Todd Bowles Explains Chris Godwin Not On The Field Much In Second Half
November 24th, 2025
Chris Godwin
The way the Bucs panicked late in the second quarter and basically waved the white flag by pulling an ESPN Analytics and going for it on fourth down from their own 28, Joe figured maybe someone wised up on the sidelines and decided not to risk Bucs receiver Chris Godwin getting injured again.
But that was not the case, said Bucs coach Todd Bowles.
Godwin was on a pitch count Sunday in his first game since a win over Seattle back in early October.
“Well, he was on a play count,” Bowles explained. “We had him on a certain play count for the first week and we got that accomplished.”
Joe’s not being critical of Bowles here, or anyone on the coaching staff. It just seems weird if Godwin was on a pitch count, wouldn’t you want most of those snaps in the second half?
If the Bucs hadn’t surrendered the game late in the second quarter, wouldn’t it have been better to have Godwin on the field more in an effort to mount a comeback?
November 24th, 2025 at 9:03 am
Meaningless
November 24th, 2025 at 9:05 am
Wise choice… get him hurt in a meaningless situation again would be worse than crazy.
November 24th, 2025 at 9:06 am
No one expected us to win that game, at least not now. We’re missing too many players. Can’t believe the accusations Joe is making here. Let it go man!
November 24th, 2025 at 9:07 am
I just figured he was injured again
November 24th, 2025 at 9:08 am
Godwin probably said “I’m not going in” after watching this crap from the sidelines late in the 2nd quarter when they decided to give up.
November 24th, 2025 at 9:13 am
This Team and coach has hit their ceiling. When the biggest problem of your team-the Putrid Pass Defense-is the forte supposedly of your head coach-it is time to realize this team needs to go in a different direction. It is the same movie over and over. This team needs a new attitude. Baker can only do so much. What were we thinking was going to be better this year because we brought in Reddick? That is Fools Gold.
November 24th, 2025 at 9:14 am
Only smart thing to they did, your article is a real reach.
November 24th, 2025 at 9:24 am
Need a soft rebuild
November 24th, 2025 at 9:24 am
You still have time to delete this Joe.
November 24th, 2025 at 9:26 am
Smart move.
November 24th, 2025 at 9:26 am
If….
You believe anything that Bowels says about these types of football questions
November 24th, 2025 at 9:30 am
The one thing Todd did tight was to just leave Godwin on bench
November 24th, 2025 at 9:30 am
I made The comment a little over three weeks ago that we should rest every injured player for this three game span. Imagine what it would be like now if everyone injured had sat out including Baker. It’s an interesting thought. We’d have life right now.
November 24th, 2025 at 9:31 am
Your accusation that they waved the white flag by going for it rather than punting just makes no sense at all. They were already down three scores and you think it made sense to punt them the ball back (they were also getting the ball to start the second half as well) in order for them to go four scores up? They had to score before half time to have any chance.
November 24th, 2025 at 9:32 am
They should have pulled him at halftime. The game was over. They probably should just sit him, Bucky and Evans until next season. Cause this season is done.
November 24th, 2025 at 9:39 am
Chris should’ve have played this season at all. Its clear he was never healthy, plus he didnt do any off-season activities.
November 24th, 2025 at 9:43 am
Say Joe, I wanna thank McVay for his respect. He could have easily run up the score. I witnessed 2 easy ops for his team to score in the 4th, and he just sorta let it play out. probably with respect for Baker. Their defense started dancing on the field in the 4th quarter. Quite a shameful performance on our part.
November 24th, 2025 at 9:46 am
Anyone who believes in this Bucs coaching is a fool.
November 24th, 2025 at 9:47 am
That was the only…single good thing I noticed in the game. I was thankful that he wasn’t overworked…or worse, injuring/reinjuring his leg/foot, etc. And I think even though he’d never admit it, Godwin was thankful he wasn’t exposed to the heartless, gutless performance that his teammates were putting out there.
November 24th, 2025 at 9:49 am
LFG Bucs Says:
November 24th, 2025 at 9:08 am
Godwin probably said “I’m not going in” after watching this crap from the sidelines late in the 2nd quarter when they decided to give up.
