The Sad Story Of The Defense
January 2nd, 2026
Bucs coach Todd Bowles.
When a team has a former offensive coordinator as a head coach with years of coaching experience on the offensive side of the ball, you’d expect at a minimum, the offense would be, well, average, right?
What Joe is getting at is, if an offensive-minded coach ran a team, you’d expect him to have an offense, barring major injuries, to be ranked in the teens at the very least, right?
So why shouldn’t the same expectations be placed on a defensive guy with years of experience under his belt in the NFL? And that’s what Joe is getting at with Bucs coach Todd Bowles.
The Bucs have only once had a passing defense ranked in the top-10 since Bowles arrived in 2019. That was 2022. Every other year with Bowles as the defensive coordinator/head coach, the Bucs have had a pass defense ranked in the 20s. In a passing league.
(For example, one could conclude Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard has been handcuffed by so many offensive linemen and his quarterback being hurt. That would screw up just about every offensive coach not named “Kyle Shanahan.”)
And Joe ran across another stat that is shameful for a defensive coach to have when his team hasn’t had major injuries.
In breaking down defenses by Sharp Football Analysis, when it comes to explosive plays allowed, only four teams give up a higher percentage of explosive plays than the Bucs.
Per Sharp Football Analysis, 6.9 percent of plays against the Bucs defense is an explosive play. Of those four teams worse than the Bucs, only two are potential playoff teams, the Bears and the Crows.
For those unaware, an explosive play in the NFL is a run of 12 yards or more and a pass of 16 yards or more.
Simply put, despite losing Calijah Kancey for most of the season, the Bucs defense has been relatively injury-free. Yes, starting corner Zyon McCollum went down recently, so that was almost addition by subtraction. And Haason Reddick missed a bunch of games, too. But compared to the Bucs’ offense, the defense has been relatively spared of injuries.
Grizzard could, in theory, hide behind injuries. Bowles cannot. Yet it is his defense that has folded like a cheap tent.
And it’s not like his defenses have been all that stingy aside from some seasons against the run. Props to FOX last week to finally dispel this wives’ tale that Bowles’ blitzes are somehow an unsolvable puzzle to opposing quarterbacks.
But, what do you expect from a defensive coordinator who regularly dismisses the importance of sacks from an edge rush?
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:02 am
Goodbye Bowles. Thanks for the low highs. But will never forgive you for Rams playoff game in 2022. Good Riddance!
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:08 am
What’s even sadder is he got those rankings playing in the nfc south
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:12 am
I cannot for the life of me understand how some in the local and national media (not the Joes), think Bowles could survive if he makes major changes (ie blame his coaching staff and fire the lot of them). Todd stubbornly will not adjust his schemes even though they will not work. Sadly, in the past month, a wise betting man would make beaucoup coin if he simply bet on the opposing offenses and key individual prop as Bowles manages to make back ups and scrubs look like All Pros. Todd arrogantly never take the blame, he always blames others. Every year we see the same soft zone which gets exposed time after time and this season Bowles has allowed special teams to hit an all time low and he now has a green OC who is in way over his head with an injury plagued OL so he is not getting bailed out by the O like he was in 2024. Bowles is obviously well liked by many, else why would there even be discussion about this dude keeping his job???? This collapse is bigger than Chuckie in 2008 and right up there with Rah’s collapse from 4-2 to 4-12 in 2011. It might be similar to Wyche’s 5 dash 2 in 1995 which fizzled to 7-9 and we saw what happened to Sam I am……..
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:12 am
Fired as of Monday. If not, the Glazers don’t care about the fan base or the team. You can’t have a team tune out a leader this overtly and bring him back. We are lost.
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:15 am
Larry Foote said something at his presser that caught my attention. He said he cut his teeth in a 4-3 defense with the Steelers. Bowles has him as a LB coach in a 3-4 defense. Have to wonder what our defense might’ve been under Foote had he been given complete control of the defense as DC? We’ll never know. Todd couldn’t give his asst a legit shot at being a coordinator. When Todd got his shot through the grace of Arians he couldn’t do the same for Foote, or Caldwell. That might be part of the problem. I’d resent Todd for not allowing me to earn my bag. The one game Foote coached in preseason the Bucs got three turnovers. The week Caidwell coached the defense they got three turnovers. When Todd called the last preseason game they got zero turnovers. Todd has no one to blame but himself.
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:17 am
It’s SO depressing seeing his face!
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:26 am
Bowles defense has been mediocre for sometime now and rather make bold moves on getting proven edge rush, they stand pat and draft players with guarantee of them panning out. Teams have figured out Bowles’s schemes and his blitzes.
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:32 am
The DEFENSE is ranked 20th in the NFL
The OFFENSE is ranked 22nd in the NFL
It’s the SAD story of the OFFENSE and DEFENSE!!
And the PATHETIC story of Ownership and Front Office
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:39 am
@Hodad
I keep saying if someone else were to take over that D they’d probably start looking much better. The talent is there on that D & that team. Maybe that might be part of the reason McCollum is “getting bored?” Maybe because it’s the same old 💩 with that scheme all the time & nothing is changing? Yeah sure they make mistakes but maybe that could be part of the reason.
