Bruce Arians Blasts Buccaneers’ Effort
December 10th, 2025
Uh, oh.
The senior advisor to Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht did not like what he saw Sunday at The Licht House.
Joe knows things are bad when Bucco Bruce Arians is wagging a public finger at his team and acknowledging the warmth under the seat of his handpicked successor.
Arians, when he’s not golfing, helping children or advising Licht, is a paid in-studio guest on The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN TV.
Yesterday, Arians was asked about the Bucs’ surprising loss to the Saints and their overall fall from grace atop the NFC.
“Yeah, I think the Bucs are getting healthier but that was a bad, bad loss,” Arians said. “I did not like the energy that they showed up with, starting with the opening kickoff and [the Saints] running it back 60 yards, whatever it was.
“The Bucs were just not there. You know, they’ve got the Panthers twice, and I think that will be the telltale sign. They’ve got Thursday Night Football with the Falcons this week. Must win.”
McAfee followed up Arians’ comments by telling the Bucs Super Bowl-winning head coach that Todd Bowles’ name is under some heat.
Bowles didn’t swat that take away like a gnat or scream fake news.
“Lotta heat,” Arians shot back. “And when you lose games like that, it’s going to happen.”
Joe finds it stunning Arians didn’t seize that national TV opportunity to defend Bowles. Just a week ago, Arians was picking the Bucs as his choice to emerge from the NFC in late January.
It’s always a major red flag, as Joe has noted for years, when a team’s effort is questioned. Dangerous territory for a head coach.
December 10th, 2025 at 1:14 pm
Jason licht seems like such a smart guy but I have no idea what the hell he sees in Bowles all these years. Open your eyes Jason.
December 10th, 2025 at 1:16 pm
Seems like Arians is baffled by this team. He can join the “in” crowd.
December 10th, 2025 at 1:17 pm
If only BA didnt saddle Brady and now Mayfield with strong arming Bowel-movment as the HC.
December 10th, 2025 at 1:17 pm
Look in the mirror BA !
December 10th, 2025 at 1:19 pm
I wish Arians would give it 1 more run and come back
December 10th, 2025 at 1:28 pm
Wish someone would press him on the disconnect between his previous weeks comment.
December 10th, 2025 at 1:30 pm
What’s to defend?
December 10th, 2025 at 1:32 pm
Just come back and coach, B.A. Please. I’d even be cool with Todd staying DC if Bruce came back.
December 10th, 2025 at 1:33 pm
Well if everyone is being honest, how can you defend the fact that the team just didn’t show up. You could see it on their faces even before the game started. No way Arians ever defends this effort. A bad loss will happen, but a loss that comes from lack of motivation can never happen. That’s Karma for keeping the special teams coordinator who’s now lost several games for us.
December 10th, 2025 at 1:36 pm
Ur coach doesn’t show any energy why should the players
December 10th, 2025 at 1:41 pm
If we’re not playing good football, there’s no point in being in the playoffs. If we aren’t peaking, no point, quick exit vs any hungry, balanced playoff team. Furthermore, it’s fitting that we have to play and beat the teams in our division in order to get in. Fact is- we split with the Saints this year. We soon shall see w ATL, could be a split. Then two games to decide vs CAR. The rightful team will prevail. We still hold our own destiny. The best team will win. It is what it is.
December 10th, 2025 at 1:43 pm
We have four games to get on a 4 game win streak, only way we do anything in the playoffs anyway, is if we aren’t peaking playing with a spark
December 10th, 2025 at 1:44 pm
*are playing with a spark
December 10th, 2025 at 1:44 pm
*are peaking and playing with a spark
December 10th, 2025 at 1:45 pm
I know they are beatup, bruised and batter. But effort should be required on every play. A play last for under 10 seconds and if you are not mentally tough to give max effort for 10 seconds get out of football.
December 10th, 2025 at 1:49 pm
BA isn’t coming back. He’s not gonna do that to Bowles. If the Glazers fire Bowles, I think he’ll bow out as “senior advisor” as well. Not that I think he does anything, anyway.
I’m 50/50 on Licht. Bowles is not his hire. He’s really only hired two coaches- Koetter and BA. Bowles was forced on him by whatever arrangement BA and the Glazers had in that regard.
He should have fired McGauhey after Sunday’s loss. Special teams have been horrid all year. You’d think he’s coaching the special olympics instead of special teams.
While I think he’s already cooked, if he loses to the Falcons, he’s through. Especially if the team quits on him again.