______
I can guarantee you he did not say that.
One of the highest character players we’ve ever had and the injuries are just frustrating.
November 24th, 2025 at 9:49 am
Despite the doom and gloom, Bucs control their own destiny. Gonna find out Sunday if this team has any heart. Must win game this week.
November 24th, 2025 at 9:52 am
There are no current Bucs players and coaches who would start or work for any of the last three teams. Not on defense, offense or special teams. This is cluster of disfunction built by Jason and nurtured by Todd. The Bucs play down to their coach, have lost any heart and passion for the game they walked in with, they’ve become lazy and defeated, clean house. Jason, Todd, the works.
November 24th, 2025 at 9:52 am
Who cares if they win out. Every playoff team they have played has completely embarrassed them….
November 24th, 2025 at 9:53 am
Joe you do realize that Godwin was injured last year during garbage time in a losing game? Thank God Bowles has at least learned to pull the plug when the game is out of hand. Imagine if Godwin got hurt again catching a Teddy thrown lollipop?
November 24th, 2025 at 9:53 am
The game was worse than a blowout, it was a statement to the rest of the NFL that the Buccaneers are frauds with a bad coach and injury prone team. Buccaneers have an old defense and need a complete overhaul. On another note, Jalen McMillan was spotted on the sideline with no neck brace.
November 24th, 2025 at 9:55 am
Something is bad wrong. Mayfield hasn’t looked anything like himself for a month. The TD to Tez last night was late and luckily not picked. Egbuka was open on a post and Baker was late. He hasn’t played like himself and the defense has gone full crap. Something is going on here. Missed Sage’s post game article. Suggest Sage that you would help uncover what the heck happened to this bunch. Bucky has a problem- could that be part of it. It’s like there is dissension on this team and we don’t know where it’s coming from. I think Baker should sit- he’s tore that labrum again and if he needs surgery get it done now. This team isn’t much better off with him in right now anyway. Something is wrong. Bad wrong. The team is hiding what that is. Sage and Joes we are counting on you to figure out what it is for us. Pull back some covers guys. Good coverage from LA Joe. Hate that anyone had to travel to see that turkey of a game of football.
November 24th, 2025 at 9:57 am
Lol. Why us baker on the field in a blowout?? Why is godwin not on the field in a blowout? With a backup qb.
November 24th, 2025 at 9:57 am
The team isn’t playing for the coach. They gave up. There is a huge difference between the top coaches and Bowles. I think the players have seen it and are done.
November 24th, 2025 at 9:58 am
Oh and don’t expect a resounding miracle next Sunday, Todd can’t fix his
problems in a week. Instead he’ll work on his excuses like every week. Did anyone understand Todd’s comments at halftime? It’s As if the game was tied and all the Bucs needed were a few first downs and tackle better. The Bucs were down 31-7 and yet he was clearly not in the moment. I’m not sure… all I heard were mumbles.
November 24th, 2025 at 10:02 am
Off topic Slightly, what was McCollom doing out there totally lost you can see it in his eyes!!!! Winfield’s name was not called once!! somethings going on !!! solve it JASON !!!!
November 24th, 2025 at 10:09 am
Bowles has lost 3 or more games in a row in 2022, 2023, 2024 and now this year.
It’s time to evaluate whether he has reached his peak. If so, is that acceptable to the owners?
Dungy and Gruden were fired for less.
November 24th, 2025 at 10:11 am
Time to replace Bowles. Personally, he must be a good person but as a coach, nah….. Hire somebody who has the vision, competency, knowledge and creativity to steer this team to a formidable group. For now, it looks like the Bucs ship is just floating around rudderless……. what an embarrassment !
November 24th, 2025 at 10:14 am
Joebucsfan now the FOX News of NFL football. Everyday is a new conspiracy theory.
November 24th, 2025 at 10:14 am
Agree with Kenton and others too. Baker hasn’t been himself for the past few games. Hoping that the MRI turns out well today. He may have quiet injuries and kept on playing. He needs to take care of himself first. i read that he and his wife are expecting another child in April. Most importantly, he needs to keep himself healthy for his family.