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:43 am
Joe … ‘For those unaware, an explosive play in the NFL is a run of 12 yards or more and a pass of 16 yards or more.’
I know there’s a lot of ‘variation’ when it comes to defining what an explosive play is Joe, but I’ve long thought that 10 yds or more for a run and 20 or more yds for a pass is kinda used by more analysts than any other combination. Mr Google seems to support that, although to my knowledge he’s not a sanctioned member of the NFL.
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:43 am
In any other division, at any other time, with any other team, Bowles wouldn’t have made it fully through 2 seasons. He was fortunate to be in a terrible division and unfortunately for us his crowning achievement is winning that same putrid division multiple times with a .500 or less record.
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:46 am
The master of a defense so brilliant that his own players can’t figure it out, but every offensive coordinator in the league can. Must be the players fault!
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:46 am
This is why the Bucs need a defensive head coach instead of an offensive head coach
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:47 am
One way or another Todd is gone. If the TeeTots don’t outright fire him, but instead force him to hire a DC , no way his hubris allows that. He would retire.
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:49 am
Jim Schwartz as DC would make our defense a top 10 unit year one if Cleveland cleans house
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:50 am
If was a Glazer. New coaching staff, Licht’s on notice. Re-signing draft picks should not be celebrated when the player gets paid, gets “Bored,” and then becomes the worst player in his position group. Hassan Reddick was a complete waste of 14 million. If this season was an example of “I am That Man,” it’s time to change the criteria for being the so called That Man.
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:56 am
So is it a fair assumption that Joe is anti Bowles and wants him gone as well? Honest question.
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:57 am
This is very telling. A pillowy soft defense that gives up explosive plays.
A pillowy soft defense is annoying to watch. Fans want to see hitting and big plays. But a LOT of NFL defenses run a bend-but-dont-break defense to “PREVENT” giving up explosive plays, to PREVENT the other team from scoring easily.
Yea, I am done with Todd. 3rd and 28, 4th and 14; taking the ball out of Brady’s hands when you D sucks, running the ball 30 times when you have the best 4 WRs in the game.
I will also say its scary who will take over. There do not seem to be any “no-brainer” HC candidates out there as offensive wizards. Definitely not Kubiak (bad track record), Tonkin (too old), Gruden (seriously?), etc.
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:58 am
With some great coaches, especially as they get older and intransigence sets in, the game passes them by. Pete Carroll comes to mind. Yet others adapt. Bill Walsh comes to mind.
Todd Bowles was never more than serviceable. His record with the Jets and Bucs comes to mind.
This should be an easy decision for the Glazers.
Despite those who cling to the credo, ‘Be careful what you wish for,’ thinking the next head coach could be worse, please explain how losing your last seven of eight games could get any worse?
As for Baker, his best year was under Coen, as Trevor Lawrence is displaying this year under Coen’s tutelage. Perhaps the right guy can get the best of Baker to return.
Just gotta find the right guy …
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:59 am
Been a die never Bucs fan since 83’, this D is baaaad, Man!
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:59 am
Every year we hear the same old STUPID nonsense from this Front Office
Instead of signing quality free agents, we’re going to extend our Homegrown talent
Have it ever occurred to you….that your Homegrown talent stinks?
So they settle for signing a Weed head that don’t to play
Or a disgruntled Edge Rusher that QUIT on his previous team
Then go sign a washed up 40 year old Edge Rusher
January 2nd, 2026 at 8:04 am
If Kancey plays Saturday, there should be a big difference on the D Line which, other than Vea, is not very talented.
Part of the problem on Defense the last 8 games is the Offense struggles to make 1st downs .
Busted coverages and bad secondary coverage are a coaching issue.
Special teams on kickoffs have been abysmal
Injuries have been a factor, but the last 2 games the offensive schemes/game plans have not been effective and Mayfield has had disappointing performances in 4th quarter.
Overall, the injuries and lack of backup talent on OLine and DLine and lack of Edge Rush combined with poor coaching on all 3 phases have submarined this season.
January 2nd, 2026 at 8:06 am
The genius behind taking man corners and forcing them to play off zone and drafting defensive linemen and making them cover the curl/flat. Then having the audacity to blame the players for being uninterested in the game.
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times, why does every defensive player that joins this team have a good first and maybe second year and then progressively get worse? When our best defensive players should be in their prime and at the top of their game, they stall out and regress. Its not a coincidence. Bowles is a career killer for defensive players. As soon as a guy gets good in a roll, he moves them around and plays them away from their strengths.
January 2nd, 2026 at 8:14 am
Arians isn’t coaching, Brady isn’t here, Suh and Shaq aren’t here.
Maybe the front office can’t get the free agents that would make a difference.
And given the team collapse, I don’t know how Bowles stays without major changes to the defense and special teams.
January 2nd, 2026 at 8:14 am
It is so bazaar to realize that bowels has so crushed and demoralized Bucs fans that some of us are even thinking about ‘adopting’ a new team next season until bowels is gone just to bare through another football season and try to enjoy it…..
Owners that care about winning doesn’t do this to their fanbase!