December 10th, 2025 at 1:50 pm
SB~LV Says:
December 10th, 2025 at 1:17 pm
Look in the mirror BA !
Are you saying Arians was a bad head coach? Excuse me for questioning a rhetorical question, but your comment was hard to believe.
Other than winning two-time AP NFL Coach of the Year (2012, 2014) honors and the Super Bowl with the Bucs, if Arians is horrible in your mind, Bowles must be the worst coach in the history of football.
Or … if I’m wrong and you think Bowles is the superior of the two, please explain.
They say everything can be rationalized to some degree, so please have at it.
December 10th, 2025 at 1:53 pm
If the Glazers are gonna pick the coach in a side deal, why does Licht have a job? Greenberg is the brains with cap and contract.
Licht just throws darts at a wall to make draft picks, apparently.
December 10th, 2025 at 1:53 pm
we miss him
December 10th, 2025 at 1:53 pm
Jim hit it right on the nose with the effort, or lack thereof.
If you are in the thick of a playoff run and you can’t get excited to play a must win/should win game and the gm decides to bring in a 37 year old off the street to help with it – how was arians going to defend that? If he would have, PM would understandably laughed him off camera.
And good on them for calling it out. Needs to be.
December 10th, 2025 at 1:58 pm
Let me take you back to the first 3 games…
We were giddy with the 3 scrappy victories
Looking back it’s clear that this has never been a good team, certainly not a NFC CHAMPIONSHIP team… and the NFC CHAMPIONSHIP was the next step for the team.
Lots of coal in the stockings hanging in
OBP !
December 10th, 2025 at 1:58 pm
Wonder if the HC is the problem? LMAO!
December 10th, 2025 at 2:00 pm
Who cares what BA says most overrated coach we ever had here. If we don’t sign Tom Brady he was about to lose his job here.
December 10th, 2025 at 2:01 pm
This team would not perform like it has under BA!! There is a serious lack of leadership and intensity in the locker room!! JPP signing was a scream for help/last ditch effort to right this sad sad sad ship.
Whatcha gon do Tampa???
December 10th, 2025 at 2:01 pm
Jason Licht needs to go too! Name something he has done besides hire bruce arians.. tom brady came to us cause no one else wanted him, then he tried to take off to the Miami Dolphins in the middle of Bruce Arians Tenure… antonio brown, gronk, fournette, suh.. all those guys came because of tom not licht. Fire Licht too! He can go join spytek with the sorry raiders.. or his old right hand man Jon Robinson in the unemployment line.
December 10th, 2025 at 2:02 pm
My wife, who usually catches at least part of most Bucs games, is by far not a diehard, but she picks up on a thing or two.
For instance …
“Why do all the other team’s coaches yell, scream and fire up their players when that Todd guy just stands there like a statue? He acts like he couldn’t care less if the Bucs win or lose.”
“It’s his way,” I counter.
“Seems like an odd way to inspire your team, and stop throwing things at the TV,” she orders.
December 10th, 2025 at 2:03 pm
Technically from what you quoted, he didn’t say “effort”, he just said “energy”. A little different nuance and not as bad for the coach.
Energy could just mean they were all sick or injured or something. Effort means they could have done it but just didn’t care to.
December 10th, 2025 at 2:04 pm
BA was the one who forced Bowles on this organization.
After this dumpster fire of a season comes to it’s inevitable end, he and Todd should leave.
Licht gets a pass for bringing in Brady and getting SB title #2. He’s safe.
And he was able to clean up past mistakes like Winston and pivot successfully.
Now he must do it again. With an entirely new coaching staff.
December 10th, 2025 at 2:10 pm
SB~LV Says:
December 10th, 2025 at 1:58 pm
Let me take you back to the first 3 games…
We were giddy with the 3 scrappy victories
Yeah, that was fun. But don’t include me in thinking three lucky wins was a trip to the Super Bowl. I was never on the Bowles bandwagon.
Seems like a nice guy, but my choice after last season was to show him the door and promote Coen.
December 10th, 2025 at 2:13 pm
Fire Todd
December 10th, 2025 at 2:14 pm
Too bad they let Coen get way. Jaguars 9-4
December 10th, 2025 at 2:18 pm
There is no surprise in Arians not defending the bucs what is there to defend he would lose all credibility defending the debacle Todd rolls out every week that seat no longer exists it’s been burnt out of existence.