November 24th, 2025 at 10:14 am
PITCH COUNT??? Obviously not ready to play an entire game, so DON”T PLAY HIM UNTIL HE IS READY…
November 24th, 2025 at 10:25 am
Just like this season and Toilet Bowl coach this website seems to be flushing down the bowl of irrelevance…. Only come here for the community of commenters at this point…
November 24th, 2025 at 10:29 am
This Chris Godwon saga is the least of Bowles problems. The Bucky Irving saga seems like it has the opportunity to grow legs and doom some people in the organization.
November 24th, 2025 at 10:31 am
Zion got smoked all day.
Parrish got smoked last game.
Morrison smoked so hard he miss last night game to get over it.
Licht drafts are good.
November 24th, 2025 at 10:32 am
First off Todd Bowles is a garbage NFL HC. He should be fired this morning. Jason Licht has a lot to answer for as well. And lastly the Glazers are absolute morons extending Bowles when they had no reason to. This entire organization should hang their heads in shame. Absolutely awful at their jobs.
November 24th, 2025 at 10:37 am
We don’t have any semblance of an NFL passing game, so what does it matter at this point??? Throwing hospital balls, missing guys wide open and throwing short of the sticks all day long (even with Mayfield at QB). The more impactful action would be for force Otton to wear some gloves. What a joke.
November 24th, 2025 at 10:38 am
Cade Otton is terrible.. why doesn’t he wear gloves ? I remember hearing Brady made him wear gloves. Now the gloves are off again..
November 24th, 2025 at 10:50 am
Put a Clause in Otten’s next Contract that he has to wear Receivers gloves. He’s trying to look Old School but he is stupid for it
November 24th, 2025 at 10:57 am
so are we not going to talk about Bridgewater looking like he cares less about playing? He had the attitude of a peewee football player out there
November 24th, 2025 at 10:57 am
Bucs did not “surrender the game in the second quarter”. Do you have no football acumen, at all?!? Check your archives for an accurate explanation from Munch.
November 24th, 2025 at 11:02 am
If this is acceptable we have reached a new low.
Results apparently do not matter to the Glazers.
They’re more interested in a virtue signal to the NFL agenda.
I miss the days of accountability and performance reaping consequences.
Until Bowles is gone, this is the high water mark.
November 24th, 2025 at 11:11 am
If we are looking at parts of the schedule and saying we expected to lose this game or that game, it means we are not a good/competitive team and have no business in the playoffs. A playoff team should be able to win against anyone on the schedule, it shouldn’t be a surprise if we beat a contender. If we are admitting we aren’t a playoff team then blow it up and start building a playoff team. Just squeaking into the playoffs in a weak division only leaves us without premium talent from the draft. Additionally, clinging to aging assets that could be traded for draft picks to build a playoff contender are wasted on sentiment. Ever 10-7 season is setting us back from obtaining our goal.
November 24th, 2025 at 11:17 am
Why is Baker in there? Why are we going for it on 4&2 in the 2nd qtr? Why is Yaya 30 yds down the field when he’s our best at getting pressures? Why was Godwin in Baltimore? Why didn’t he trust Tom Brady late in the game against Cleveland? Why do we kneel when down by one score with 38 seconds remaining but then go for it in this game with an entire half remaining?
It’s been a series of questionable decisions….for whatever reason he’s always on the wrong side of them but at some point it’s about results not explanations.
November 24th, 2025 at 11:18 am
How is this even worthy of a headline?
November 24th, 2025 at 11:21 am
Bowles is just absolutely CLUELESS. If this Bucs FO still cannot see this by now, then I don’t know what else to say at this point. He is NOT a “Head Coach.” PERIOD. I have absolutely no idea, HOW you can have someone like THAT as your head coach… And, then YOU EXTEND HIM (because you are WEAK virtue-signalers, while only trying to save face after the Cohen disaster).
