three Phases Together””

  1. Bucman Says:

    Did Bowles see the same game I watched yesterday??

  2. OneAndThree Says:

    Drug test that man asap.

    He’s watching a different game than the rest of us.

    Completely out of his depth.

    I guess after the Rams throttle us he’ll be over the top with enthusiasm.

  3. Confido75 Says:

    WTF is he talking about? Absolutely delusional! Did he have a stroke during the game and forgot what happened?

  4. Mhystc Says:

    We are not close at all, Oline is banged up.. WR core is shredded, special teams sucks. Lack of pass rushers.. Zyon sucks… AW3 has been disappointing more than he’s been good this year. OC is terrible, Todd Bowles drops dline into coverage and plays prevent defense.. his soft zone scheme is outdated.

  5. StormyInFl Says:

    Wow.

    Delusional and stupid.

    You can’t make this stuff up.

    #FireBowles

  6. Deeboooo Says:

    At least we looked better than the Lions and Philly!!!

  7. Leopold Stotch Says:

    Bro, what? I get it, you cannot say “Yeah we suck”, but this is insulting.

  8. Bucs4Ever Says:

    BUWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

    Anyone that believes this is out to lunch…smdh

  9. Jeff Says:

    Clueless Todd! Duh yup!

  10. Upstate NY BUC Says:

    I never see a player take over on defense as the alpha male, Tykee anybody!! he’s putting his body and dedication on the line and Zyon just stands around watching (afraid to tackle)… Tykee needs to start calling people out on the field, it must drive him nuts watching Winfield and Zyon turning into a disasters!! Go Bucs

  11. unbelievable Says:

    JFC.

    This is why we’re going nowhere with Bowles as the HC. He thinks he’s coaching horseshoes instead of football…

    Oh, but when we win a couple games in December against loser teams, everyone including the media will be singing his praises, before getting curb stomped in the wild card round…

    Rinse and repeat next year!

  12. MelvinJunior Says:

    Oh. My. God. WHO!? WHAT!? “CLOSE.” You have got to be kidding me. I am not sure this is the correct way, to spin this narrative, with THIS team, right now. They need ENERGY and TOUGHNESS. They’ve been ‘babied’ for far too long now.

  13. Whatevs Says:

    FFS he has been saying this for three years. It is never going to happen, it is a lie so he can keep getting those paychecks. The all you can eat buffet at 2001 is not free

  14. Bucnjim Says:

    Ok I get it the O-line is doing well with Wirfs back healthy. Besides the one pick Mayfield was moving the offense without several important pieces. Here is the problem; The defense has always taken pride stopping the run…..not happening. Special teams have been an issue since the first game of the season and we’ve just finished week 10. There are bad games and then there are patterns!

  15. Buck Rodgers Says:

    When your team is 10 games into a season, that is a strange comment to make.

  16. GoneGator Says:

    Team is struggling…..
    But some of you “Fans” are the worst in the league – no contest. Embarrassing.

    I wish the players and coaches could tell the press what they really think of the crowd around here. It would be enlightening to hear, I’d imagine. 🙁

  17. mg Says:

    Does Sirius pay him?

  18. Ufc Says:

    What exactly do we do well on defense or special teams???? Besides give up big plays lol
    Dudes gotta be just either a straight liar or hes delusional. U can’t watch that and tell me youre seeing progress

  19. OLD SCHOOL 1976 Says:

    Earth to Todd. Earth to Todd. Come in Todd????
    Agree drug test is in order

  20. Bucscoott Says:

    7 years as coach and were close????

  21. NYbucsfan Says:

    What world are we living in here? The bills have a terrible run defense the dolphins just tore them up the week before so I’m not so impressed with our run game. As for all three phases I say we have one phase yesterday the offense special teams was hideous and Todd bowles and his s*** defense was absolutely terrible.

  22. Beeej Says:

    Baghdad Todd!

  23. Stpetematt Says:

    We scored 32 points against a really good team and had them on the ropes until the 4th quarter starting our wide receivers 5, 6, and 7! Yes our defense was pretty bad but so is every team’s defense facing the Bills generally.

  24. Bosch Says:

    Saying it doesn’t make it so. Youve got to show it on Sunday. Fans have no reason to believe you will.

  25. Jmarkbuc Says:

    “ should fans buy in?”

    Fans on this site are telling you F. no.

    Stevie Wonder can see this team blows.

  26. Davenport Says:

    This guy is full of s(p)it! They aren’t close to putting anything together.

    The run game looked great yesterday because the Bills run defense is god awful.

    Good teams crush the Bucs and they struggle to beat the average ones.

  27. Deeboooo Says:

    Exactly st Pete Matt.

    We also put up more points on both the lions and Philly in our respective games but sure, that means nothing.

    I can tell that most that comment here are “tampa native” New Yorkers that started rooting for this team when they picked up Brady.

    You girls can go have a seat now

  28. SB~LV Says:

    Yeah but
    No cigar

  29. Rod Munch Says:

    Lets see… 10 games in, for multiple games we’ve missed… LT1, LG1, RG1, RG2, RG3, RT1, RB1, WR1, WR2, WR4, DE1, EDGE2, EDGE3, CB1, CB2, CB4 … and we’re in 1st place, with a chance to get back some huge players, just as the schedule eases up dramatically.

    But nah, screw that, GRRRR I’m mad, all is lost, the team is awful, fire everyone, cut everyone, move the team to London, GRRRR!!!!