December 10th, 2025 at 2:22 pm
Jason Licht isn’t drafting busts, his plan for building a Super Bowl winning team is the bust. Uh he’s the one who needs to blow that trash plan and start over over
December 10th, 2025 at 2:22 pm
I miss Arians too. No BS. Treat the like men and earn your respect.
But when you call them boys the respect is gone. Then you keep plain your defensive scheme without adjustments then you lose your defense.
December 10th, 2025 at 2:27 pm
SOUNDS LIKE BA “KNOWS SOME THINGS” LOL….aka richard sherman
GO BUCS!!!!
December 10th, 2025 at 2:36 pm
Yup knows what we all know this team is cooked.
December 10th, 2025 at 2:45 pm
Arians looks healthy and energetic! Tan and ready!
December 10th, 2025 at 2:45 pm
win 3-4 more games or Bowles is toast
even with 3-4 more wins, it’s time to make a change
effort and hustle have to be coached up
December 10th, 2025 at 2:49 pm
Bowles personality is rubbing off on his players and actually its been that way for quite some time. Its just that he has been lucky to get by up until now because the rest of the division stinks. He never calls anyone out, never benches anyone, and he won’t replace any of his sleepy assistant coaches ( Thomas McGaughey should be at home and out of a job.) So, this is where we are. The rest of the season will dictate where this goes but I think we all have a pretty good idea where this is going. You are running out of time Todd. Wake up!
December 10th, 2025 at 2:50 pm
only way bowles keeps his job is if the BUCS make the NFC Championship game…
anything less, he gon lol
GO BUCS!!!!
December 10th, 2025 at 2:59 pm
JA
BA is supposed to be a objective big picture observer and confidant to the Glazers and JL, of course he has a difficult conflict of interest (mirror)
Because he was the original Bowles HC vote and nomination.
The peanut gallery has been observing the trends and weaknesses for 3 years now. We get giddy and believe in the hype about the FA’s and draft picks
FWD…. same ole same ole updated with different names
It’s more than just players now
There is a communication/chemistry/ motivation problem that is persistent
December 10th, 2025 at 3:05 pm
Evans and McMillan just both activated!
December 10th, 2025 at 3:08 pm
Also activating Evans and McMillan today means they were absolutely read to go on Sunday, but like Baker said last week, he didn’t need them to win… and the Bucs believed it. Baker was wrong, and got badly outplayed by a rookie.
Finally time for Baker to hit the accelerator and break out of his 2 month slump – it’s now or never. I’m betting big on him for Thursday, literal cash. Don’t let me down little fella.
December 10th, 2025 at 3:09 pm
If the Bucs lose Thursday, it only hurts the Falcons draft status and cements the end of Bowles rein. All good things.
I never root against the Bucs, but we all see the writing on the wall. Lack of energy, being bored, lack of effort, lost locker room…. It coming to an end and more exciting years are ahead.
December 10th, 2025 at 3:13 pm
Joe finds it stunning Arians didn’t seize that national TV opportunity to defend Bowles. Just a week ago, Arians was picking the Bucs as his choice to emerge from the NFC in late January.
———–
Arians is the same guy who would chew out Brady, and that loss on Sunday was the first loss all season where Bucs lost to a team that was worst than them.
Again, what I don’t get, is how Brady can get chewed out – but Baker is off limits for even mild criticism when he throws for 122 yards, an INT, has the ball in his hands with a chance to win the game and goes 4 and out. If my memory serves me right, doesn’t Baker actually respond well to criticism? Maybe a kick in the rear would actually get him back on track.
December 10th, 2025 at 3:17 pm
‘74 Bucs Fan Says:
December 10th, 2025 at 3:09 pm
If the Bucs lose Thursday, it only hurts the Falcons draft status and cements the end of Bowles rein. All good things.
————
Yeah, you keep thinking that.
The Bucs signed Bowles to an extension and they guaranteed like $40M to Baker next year. All you people rooting against the Bucs, wanting them to fail – thinking it’s going to magically fix everything, you’re just going to be spinning your wheels and we’re right back with the same cast next year. They’re not going to fire the entire staff with a fairly old roster and lots of guaranteed money. They’re going to give it another go next year one last time, so you might as well hope the Bucs actually win instead of rooting for failure.
December 10th, 2025 at 3:18 pm
Simple question….do you think this team exactly as it is, plays better or worse with Arians as HC? Grizzard is OC no different than Leftwich. Bowles remains DC.