January 2nd, 2026 at 8:17 am
Bring in Mike McCarthy
January 2nd, 2026 at 8:18 am
Todd has been here SEVEN seasons and the consistency of how bad the defense is yearly with him is on HIM. He calls the defense, he determines who plays and how they attack and his defense is usually the worst part of the team
It’s time to move on, if he’s back the fans need to stay away from this team as much as possible
January 2nd, 2026 at 8:19 am
Hodad Says:
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:15 am
Larry Foote said something at his presser that caught my attention. He said he cut his teeth in a 4-3 defense with the Steelers. Bowles has him as a LB coach in a 3-4 defense.
This is odd, I believe the Steelers have run a 3-4 since the early 80’s. I’m sure they’ve used some 4-3 fronts, but Steelers have been a 3-4 base for most my life.
January 2nd, 2026 at 8:38 am
Years? no decades of experience probably close to two decades of calling plays. He has No choice but to retire now, he’s a dinosaur and he wouldn’t even get hired as a defensive assistant now.
January 2nd, 2026 at 8:41 am
Step 1 – Get rid of Todd Bowles and hire a competent DC
Step 2 – Find a decent OLB via free agency
Step 3 – Re-sign Y. Diaby
Step 4 – Re-sign A. Nelson
Step 5 – Draft either ILB or CB in round 1
Step 6 – Draft either ILB or CB in round 2
Step 7 – Find a decent ILB via free agency
Step 8 – Find a decent DT via free agency or draft one in round 3 to replace Hall
January 2nd, 2026 at 8:46 am
3rd-28, 4th-14.
January 2nd, 2026 at 8:56 am
We can all see the defense is bad.
If Bowles was just the DC instead of the HC he would have been fired or replaced.
The defense looks soft and sometimes, and all the time lately looks uninterested.
I think some of the players have mentally checked out.
Either the scheme is bad and needs replaced or Licht has failed to give Bowles the horses he needs.
Either way something needs to drastically change
January 2nd, 2026 at 8:56 am
Colonel Angus Says:
January 2nd, 2026 at 8:19 am
Hodad Says:
January 2nd, 2026 at 7:15 am
This is odd, I believe the Steelers have run a 3-4 since the early 80’s. I’m sure they’ve used some 4-3 fronts, but Steelers have been a 3-4 base for most my life.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Steelers ran a 4-3 back in the 70’s with the famed “Steel Curtain” defense with Mean Joe Greene.
January 2nd, 2026 at 9:07 am
Time for me to pack it up and call it done. Tired of typing the same thing for last 2-3 years. At least for now, the only thing more complacent than this football team is my fandom. They have worn me out.
January 2nd, 2026 at 9:21 am
There’s a reason why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is the only team in a 32-team league whose head coach is also a coordinator. The only one! Sure coaches have input into their team’s offense or defense depending on their backgrounds, but they have too many responsibilities as HC to serve as OC or DC. Bowles thinks he knows how to handle both. He doesn’t. The defense sucks! Even when we were winning games, mostly close ones, it was because our offense was putting up a lot of points. Our defense was perhaps responsible for us winning 1 or 2 games at most. No I take that back, it was 0. Sad!
January 2nd, 2026 at 9:21 am
3rd and 28 was his death knell. The bell tolls for he.
January 2nd, 2026 at 9:30 am
By 7:30pm tomorrow (Saturday), we will know how the fan base feels about Todd Bowles. And maybe Baker Mayfield too. As the clock ticks down to 0:00 in the 4th Quarter against the Panthers, we will (partially) know our fate. (Go Tyler Shough!) A Bucs loss? If the defense once again dooms us will the fans chant “Fire Todd!!!”? If Baker has another rough outing, I really don’t believe the final-minute boos will all be directed at him. But the closing minutes of the last regular season home game almost always produce cheers or boos. What will tomorrow’s reaction be?!? Go Bucs!!!
January 2nd, 2026 at 9:41 am
What are the special teams ranked? 32nd?
January 2nd, 2026 at 9:42 am
I can’t even play Madden anymore….. I’m so disgusted with this team!!! LMAO!!! Let’s go Bucs!!!
January 2nd, 2026 at 9:43 am
srbbucsfan
I think after all of this time most Bucs fans have already formed their opinions about Bowles.
The game just determines what the Glazers will do
January 2nd, 2026 at 9:50 am
It’s not just the lack of performance of the defense but the many other questionable or obviously wrong actions and inactions.
January 2nd, 2026 at 9:50 am
Joe – how can you have a proper defense if the GM doesn’t give you proper players??? The reason the defense sucks is because Licht doesn’t pick the proper players. Bowles doesn’t control drafting Licht makes those calls, Joe you know that! Everybody knows you have a super soft spot for Licht but place blame accordingly.
January 2nd, 2026 at 9:55 am
Joe, writing my defensive obituary like you’re the Grim Reaper with a Sharp Football Analysis subscription? Touching. Didn’t know we were already picking out the casket for a unit that will clinched the division this year despite your “cheap tent” hot takes. Expecting top-10 pass D every year from a “defensive guy”? That’s like expecting every Italian grandma to win Iron Chef just because she owns a garlic press. I’ve got cap hell, short fields from offense oopsies, and a passing league where QBs throw no-look lasers blindfolded.
OC Grizzard gets “injuries handcuffed him” grace. Me? “Folded like a lawn chair in a hurricane.” Balance, Joe—it’s a team sport, not Todd’s Solo Circus.
