“We’ve Got To Get Over It”
December 9th, 2025
Purging Sunday’s memory.
The Bucs don’t have time to lick their wounds.
After a shocking, depressing, galling, collapse in the rain against a pitiful team that was in the running for Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the slimy Saints, Joe figures a stunt like that could put a team in a funk for the rest of a four-game regular season.
Bucs playoff chances now hang in the balance.
Once thought a potential No. 1 seed, the Bucs may not make the playoffs. Is Todd Bowles’ team mentally tough enough to get through this minefield? Bowles was asked how his team had reacted to the loss on Sunday.
“Professionally,” Bowles said. “We lost [Sunday] and we’ve got to get over it. We’ve got be big boys, we’ve got to get over it and own what we did.
“We’ve got to get better at things we need to get better at. We’ve got to look in the mirror – we understand that as a group we’ve been through this before, but it’s different every single year and every time [we] do it.”
Things the Bucs have to get better at? It may have been easier for Bowles to say what the Bucs are doing right. That would be a much shorter list.
Catching the ball, tackling, playing decent pass defense, getting sacks from the edge, pass blocking, defending kickoffs, defending intermediate passes over the middle. Is that about all? It’s enough!
There are way too many things to fix for Joe to have much confidence. Joe has typed it before and will type it again: Joe does not know how you fix a defense in December. By December, what a team is good at or bad at is the team’s identity.
The time to fix things was at the trade deadline. Now, the Bucs look like drowning men frantically reaching for a life preserver by signing has-beens who haven’t played in over two years to the practice squad.
“We’ve got to come out Thursday and we’ve got to correct [mistakes],” Bowles said.
And look what they have to correct: Coming to town is a guy, Kirk “509” Cousins, who threw for a total of 785 yards and eight touchdowns in two games against the Bucs’ defense last season.
Criminal!
December 9th, 2025 at 7:19 am
‘Joe does not know how you fix a defense in December. By December, what a team is good at or bad at is the team’s identity.’
I’m convinced that Todd & his coaching staff has lost this defense. They lack confidence in themselves and more importantly, in each other. Every position group in this defense is struggling right now. How you fix something like that, without infusing better talent & better coaches, is far beyond me.
December 9th, 2025 at 7:24 am
Every time Bowels opens his yapper I’m more convinced he’s an absolute disaster of an NFL HC. Lets end this charade.
December 9th, 2025 at 7:28 am
Here’s a idea. Let B.A. Senior Adviser of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers advise Grizz and offense from the sidelines for the remaining games of contention. Let Todd focus nothing other than the defense.
December 9th, 2025 at 7:30 am
I thought this was a locker room full of [I am] that man.” While the world has has come around to Todd’s many coaching shortcomings, the big reveal this year is what a fraud Jason Licht is. You may get off your knees in reverence for: his 4th round “gems.” Where are they now? His OL prowess that lacks depth; the culture of quitters he’s assembled; his “jump the shark” resigning of injury prone homer picks, unproven 3rd yr guys who get paid then go idle, and under performing coaches; his absolute FA apathy in the absence of BA; and his love for washed out FAs. Licht is the Gruden of GMs. Sure they can install some fancy marble in your kitchen if you tell them to, but they can’t build a house
December 9th, 2025 at 7:30 am
Let’s all be honest. The Bowles era has run its course. It is time for a New thought process to lead this team. The Defense has become indefensible. Every Crappy QB has the best game of their career when they face the Bucs D. Todd has hit his ceiling and so has this team with him at the Helm.
December 9th, 2025 at 7:45 am
This is bad.
This whole franchise doesn’t hate losing.
December 9th, 2025 at 7:46 am
Fire him now and start your search for a new coach so he can assemble a new staff .
December 9th, 2025 at 7:56 am
“We’re close to putting all three phases together”
The comment is either delusional or it’s a deflection because you have no answers
In either scenario it’s a bad look and one that the players and owners surely noticed.
December 9th, 2025 at 7:56 am
Hey. They just have to ‘execute’. Im not sure they can pull out of this. If we lose Thursday its a for sure thing. And another loss would not surprise me at all.
December 9th, 2025 at 8:00 am
Boy?… who you calling a boy, Todd?
December 9th, 2025 at 8:07 am
Freaking coach talk. How about putting a boot in their a$$?
December 9th, 2025 at 8:12 am
It is quite simple. To make enough noise that elicits change is not with ones words. It is with one’s wallet. stop going to the games, stop buying the gear. and when ownership asks why? Well. Just tell them whats on yalls mind.
December 9th, 2025 at 8:12 am
Yes !
Your coaching gig with the Bucs as Head Coach!