November 24th, 2025 at 11:22 am
Godwin looked good in limited action. The coaching staff & GM not so much. The Glazers should act like owners instead of Licht’s best friends. Licht is the ringmaster of this debacle of a regime. He stood pat when we were showing signs of a SB run. No D Line help which is sorely needed. No O line help, also sorely needed. Heck, even a decent WR. Nothing. That feels like arrogance ecause he’s such a great drafter. I’m not so sure about that either. Braswell is really looking like a rainmaker. Barton has been average at best. Always good to get run over in a bullrush and snap one to the ants.
November 24th, 2025 at 11:26 am
Bowles needs to go and sorry, so does Jason Licht. It’s time to blow it up.. bring in an offensive minded coach, Klint Kubiak, Mike LaFleur, hell bring in Gruden for all I care.. just get bowles the hell out.
November 24th, 2025 at 11:29 am
@ Bee Says: “Chris should’ve have played this season at all. Its clear he was never healthy, plus he didnt do any off-season activities.”
Exactly. Cause, I KNOW you are NOT saying that we should’ve ‘extended him’ at $22-MILLION FULLY GUARANTEED ($44-MILLION TOTAL), over the next TWO-SEASONS then, just for him to only play-in ONE-Season. Because otherwise, then that would be stupid.
November 24th, 2025 at 11:44 am
agree with others that something inside the locker room is going on…
everything is off…
seems like after the lost to the lions, this team started to question everything and it doesnt seem like their hearts are in it…seems like they are just going thru the motions…
with that said, not playing chris was smart….imo, he should be shut down if Baker isnt playing….
GO BUCS!!!!
November 24th, 2025 at 11:48 am
Yes time for a young coach. Please stop with the Gruden nonsense he was terrible when we let him go and he was terrible in his return to the Raiders.
November 24th, 2025 at 11:55 am
Another ‘Bowles Explains’ set. This could be a feature here every week.
November 24th, 2025 at 11:58 am
Kiffen,,, I’m not proposing a new HC but I would go Kiffen and he could hire a young DC who could shape our D,, it would be nice to have a OC/HC that will be the same for a few years as Grizzz will be back to someone’s helper next year
November 24th, 2025 at 12:03 pm
I think Rams OC Gannon would be a great hire for Bucs HC
November 24th, 2025 at 12:04 pm
I was just using Gruden as an example. I want Klint Kubiak.
November 24th, 2025 at 12:05 pm
You don’t want Godwin out there with Teddy ‘Hospital Ball’ Bridgewater, plus the game was already over.
November 24th, 2025 at 12:05 pm
I think Licht has earned a pass. He put this team in a position to attract Brady, he picked Arians, he’s picked enough talent for this team to repeatedly win the division despite terrible game management/coaching from Bowles. We’d likely be in a 2nd SB had Bowles not called that blitz leaving Kupp completely uncovered.
Licht had his growing pains and i certainly wasn’t a fan of his but he’s evolved and our offense is stacked in a league designed to favor the offense. Let’s be honest, you give this offense to shanahan, mcVay, Reid, etc…..we might be talking something similar to the Rams with Faulk, Holt, Bruce. Our last two OCs went on to be HCs….that’s due to the offense we put together. Our defense has enough talent to be serviceable and in the top half of the league. If we as fans question the defensive calls/assignments what do you think the players are thinking? Do they look remotely confident on any play? That unit looks lost and completely outcoached. I think Licht is deserving of another coach….Arians forced his hand with Bowles and he’s made the most of it.
November 24th, 2025 at 12:06 pm
Rams OC is Mike LaFleur, he’d be good too.
November 24th, 2025 at 12:07 pm
COMEBACK?!?!?!??!!
There goes Joe HOPING AGAIN!
Knee slapper 😆😂🤣😆🤣😆😂🤣😆
November 24th, 2025 at 12:07 pm
Licht, doesn’t deserve a pass. He’s an OK gm. Who’s scared to make moves when needed. He sucks at drafting pass rushers.
November 24th, 2025 at 12:08 pm
711
Rams OC is Mike Lafleur…Rams DC is Chris Shula
I’d take either one lol
GO BUCS!!!!
