Charles Woodson: “The Buccaneers Are Cooked”

December 29th, 2025

If the Bucs lose Saturday against the Stinking Panthers, thus ending the season, Joe believes the turning point came on a Thursday night this month.

With the Bucs wearing the creamsicles, no less.

After watching his defense cough up a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter, Bucs coach Todd Bowles had had enough. In his postgame remarks, highly uncharacteristically, Bowles launched into an obscenity-laced diatrabe — basically throwing his hands in the air saying he and his coaches have done all they can do, tried all they can try.

Bowles then said it’s all on his players and if they didn’t give a “s(p)it,” there wasn’t much he could do.

Joe didn’t know if Bowles was fed up with his players or was fed up with the players given to him.

The Bucs haven’t won since.

Hall of Fame cornerback Charles Woodson suggested Bowles wasn’t the only one who was done. So too is his team.

“The Buccaneers are cooked!” Woodson said on FOX yesterday. Woodson went on to explain how when a coach throws in the towel, saying it is all on the players, that never ends well.

Michael Vick agreed alongside Woodson in this segment. Vick thought the Bucs were going to beat Miami but he said the Bucs won’t beat the Stinking Panthers.

Now, the biggest question isn’t so much if the Bucs can win and get in the playoffs or not, it is if Todd Bowles will still be the Bucs’ coach.

38 Responses to “Charles Woodson: “The Buccaneers Are Cooked””

  1. Oregon Buc Says:

    No friggin way on this earth that Bowles can come back to coach this team next year. Great dude but awful head coach. Time to go buddy because you just don’t got it

  2. adam from ny Says:

    absolutely cooked………………………..in the air fryer

  3. Hodad Says:

    Joe, you remember the Maytag repairman commercials, where the lone repairman waited for the phone to ring? That will be the Buc ticket office if Bowles comes back.

  4. adam from ny Says:

    grizzle is the worst OC in the entire league…no debate…
    knock on wood if you’re with me

  5. FortMyersDave Says:

    People in OBP allegedly like Todd and I guess someone is feeding intel to national talking heads like Schefter that are saying Todd is “safe”. However, I did read online that Schefter also reported that Bowles was safe with the Jets in 2016 so he might just be getting intel from a Bowles’ sympathizer.

    I cannot understand how the Glazers will spin things if they retain Bowles. I guess they could launch Licht and make him a scapegoat but doesn’t the GM get the HC launched, not vice versa?????

    I hope the following happens, no matter if the Bucs win or lose on Saturday, the Glazers get their intel and interview everyone. With Bowles, they either tell him option 1: he has to “retire” and accept a promotion to a nice corner office at OBP or option 2: tell him that he has to fire a long list of his ineffective assistants and he himself give up the DC title which he will probably refuse to do and we are back to option one anyhow. Dude has to go, do it diplomatically if you’d like but Bowles cannot be HC next season…..

  6. Stpetematt Says:

    We’ve lost a TON of talent from our offensive linemen and our most important pass rusher for the year plus the new one we drafted for the year. No pass rush will eventually expose any secondary. There are players not trying anymore I agree but this season was screwed from the start with all the WR and offensive linemen injuries. A whole bunch of awful things happened to this team this year. Under these circumstances, I have no idea the coaching job Bowles did. I know Baker would be a lot better with protection and our defense would be a lot better with a pass rush. I think they have a couple year plan to improve and this year is the primarily pass rush draft. Plus an O-lineman to develop hopefully.

  7. Lessismore Says:

    Defensive Coordinators don’t keep their jobs after 3 poor underperforming seasons. Just doesn’t happen in the league.

    Player driven team.. ok sure, but players don’t bench players for underperforming, players don’t fine or place another on the inactive list and players don’t fire coaches. A head coach does that.

    It’s a shame. And got to agree with others on this board – something happened to this team around the bye week.

  8. JohnQCitizen Says:

    Gruden

  9. bucnjim Says:

    Again I’ve posted this before, but how did the special teams coach keep his job the entire season? There have been mistakes on this unit that have cost the Bucs several games maybe more. The amount of 50 yard returns, blocked kicks and blocked punts helped put this team in the hole every single game. The blocked field goal this week was only one of dozens of mistakes on them. This is on Bowles and Licht!

  10. Ugotrobbed Says:

    Thanks captain obvious! lol

  11. Jarrett Says:

    Even if the Bucs are “cooked” atleast the core of this team has a Super Bowl Ring

    Some teams never get one before their window closes

    We had a nice run I guess

    NFL stands for Not For Long. Even the chiefs ain’t make the playoffs this year

    It’s still a Bucs Life

    We can rebuild but it’s gone take some time, Jason Licht should’ve traded some picks for proven pass rushers…

    It is what is

  12. KABucs Says:

    Such a beautiful way to honor 50th anniversary. I have zero motivation to watch that buccaneers documentary now. Maybe I’ll watch it in the middle of the summer after the draft… if they draft well, supposedly.