I think they look much better with Arians and that’s the sad reality of Bowles. This team lacks a leader they believe knows what it takes to win. Arians would light a fire under this team each and every practice, game, play, etc. He’s no nonsense and demands accountability. So it’s not a matter of OC or DC or even injuries…..it’s coaching plain and simple. We won a SB and went deep in playoffs with Leftwich as OC and Arians as HC. We lost against the Rams because Bowles calls in all out blitz leaving Kupp wide open to seal the game. The issue is Bowles. His leadership, personality, game management, play calling…..it’s not good enough. Put him in any other division and he doesn’t make the playoffs. We’ve squeaked in at 8-9 and 9-8….thats pitiful for a division.
December 10th, 2025 at 3:20 pm
Alot of this is on Arians. Arians knew how to run an NFL offense, but not how to pick a coach. He left the Bucs with Leftwich and forced Bowles on the Bucs. Bucs have wasted this year’s team having Bowles as its head coach.
December 10th, 2025 at 3:27 pm
ocala Says:
December 10th, 2025 at 3:20 pm
Alot of this is on Arians. Arians knew how to run an NFL offense, but not how to pick a coach.
———–
Well here’s the thing… a football coach, coaches the team. He’s not the GM, doesn’t determine the line of succession.
December 10th, 2025 at 3:31 pm
Agreed with BobbyM.
December 10th, 2025 at 3:37 pm
If money is an issue, the force Bowles to hire a DC in the offseason. Then we are still stuck with Bowles making poor decisions in the game. Like how many times are you going to kick the ball to their returner after they create half a field for their offense to score. (Bills game)???????
December 10th, 2025 at 3:40 pm
Rod,
I’m expecting big things from Baker and the Bucs on TNF at home! Time to break the cycle and whip some bird booty. Can’t stand the thought of “you like that!” Kirk and “Youngry” Raheem winning when we need it more than ever.
December 10th, 2025 at 3:47 pm
Even Bruce is tired of Todd!
December 10th, 2025 at 3:48 pm
Isn’t BA on the payroll?
Dude needs to earn his $$$ and give Todd Blows some advice. Todd seems to just let the players do what they want and doesn’t hold anyone accountable
December 10th, 2025 at 3:48 pm
Bring him back for the playoff! Just make a change, what do we have to lose? Bring in Chucky. A change like that will reignite the players.
December 10th, 2025 at 3:49 pm
As I look around the league right now, we’ve got several teams with high-profile coaches that have records similar to or worse than ours. A common thread seems to be that their teams have lost quite a few ‘player-games’ (games that players couldn’t play in because of injuries). For reference, the Bucs have now lost 149 ‘player-games’ on the season.
o Chiefs: Andy Reid’s team is sitting at 6-7, and they’ve lost 4 of their last 5 games. Injuries have been a factor, but I’m guessing the monstrous salary CAP hits from Mahomes, Taylor, Kelce & Jones has limited what they can pay for DEPTH. They’ve now lost 150 ‘player-games’.
o Ravens: Jim Harbaugh’s team is also sitting at 6-7, and have lost 2 in a row (after going on an earlier 4-game losing streak). Injuries have taken their toll, and like the Chiefs, Ravens have some huge CAP hits for Lamar & several others. They’ve now lost 116 ‘player-games’.
o Washington: Dan Quinn’s team is sitting at 3-10, and has now lost 8 in a row. Last year they did very well, finishing 12-5 and knocking us off in Rnd 1 of he playoffs. This year injuries have taken a huge toll, and they’re in freefall. They’ve now lost 144 ‘player-games’.
o Vikings: Kevin O’Connell’s team is sitting at 5-8, and has now lost 6 of their last 8 games. Last year they finished 14-3 with Sam Darnold at the helm, but let him walk & has started JJ McCarthy, Carson Wentz & Max Brosmer this season. Their defense has slipped a little this season, but their offense is in freefall & doing terrible. They’ve now lost 128 ‘player-games’.
Four teams with long-time head coaches, 3 of whom have offensive backgrounds. Injuries don’t seem to care. Bills appear to have lost the most ‘player-games’ thus far this season … 176. In our division, Bucs have lost 149 as mentioned, Falcons (4-9) have lost 151, Saints (3-10) have lost 162, and the Panthers (7-6) have been the healthiest at 121. The Jags (9-4) BTW have been very healthy this season, and have only lost 87 ‘player-games’.
I’m guessing the rule is … ‘Stay healthy’. And if you can’t stay healthy … have a LOT of DEPTH.