January 2nd, 2026 at 9:58 am
This is Amazing,
It’s 2026 and these people are still going on about Todd Bowles defense
The man has been a Defensive Coordinator for the Bucs for 7 seasons
7 seasons of crappy defenses
And you all are still harping about Bowles
Why don’t you vent your frustration and anger towards the people who hired him? Are you afraid to speak out about Jason Licht and the Glazers.
They hired Bowles and have kept him around for 7 long seasons
This has got to be the most Pathetic fanbase in all sports
January 2nd, 2026 at 10:02 am
Things that’ve been the norm for parts of the last few years:
1) Poor tackling
2) Lack of pass rush
3) Coverage busts
4) Bowles being outcoached by any decent OC
What am I missing? I’ve seen enough.
January 2nd, 2026 at 10:07 am
I’m not expecting the Bucs to beat Carolina and even if they did I can’t see the Saints beating the Falcons. Very sad season.
January 2nd, 2026 at 10:11 am
Although I agree about Todd’s defense structure and coaching (or lack thereof) there is something else going on with the defense that may be worse than the poor coaching. I noticed in the Falcons game Jamel was on the sidelines with a trainer and he had a worried look and kept pointing to his shoulder. Maybe it was a bad injury. But from my perspective it just another player that got dinged up and was scared to go back in. There are a lot of the defensive players in the secondary that are avoiding contact. They don’t want to mess up the money bag.
January 2nd, 2026 at 10:12 am
Joe, it’s failure. It’s time to move out of the old ways into the new ways. Plus this has to be costly for the Glazers.
Money is the motivator of the NFL. Change is coming and hopefully good for the Bucs.
January 2nd, 2026 at 10:24 am
BrianBucs…
You are 100% correct. And I completely agree. What I should have added (as you did) is that the target for the boos and/or the “Fire Todd” chant is the Glazer family. They will be at the game. I hope the windows on their private suite are wide open!
January 2nd, 2026 at 10:28 am
Agree with Marine Buc though maybe not the same order. Bucs need to double up between FA and the draft. I’m assuming LVD retires, Bucs resign Evans, R White decides to pursue other options and the Bucs don’t resign Hall, Dean, any ILB, Riddick, Otton or Shepperd.
– DE/OLB in FA
– DT in FA
– #2 ILB in FA
– DE/OLB in 1st round
– ILB in 2nd round
– DT in 3rd round
– TE in 4th round
– CB in 5th round
– G in 6th round
– S in 7th round
January 2nd, 2026 at 10:29 am
Stop posting his picture !
🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮
I am even PISSED at the Joes for tap dancing on both sides of the street!
Nobody has tapdanced. Joe believes Licht has done a good job as GM. –Joe
They have never had a problem vilifying players ( Sabby whatever his name was)
Jason Lite is supposed to be the BIG PICTURE GUY and he has allowed this disintegration.
Unphucking believable !
How are the Glazers going to be able to get a new stadium with the teams playing like this?
Yes !
The RayJay is so dated compared to what teams are playing in these day$$$$
January 2nd, 2026 at 10:30 am
Last year this exact same site and the exact same commenters
Were talking about firing Bowles
And instead of firing Bowles, they gave him an extension
And here we go again 😂😂🤣🤣
Deja Vu all over again, it’s been like this for over 6 years
January 2nd, 2026 at 10:30 am
SAD circumstances, been a diehard since 1990!! I have never felt so sick to my stomach!! Great way to start the New Year. 3 and 28 the death knell, you know even if we win tomorrow? do we really want New Orleans to win? I might not even watch tomorrow thanks Bucs for breaking the Hearts of us TRUE BUCS FANS!!!
January 2nd, 2026 at 10:38 am
the bucs are sad and from above i agree rams payoff 2022 and 3 and 28 again 3rd and 28 with your season on the line
January 2nd, 2026 at 10:43 am
I don’t know why everyone keeps saying goodbye Bowles. Everything I keep reading is that his contract runs through 2028 and the owners are not going to buy him out as it is to much money. Instead they will force his hand on firing coaches that work underneath Bowles. So expect Bowles back for the next couple of years no matter how bad it gets.
January 2nd, 2026 at 10:48 am
7-10 is coming.
The bleeding ends tomorrow now later than 9pm.
January 2nd, 2026 at 10:52 am
Usually I have a bloody Mary on Sunday since it often turns ugly on Sundays with Bowles at the helm.
But this week I shall have one on Saturday. Possibly two if needed.
And I too have a feeling that no matter the outcome we are stuck with Bowles at least one more year.
The extension is likely a two year with a third year option. The Glazers could pull the plug after next season concludes as it always does.
But they will pay a hefty price at the stadium without fan support.
It’s a Bucs life!