    The last couple months has been a horror show. Such a flip from how everybody is feeling in October. I have no theories, the way to explain what happened. Pretty much after the loss to the falcons, I have zero confidence in this team. Every Sunday I’ve been thinking “we should win this game but we probably won’t.” This has been a forgettable season it would be very hard to forget.

    Woodson and Vick are not “keen” on the Bucs chances? That’s Mensa level reporting

  13. Smashsquatch Says:

    This team gets push around on both sides of the ball. They consistently lose the line of scrimmage battle on offense, defense and even special teams. That’s the sign of a team that has quit. And the worst part is they don’t even know it.

  14. Colonel Angus Says:

    Bucs are roasted on the spit. Skin sloughing off and everything, it’s bad. Can’t wait for this off season to begin this Saturday night.

  15. Bucnbeers Says:

    It’s obvious that Bowles has lost this team. However, players like Dean and AWJ shouldn’t be making bonehead mistakes this far along in their career. Jason Licht needs to go also. His picks are pathetic. He wants to bring in washed up players.

    What’s the saying? Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while. Jason’s pick are busts more often than not.

  16. FireBowlesnow Says:

    I dont have to get hit by a train to know It wont end well for me.

    Winston got 5 years after fans were BEGGING for a new QB in 3. Feels like the Glaziers will do the same for Bowles…..and will get the same outcome. Wasted years, and being one move away from a superbowl. That move being find a real QB and a real Coach. Bakers a bridge qb nothing more.

  17. Blows sux Says:

    I don’t see how they could possibly keep him. The fans dont want him and the players obviously dont want him. If he was a good coach with a firm hand he would have control of this team, he would demonstrate that he is in control. A good coach doesn’t blame the players that HE is responsible for coaching, a good coach doesn’t tolerate an incompetent ST coach (who should have been fired for incompetence weeks ago) Todd Bowls is not a head coach, never has been and never will be. The clearest indication that this team does not like this coach was when Mike Evans was walking down the hall after the Atl loss mumbling 3rd and 28 3rd and 28.
    Hiring a new DC and a new OC WILL NOT fix this team These players need LEADERSHIP from a coach with a firm hand and experience as a winner

  18. We put the FFF in Bucs Says:

    We aren’t cooked. We have been over-baked and are charred bones of what was a team. Clowns.

  19. Henry Says:

    I checked out of this clown show way before that Thursday night mentioned above. I had had my fill of this gutless, emotionless team of zombies by then. The Blows show needs to be canceled ASAP and he knows its coming. Thanks for them memories coach, if you need us we will call you.

  20. Henry Says:

    BTW, he is wearing the perfect shirt for the “what’s coming party” where is the man of honor. NFL and their stupid WOKE policies.

  21. Told You Says:

    Here’s where Rod Butt Munch makes this post about Baker.

  22. Josh Says:

    Toilet Bowl stays you lose a lifelong Bucs fanbase I/We will not watch another season of this CRAP… Will I be a fan still sure but no more $$$ and certainly no more Sundays devoted to watching the game…. Look at the results on an app or website the next day call it good…

  23. Allen Lofton Says:

    The definition of stupidity is repeating the same issues over again and getting better results.

    That’s been the Bucs story. My gut feeling is not good fans. Are we about to walk the Plank again?

  24. Lakeland Says:

    The Bucs are not officially “Cooked”

    They still have a good chance at making the playoffs
    You’re cooked when you’re eliminated

    And that they are not

  25. Teacherman Says:

    Grizzard is scared.

    Our special teams coach is not smart.

    Izien is one of the only guys who fights. We’ve missed him all season!

    Our defense improved with Parish and Morrison on the outside and Izien at nickle.

    Izien brings fire. I’ve been calling for his presence on defense for weeks!

  26. Erik with Pilot and Driver™ Says:

    We should make B.A. HC again.

    He’d fix the offense and fix our attitude/effort, and somehow I think he’d even fix Bowles and his defense.

  27. BucsFan81 Says:

    Put all your money on Panthers Money Line and Baker throwing 1 interception. At least that way you can walk away with some money after this disaster of a season.

  28. Ed Says:

    The fact that LVD called out a player or players for “getting their bag”, which means their contract and not living up to the condition of being excellent indeed shows that Bowlesl has lost the team. Your veteran hardest working player calling out teammates is an indication this isn’t a team anymore, it’s individuals that have banked their second contracts not playing hard for their coach or teammates.