December 10th, 2025 at 3:58 pm
The Licht Days/Daze before Arians were dark…he won 1 out of every 3 games…worse than Dominik. Big Brother Bruce can’t continue to cover for this team…which looks and feels cooked. It happens…who’s leading any organization matters. BUC “stock” is way down…with room to go.
December 10th, 2025 at 4:02 pm
I see Hot Rod Mulch is doing his “contrarian” thing this week. Displaying “positivity” when typically he roots for Baker to fail so he can be proven “right”.
We’re onto you and your junior high girl games, Hot Rod.
Admittedly it makes the comment section more interesting for dramatic effect. But we’re onto you nonetheless.
December 10th, 2025 at 4:17 pm
Mike McCarthey is a proven experienced coach who is available. Bucs need him and a complete shake up of the coaching staff.
December 10th, 2025 at 4:22 pm
That loss to the saints is unforgivable Buc fans. Totally unforgivable. If Bowles loses to the Falcons? The Glazers need to fire him on the spot. They should have fired him after the Saints loss to be honest.
December 10th, 2025 at 4:33 pm
If Bowles gets fired you have to wonder if Licht is gone also. Some how Licht has survived 2 or 3 head coaching changes. Which most GM are lucky if they even survive one.
December 10th, 2025 at 4:33 pm
I said it in 21 and it’s still true, Bowles should be in jail for mishandling the team
December 10th, 2025 at 4:37 pm
“BucsFan81 Says:
December 10th, 2025 at 4:33 pm
If Bowles gets fired you have to wonder if Licht is gone also. Some how Licht has survived 2 or 3 head coaching changes. Which most GM are lucky if they even survive one.”
He’s been on for three, but really only responsible for two. Koetter was a bust, Arians was a home run. He’s been stuck with Bowles – i really don’t think he had much of a choice in that matter. Besides, the Glazers are the ultimate decision makers on the head coach, anyway.
December 10th, 2025 at 4:42 pm
This article never mentions it was Arians who recommended hiring an incompetent coach. Arians knew it and especially our two brother owners knew it. Their father would of never committed to this hire. Buccaneers are just playing out the season at this point. Bowles had no business continuing as head coach. Ownership always does what’s easy. Not what is right. Past has shown it. Tampa bay faithful are not deemed as most important to these two owners.
December 10th, 2025 at 4:43 pm
Putting in Morrison and letting us lose because of it was the downfall of this season. Everybody on that team thinks hes a B.S. artist now. They lost all trust and faith im Blows. Thats the stuff you do when your season is over not when your winning idiot.
December 10th, 2025 at 4:46 pm
Hey Rid,
“Well here’s the thing… a football coach, coaches the team. He’s not the GM, doesn’t determine the line of succession.”
According to Joe, Bud Licht doesn’t determine the line of succession. Not really sure what Bud Licht is responsible for then, other than making bad draft choices.
I gotta get me a job that pays me for suggestions…
December 10th, 2025 at 4:48 pm
All you need to know about Bud Licht is that Lovie Smith chose him for GM.
Lovie- Freaking- Smith
December 10th, 2025 at 4:50 pm
D looks like they’ve given up on todd. We’ll start improving once he’s gone.
December 10th, 2025 at 4:52 pm
If he’s a paid advisor, WTF is the advise? How about advise Licht, and team Glazer it’s time to fire his hand picked successor?
December 10th, 2025 at 4:58 pm
Winny Testaverde – hey dummy, miss the part about putting literal money on the line. It’s time for Baker to wake up and stop playing like trash – and I actually think this is the week. We shall see. But one thing is for certain, no matter how he plays, you’ll be there to tell everyone he either did it single handedly, or it’s not his fault, everyone let him down, and he’s injured.
December 10th, 2025 at 4:58 pm
Gipper Says:
December 10th, 2025 at 4:17 pm
Mike McCarthey is a proven experienced coach who is available.
———-
You are pure evil wishing him on this franchise.
December 10th, 2025 at 5:09 pm
Why on earth did they extend him??? That is money down the drain. Hopefully that won’t be an issue to them if they decide to move on like many other teams do such as the Panthers. Who have now found a good coach while still probably paying another.
December 10th, 2025 at 5:18 pm
Munch,
McCarthy has a .600 record as head coach 185-120. He would be much like Andy Reid at KC. Naturally you would be opposed.
