While a loss by the Carolina Panthers certainly helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the overall playoff picture, one concern is how the Bucs are going to help themselves. Recent developments point one finger of blame: head coach Todd Bowles.
Specifically with the collapse of the defense. There have been countless injuries, but still, Bowles and Co. have found no way to solve those issues. In fact, over the last five games, the Bucs rank 31st in scoring defense, allow 29 points per game, and 20th in total defense, allowing 384 yards per game.
Consider that two of their past five games have been to the below average Falcons and Saints, which were both losses, and it puts into perspective the inability of Bowles to adapt. Certain players have not lived up to the hype, while several others have.
Defensive Regression and a Failure to Adjust
Consider the fact that corner Jamel Dean has been one of the best corners in coverage for the Bucs, allowing only 1 43.6 quarterback passer rating. No one else comes near him. Zyon Mccollum has allowed a 100.9 rating in coverage, and six touchdowns. Rookie Jacob Parrish, on the other hand, while not playing well, has only allowed two touchdowns all season long.
The fact of the matter is Bowles can make some necessary changes. In fact, they used the 2025 draft to acquire young defensive talent, especially in the secondary. And yet, for the third straight year, the Bucs could see themselves in the bottom five in passing yards allowed yet again.
The incredible thing is that Baker Mayfield has defended Bowles countless times, saying that it’s the players who have to step up and take responsibility. Still, if you don’t make changes when things are going wrong, chances are the team won’t play better for you and they start to lose their trust. Bowles himself seemingly doesn’t care, whether it be about adapting to adversity or the fact that he could be on the hot seat.
Leadership, Accountability, and a Shrinking Margin for Error
“I don’t think that at all,” Bowles said of his situation. “It doesn’t creep into the locker room. Players play and coaches coach. I got more years behind me than I do ahead of me. I think we’re in a situation where we’re right back in it and our only focus is on winning a ball game.”
This would seem like a good thing to say for a struggling team. The problem is it could be too little, too late. If the Bucs lose to the Panthers this week, they may not be in the playoff picture anymore. This doesn’t feel at all like a team in control of its own destiny, and Bowles is the primary reason. Some fans can point the finger at injuries and the struggles the offense has faced, but Bowles’ refusal to change anything has to sting more.
With the Bucs’ season on the line, everything is up in the air. It is up to Bowles to right the ship.
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