  30. Gofortheface30 Says:

    At the Bucs present state, they are not particularly talented. Mike Evans and Irving makes all the difference in the world. The tight ends are the bottom of the league. The WR room at present state is meh, and if you somehow combined Sean Tucker and Rashaad White he still wouldn’t be half as good as half the Rb’s in the league. And let’s not let yesterday’s game by Sean fool us. The Bills run defense is embarrassingly bad. However, the NFL is bad with no powerhouses. Completely mediocre product. The Eagles are the only team where you say, YEAH – that roster looks like past superbowl champions. Good everywhere, and yet – even they are a complete eyesore to watch. Whoever wins the Super Bowl this yr will have the least impressive team/roster I could ever remember going back 40years. The 98 Broncos would beat this years Broncos team 80-0. I say this to say, the Bucs aren’t the e only unremarkable team. It’s every team frankly

  31. Gipper Says:

    Todd B. is delusional if he thinks Special Teams and Defense are close to being anything other than bad. At this point, the ceiling on these groups is mediocrity. Bucs have a long way to go to get that ceiling.

  32. Roscoe Says:

    Todd Bowles should run for office.

  33. Rick Says:

    Is he smoking crack?

    We’re a joke – just watch what the Rams do on Sunday night.

    This is actually funny.

  34. Pelsbuc61 Says:

    Coaches will say whatever to cover their ass until they’re fired.

  35. DS Says:

    Yesterdays game is the worst I’ve seen, I thought I was watching the lost decade

  36. Jeffrey Becker Says:

    time to put a couple real defenders on KO team

  37. Usedtocould Says:

    Gross

  38. Defense Rules Says:

    Joe … ‘Bowles says the Bucs are close to putting offense, defense and special teams together. Should fans buy in?’

    I think the comments above pretty universally provide the answer: He11 NO. S/Ts took a MAJOR step backwards yesterday; yet again. Why Licht doesn’t insist that Bowles fire McGaughey is far beyond me. The same problems keep occurring over & over, and it’s obvious McGaughey has no idea how to fix it. Much prefer to see Keith Tandy take his spot.

    And defensively there was no pass rush yesterday, NONE. We got ZERO sacks and ONE QB hit on Josh Allen. His accuracy yesterday was atrocious, yet he still completed 19-of-30 passes (63.3%) for 317 yards & 3 TDs (easy TDs at that). Our offense was far from perfect, but it did score 32 points. Ufortunately our ‘improving’ defense got 44 points dropped on their heads … in less than 25 minutes on the field. Sorry Todd, THAT was a disaster.

  39. Christos Says:

    I dont expect any changes in coaching, scheme, philosophy, gameplanning or personel decisions. We have seen the same things with Bowles as a HC and we have heard the same things after losses. We have heard the same things over and over again with nothing changing.
    But WOW. If after the last 2 games the team is closer to bring all 3 phases together especially after giving up 44 and Bills starting at 50 after every kick then I must be in another reality. I must be in a parallel universe or somthing.
    That is the worrying thing and we have seen it after every loss. We hear the same things that show the coaching stuff does not believe is something worng with the coaching, with the approach and with game management. A clear sign that nothing will change.

    Go Bucs

  40. HC Grover Says:

    Must get rid of Bowles.

  41. Roscoe Says:

    Don’t believe your lying eyes folks. Everything is under control and we still have a great chance at a super bowl run. All the players that are playing scared and wanting the season to be over are going to become supermen. They are 100% united behind their head coach and have full confidence in his decision making. Mike Evans will be back and at 100% as will Godwin and Bucky. Winfield and Zyon will rededicate themselves. Dean has vowed to get back soon and get pick sixes. Bowles is in deep study with his advisor on what to do and when to do it. Everythang gonna be all right.

  42. VOT Says:

    500 yds and 50 pts to the Rams if we lay the same egg we did yesterday

    Todd reminds me so much of Lovie it’s scary

  43. Roscoe Says:

    Let’s not forget all the stellar defensive coaches that are watching their careers slowly circle the drain. They will suddenly summon super human powers and get 200% from the players that have given up.

  44. Al Johnson Says:

    The title of this article gave me the best chuckle of the day. Thank you. They’re in no way ready to put it all together against playoff caliber teams. This porous defense reeks, and Lichts lack of willingness to trade a first round pick (which he stinks at) is a joke. Dallas and Parsons should have been on speed dial like Arians would have wanted.

  45. SBucs Says:

    Yeah Todd, when you’re in Lovie’s basement watching games?

  46. Jason Anthony Sturgess Says:

    Why isn’t he fired immediately for that statement.No one is accountable in the Bucs. Seriously no one thinks to get him examined?

  47. Hodad Says:

    Anybody remember Get Smart? “We missed it by that much”. ” Would you believe this much”?

  48. Marcus Says:

    I…, I have no words.

  49. BucFan4Life Says:

    Team is now holding the, “nothing to see here line”, as directed by the coaches and captains.

    Just because they say it and others repeat it does not make it so…. We KNOW what we SAW.

  50. TampaBayBucFan Says:

    And….TBBF is close to being 25…….only missing it by 54 years……

    Looks like we are wasting a very good QB with an awful defense and a disaster at ST.

  51. Tucker Says:

    Wtf looks like bowels needs to ask Winston where he got his LASIK done.

  52. TheScourge Says:

    I thought at the end of the season last year after all we had seen it would have been the end of this era. Nope. Now here we are again. Every time they win a couple games recency bias blinds the fanbase and all is forgotten. “Licht for Ring of Honor!!!”. “Todd Bowles gets an extension!!!”. The problems this team has right now on the field and in the front office are exactly the same as they were in 2022. I suppose you can now say horrid special teams play has been added to the mix. There is zero reason to think this won’t continue into next season.