💩💩💩💩💩
December 9th, 2025 at 8:14 am
this is sad. If this is the end, look for next years team to be missing our favorite players.
The Bucs won’t resign:
Mike Evans
LVD
Vita Vea
Players we as fans connect to. Sad
December 9th, 2025 at 8:14 am
There is nothing about this team that gives me confidence they’ll make the playoffs. We’re simply a bad team at the moment.
December 9th, 2025 at 8:15 am
That boy comment it’s part of the problem. Ask Schiano how it went for him.
Until you see them as men don’t expect integer from them.
SMH
December 9th, 2025 at 8:15 am
^Integrity
December 9th, 2025 at 8:20 am
The whole fan base is gonna have you boycott the Bucs, that is what it’s gonna take to get rid of the coach.
December 9th, 2025 at 8:24 am
Bowles is a dead man walking. He and Licht have failed miserably. I’m embarrassed by their incompetence.
December 9th, 2025 at 8:27 am
Is time for Bowles to retire.
Is there somebody in the coaching staff that could be interim coach this coming Friday? We already know the outcome vs 509.
December 9th, 2025 at 8:28 am
Joe who would you like as an interim coach?
December 9th, 2025 at 8:29 am
Defense rules I agree with u 100% about the defense. I also think something going on at one buccaneer place. For at least 3 of the last 5 games it seems the team just doesn’t have that energy they had the first 6 games of the season. We just got back 2 important pieces in Godwin and Bucky which I figure team should be a lot better however, it seems to be the opposite and this has been same problem for the last 3 years, start strong and just fade away
December 9th, 2025 at 8:31 am
This ought to give lots of comfort to Buc fans for Thurs night’s game….
The Bucs are 1-8 in the last three seasons in primetime under Todd Bowles.
December 9th, 2025 at 8:31 am
How many time have we heard him say that since he has been head coach. Fix this fix that blah blah and it never get fixed.
December 9th, 2025 at 8:40 am
They are playing bad in all 3 phases of the game, except for McLaughlin. He’s definitely our MVP. Maybe we can win if he kicks 10 FG’s Thursday night.
December 9th, 2025 at 8:43 am
“but it’s different every single year and every time [we] do it.”
do what, tank? its the same every time. you tank cause you are average and your culture is a joke. dawg.
someone please fire at least one of these clown coaches. at least one. prove that there isnt a culture of mediocrity and no accountability.
December 9th, 2025 at 8:44 am
Bad offense is extenuating a mediocre defense. Hope with more weapons these guys can go back to scoring 30 points a game. Griz lack of play calling experience is going to get him fired
December 9th, 2025 at 9:04 am
JOE – correct me if I’m wrong but Bowles and the GM both just get contract extensions this year? And if that’s the case then obviously no one‘s going to be parting with them. The obvious fixes are new coordinators on both sides of the ball to change things up, but very doubtful coach relinquishes defensive responsibility so we might be stuck with this same scenario for another year at minimum…
December 9th, 2025 at 9:06 am
I respect Todd, but talk is just talk at this point. You can lead a horse to water, but it doesn’t mean they drink it. Hoping they are having night practices and changing up their daily routine for this Thursday evening to get ready. This is a must win.
Kirk could play well against us as in the past, but then again he could play bad. Our defense needs to step it up, put the pressure on him with no fear.
All I know, I don’t want to hear Kirk say “You like that?!” He seems like a genuine guy, but that line makes me want to throw up. Go Bucs!!
December 9th, 2025 at 9:12 am
Yeah but we have re-signed the most draft picks… When I hear that crap from the team I immediately become nauseous. How about we stop trying to draft the next Mahatma Gandhi and get some bad asses in here? It’s football, you need A holes not choir boys.
December 9th, 2025 at 9:17 am
I think the owners need to face reality. The Gm, head coach,defensive and offensive coordinators are simply not good enough. I agree with many others on this. I would like to see the local sports writers call them out publicly.Maybe someone high up will read our comments. GO BUCS
December 9th, 2025 at 9:22 am
Well there it is was waiting for it gotta coach it better gotta it play it better. Toad you are the biggest reason the team is where it is you have no answers it’s obvious because we are this late into the season and this team is going through the motions. To the freaking 2 win oh my bad 3 win saints wtf is this pack the bags toad time to find someone new.
December 9th, 2025 at 9:23 am
“The time to fix things was at the trade deadline.”
Wrong, Josiah. The time to fix things was last offseason.
There was no one worth throwing good picks at before the trade deadline.
Licht failed. Period.
December 9th, 2025 at 9:28 am
Every time we have a coach with a “complex” system it fails. The only reason BA’s “complex” system worked was Brady altered it
December 9th, 2025 at 9:29 am
Correct, we are all over Bowles and can not wait for him to be shown the door.
