The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are really showing a pattern of self-destruction, aren’t they? For the seventh time in eight games they lost a winnable game. A winnable game against a depleted Dolphins team and a backup quarterback.
The Bucs have controled of their playoff fate all season with a clear path to clinch since Week 14. But now it’s come down to the final game, and it’s all on them. Sorta.
Bowles had some strong words for his team after the loss, singling out players who aren’t stepping up in big moments. He didn’t name names, but it’s clear he’s frustrated – and this isn’t the first time he’s spoken up about it during this skid.
“It’s not the leadership failing, it’s the execution at certain times and certain things by certain guys,” Bowles stated. “The leadership has been great, the message has been great by the leaders, we’ve just got to execute at critical times.”
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Baker Mayfield subtly supported Bowles’ stance with a somewhat ambiguous remark in his postgame comments.
Mayfield mentioned that Lavonte David addressed the team in the locker room after the loss, but declined to share the specifics. He preferred to keep the message “in-house”, which is telling given Bowles’ earlier comments about players not meeting expectations.
The offseason might reveal some answers, and Jason Licht’s “no assholes” rule could be a key indicator of the team’s approach to roster changes. Licht has emphasized this rule when discussing the type of players the Bucs target in the draft and free agency, suggesting they’ll prioritize players with good character.
The outcome of next weekend’s game will be telling, but despite fan calls for Todd Bowles’ firing, he might return for another season, citing injuries as a factor in the team’s struggles this year
A win over the Panthers and an Falcons loss could secure another NFC South title for Todd Bowles, potentially solidifying his job. However, the real question is whether key players will step up or if the team’s mistakes will continue to haunt them.
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