  53. Tackleblockwin Says:

    Epic Coach quote that the Joe’s can add to their list.

  54. jcscycles Says:

    I watched the Chiefs-Broncos. Broncos do have all three phases clicking and walked away with a win and AFC first place.

    Todd should watch that replay to see how it’s done…

  55. Bucs4Ever Says:

    Definition of insanity…and mediocrity…JL and Todd Bowels

    What’s their respective records overall?

    BOTH are LOSERS!!!!

  56. Couch Fan Says:

    I read the title and came straight to the comments. You all didnt disappoint. LMAO.

  57. Kayla Says:

    “We’re close to putting all three phases together. And I’m confident we’ll do that.” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
    LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!
    I love good laugh on a Monday!

  58. buc4evr Says:

    Bowles. lol. That guy is delusional. Watching the Bucs is like my golf game. All three phases of the game never work at the same time. Bucs are like this.

    How can this guy be a head coach ?

  59. Durango 95 Says:

    HC Grover Says:
    November 17th, 2025 at 5:12 pm

    Must get rid of Bowles.

    ———–

    100%. Correct!

    Anything less than getting rid of Bowles is putting lipstick on a pig.

    I see that there’s still a few of you that think an adjustment here or there would help. WRONG. Bowles has got to go. All roads lead to Todd Bowles. Blaming the offense, blaming the defense, blaming special teams, as I have said before. Those things are all SYMPTOMS of the problem. There’s only one common denominator and that is Bowels. He must be fired.. It is long over due. That man is entirely incompetent as HC. The Glazers need to stop dithering and start the process of replacment NOW. They screwed up securing Coen so they better start now with the replacement process and not screw this one up.

    There can be no half measures.

    Anything less will not suffice!

    **For those of you that are slow on the uptake this doesn’t mean necessarily that they must fire Bowles today.If they want to wait until the end of the season** Although for a few people around here it has to be spelled out.

  60. Defense Rules Says:

    Bucs lost the game with 7:32 remaining in the 4th qtr. We had been AHEAD 32-31 until Bills got a TD at the 4th qtr 9:07 point. Still LOTS of time left in the game though.

    We got the ball at the Tampa 31-yd line after the Bills kicked off, ran for 2 yards then passed for 6 yards … now 3rd-and-2 at the Tampa 39 with 7:32 remaining, Baker passed to Shepard & it was incomplete. Bucs had done great running the ball prior to that on 3rd-and-short (especially Baker scrambling), but instead they dialed up a short pass (and we played to the Bills’ strength).

    So now it’s 4th-and 2 at the Tampa 39 with 7:28 left. We’re behind 37-32 and the game’s on the line … AND WE PUNT. We lost the game on that 3rd down call, and again on that 4th down call. THAT’S ON COACHING. NOT GUTS, NO GLORY.

  61. SlyPirate Says:

    Let’s Diagnose: (Good/Mid/Bad)

    O Line: Good
    Run: Good
    Pass: Mid

    D Line: Mid
    OLB: Bad
    MLB: Good
    DB: Good

    ST KO/Punt: Bad
    ST FG: Good

    He’s not that far off. OLB and Special Teams have been HORRIBLE! Our WR are too injured. Unfortunately there’s no real fix for either.

  62. Buc in VA Says:

    This is the nuttiest piece I’ve encountered on this entertaining site.

  63. Conte Piscatelli Says:

    All three phases? WTF Is he talking about? Kick coverage May have been the only thing worse than our pass defense. And both have been getting worse not better as the season has progressed. This team made no adjustments coming out of the bye week. They literally took a week off, like no need to do more work, were good.

  64. Go Bucs! Says:

    Game was a kick in the 🥜. The defense looked horrible against a great quarterback. The kickoff coverage team was TURRIBLE.

    That being said the offense played well enough that had Shepherd caught the ball on 3rd and 2 OR Bowles had gone for it on 4th and 2, the game would have likely come down to whoever had the ball last. It’s a Bucs Life!

  65. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    There are 4 phases when you add coaching…

  66. jimmy Says:

    Do more people now understand why Liam Coen was smart to leave?

    Who is the real Serpiente at one buc place talking with the forked tongue?

    BOWLES.

    NON F’ING STOP.

  67. Jason Says:

    Ummm that is a petty bizarre statement. They cant play special teams to save their lives, the defense didn’t board the plane on Saturday heck the Defensive live doesn’t even know what Josh Allen looks like. They are force feeding Egbuka when there are backs that are actually wide open. We are going in the wrong direction IMO

  68. 76doug Says:

    Run your confidence poll now and anybody that checks confident box have drug tested along with Bowles.

  69. Daniel Z Says:

    Yeah, I can feel them getting close to putting all three phases together. Just like they’ve been for three years under Coach Bowles. So close. Just wait a little bit longer. No, longer… Longer… Longer…

  70. Buc1987 Says:

    I’ll repeat…one and done again and Bowles is out of here.

    Yes I know he got an extension.

    I think they miss the playoffs at 9-8 and Bowles is toast.

  71. JustOneGame Says:

    Didn’t know The Kill Tony show was at One Buc today, I love comedy

  72. stucbuc Says:

    He’s got 8 games. Let’s see what he’s got. If not he’s out and Jason Licht is on very thin ice for this failure in free agency and poor OC

  73. firethecannons Says:

    I don’t trust any of what Bowles said. He should have this worked out by now as we are halfway through the damn season.