December 10th, 2025 at 5:19 pm
The team has tuned the Bowelszo out. And it’s obvious he doesn’t even know how to run practices during the week to correct any of the many repeating mistakes, busts, whiffs. He is toast. Jason has his replacement list. Let’s get on it.
December 10th, 2025 at 5:25 pm
Well bruce that’s your boy that was handed the job he didnt earn. Radio blows!
December 10th, 2025 at 5:36 pm
Gipper – McCarthy is literally a mirror version of Todd Bowles.
Only a Baker Boi would actually want him as their head coach.
December 10th, 2025 at 5:40 pm
MAKE B.A. HC AGAIN
December 10th, 2025 at 5:47 pm
BA just rode Brady’s coattail.
December 10th, 2025 at 5:49 pm
He’s a senior advisor. He’s part of the problem!!!
LOL…HELLLLLOOOOOOO
Arians forced Bowles on us. Fire this moron
December 10th, 2025 at 5:58 pm
Hairdresser Hot Rod fired back! We get it…you bet the lady stylist next to you a lattè that Baker would have a good game. I’m sure Baker would be very concerned that a pear shaped beautician like yourself doesn’t think he’s “consistent”. Good luck on the bet…and hello to your Golden Girls co-workers & “clients”.
December 10th, 2025 at 6:00 pm
Munch, figuratively speaking you are the little fella!
December 10th, 2025 at 6:01 pm
Winny Testaverde Says:
December 10th, 2025 at 5:58 pm
Hairdresser Hot Rod fired back! We get it…you bet the lady stylist next to you a lattè that Baker would have a good game. I’m sure Baker would be very concerned that a pear shaped beautician like yourself doesn’t think he’s “consistent”. Good luck on the bet…and hello to your Golden Girls co-workers & “clients”.
———-
Yikes… some of your most embarrassing stuff yet.
Good job if your goal was being cringe.
December 10th, 2025 at 6:06 pm
An old pear shaped fella who’s proudly a hairdresser calling anyone or anything embarrassing is like Danny Devito calling calling someone short and fugly.
Hot Rod Mulch…keyboard karate expert since 2005.
December 10th, 2025 at 6:25 pm
Munch,
And if they win, you’ll be the one that says that it proves he needs everything perfect around him to win. If he throws for 350 yards and 5 touchdowns you’ll say anybody can do that with all those weapons. And if they lose, you’ll say he is absolutely trash. By the way dummy, how do you put money on a team that is lead by a quarterback that you abhor and have so little faith in? What kind of a dummy does that!
December 10th, 2025 at 6:32 pm
What BA said. … He was just being honest and realistic.
I was extremely depressed after the Saints’ game. What I saw was not forgiven by the bad weather. Grizzard was exposed. The defense didn’t show very well either.
Thursday night should expose the character of this team. Maybe, I had too much faith in them. We shall see.
Anyway, Go Bucs!!
December 10th, 2025 at 7:51 pm
Oscar Says:
December 10th, 2025 at 6:25 pm
Munch,
And if they win, you’ll be the one that says that it proves he needs everything perfect around him to win.
———
Uh yeah, that’s pretty much the case for every QB. Also it’s the defense the Baker Boi(s) have used all year, about why Baker has been in a prolonged slump compared to last year, because last year he had a healthy offensive line, and Mike and McMillan was there, and Otton was better, and the OC was better – basically everything was perfect around him.
Also, up until Sunday when he blew the game, I’ve been very gentle on Baker and his lack of production. Early in the year it was the offensive line, which was 100% legit, then losing all the WRs and Bucky, those are all legit issues. Said all year he wasn’t going to play well until he started getting guys back, you can’t rely on starting two rookies and a washed up vet (Shepard) at WR and expect that to keep working. You Baker Boi(s) only ever see what you want to see, and I’ve given Baker a ton of slack this year. But on Sunday, he blew the game – and all people did was talk about a defense that gave up 260 yards, got a turnover and 3 sacks, while ignoring Baker and his 122 yards passing and an INT, and the fact he had a chance to win the game and failed.
Baker needs to step it up and catch fire these last four games and then into the playoffs if he wants that big new huge deal. If you don’t want him to do that, if you think he’s playing great, then you’re literally insane.
December 10th, 2025 at 7:57 pm
Rod Munch Says:
December 10th, 2025 at 3:17 pm
‘74 Bucs Fan Says:
December 10th, 2025 at 3:09 pm
If the Bucs lose Thursday, it only hurts the Falcons draft status and cements the end of Bowles rein. All good things.