November 24th, 2025 at 12:11 pm
Why do people keep saying my screenname?
November 24th, 2025 at 12:15 pm
I have absolutely NO PROBLEM whatsoever, with sitting Godwin during the 2nd-Have. The game had been long over and completely decided. What I have a problem with, is HIS RESPONSE… It’s all the same junk. He is clearly, CLUELESS. You can just tell… He hasn’t the first clue. About ANYTHING. I mean, he needs ‘specialists’ for EVERY possible in-game decision. So, WHAT are we even doing here!? It’s really, a JOKE.
November 24th, 2025 at 12:16 pm
No, because everyone knows Godwin is a shell of his former self and will be at best for a while.
November 24th, 2025 at 12:17 pm
@ CleanHouse – good one haha.
November 24th, 2025 at 12:21 pm
Clean house starting with Jason.
November 24th, 2025 at 12:23 pm
JASON LICHT IS A CAREER LOSER EVEN WITH THE BRADY YEARS
LICHT SUCKS
CLEAN HOUSE!
November 24th, 2025 at 12:24 pm
Bowles is a ROBOT. From like the 60’s. He is programmed to know just one-way! He doesn’t have a clue (especially with offenses and ‘in-game’ decision-making). He just repeats what HE is TOLD. Therefore, he has ZERO substance, depth, context, or anything to do with the nuances of the game. And that is exactly, why we continue getting responses like THIS. 💯
November 24th, 2025 at 12:27 pm
I did say before the game, it was going to be a blowout loss and the Bucs would look terrible, and they should seriously pull Baker once they were down by 21 in the first quarter so he doesn’t get hurt. Actually pull as many starters as possible.
I also said in the game day thread the Bucs offense would start by running up the middle, and then a WR screen, which also happened.
People should listen to me, I’m basically the modern Amazing Kreskin — and certainly it’s all on my powers and not just because the Bucs are ultra predictable.
November 24th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
I WANT a smart modern day Head Coach, that is constantly trying to innovate. One, who is wanting to learn and adapt to the ever-changing game, while always trying to stay AHEAD of the curve. What we are witnessing is just NOT it. I must add that WE HAD “IT.”
November 24th, 2025 at 12:35 pm
Belichick’s girlfriend understands football now. Why make her our new head coach. What could it hurt?
November 24th, 2025 at 12:38 pm
Bucs4Ever Says:
November 24th, 2025 at 12:23 pm
JASON LICHT IS A CAREER LOSER EVEN WITH THE BRADY YEARS
LICHT SUCKS
CLEAN HOUSE!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LETS START WITH YOU, GO FIND A NEW TEAM TO NOT ROOT FOR!!!
LICHT BUILT THAT SUPER BOWL TEAM WITH THE PEOPLE HE INTERVIEWED AND HIRED. BOWLES COACHED THE DEFENSE THAT HOLD THE CHIEFS OUT OF THE END ZONE!!!! (Just explaining it in terms You might understand)
November 24th, 2025 at 12:43 pm
MelvinJunior
What you think about Klint Kubiak or Matt LaFleur
November 24th, 2025 at 12:44 pm
Hey Anyhony that team got to the QB, this team doesn’t. We had JPP, Shaq. Those players were traded for.
November 24th, 2025 at 12:45 pm
Why is Grizzard not catching any smoke? Teams have quickly caught on to his predictable offense. We run a dive play on 90% of 1st down plays, he barely calls plays that has Baker roll out, we have one designed screen play that is now getting blown up… I know we’ve had injuries, but we have enough talent on the field to move the ball. Also, he can’t find creative ways to get Ebuka open… Grizzard needs to improve his play calling quickly!!!!
November 24th, 2025 at 12:50 pm
Every single so-called pass rusher on this team needs to be relieved of there duties after that performance last night
November 24th, 2025 at 12:51 pm
@Mhystc: Yeah Men Licht could afford to sign at the time. Licht didn’t have the money available to start this season, he would have had to mortgage the future (again) this time without Brady. He has much more time to build this team because Baker is so much younger than Brady was.