  74. Bucks 'n' Bucs Says:

    Just like Baker had a “prove it” contract, this whole team needs to prove themselves. It’s getting harder and harder to find a positive. But, silly me will still be rooting like crazy come Sunday night. Go Bucs!!

  75. LakelandSteve Says:

    Maybe Bowles is right, but judging by how they played Sunday it sure doesn’t look like it. I am not sure what game Bowles was watching but how can your team be turning the corner and putting everything together when Special Teams and Defense got curb stomped. Thats 2/3 of the team.

  76. BigPoppaBuc Says:

    Honestly the way they’re reacting to this loss is a little odd and it’s putting even more pressure on this Rams game. Close to putting it together? Are you serious? Seems like you’re closer to circling the drain and losing the division. Our offense still lacks firepower and rhythm. The defense is busting responsibilities and giving up huge plays. The Special teams is atrocious outside of Kam. We won six games early when Baker was our best running back and Grizzard still had the element of surprise. This team is in quick sand right now and this Rams game is the tilting point of the season with TWO games against Carolina on the way.

  77. NicxSolo Says:

    Like seasons before, the Bucs are in the mid-season slump… but somehow, Bowles has kept his job… again. Hey, at least we’ll maybe, possibly go to the playoffs again thanks to our currently crappy division and then lose in the first round again!

    So glad our defensive minded head coach is really showing it… Why didn’t we fire Bowles, and promote Coen to our head coach last year? Imagine Coen at the helm of a much better team. Imagine Baker getting a more uniform coaching staff…

  78. bucsfaninva Says:

    I share everyone’s … incredulity with his statements. I haven’t even seen the game yet (although I did listen) and was just dumbfounded…sounded like mid third quarter they just put a white flag up.

    But, one thing I’ve noticed with a few (ok, several) NFL coaches and I guess Bowles is added to the list…they are stubborn to a fault and have a bad habit of hiring friends and family members of friends (former teammates kids?)… and then holding on to them WAY to long of just plain seem to be covering for them.

    Unreal. Depressing…

    It’s sad, because they’ve had bad lapses on defense, offense…but the gaffs on special teams is just maddening and hearing…we just gotta clean it up is not going to cut it.

    Losing faith about this year…Bucs wise.

  79. ElioT Says:

    If you put together a “few” phases of the three phases of football, how many more phases does that leave left?

    Todd and the team don’t seemed phased enough about losing a few games (3) out of the last four.

  80. Mickman Says:

    I think they are very close…is this bethesda year for a bucs superbowl? No!. Considering what they have been through this year with injuries and all. What does mean is bucs have great depth at this point and next year they will be in the running for a couple years to follow

  81. Inwoodjeremy Says:

    Buck and Godwin is listed on the Hard Rock app in the anytime TD section. How do they know they are playing already?

  82. Oxycondomns Says:

    bowles need to hire hungrier younger coaches to take over on defense and special teams

  83. Buckit Says:

    Bucs are like a 3 phase electrical motor running on less than 3 phases, hahaha. . .

    When a 3-phase motor loses a phase, it will likely continue to run at a reduced speed but with several negative consequences, including excessive current draw, overheating, and vibration, which can lead to motor damage and failure. The motor will have no starting torque, so it won’t start on its own and can’t restart if it stops.

  84. Pelsbuc61 Says:

    Yes. All 3 phases. Incompetence, Arrogance and lifelessness!

  85. firethecannons Says:

    Buckit Lol!!!!!!!!!! best post on here, so accurate and so true!

  86. ElioT Says:

    Buckit Says:
    November 17th, 2025 at 6:48 pm

    Bucs are like a 3 phase electrical motor running on less than 3 phases, hahaha. . .

    When a 3-phase motor loses a phase, it will likely continue to run at a reduced speed but with several negative consequences, including excessive current draw, overheating, and vibration, which can lead to motor damage and failure. The motor will have no starting torque, so it won’t start on its own and can’t restart if it stops.
    ________

    ^^THIS IS TRUTH^^

    Well put sir.

  87. Aubpierce Says:

    Bowles is senile. Has been for years. Will never get over the hump as long as he is the head coach. Still believes his over complicated outdated defense is the answer.

  88. unbelievable Says:

    Defense Rules Says:
    November 17th, 2025 at 5:55 pm
    Bucs lost the game with 7:32 remaining in the 4th qtr.

    _____________________________

    YUP.

    Go check the game day thread. The moment I saw the punt team coming out I said “Game over. Todd Bowles just waived the white flag”.

    WITH SEVEN FRICKIN MINUTES LEFT AND A LEAD, TODD BOWLES QUIT.

  89. gotbbucs Says:

    Gave up damn near 300 yards in kick returns, but, sure, that 3rd phase was looking great.

  90. RASH Says:

    Barnum & Bowles circus we’ve put up with this too long.YOU ARE A BAD COACH PERIOD ASK JETS LOOK AT BUCS HE IS NOT A CAPABLE COACH

  91. Rod Munch Says:

    unbelievable Says:
    November 17th, 2025 at 6:59 pm
    Defense Rules Says:
    November 17th, 2025 at 5:55 pm
    Bucs lost the game with 7:32 remaining in the 4th qtr.

    _____________________________

    YUP.

    Go check the game day thread. The moment I saw the punt team coming out I said “Game over. Todd Bowles just waived the white flag”.

    ——–

    Yep, said the same thing as well. Was a ridiculous call – but again, it’s the same guy that punted twice from the Bills 42 yard line in a shoot out and didn’t challenge an obvious terrible spot that left the team with a 4th and short, while wasting a challenge on an obvious drop.