January 2nd, 2026 at 10:55 am
5) Letting Kirk Cousins shred his defense
6) Letting backups and rookies shred his defense
7) His own players can’t figure out his system, but other teams can, with ease
January 2nd, 2026 at 10:59 am
Hey Marine…. you forgot (1a) hire a new coach and OC. 🤣
January 2nd, 2026 at 11:00 am
8) Saying players are bored, and still starting them
9) Saying that ILB was his team’s deepest position, when the only starting caliber ILB is 35 years old, the rest don’t belong in the NFL
January 2nd, 2026 at 11:02 am
His title of “Guru” is the result of 1 game. His masterful shutout of Mahomes in the Super Bowl. The problem is he’s still using the same scheme and blames his players for not “executing and communicating.” Even though it’s failed now for years, he still won’t change. He won’t adjust to what the opponents are doing. He’s simply convinced himself that he’s right and everyone else is wrong. Sad.
January 2nd, 2026 at 11:08 am
He can’t play man coverage because he hasn’t taught the D-line how to get a sack. He can’t play zone because he hasn’t taught the defense how to tackle.
January 2nd, 2026 at 11:20 am
FIRE THE PROBLEM. NOW. Or, In two days. Or three days. The dude is pregnant, that probably impacts his coaching capabilities. So assign him to an infinite maternity leave and be done. ✅
January 2nd, 2026 at 11:21 am
That last line is the reason Bowles should be fired. No real defensive coordinator in his right mind should ever dismiss the one thing that helps cover the covering skills or the lack there of that some of our corners have by shortening the time they have to cover. Great pressure can cause miss fires and also interceptions which are ALWAYS better than a punt. Most fans understand the need of a great front pass rush but not coach Bowles. He reminds me of Jon Gruden who was considered an offensive guru but sucked at evaluating talent. If it wasn’t for LVD already being on this team how bad do you think his defense would really be??? He hasn’t drafted nor developed one defensive super star since taking over giving us Burnt Toasts after Burnt Toasts. His coaching staff choices suck and for me, him keeping black coaches for the sake of them being black has hurt this team. Him refusing to fire Mc Gaughey who has the worst special teams in all of football is simply proof of this. Plus contrary to all the Baker slurpers up here they couldn’t develop Kyle Trask who showed he was ready to rumble when he “competed” for the starting spot. When they kept Under the Bridgewater it really told me how incredibly stupid and stubborn he is. To keep a backup qb because he’s black than the white one who would pressure Baker but could’ve given us a chance to be better on offense while he recovered from his earlier injuries we might be in a better position instead of banking on the last game of the season with a qb who’s excuse is he’s injured now as all his fans like to point out. How much more proof does anybody need that Bowles should not be a head coach???
January 2nd, 2026 at 11:27 am
“ The defense looks soft and sometimes, and all the time lately looks uninterested.”
That perfectly sums up Bowles’ exact demeanor on the sideline.
January 2nd, 2026 at 11:27 am
10) Having Anthony Nelson trying to cover James Cook on a TD route
11) Bringing a 36 year old JPP back and having him in coverage
January 2nd, 2026 at 11:28 am
If Bowels is retained I’m out after every year since ’68. I’m too old to waste my time if Glazer’s don’t care about the Bucs. I know nobody, including the Glazer’s, gives a spit. But many others express their disgust maybe somebody will wake up. The day the Falcons (the Falcons!??!!) win the title Bowels should be fired!
January 2nd, 2026 at 11:29 am
BF81
There is precedent for the Glazers firing coaches still under contract. That’s not an issue.
For me, BA is the fly in the ointment. The house guest that won’t leave.
January 2nd, 2026 at 11:31 am
I fully expect to hear a LOT of booing tomorrow every time the team sputters. The Glazers will cringe as it’s heard on the nationally televised game. That is how you get a coach run. Embarrass the ownership in front of everyone.
January 2nd, 2026 at 11:37 am
Esco007 Says:
January 2nd, 2026 at 9:50 am
Joe – how can you have a proper defense if the GM doesn’t give you proper players??? The reason the defense sucks is because Licht doesn’t pick the proper players. Bowles doesn’t control drafting Licht makes those calls, Joe you know that! Everybody knows you have a super soft spot for Licht but place blame accordingl
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Well, it’s not just Licht picking the draft choices by himself.
The team scouts rank the prospects and forward scores to the GM and coaching staff.
Then the GM AND coaching staffs collaborate on the picks.]
The GM does not have sole control over the picks.
Which, when you think about it, is why we have had the picks we chose!
Licht’s fault is he doesn’t like to do the trading for Free AGents and use draft choices to get quality players. And the team hangs on to busts too long instead of trading them for more draft choices.
January 2nd, 2026 at 11:40 am
WHERE IS ROD MUNCH??? Seriously you’re input is required!
January 2nd, 2026 at 11:42 am
Some credible voices are saying Todd Bowles will be back. If we must suffer through another season with our powerless HC and clueless DC, then let me suggest another change. The logo!!! Change the logo!!!
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers logo is the worst in the NFL. Perhaps, the worst amongst the four major professional American sports leagues. Just look at the Bucs logo. First, it’s not even a logo. It’s a flag! A flag is not a logo. It’s a flag! And a flag is a flag.
Now, look at the Bucs flag. It looks like it was designed by a table of 12 year-old children who got their first box of multi-colored pencils. The flag staff is a sword. Okay, a flag “pole” would be boring. But then you can’t also have crossed swords on the flag too. Graphic redundancy that only children would overlook. And the skull over the football is simply juvenile. Alas, the skull and the football are perhaps the perfect metaphor for this season!