    The culture is set by the coach. This team has no leadership and most of the players shy away from contact. The Bucs are playing the most physical sport in professional sports and they play it with too much regard for protected their investments instead of realizing how lucky they are to be in a sport that fans are crazy to watch good performances. The Bucs are unentertaining, uninteresting and a poor product to market to its fans. This falls on management. Younger assistants that have learned and been mentored by winners like McVay, Shanahan, Siriani, Andy Reid or Sean Peyton should all be getting interviewed as soon as the playoffs are over.

    We should all be sick and tired of the Glazers or Licht not hiring the right people. Arians was a good hire because of Brady but if you look that the organization outside of that they have hired coaches like Bowles who was a career loser. Koeter who came from Atlanta, another loser team. Lovie Smith, who was fired. Morris who was a Buc coach without any prior winning experience. Schiano, a Rutgers coach.

    The only coach they ever went after with winning experience was Gruden. When they did pull from a great coaching tree (McVay”, they got good leadership with Canales and very good leadership with Coen.

    As fans we should demand that they only hire younger coaches from these winning organization that have the stamina and energy to build this team up.

    Nico Collins from the Texans is young and hungry. Look at what he has done with that defense. They will be a dangerous team in the playoffs. Vrabel has done a phenomenal job at NE. All of these guys are in their 30’s-50’s except Reid.

    One last thing not related to Bucs but Sean McDermott was completely outreached by Siriani. He made multiple mistakes yesterday. The worst one was not kicking extra point to go into overtime. The second one was bypassing a FG and getting stopped in 3rd quarter. I think it was Gronk who said when you drive down the field and get no points twice in a game because you gambled that you would get a first down, you lose games. Dan Campbell who everyone thought was the next great thing in coaching by gambling on getting 4th down conversions has cost his team games this year by losing his gambles. In a tight game, coaches shouldn’t gamble on whether or not to kick FG’s unless it’s 4th and I and you have a QB that can run a sneak. When Bucs or Pats had Brady his sneak percentage on 4th and one was over 95%.

  29. Bucsfan2023 Says:

    BucsFan81 Says:
    December 29th, 2025 at 10:34 am

    Put all your money on Panthers Money Line and Baker throwing 1 interception. At least that way you can walk away with some money after this disaster of a season.

    If Wirfs plays I will say zero interceptions from Baker. The offensive line is trash right not but the play calling is worse. They can’t get any yardage running so pass every down. Roll out Baker Run screen. Run slants. Run pass plays to delayed receivers like running backs. The current play calling is unimaginative and easy to defend

  30. Hogslyr Says:

    Gutless Coach! The free ride is over!
    He has a sub 500. Record in 4 years!
    Defensive GURU that hasn’t had a defense in the top 20 in 4 years!
    Can not motivate his team!
    Pathetic!
    Fire Bowels and his staff!

  31. Show Me The TDs Says:

    Duh. Hire Gruden.

  32. EEK Says:

    we knew they were cooked
    similar to predicting the Raiders game results — always a loss

    this team is one of the 2-3 worst teams in the league over the last have of the season
    what information is there to dispute that?

    brutal product on the field

  33. MelvinJunior Says:

    Usually, when this type of a total collapse takes place, BOTH the GM AND HC get launched. Especially, after 12-YEARS and a very comfortably sub .500 record. 92-104. And, I don’t care if they win and make the “playoffs” – this team woefully underachieved… Orrrrr, DID THEY!?

    Given what we were SOLD, this team should’ve been ‘in the hunt’ for the #1-SEED. Even, with all the early season injuries, you STILL would’ve thought, a floor of 11-6. They did a great job of weathering the ‘injuries’ in the very beginning, because it was THE VERY BEGINNING. It’s not very hard to motivate players during the first month or so, of the season. EVERYONE is already JACKED and ‘chomping at the bit’ to get out there and perform, after having a very long offseason, and training camp, etc. It’s after all of that begins to wear, and the grind of the season begins to take it’s toll, is when the REAL coaching starts. Players are banged-up and then the ‘weak’ are EXPOSED. Good teams that are well-coached, make the adjustments and get stronger, as they begin to hit their stride.

    I think Bowles is mostly right though, concerning THIS team. He has done all that ‘HE’ can do! BUT, he only knows just one way! I am sure he probably is FED TF UP with THIS roster. There is a HUGE talent gap on this defense, and it’s NOT just “talent” alone. It is the overall IQ’s of the players who were drafted, AND they also lack that needed EDGE. It is a flawed system. JL doesn’t know WTF he’s doing. It is obvious. When you watch just the overall ‘physicality’ level of other teams play, you can see an OBVIOUS difference. I mean, can you even REMEMBER seeing, EVEN a single PLAY this season where you were like, “WOW, What A HIT!!!” Anyone!? Well, I sure CAN’T. We don’t have the horses on Defense. And, the ‘play-calling’ and Baker have been HORRIBLE on Offense. But, when I look at THE PLAYERS (on offense)… AGAIN, outside of JMac, and old-men Godwin, & Evans, I don’t see that “EDGE.” I see A LOT of guys who have maxed-out their talent levels, who are just going through the motions. You never see players progress and improve. They don’t develop.