    I’m not a non-stop Bowles basher, but he makes so many stupid decision.

    With that said – maybe they should hire a 4th down punt or don’t punt expert. For all the criticism of Bowles, I will say he seemed to be listening to the clock guy that Licht brought in – who won them some games this year. He does, at least, seem open to getting advice – and clearly he needs someone explaining that it’s not 1975 anymore, you don’t win by playing 3 yards and cloud of dust football, and punting from the opponents 42 anymore.

    Then hire a zone defense “expert” whose entire job is to come in and delete all soft zone schemes from the playbook. It’s OK to keep some tight zone defenses – but all super soft zone crap should be banned from the building.

  92. Miller5252 Says:

    I guess using kindness over anger works better for Bowles and the team….. maybe???

    The Ira podcast over the years has had the Joes and Ira always saying how they don’t understand why fans won’t come around to Bowles. For the last three years the defense does this exact thing against good playoff caliber teams. Then you guys make it sound like the D is better than the Super Bowl teams when they do good against crappy teams. These games that happen at least 3-4 times a year are a big reason and Lee is right about having a DE or 4 guys that can get to the QB by themselves is another big reason. I think Bowles is always too confident in the offseason and tells Licht to get offensive players because he thinks he can make the D do enough to win. Yes they get their 45 sacks a year, but how many times do all the blitzing not get home and leave the backside totally exposed and burnt. I bet those 45 sacks don’t compare to the damage other teams do to us when we have to blitz to get those. I just don’t think they’ll ever really beat a good team unless they find a way to get home with 4 guys

  93. Rover Says:

    Is the “close to putting it all together” in the room with us??? He is losing his mf mind for the world to see. We are DOOMED!!!!

  94. Bucs4Ever Says:

    @sly pirate – Dline???? They suck out loud. Zero pass rush. Jason Licht sucks at picking dlinemen and Reddick is another Licht special bust.

    You people that think Jason Licht is going to win anything without Tom Brady are insane AF

    Wake up people

  95. FortMyersDave Says:

    Bowles is lying through his teeth, if he plans to keep putting guys like Yaya and Nelson out in what ends up being deep coverage because his exotic schemes result in zero QB pressure, the Bucs will continue to give up explosive plays. The special teams are atrocious, I know the coordinator will not be fired until January but he should be to set an example. The defense is slow, Lavonte david is still good but he is no longer good nough to cover up for SVD making mistake after mistake. Day 2 draft picks like Logan Hall and Braswell are busts, yet Jason will not trade a pick for an edge rusher or #2 WR??????. Benjie Morrison will be picked on like the way other teams used to target VH3 back in the day. The defense is horrible and who is coming back to fix it? Reddick???? He is a bust too. The offense is playing well but it has issues as well with things like 2 point conversions, and this will ccontinue as long as Egbuka is the only target other teams are afraid of. The team is stubborn, last year the Bucs did not start Bucky until late December, this year they are reluctant to put Tuycker in. Bowles will continue with these idiotic exotic schemes until he is fired and special teams are worst in the league. Changes are needed.

  96. Mike Johnson Says:

    Is todd Bowles on Drugs? Does he really know how bad his Defense and special teams are? I’ve heard of denial but this is ridiculous.

  97. BPBucsfan Says:

    Just reading about how much of an impact Jaelen Phillips is making for Philadelphia. Howie Roseman picked him up for a 3rd round pick. We could’ve had him, but hey, we’ll have our 3rd round pick for the next Chris Braswell. Sad thing is, if he would’ve left in free agency, we’d most likely got that 3rd round back. If he’d worked out, he would’ve replaced Hassan Reddick.

  98. Vegasbuc Says:

    Bull sh@t you’re halfway through the season and you’re finally getting your head out your a$$.. LOL high hopes

  99. BPBucsfan Says:

    Of course, don’t know how good Jaelen would be covering Puka Nacua.

  100. Outrigger Says:

    Needed a good laugh today and this article sure did the job. Running game improved against one of the worst run defenses in the league. That was the only positive I saw yesterday. Bills did have one kick return out of 6 that was the under 40 yards which shows special teams is improving……NOT. Defense is a disaster. I laugh when people say we don’t have good pass rushers. We really don’t know if we do because all of them spend over half their snaps dropping into coverage. Could you see us trading for Myles Garrett and Bowles neutering him by turning him into a 270 lb safety. Wide receivers get no separation because OC doesn’t know how to scheme them open. Should be trying to design plays to get Tez in open space.

  101. ElioT Says:

    What is Bowles record as a HC again?

  102. Outrigger Says:

    The only difference between Bowles and Lovie is Bowles has some talent to work with allowing him to be below average.

  103. bud liked tht bucs Says:

    bud sez lmfao have a cigar wheres father dungy to fix this mess bruce?

  104. Outrigger Says:

    Bowles career record is 60-71

  105. Larrd Says:

    I came away thinking all three phases are just not good enough. The receiver group is now below average. Not enough weapons on offense. The defense gives up lots of big plays and pass rush is inconsistent. Just about every phase of special teams has collapsed at some point in the season—yesterday was kickoff coverage. They may win the division but they are not one of the better teams in the league, despite my previous thought that they were.

  106. JohnQCitizen Says:

    Bowles dropped another load.
    He’s going to be in trouble if he has another game like that. And he’ll deserve it.