————
Yeah, you keep thinking that.
The Bucs signed Bowles to an extension and they guaranteed like $40M to Baker next year. All you people rooting against the Bucs, wanting them to fail – thinking it’s going to magically fix everything, you’re just going to be spinning your wheels and we’re right back with the same cast next year. They’re not going to fire the entire staff with a fairly old roster and lots of guaranteed money. They’re going to give it another go next year one last time, so you might as well hope the Bucs actually win instead of rooting for failure.
Glazers had also extended Dungy’s and Gruden’s contracts the year before they were fired. Money is not the issue, Glazers expect steady improvement… regression is the kiss of death. Barring a miraculous turnaround, Bowles is toast.
December 10th, 2025 at 8:05 pm
Wish Arians would come back. Bout time he called out his guy. He hung onto the leftwhich wagon way too long
December 10th, 2025 at 8:14 pm
BucEmUp Says:
December 10th, 2025 at 8:05 pm
Wish Arians would come back.
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Would be a massive upgrade in multiple ways. In addition to him lighting a fire in a way Bowles never can and never will, it would, in theory, mean returning Bowles to DC, where he was excellent. I’m not a non-stop Bowles basher like so many of the dullards on this site, but, even with that said, he’s still clearly in over his head as HC – but as DC, if that’s all he dealt with and nothing else, I think he’d do a really good job and we’d see an immediate improvement.
On the downside, his offense was completely different and is a poor match for Baker – which is not a shot at Baker. Arians offense was a high risk variation of the 1980s Air Coryell offense, where you want a QB to sit back in the pocket and throw it deep, and that’s where Baker struggles – he’s got the arm but lacks consistent accuracy. Also Baker doesn’t like throwing turnovers, which isn’t bad, but is also to the point that he gets happy feet and will hold the ball. Baker, however, is a fantastic fit in the Coen short passing offense where he can use his ability to keep plays alive if he can’t get it out quickly – plus Baker does have excellent short ball accuracy. We saw both schemes work extremely well, and again, it’s not a knock on either system or on Baker, just a reality of what style of QB fits each system best.
But of course that won’t happen, can’t happen, because no one can ever just get demoted, even if everyone knows it would be for the best.
December 10th, 2025 at 8:18 pm
Rod Munch Says:
December 10th, 2025 at 4:58 pm
Gipper Says:
December 10th, 2025 at 4:17 pm
Mike McCarthey is a proven experienced coach who is available.
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You are pure evil wishing him on this franchise.
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LOL. Funniest thing I’ve seen on this site!
December 10th, 2025 at 8:57 pm
Rod
His pass defenses have been the worst in the league almost every single year he’s been here. He’s not a great DC.
There’s no going back to DC. I wouldn’t expect him to take a public demotion, and he won’t.
December 10th, 2025 at 9:03 pm
JL is a smart guy, no idea what he sees in his front 7 and how that doesn’t scream PATHETIC!
December 10th, 2025 at 9:20 pm
Reid…done…Tomlin….done…bowles…done
no more dinosaurs
fire everyone
December 10th, 2025 at 9:48 pm
Arians is spot on and calling it exactly like anyone who isn’t a total homer sees it.
Can’t defend the indefensible.
There are ZERO excuses for that pathetic, uninspired, cowardly play. Arians would have ripped the entire team a new ahole during halftime if he was head coach. But Todd Bowles probably just stood there with that same confused look he always has.
It could not be more obvious to me that 90% of this team has quit on the head coach, and quit on each other. Sad times.
I said it as soon as the Lions game started – something changed with this team. They have not been the same since. In any way whatsoever.
December 10th, 2025 at 10:14 pm
Colin Robinson has zapped the energy from this team. It’s not coming back.
December 10th, 2025 at 10:39 pm
Licht needs to build a Winner , Manage a Winner …… he gets too caught up and being cute and trying to impress/surprise people. He Smurfs and doadal s around in the attention of the surprise……….the praise of look at my one find …. He needs to just build and manage a winner…….. You can’t allow kickoff coverage to be this bad 10+ games into the season. You just can’t allow that…….. we work on it every week. It’s not the answer heads of got a role and things have got change if they don’t you’ll lose to the Saints it’s not hard math !!
December 10th, 2025 at 11:04 pm
F it. lets suck the rest of the way for LB Sonny! We’ll need to be about 12-15 in the draft.
