Kevin Stefanski Versus A Todd Bowles Defense
November 1st, 2026
One of these quarterback’s teams is averaging 31 points per game over the past five weeks.
Perhaps you remember the last time — and the only time — a Kevin Stefanski offense faced a Todd Bowles defense.
Joe sure does. It was one of the worst Bucs-fan afternoons of this decade.
Hopefully, that scene doesn’t repeat itself today when the Bucs faced Stefanski’s 3-4 Falcons team.
With backup QB Jacoby Brissett starting for Stefanski’s bumbling 2022 Browns, Cleveland racked up 367 yards of offense on the Bucs, including 189 yards rushing and 22 first downs.
The Browns won in overtime after Bowles pulled the ball out of Tom Brady’s hands on first down with 32 seconds remaining on the clock and the game tied at 17.
On that first down, the Bucs threw a quick dumpoff pass to Rachaad White instead of pushing the rock downfield with a timeout in their pocket. Bowles didn’t call timeout after the 1-yard gain. Bowles’ rationale after the game was that he didn’t want to risk throwing an interception and that would give the Browns field position. Meanwhile, Brady had been fantastic at protecting the ball all season, and he didn’t have an interception in that game, despite 40-plus pass attempts.
The Browns dominated time of possession and the win bumped their sad record to 4-7.
That’s the only time a Stefanski offense faced Bowles, per Joe’s research.
Over the past five weeks, no team has scored more than the Falcons. They’re averaging 31 points per game through that stretch, which coincided with quarterback Michael Penix re-taking the starting job. The Bucs have their work cut out for them today.
November 1st, 2026 at 9:32 am
Penix is lite weight.
A couple hits on him in the first by Walker and Co and he will not be very comfortable in that pocket.
November 1st, 2026 at 9:44 am
Panthers were averaging 26.5 until Bucs throttled them.
November 1st, 2026 at 9:59 am
TE OVER THE MIDDLE!!!!!
PLEASE WATCH FOR THAT!!!!!
November 1st, 2026 at 10:10 am
I remember too.
Textbook example of strictly sticking to coach’s own generic game situation philosophy [only] – and not taking into account the players themselves, momentum, overall team make-up, and/or unique game conditions that day.
This inadequacy on offensive side of ball (TB will take chances on defense), is one of the principal reasons that eroded support from even upbeat homer fans for the Head Coach before the recent losing streak that started last season. IMHO
It doesn’t make Todd the worst head coach I’ve ever seen on Bucs sideline – but it was quite disappointing that day.
November 1st, 2026 at 10:15 am
Bad weather. Bucs will run it, Falcons will pass it. 28-10 ATL
November 1st, 2026 at 10:19 am
Im seeing on nfl network bijan robinson is out today?
November 1st, 2026 at 10:25 am
Hey Bowles let’s try and and cover Pitts for a change.
November 1st, 2026 at 10:32 am
That’s Brian not Bijan
November 1st, 2026 at 10:33 am
TE over the middle! How would YOU,defend that ….lol
November 1st, 2026 at 10:36 am
Read it wrong nvm lol i got excited for a second
November 1st, 2026 at 11:00 am
@Steve…oh i dont know, leave him wide open while covering ghosts and grass?
Put tight coverage on him and man him!!