  107. Roscoe Says:

    “We’re close to putting all three phases together. We put a few more phases together yesterday,” Bowles said on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “We’ve just got to tie it all togethter. And I’m confident we’ll do that.”
    ^^^^
    Just stop with the bullsh&t Bowles. Retire and sell used cars. I’ve tried to keep my commentary on a dignified level but after that line of s… …. The Glazers were timid and and afraid to be bold and make a change. They let two opportunities get away. Now a promising young man, Josh Grizzard, may end up suffering career wise because of your inability to be decisive just like your head coach Todd Bowles. I’m concerned that your failures will drive off Baker Mayfield.

  108. Hammerhead Says:

    Short recievers with short qb.

    Drew Brees is HOF because of accuracy.

    Mike Evans being so special and a tall and easy target makes so much difference.

    Josh Allen is 6’5 and Mayfield 6’1. Simple as that.

  109. MelvinJunior Says:

    Bowles should have been just a placeholder (while a nice ‘virtue-signal’ for the owners), to begin with. Until, they go out and work behind the scenes, and find their REAL Head Coach of the future. They HAD one in Cohen, but were to weak fully commit and pull-the-trigger. They wanted to have their cake and eat it, too. They ‘thought’ they were being slick and got BURNT. Now, where do they go!? I thought they should’ve gone after Harbaugh and offered him whatever it took… Before I heard that the Chargers were involved and willing to actually PAY, for once. I thought they could by far ‘outbid’ THEM in the very beginning, since they’ve always, flat-out REFUSED to pay ‘top-dollar’ for a coach. As soon as I heard they were going to, I KNEW it was over. NOBODY was turning THAT JOB down, in LA with Herbert. It’s going to awfully tough to find “That Guy” NOW, especially with prob at least 40+TEAMS (NFL and College) switching coaches this offseason. We HAD HEEM. But, they BETTER be lookin’ and being VERY aggressive right now, whatever it takes. FIND. THE. GUY. The ‘right’ guy! There are just waaaayyy too many NFL teams that already have “HIM” right now, & we need to be one of ‘em. It ain’t Bowles. Never was. It just is what it is.

  110. Bartow Buc Says:

    Bucs at Rams !! No one is safe when Baker Mayfield is playing at his very best !!

    Go Bucs !! Beat the Rams !!

  111. Roscoe Says:

    Glazer family….where were you when TB12 thumbed his nose at the team? Why didn’t you intervene and put an end to all the BS that took place back then ? Gruden has your number. I have been kind to the Glazers in my commentary over the years. Until they prove otherwise I will view them as detached business owners that view the Bucs as merely an income producing appreciating asset.

  112. Roscoe Says:

    The Glazers will never attract a bona fide head coach now. Right now I’m thinking it’s 60/40 Baker signs elsewhere. Prove me wrong Glazers.

  113. Kent Says:

    He needs to fire his dc

  114. Badbucs Says:

    Glazers should be outraged. Bowles is way too comfortable with the product hee is putting on the field. There are too many good players on the roster to put out a performance like that. It’s true that there are some good things happening and some players showing up but the overall results are brutally underwhelming. The defensive scheme is outdated. The special teams haven’t a clue what they are doing. The offense is at least putting up a fight despite the rookie OC. Bowles has to be replaced. His complacent attitude cannot be allowed to continue. When BA left so did the coaching competence. Bring in another winner. Todd doesn’t qualify.

  115. infomeplease Says:

    Perhaps the O is close if they get Bucky and Chris back. As for the D and ST they both are regressing. If the Bucs hired decent HC, DC, and ST coaches they may get closer.

  116. Jason Anthony Sturgess Says:

    Hammerhead you sound as zonked out as Bowles. Mayfield isn’t the reason we’re losing. You have the worst Head Coach and Offense Coordinator in the NFL. Other than Emeka Egbuka which was a brilliant pick that I questioned, Licht did a lousy job on the draft and not picking up any players was pathetic. I hate to say it but the way Goodwin played coming back after surgery, he’s likely going to be just as mediocre when he comes back. Unless he agrees to the NFl minimum salary next year, I can’t see him being on the Bcs next year.

  117. Alvin Scissors Harper Says:

    Asinine comments from an asinine coach.

  118. BucaneroJim Says:

    I believe Coach was actually referring to the Bucs cafeteria menu. It’s all coming together – Texan taco Tuesday, Buffalo wing Wednesday, Miami fish fry Friday.

  119. N.CBucsFan Says:

    We are nowhere near close to putting it together on special teams at all. Really not close on defense and our offense has fallen off a cliff

  120. Panhandle Buc Says:

    What?!?! All 3 phases are in shambles!!! Offense is slightly above…not by much!

  121. Buc in VA Says:

    Over 100 comments on this one. 99.9 percent consider this the most comical statement of the season from Bowles. Completely disconnected from reality.

  122. Jmarkbuc Says:

    This coaching staff was bloated when Arians was here.. I just don’t believe our coaching staff as a whole is very good.

  123. Jameis Says:

    We are close to the offseason. That’s about it. More disconnected than the Amish. Jeez Todd, wake up dawg.

  124. Drdneast Says:

    Listening to Bowels is like listening to the Orange Rump. Everything’s a lie. Just shut up.

  125. Rod Munch Says:

    With as much as I like Godwin and I’m glad they resigned him, and he’ll play a huge role leading up to the playoffs, hopefully – I also said that they should try to trade for Pickens before resigning him. Everyone here was like, you’re stupid, he’s not that good, look at his stats (with terrible QBs), etc. I, of course, was once again right – as always. Just think if you had e2 and Pickens, and Evans – plus McMillan. Holy cow, how in the world would anyone defend them? Of course if Godwin is healthy, he’s also a game changer, but a different type of receiver. Pickens and Evans, with e2 in the slot, my goodness would that have been something.