Years ago, the Bucco Bruce logo was considered one of the best, one of the coolest, of all time. Let’s bring Bruce back!!! If we can’t chant “Fire Todd!” How about “Bring Back Bruce” ?!?
For those who read this, thanks for indulging my “extreme dislike” of the worst logo in sports! Now retired, I clearly have too much time on my hands. But I sure do like reading what you guys have to say!
January 2nd, 2026 at 11:48 am
@Esco007
Do you honestly think Licht drafted/signed these DE/Rush LB’s with the idea that they would be dropping into coverage on 3rd down?
Impossible to judge the players when the cosch doesn’t use them properly. Granted, some guys just never develop into what you wanted them to be, but there’s a pretty good track record here of rookies making immediate impacts on this team, only for them to regress the longer Bowles and staff get to coach them.
January 2nd, 2026 at 11:50 am
DEFENSE IS TRASH!!!!!
unfortunately I think the entire staff will be back next year…even the special teams coach lol…
bowles will hire a “DC” to run his defense while remaining the defensive play caller…in other words, nothing will change lol
draft wise, imo, the first 2 picks should be OG and C/OG with the rest of the picks being defense
GO BUCS!!!!
January 2nd, 2026 at 11:53 am
This website still- after all this time- doesn’t know how a 3-4 defense works.
January 2nd, 2026 at 11:55 am
This is a careful what you wish for head coach hiring cycle, maybe “tolerate you till I can replace you” scenario with some assistant coaching changes.
January 2nd, 2026 at 12:03 pm
Another Report: Bowles won’t be fired
People inside the org are stating Bowles won’t be fired as he just signed a new 3-year deal. If anything, he’ll have a new staff.
January 2nd, 2026 at 12:06 pm
@FtMyersDave
Because it worked for him while he screwed them up to the point of FUBAR…
JUST LIKE HE’S DONE HERE!
I’m SO TIRED of this TIRED NEVER WAS! The damage the Glazers AND Licht has let this fraud do WILL COST US YEARS OF TRYING TO RECOUP! (Another LOST Decade) And Yes…. THEY “ABSOLUTELY BLEW IT” WHEN THEY CHOSE BOZO OVER COEN! We HAD a “GENERATIONAL COACH” walk RIGHT OUT OF THE DOOR BECAUSE THEY DIDN’T HAVE THE GUTS TO MAKE THE CALL IN THE MOMENT! It’s as Simple as that! They REALLY THOUGHT they could have their cake and eat it to.. MORONS!
January 2nd, 2026 at 12:21 pm
Sorry FtMyerDave… I left a word out.. First line was supposed to include “THE JETS”
While BOZO was cursing them BOZO THREW EVERY COACH, THE WATERBOY, AND THE DOG UNDER THE BUS TO SAVE HIMSELF! HE “HAS” DONE IT BEFORE!
He BLEW UP OUR Super Bowl Winning EVERYTHING and THREW BA out as a thank you for the Job, as Commenced to DISMANTLE US TO THE POINT OF 8 Wins and 9 LOSES, WITH A SUPER BOWL WINNING TEAM THAT HAD A RECORD OF 13 WINS THE VERY YEAR BEFORE! WHQT DID ALL OF YOU NOT SEE???
WHY DID YOU ALL KEEP SUPPORTING THIS GUY BOZO YEAR AFTER YEAR OF “I CAN’T GET THEM TO COMMUNICATE”????? THIS! THIS IS THE RESULT OF LAZY FANS JUST AS MUCH AS IT’S THE RESULT OF LAZY OWNERSHIP!!!!!
AND NOW WE’RE ALL GOING TO PAY THE PRICE OF SUPPORTING A CLOWN! THE DOWN PAYMENTS WERE MADE YEARS AGO NOW AND IT’S GOING TO TAKE POTENTIALLY YEARS JUST TO PAY THE INTEREST TO THE POINT THAT WE CAN HOLD OUR HEADS HIGH AGAIN! SO MANY WERE SO LAZY “BY NOT DEMANDING BETTER” AND WE’RE PAYING FOR IT NOW!
January 2nd, 2026 at 12:32 pm
I’m sorry Joe. But we need a new HC with a winning no nonsense vision. Our Offense scored enough pts to win this year. But they had absolutely Zero help from the Defense. Something tells me, bowles is back next year with his so called, home grown talent. You gotta want to be great. And I’m not seeing that philiosophy from the Glazers or the caoching staff. Thats why I am pulling for Carolina. Only because Bowles has got to go. Thats the only reason. We win? And Bowles stays.
January 2nd, 2026 at 12:32 pm
The product this org. has put on the field is not worthy. No Sale
January 2nd, 2026 at 12:33 pm
Hey Obvious who supports him here? Hardly anyone at all.
January 2nd, 2026 at 12:35 pm
Hello….all the Falcons have to do is beat the Stainks.
January 2nd, 2026 at 12:50 pm
You know it sucks when All you see is RED when it comes to one of the little things in life that you have ALREADY Struggled SO LONG to be “Respected” and a bunch of “NOT BRIGHT TROGLODYTES” utterly BLOW IT!