I for one will not miss his dumbfounded face at all.
December 9th, 2025 at 9:31 am
@Addb – Arians system actually wasn’t complex though. It was pretty basic 4 verticals stretch the field.
The reason it worked is bc we had like 8 pro bowl / all pro / future HOFers on offense. We saw what happened in 2022 when a few of those guys left- the offense crumbled. It was based on simply being more talented than the opponent.
December 9th, 2025 at 9:32 am
Speaking of trade deadline. Look at the dolphins. Completely given up, trading away pieces, locker room drama, Mike on the firing block.
They’ve pulled their season around and are flirting with a wildcard spot.
What’s going on with the Bucs feels similar to the eagles in 2023. String start, then a losing streak that lagged into the next season. They didn’t blow it up and a year and a half later won a Super Bowl. The answer isn’t always to blow it up, unless you want to be a team like the titans or the browns. We’re better than that, and while I agree we are lacking in all phases, it may be a circumstance where we need an offseason to rehire and re stretghze.
Luckily we’re still in this
December 9th, 2025 at 9:44 am
I doubt if Bowles can get his team ready to play on TNF. The Bucs have won 2 primetime games in the last 3 seasons: the upset in Houston earlier this season and the playoff win over a Philly team that was in freefall in Baker’s first season. The ATL knows they can move the ball on the Bucs. Bijan Robinson will rip some big runs and receptions. Drake London will suddenly become healthy. Kyle Pitts will finally look like a first round draft pick instead of a pathetic bust, Darnell Mooney was disallowed a TD by the refs on Sunday, he will get one or 2 back on Thursday and Cousins will have one heckuva night, perhaps surpassing his 509 yard record total. Thanks Todd for making this season a pathetic and cojone blasting experience for fans. We actually were misled into thinking this team could make some noise, at least Saint fans knew their teaam would be epically bad…….
December 9th, 2025 at 9:45 am
“ “We’ve got to get better at things we need to get better at. We’ve got to look in the mirror – we understand that as a group we’ve been through this before, but it’s different every single year and every time [we] do it.”
No, actually Todd it’s the same every year. Todd must’ve banged his head, he’s a broken record and bad coach. His entire staff except maybe Carberry is bush league.
December 9th, 2025 at 9:48 am
It was a dumb GM move to resign everyone after the SB win. Wasted capital so Bud Licht could have warm fuzzy feels.
The trouble started there.
December 9th, 2025 at 9:49 am
The Bowlezone. 5 to 20 yards down the middle between the hash. Always wide open receivers. Always.
December 9th, 2025 at 9:50 am
If you are Mike Evans, why would you want to come back to this? He has said several times he’s not playing just to collect a check.
He’s been through the Lost Decade. He doesn’t want a repeat of that.
December 9th, 2025 at 9:52 am
Don’t recall one person killing Licht in the spring of 2021 for bringing back the defending champs intact.
If you did, props to you but Joe sure doesn’t recall it.
December 9th, 2025 at 9:56 am
After this game it will be 555 cousins. He will break the nfl passing yards record for a game. We can dream can’t we. Fire over confident mistake prone clueless Bowles!
December 9th, 2025 at 9:57 am
Todd plays the same soft coverage week after week and expects different results
WHAT A CLOWN!!!!
December 9th, 2025 at 9:59 am
Joe, there were quite a few fans that blasted Licht for being complacent and resigning everyone after the 2020 run
He’s a very complacent and reactionary GM. Bucs need pro active decision makers to build a winner and Licht is not it
December 9th, 2025 at 10:02 am
DR is right
and i’ll take it a step further….bowles hasnt just lost the defense, he’s lost the entire team including baker…
bowles has to go…
hire klint kubiak…
trade winfield
GO BUCS!!!!
December 9th, 2025 at 10:06 am
The BA continuity experiment has failed. Let’s just call it.
December 9th, 2025 at 10:10 am
At this level you must play like your pants are on fire to win. It is harder the more comfortable you are. It takes someone special to motivate these players. Even that wears off. The injuries, and everything matter. They play at a high level. It’s just not high enough. You cannot cured stupid which also comes into play. They may rally and play well. I wouldn’t count on it. Atlanta has an axe to grind just like the Ain’ts. These are rivalry games, and the Bucs are prime to get toppled. I like Boles as a coach, but sometimes you have to shake things up to get people motivated. Someone needs to be the example here, or they are done. Boles can either fire his special teams coach or in turn get fired himself. You cannot give up 45 yard returns. That’s where you start. Your defense keys off of field position. Keep them pinned back, and contained. Do not over pursue. Scrap zone, and take away the middle on pass defense. At least give them something to guess about. Simplify things so the idiots can execute. They have proven they are not smart, or motivated enough. If all else fails settle for touchbacks. Limit the damage. On offense run between the tackles. Pull guards or tight ends. The run sets up the pass. Old school.