  126. Rod Munch Says:

    Again, I’ll just point out every single one of you morons talking about the season being over, we need to fire everyone, all is lost — all you idiots were the ones triggered when people like me were pointing out how completely stupid it was that people were celebrating winning the week 6 ESPN Power Poll as if it meant anything. Also you dummies were angry when I also pointed out that being the NFL MVP in week 6 was also useless, get back to me in week 16, then maybe it means something as you’re playing at a top level as you’re getting ready for the playoffs. I said at the time, the team isn’t the best team in football, certainly not while missing a ton of starters, and getting blown out vs the Eagles, but you low IQ dullards yelled celebrating winning that power poll like you won the Super Bowl. Now all you mongoloids are yelling and screaming like the team is bound for the 1st over all pick instead of literally still being in 1st place.

    The drama queens are so predictable in their stupidity. If the Bucs win next week 100% of the crybabies whining the loudest this week will all tell us how the Bucs are winning the SB. So on and so forth, every week, the emotional stability of an 18-year old on her period.

  127. HeartyDickerson Says:

    “Bowles is way too comfortable with the product hee is putting on the field.”

    This, and it goes for the whole organization. Todd is in semi-retirement mode, he said himself he won’t coach anymore after this stint. He has no intent to learn new things, experiment new schemes, hire anyone that might bring new ideas to the table.

    Licht like to play the “aw shucks, I’m just a meathead” act, but he thinks he walks on water. Zero urgency to take big swings, make trades, sign FAs. He managed as if he knows his job is safe in perpetuity. I’ll repeat, Licht hasn’t drafted a Pro-Bowler in 5 years.

    As for the players, nobody ever gets benched, much less cut. The front office signs mediocre guys to big contracts. Training camp was soft, and litwrly every day, it was reported practice was cut short. They used the entire bye week as a vacation.

    This team is coddled and soft.

  128. PriMech54 Says:

    an 80% Chris Godwin with a Buck ‘N Tuck rushing attack sounds like a Godsend right about now

  129. Gipper Says:

    Muncher,

    You are happier than a gopher in soft dirt. Quit patting yourself on the back. Your insight is profound. Let’s see, an already suspect defense loses Kancey, O line has been decimated most of the year, and two $20mil/yr receivers plus a promising 2nd year guy have been out for basically the entire season, a Pro Bowl QB gets hurt in mid season, a first year play caller is getting on the job training. Your view is the team will struggle. Thanks for being galactically insightful.

  130. Les Says:

    BOWLES HAS TO GO ! NO MORE EXCUSES .EVERY TEAM HAS INJURIES . AFTER BRADY JUST A SUB PAR TEAM ! SORRY NOT SORRY ! YEAR AFTER YEAR OF AVERAGE PLAY IN A WEAK DIVISION ! DEFENCE IS NEVER CONSISTANT , SECONDARY SUCKED FOR YEARS UNDER BOWLES . HIS SOFT ZONE LOOSES GAMES . DEFENDERS PLAYING 10 YARDS OFF THE RECIEVERS . NO PASS RUSH .ENOUGH IS ENOUGH ! WE LET TONY GO FOR LESS YET HE DID BUIKD A GREAT DEFENCE. BOWLES CANT !

  131. Rod Munch Says:

    Gipper – The fact you took from that, that I’m down on the team is truly baffling. But then again no one ever accused the Baker Boi(s) of having a (collective) IQ of over 40.

    You see dummy, the point I’m saying is that the Bucs were never the best team in football – and they’re not the worst team in football like all the drama queens are now crying about. I was using an example of how incredibly emotionally unstable all these morons are.

    But yeah, I didn’t get my point across in the space that would fit on a bumper sticker, so I completely understand that it’s too much info for people such as yourself to process.

  132. Bucs4Ever Says:

    Sad that people are making excuses for Licht and Bowels.

    You’re part of the problem of mediocrity. You accept it. Probably here and in life.

  133. unbelievable Says:

    @Rod – that’s the thing, earlier in the year it seemed like he was learning / evolving, and being aggressive when it made sense, trying to go for the win vs the tie.

    But last few weeks he reverted back to the cowardly Bowles formula. It’s one thing if your defense is playing lights out- but that’s only happened twice- at New Orleans and SF. The Bucs defense was the polar opposite of that on Sunday. He literally signaled to everyone that he gave up with a half a quarter left AND A 1 PT LEAD. Just so pathetic and cowardly.

    Completely inexcusable.

    But maybe you’re onto something… now we just need:
    – A 4th down specialist
    – A 2 point conversion specialist
    – A zone defense specialist
    – A kick return specialist
    – A kick coverage specialist

    We’ll be in the SB in no time once we add all that!

  134. Rod Munch Says:

    unbelievable Says:
    But last few weeks he reverted back to the cowardly Bowles formula. It’s one thing if your defense is playing lights out- but that’s only happened twice- at New Orleans and SF.

    ————

    The defense was amazing at Detroit, and regardless of people whining about big plays, was great vs the Patriots and gave the offense plenty of chances to win that game (and if the Pats RB does what he should have done, and took a knee on the last run and then ran out the clock, the Bucs defense would have gave up 21 points and people aren’t crying about the defense).

    The issue was Dean getting hurt to start the Buffalo game. We saw this earlier this year. If any of the combo of Dean, Zyon or Morrison gets hurt, Bowles goes to his super soft zone trash. So if Dean is out, or any of the three are out, take the OVER when it comes to opponent QB passing yards. Every time, because we know the super soft zone is coming.