The knuckle dragging Mook’s just aren’t cleaver enough to run a football team. How in the World are they running a multi billion dollar company? If they were indeed smart or even clever, surly they noticed how VERY BAD THE DEFENSE HAS BEEN SINCE THIS GUY BOZO, LUCKED INTO THE JOB!
Well, just like us, the Gravy Train has gone OFF THE TRACKS for the bumbling Glazers. Sure, they’ll receive their yearly supplement like ALL TEAMS DO but all the EMPTY SEATS, UNSOLD MERCH, STALE BEER, AND ROTTEN HOT DOGS NOBODY’S THERE TO BUY “IS GOING TO” put a SERIOUS DENT IN THAT SUPPLEMENT! They are ALREADY seeing THAT NOW!
AND IF THEY DARE MARCH BOZO THE CLOWN OUT NEXT YEAR AS INCHARGE OF ANYTHING MORE THAN PICKING UP TRASH THEN……. I’LL DO MY VERY BEST TO MAKE THEM (THE GLAZERS) PAY FOR IT JUST LIKE WE ARE ALL PAYING FOR IT NOW, BUT WORSE! There IS such a thing as worse for them than it is now! The BEST WAY to hurt someone with money, is to TAKE THAT MONEY AWAY! And I’ll be MORE THAN HAPPY to Support New Ownership if they DARE march that Troglodyte Todd “THE BOZO” Bowles back out as the head of ANYTHING!
And I DO Mean THAT with ALL OF MY HEART!
January 2nd, 2026 at 12:55 pm
Obvious
1. All NFL owners live off the TV money. The rest is just gravy. They don’t even need to sell tix.
2. X-A-N-AX
January 2nd, 2026 at 1:14 pm
Well Jmark,
Send some over. I’ll use it for other reasons. THIS IS NOT IT!
IF…. “FANS” would have DEMANDED BETTER SOONER, then perhaps.we wouldn’t be in this cluster F. U… C. K Now!
Sorry JMark, NOT the time to be quiet…. But, with that said.. hey send some over please.
January 2nd, 2026 at 1:19 pm
watching some of the scheming attention to Detail and effort with Indiana , , Oregon and Miami in the college playoffs compared to the Bucs is MIND BLOWING !!
January 2nd, 2026 at 1:27 pm
O.. and BTW, what you seemed to not pick up about the revenue…. Did you actually read what I wrote? That’s Alright. I’ll just Say It Again.
That TV revenue that I’ve Already Addressed will OBVIOUSLY be EATEN INTO…. THAT IS MY POINT…. Unless “someone” decided that you want more of Bowles running the show, they Just Might find those seats FAR MORE EMPTY than. Usual.. Which ALSO EATS INTO THAT REVENUE IF NEW MONEY ISN’T BEING CREATED ….. Like I Already said, NO MERCH SALES! NO BUTTS IN THE SEATS AT THE STADIUM! NO BUYING OF STALE BEER FROM ABSENT CUSTOMERS! NO HOT DOGS EITHER!
And ALL OF THAT COSTS MONEY! LOTS OF MONEY! And IT WILL most CERTAINLY eat into those TV revenues….. Bills MUST BE paid….! It ain’t for free and YES! The Glazers can go backwards if they are VERY CAREFUL RIGHT NOW!
January 2nd, 2026 at 1:32 pm
And BTW, Grover
I’m not so sure about that. Clearly….
January 2nd, 2026 at 1:51 pm
Best I can tell, there are 60 college head coaches making more than Todd Bowles reported 3 million. Kirby Smart leading with over 13 million. At least 20 NFL head coaches make more, up to Andy Reid’s 20 million.
So, rule out the top 30 college coaches to replace Bowles, who are making 7 to 13 million. unless the Glazers up the pay.
If he was fired Monday… and say, Bowles 3 year extension is worth 15 million, add that to 4 years of past pay for 12 million = 27 million. 27 million divided by 4 years is $6,750,000.
Glazers could fire Todd, eat the extension and there would still be half the NFL head coaches making more than $6,750,00.
January 2nd, 2026 at 1:58 pm
Todd Bowles is making more than $3 million a year
They never did disclose how much his extension is
January 2nd, 2026 at 2:02 pm
Bowles defense gets worse every year. It’s not like the defense has been ignored by Licht. The team has tried over and over to fix the pass rush. Bowles entire defense is designed to be predicated on the pass rush. As the pass rush goes so does the defense. Bowles zone defense only works if it’s paired with an effective pass rush. Seems like no matter how many draft picks or how much free agent money gets spent on defense. The defense looks the same. By game 8 or 9 defensive players have checked out and are just coasting for a paycheck. Unfortunately firing Bowles doesn’t solve the problem and creates another one. After Bowles this team should hire an offensive minded coach. Which means another new offense another new Offensive coordinator. So firing Bowles to fix the defense means another start over on offense.
January 2nd, 2026 at 2:22 pm
Lakeland,
Yes, it is all guessing on my part, who knows what the actual figures?
Online reports have estimated his salary at 3 million. There could be incentives and such to raise any coach’s salary. Some have thought he would not be fired due to the extension. My point is Bowles job will be in jeopardy due to performance, not due to having to pay out his extension. The money isn’t that much, compared to the cost a full mutiny by the fans.