November 24th, 2025 at 12:52 pm
I mean, outside of his own defense, I don’t believe HE is the one, even making most of these decisions, to begin with… Whether it be in-game, or during the week with concerning personnel, or anything. And, I think that is very obvious.
November 24th, 2025 at 12:55 pm
@ Mhystc – I think they definitely fit the bill for sure. And, would probably get an interview (at least somewhere), I would think.💯
November 24th, 2025 at 12:57 pm
@ Nate – He has definitely had his fair share. It’s just that HE is not the worst of it, or problem #1. But, he for sure deserves some blame. 💯
November 24th, 2025 at 1:04 pm
Honestly who cares that they can compete with bad teams the whole point is to compete against playoffs teams and the bucs with this defense missing really one player in kancey can not. Bowels makes head scratching decision after head scratching decision defensive scheme from the so called guru seems to have been figured out and yet no changes have been made. The slogan we got to coach it better and play it better has run it’s course time for something new after the season bowels has reached his ceiling.
November 24th, 2025 at 1:15 pm
Todd is still the coach today. Nothing is going to change within the season. However, since some are putting names out there, how about Chris Shula?
November 24th, 2025 at 1:22 pm
Tucker Says:
November 24th, 2025 at 1:04 pm
Honestly who cares that they can compete with bad teams the whole point is to compete against playoffs teams and the bucs with this defense missing really one player in kancey can not.
—————
The team last night was missing the following players that could all be back for the playoffs…
LG1, RG2, RG3, RB1, WR1, WR4, DE1, EDGE2, CB1, CB4
Not to mention WR2 being on a pitch count.
Get all those guys back, and it’s a different team. Get all those guys back, and Baker gets on a hot streak, you have a team that can make a legit run.
All comes down to health, and Baker getting hot at the right time.
Well, assuming the Bucs make the playoffs.
November 24th, 2025 at 1:25 pm
Mhystc Says:
November 24th, 2025 at 10:38 am
Cade Otton is terrible.. why doesn’t he wear gloves ? I remember hearing Brady made him wear gloves. Now the gloves are off again..
———
In fairness… he caught the ball, had two knees down, then the ball was taken from him. Clearly, not an INT, the play was dead. There’s no football move if you have literally two knees down while holding the ball. A complete and total BS call. Just like the fake news nonsense in Detroit where they changed the rules of the game to say a tie goes to the defense when catching the ball. Two of the worst calls we’ve seen in the last 20-years.
So some really bad “luck” on his behalf.
November 24th, 2025 at 1:41 pm
“”Bowles needs to go and sorry, so does Jason Licht. It’s time to blow it up.. bring in an offensive minded coach, Klint Kubiak, Mike LaFleur, hell bring in Gruden for all I care.. just get bowles the hell out.””
AMEN TO THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 24th, 2025 at 1:42 pm
If I were the GM or owner of the Bucs I would take a STRONG look at Dan Lanning. He’s prob not leaving college, BUT I would at least make ‘the call’ to gauge his interest in coaching in THE NFL. And, I would offer HIM top of the market $$$$, and whatever it took.
November 24th, 2025 at 2:04 pm
Looking up the PFF stats, not that they mean much, but just for fun.
Godwin had exactly 20 snaps according to them, was in the slot on 60% of the snaps. 2nd highest rated receiver on the team behind Tez – not that any receiver had a good night according to this.
Meanwhile at RB, White again had a good night. Was the teams top rated pass blocker, like he is most weeks. Also was the highest rated rusher, again. Only got 7 rushes, but ran at a 5.8 ypc clip.
Tucker was OK, 3rd highest rated rusher on the night after White and Baker. 3.5 ypc average on 12 carries. They claim he actually had a good night blocking, which is shocking, but then I looked and it was 1 pass block, in total, so not much there – but hey, he didn’t mess it up!
November 24th, 2025 at 6:11 pm
Them sitting chris was the only smart thing they did..they should of sat David vea Winfield and Wirf … garbage time you play your garbage players like teddy Bridgewater who is complete 🗑..
Letting Trask go was dumb fn move..Bridgewater is who we thought he was a bum