    I honestly do not understand how Bowles can watch the film and results, and keep playing that defense after years of seeing it fail terribly.

    In any case, again, the Bucs have lost to…

    Eagles
    @Lions
    Patriots
    @Bills

    All those teams are just better than the injured Bucs. That’s why I’ve said all along the team is going to be 6-5, then they should go on a run. If they get back Bucky, Godwin, Evans, maybe even Kancey, they have the talent to make a run. If they don’t get those guys back, then yes, I agree with all the doom and gloomers, as they don’t have the talent to overcome those loses.

  135. ModHairKen Says:

    Should fans buy in?

    Nope. Bad scheme. No adjustments. Weak-minded players with little pride.

  136. MadMax Says:

    Wow

  137. Gipper Says:

    Munch,

    Didn’t say you were down on the team. You have a unique gift of belaboring the obvious and then declare it as insight.

  138. Rod Munch Says:

    Gipper Says:
    November 18th, 2025 at 12:22 am
    Munch,

    You have a unique gift

    ———-

    Thank you!

    Agreed.

  139. richbucsfan Says:

    Now, that’s plain delusional. Sounds like a coach trying to keep his job.

  140. BigZ Says:

    It’s week 11 and a preseason. He sounds like Mike Norvell.

  141. BucU Says:

    This FRAUD of a coach should be fired just for that pathetic comment. He’s just an awful HC who thinks we’re all blind.

  142. Todd Says:

    Sean McVay > Todd Bowels

    ‘Nuff said.

    Toddy can’t even coach the kicker to KICK THE EFFIN BALL THROUGH THE END ZONE! And that punt on 4th down?

    WWSD?

    Sean.

    He’s hand the ball off to Tucker and gain a dozen yards likely. “First down!”

    All I can say on Todd’s defense is, “Sure is great the NFC sucks arse!”

  143. Todd Says:

    NFC South.

  144. unbelievable Says:

    “I’ll repeat, Licht hasn’t drafted a Pro-Bowler in 5 years.”

    Uh, Tristan Wirfs? Antoine Winfield?

    Some of you are clueless. Drafting isn’t the problem for the Bucs. In fact it’s one of our strengths. The problem is coaching, and on Licht’s end, his unwillingness to be more aggressive with free agency / trades / giving up future picks to address immediate needs.

    @Rod – No the defense did not play good against the Pats. Giving up 4 different 50+ yard plays, 3 of which went for touchdowns, is pathetically bad. They were okay against Detroit, not good. Detroit took points off the board themselves.

  145. Tye Says:

    The Bucs can’t replace Bowels fast enough!

  146. Wayne perez Says:

    I will not be renewing my season passes for next season if he’s still the coach i have 3 seats and parking pass see ya

  147. Upstate NY BUC Says:

    Lane Kiffin

  148. Buc2Blame Says:

    These are lies ……….. EEEE LIES 😂

  149. jcscycles Says:

    Todd Bowles can be fired at any time.

    Maybe it’s time for him to go. 60+ and had enough. We all have.

    Get someone who has more padded practices. As many as the contract allows. Teams that do this also tend to have less injuries and play tough for 60 minutes.

    After the season maybe try to get Todd to retire to let him save face and then hire and Offensive minded coach who will hire his own DC.

    Todd is hoping the injured Bucs come back. Perhaps that is why he made this statement. But it was ill-advised.

  150. HeartyDickerson Says:

    “Uh, Tristan Wirfs? Antoine Winfield? Some of you are clueless.”

    He drafted them in April 2020. It’s November 2025 you clueless dope.

  151. Les Says:

    WHAT ? HE MUST BE ON DRUGS ! IF YOU CALL THST GAME 3 PHASES COMING TOGATHER THAT WAS NOT EVEN CLOSE ! THE OFFENCE SCORED ENOUGH POINTS .DEFENCE NOT CONSISTENT. SPECIAL TEAMS WAS A DUMPSTER FIRE ! AND FOR GOD SAKES TODD GET RID OF YOUR SOFT ZONE !! THEY CANT COVER FOR CRAP. !

  152. Lou Denny Says:

    The special teams play Sunday totally horrible to give up that many yards on kick returns. Embarrassing!
    Pass defense totally atrocious! Bucs defenders play way off . Didn’t see buffalo play that way.
    Sone of the offensive play calling , I think was not too bright.
    Need to get some new fresh coaching and start holding players / coaches more accountable.

  153. Erik with Pilot and Driver™ Says:

    Seems obvious that the fans are NOT buying in.

    Because we have on own eyes and this team does not pass the eye test, and note does his coaching/ in-game decisions.

  154. Erik with Pilot and Driver™ Says:

    *our own eyes

  155. Scotty Mack Says:

    I can only hope the Buccaneers fan base, at large, is not represented here. Sure, winning a super bowl is great but if that is the be-all and end-all of rooting for a team, I sure wouldn’t want you as a fan of any team I was on.

    With the exception of the Lions game, every game this season has been compelling to watch up to the final minutes of the game. Your team is still in it down to the wire, giving you something to root for. That’s entertaining and what all sports should be about.

    Yeah, we all want the win, but could there be any more edge of the seat excitement than what you are watching this season? I guess 40-0 blowouts are the only thing worthy of watching for so many people here.

  156. Scotty Mack Says:

    “Get someone who has more padded practices. As many as the contract allows.”

    Teams are only allowed a maximum of 14 padded practices during the entire regular season, with 11 in the first 11 weeks and three allowed during the final six weeks. The Bucs have four left for the entire rest of the season; they have already had ten.

    Do the math. How many more could Bowles have had at this point?