    This TEAM has been constructed HORRIBLY. There has NOT BEEN ONE single move that LICKT has made (or not made) now, in prob close to 2-YEARS, at least! And, it shows. Just HORRIBLE incompetence. WEAK AF. JL was just LUCKY. He was able to land BA, due only because, of having a ‘personal’ connection with. AND, happenstance. Are YOU SERIOUSLY, going to have enough FAITH in LICKT, pulling-off anything even close to THAT AGAIN… Given HIS ‘track record’ on everything else!? So, You Are Hoping On “HAPPENSTANCE!?” Well, I sure as hell DON’T. I don’t even believe that HE is a REAL GM. He doesn’t have the talent, instincts, OR intelligence. He was nothing but a beer guzzling fool, while basking in the glory that was ALL 💯 TOM BRADY. And, that is ALL. He’s been a total, complete DISASTER in every other way, outside of those 2 seasons. So, WAKE-UP, OPEN YOUR DAMN EYES, & FACE REALITY.

    A slick, sharp GM and OWNER will be able to close the deal on THEIR TARGET, and get the ‘right’ man for the JOB. Do YOU have the confidence that JL or THIS group of Owners, are capable of getting the job DONE!? So, YOU are banking entirely on “HAPPENSTANCE” happening AGAIN, then!? Okay, well then, good luck with that! Cause, I DON’T. Not with these owners, either. And, that is WHY they have to land the ‘RIGHT’ GM FIRST. Surely to God you’d think they’d have enough resources and at least SOME connections, right!! THEN, you go and get your new HC next. It has to be a total cleaning of the house. Cause, this ship has looong SAILED. It’s OVER and it’s been OVER.

  34. MelvinJunior Says:

    Look, I have given JL more than a fair shake. It has now been twelve-years! 12-YEARS. I never liked him since the very beginning, and wanted him GONE way back in 2018 (just like everyone else, though I was on of the first LoL). I thought he was AWFUL. And, HE WAS. You KNOW-IT and I KNOW-IT.

    After we got Brady, I decided to give him a fresh-look and benefit of the doubt. I said to myself, “well, he is learning and getting better.” Long story short… He has been a total, complete FAILURE. Seriously, I have watched his EVERY move (and non move). He is still HORRIBLE. He hasn’t the FIRST CLUE, and is just waaaayyy over his head. It is soooo obvious to see! I mean, come-on. He’s just gotta GO. This has been long enough.

    The whole “Ring of Honor” moniker before HIS NAME has been just soooo annoying over the years, and has really gotten on my nerves… Though, I have never said anything about it until now. And I totally get-it, if there is some kind of ‘personal’ relationship there! I had a VERY CLOSE personal relationship with Tubby Smith (and his wife) while at Kentucky, so I totally get-it. I was constantly having to defend him when at the country club bar, & etc. Though, KENTUCKY BASKETBALL FANS and Tampa Bay Bucs Fans, there is a HUUUUGE Difference. We did everything together. I have some GREAT stories. Hell, I used to go on recruiting trips with him from Chicago, to Arkansas, to someplace called Concordia, Kansas, to watch a JUCO Game (Antonio Jackson I think his name was… He signed with MISS ST. LoL). And, that was back when I was in my early 20’s on my dad’s plane! So, I REALLY looked up to Tubby, who was a GREAT HEAD COACH (another huge difference with JL). But, another long story, short… When, it eventually became ‘TIME’ for a change, I KNEW-IT. It was TIME to move-on. We needed NEW blood, and it was BES FOR EVERYBODY. So, you HAVE TO face up to the ‘reality’ and know WHEN is TIME. 💯

  35. HC Grover Says:

    The fans are on the run now. This whole organization and staff need a top to bottom clean out. A new start and a few years to rebuild a good team. Throw them all in the Bay.

  36. Texas Tony Says:

    We should have made a pitch for (Sean Patton) I have watched a couple of games till halftime and I left, this team is a mess this year. Clean the non- producers the “D” coaches. I hope the Glazers read this. Do they really care? We will find out the truth. The whole Organization FO, Owners coaches are SOFT!

  37. Coconut Doughnut Says:

    Daboll for OC

  38. Bucs fanatic 55 Says:

    As a season pass member the head coach, the offensive coordinator and the GM all need to go. Lack of success and stubbornness not to get a pass rush are all part of the shortcomings of this team.

    Going to Ray J lately has been the epitome of a no fun league
    My patience is wearing thin. Could watch it on a big screen at home and turn it off whenever instead of laying good money out for the bucks.