January 2nd, 2026 at 2:23 pm
I’m assuming this Joe is the one who said repeatedly that the offense wasn’t something to worry about and that we’d be a top 5 (at the very least top 10) offense again this year.
Injuries aren’t an excuse but they are when it’s on the offense.
Just a reminder – our offense is ranked 24th in PPG, EPA/play since the bye but you’d still think our defense was our only issue by reading the articles here.
January 2nd, 2026 at 2:52 pm
Jason Licht’s performance as General Manager is about as good as Jameis Winston’s quarterback rating.
I get the hit and misses and that he “may” on par with average NFL General Managers
But where I take exception is his allowing Todd Bowels Zombie Apocalypse leadership of the franchise and the reflection on the team.
Jason has allowed the Good Ship Buccaneer to pound on the rocks and the tide has gone out!
It will not survive when the 2026 tide comes in!
Jason is directly responsible for this!
January 2nd, 2026 at 3:05 pm
We’ve spiraled these last 8 games. Badly. Offense has only scored 167 points these last 8 games. Defense has given up 219 points these last 8 games. Something happened to this team this year. No way we’re ever gonna find out what the heck it was. I’d start with Richard Sherman and find out what the heck he knew 8 weeks ago. And then go from there.
January 2nd, 2026 at 3:19 pm
Tom Petty. Defense may not be our only issue. But you haven’t been watching closely if you don’t see it’s a big enough issue for us to be on an extended losing streak.
January 2nd, 2026 at 3:19 pm
Obvious,
the TV revenue does not get eaten into. It’s an equal share to each team in the NFL of the TV deal. Whether there’s people in the seats or not.
Get a grip
January 2nd, 2026 at 3:25 pm
Hmmm. . . Larry Foote played LB for the Steelers in the 2000s. One commenter stated that the Steelers played a 4-3 defense back in the 70s. But Foote says he cut his teeth on 4-3 with the Steelers. No wonder the Bucs can’t develop an edge rusher with him coaching them up
January 2nd, 2026 at 3:35 pm
The Houston Texans have averaged about the same number of points as we have the last 8 weeks. Their defense has allowed 16 points per game over that stretch. And won 7 of 8 of those games. The difference being is they were designed to win on defense. We were designed to win on offense. And injuries aside, we haven’t been up to the task.
January 2nd, 2026 at 3:37 pm
Joe, “Sad Story of the Defense”? More like “Sad Story of Selective Stats”—you give Grizzard injury mulligans but roast my D for explosives while ignoring Kancey/Reddick MIA and short-field nightmares. Blitzes “solved”? Tell that to the Lombardi ghosts. Three South titles laugh at your cheap-tent tears. Playoffs await; keep the Kleenex. 😂
January 2nd, 2026 at 3:55 pm
@Kenton
With all due respect, our offense has been pitiful enough to account for many (most?) of our losses by themselves.
Not denying the defense has been bad. Just trying to point out that the constant, repetitive, harping on the D’s struggles, while ignoring or downplaying the shltshow on offense, is pushing a false narrative = that it’s all on the D.
I’ve been watching closely, very. I assume you have also. Our offense has NOT outplayed the defense. It’s @ least as responsible as any other part of our team for our struggles. But you’d never know it from reading JBF articles or comments.
I had very high hopes for Grizz…. I was wrong (at least up til now) in thinking he was going to be awesome. And Baker has underperformed. Injuries have been brutal but nobody gave the defense any slack due to injuries last year or this year.
So, for the record. I think the defense has sucked.
And I think the offense has sucked equally.
January 2nd, 2026 at 4:30 pm
“Sucked equally”. Couldn’t agree more Tom Petty.
January 2nd, 2026 at 4:34 pm
Stuck in the Bowles Zone….Phew!!
January 2nd, 2026 at 4:48 pm
Teams get what they deserve sometimes. This team needs a good schmack. Wham. Beating the Panthers 30-10 and looking great in all 3 phases of the game. Then the Falcons winning on a long, last second field goal. Something like that. That’s my prediction. Guess. Whatever.
January 2nd, 2026 at 5:44 pm
Todd Bowles is done 100%… There is no stability with a season like this so it will be difficult to recruit any high end coaching talent in a possible one and done scenario if Bowles were to survive this season.
Just pay Curt C. $27.5m a year and call it a day.
January 2nd, 2026 at 8:53 pm
Joe, you might want to take a look at what the Bucs offense ranked during the Gruden years. It might you expectations of an “offensive-minded” coach.
January 3rd, 2026 at 3:09 am
Belowszo. Enough said.
January 3rd, 2026 at 3:20 am
Sad indeed Joe…..Nailed it as usual. Unfortunately so did Fox. As well as all the rookie and second string QBs on our schedule.
Go Bucs!
January 3rd, 2026 at 5:03 am
Hate to say this folks but, Bowles is probably back next year. Still under contract that he just got extended recently. He’s probably back, asking with Grizzard for a make it or break it year.
January 3rd, 2026 at 6:29 am
Fire Bowles! Fire Bowles! Fire Bowles!
January 3rd, 2026 at 9:28 am
Jmark
Clearly you don’t run a business. Perhaps getting yourself a clue would open up your understanding of the business world.
Wake Up!