December 10th, 2025 at 11:39 pm
Who is Colin Robinson?
December 11th, 2025 at 12:02 am
The defensive roster is hot garbage. Coaching only gets you so far.
Zyon trash.. they paid him (injury prone Dean the best CB on the team)
Diaby a JAG and the best pass rusher on the team..
Lavonte is a liability and the best LB on the team (sad)
Vea the only good player on the line.
The defensive players are garbage, the missed tackles, the slow to react and get to positions.. its bad
December 11th, 2025 at 12:22 am
I think what some of the commenters here fail to realize is that the 2019 Bucs (7-9) ARE the Bucs under the BA-Licht regime – BA and Arians got on the phone with Brady, then Brady came down here and straightened everybody out while BA and Licht sat in the corner giggling and sipping bourbon – the idea that BA and Licht were responsible for the SB win is preposterous – when Brady left, the Bucs reverted to an ok-meh team as they were in 2019 – did Licht make some good draft picks ? sure, but so does the average fantasy GM – is BA a good coach ? not terrible but what continuity did he leave after he left ? Bowles and mediocrity – time to clean house
December 11th, 2025 at 12:24 am
Jmarkbuc Says:
December 10th, 2025 at 8:57 pm
Rod
His pass defenses have been the worst in the league almost every single year he’s been here. He’s not a great DC.
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Points against is the stat I care about.
2019 – #28th – remember they started the year on pace to be the worst passing defense of all time, ended on a hot streak, the entire reason Brady came here.
2020 – #8th – won SB, defense was on fire in the playoffs, destroy Mahomes in the SB.
2021 – #5th – even with massive injuries in the secondary, still finished 5th.
So in the three years as the DC, they improved from 28th to 5th. That’s pretty good – and the defensive schemes were much more sound overall. It wasn’t nearly as bland and predictable as it is now, and we saw it being a lot more aggressive. Likely because Arians was coach and demanding it. We saw in 2022 when Arians was no longer there the edge disappear from both the offense and defense, which carries through to today.
December 11th, 2025 at 12:27 am
NotAlichtFan Says:
December 11th, 2025 at 12:22 am
I think what some of the commenters here fail to realize is that the 2019 Bucs (7-9) ARE the Bucs under the BA-Licht regime
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And what you fail to realize is that team should have been 9-7, except Matt Gay personally lost two games on his own. Also you had a new scheme on both sides of the ball, and a defense that early in the year was on a historically bad pace.
The reason Brady came here because of the team that Licht built and Arians coached.
December 11th, 2025 at 12:34 am
actually meant to say BA and Licht got on the phone with Brady
December 11th, 2025 at 12:50 am
Everyone on here is always saying that the Bucs were a great team in 2019 just READY to win a SB after the brilliant roster construction of Licht – since the SB in 2002 the Bucs had ZERO playoff wins until Brady won FIVE in two years, after which Bowles introduced Cooper Kupp to Winfield Jr – since Brady left the Bucs have won ONE – NOBODY is afraid of the Bucs as they are of elite teams like the Chiefs, Ravens, etc. – the idea that Licht is anything better than average is what keeps this team from actually BEING elite
December 11th, 2025 at 12:53 am
i’m telling you this storyline is getting interesting…
like the wwe…
it’s like what’s next on the bucs-land rollercoaster ride…
will BA return and todd willingly slide over into the DC position…totally feasible since it’s can sort of make sense without insulting anyone…sorta…kinda…maybe…
or is chucky all lubed up and ready to go – and waiting in the wangs…!
let the games begin…
it’s a bucs life…here yee here yee here yeeeee !
December 11th, 2025 at 2:31 am
Is he still employed by the team or not? Sure is alot of “the Bucs” and “they” in his talk rather than “we” for a guy that supposedly has a title and role with the organization.
December 11th, 2025 at 8:43 am
Our special teams have had serious issues all year long. No surprise. Our normally staid and dependable defense, which started out strong at the beginning of the season, is looking tired and old. The injuries too the offense haven’t helped and even after getting healthier the receivers keep dropping balls. Baker Mayfield cannot continue to carry the team on his shoulders. Bowles needs to go. We need an offensive-oriented HC who can either maximize Baker and the offense or go in a different directiion. I like Baker a lot, but sometimes he makes boneheaded decisions when throwing the ball. Fire Bowles, retool both the offensive line and the defensive line and mininally try to win the division every year. You cannot get to the superbowl unless you fix all these items. Go Bucs.