December 9th, 2025 at 10:11 am
The worst part is, early in the season, Todd has his defense playing aggressively and it was working for the most part. Then he had a game where they gave up a few big plays and he reverted back to his turtle soft Zone coverage but somehow did that without managing to eliminate the chunk plays that came from playing aggressively. Here’s a thought Todd, if you’re going to be giving up chunk plays regardless of how hard or soft you have your defense play, well have them play hard man/press coverage. Doing so will at least spare is the easy completions between giving up huge chunk plays.
Bowles had guts and motivation earlier this year and team was winning. He has been back to his old flat self as of late and lo and behold the team is coming out flat again. It is a direct reflection of the HC and his attitude. Get your fire back now or get out Todd
December 9th, 2025 at 10:14 am
Joe,
I actually did back then. It ain’t rocket science.
I wonder how many Patriot teams tried to resign EVERYONE. It’s just not feasible or correct.
December 9th, 2025 at 10:20 am
Under Bowles this team just hasn’t showed consistently that they are mentally tough and play with heart. Been like this for the last few years despite winning the division. Playoff efforts have not matched the on-paper talent. Teams take on the personality of the HC. See McVay, Vrabel, Peyton, Macdonald, Ryans, Shanahan… hell even Coen & Canales. Most likely time for a change.
December 9th, 2025 at 10:43 am
Joe saying a falcons win will quiet the people no it will absolutely not if you can not not win against a now three win team that’s not trying to win because it screws up their draft pick GTFO pack your bags and get out.
December 9th, 2025 at 10:47 am
After the embarrassing showing on Sunday, I feel like this next game is the perfect scenario. No time to wallow in any self pity because the game is in two days. And it’s a stand alone game on national TV in front of everyone.
Whatever this team is made of will be on full display, for better or worse.
Hoping for one, fearing the other.
December 9th, 2025 at 11:01 am
Todd is on rewind. Blah. Blah. Blah.
December 9th, 2025 at 11:13 am
No one is held accountable, void of passion, discipline, intensity, desire and perseverance, starts with the head coach and trickles down, sad state if affairs for the buccaneer faithful, Thursday night is feeling like a visit to a sick friend at the hospital, hoping for a quick recovery but with little optimism
December 9th, 2025 at 11:44 am
Todd is going for 1-9 in Prime Time games! You can do it Bozo!
December 9th, 2025 at 11:55 am
“We’ve got to get better at things we need to get better at.”
Well Todd, it’s YOUR JOB to make them better. You’ve been saying this all season and they’re not getting better, so maybe it’s time to change your ways or time for us to change coaches.
December 9th, 2025 at 12:20 pm
To say to the coach is the issue you get painted as a racist and you are a bad person… This guy I’m sure is a nice man and a good person but sorry not sorry.. he ain’t it and gotta go.
December 9th, 2025 at 12:24 pm
My prediction, Bucs will get crushed by ATL. Todd will make more incoherent excuses. Todd is fired at season’s end for monumental collapse. Hope I am wrong but this team looks like a train wreck . Both Todd and Jason may not be as smart as they think by starting some of these low draft pick rookie or second or third year players. Weak ass team with a HC that is just too good at making excuses.
December 9th, 2025 at 12:32 pm
lmao im over it
December 9th, 2025 at 12:44 pm
Ira seems to hint that regardless of outcome, Bowles will be back. However, massive changes will be implemented. A healthy o line, a second year for Parrish and Morrison, and above all, a top tier oc ( with baker input) . Not to mention landing some linebacker and edge in free agency.
December 9th, 2025 at 2:16 pm
No, Glazers need to get over you ASAP. When we lose to Atlanta, I am hoping Toilet Bowel will be released of his duties.
December 9th, 2025 at 2:19 pm
If this lousy coach is back next season then this Bud is for you Glazers!!
(middle finger)
December 9th, 2025 at 2:20 pm
If Todd were a musician his blockbuster top hit would be titled, “Just gotta get better”.
The lyrics would go something like this:
“We have to play it better, coach it better, scheme it better, practice better, just do everything better”
“Better, better, better, better, better, better, better, better, better”
There’s a song I could listen to on repeat for 4 straight years and pray for three more years. Sheer bliss!!!
December 9th, 2025 at 8:10 pm
If they crash and burn on Thursday, the Boo Birds will be singing loudly in Primetime.