Joe believes that the Buccaneers are facing major changes at One Buc Palace. This situation arises when a team possibly has the worst defense in the league, combined with a significant decline over the last seven weeks, putting them close to missing the playoffs. So grab your coffee; it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Defensive Struggles Against Kirk Cousins
Joe is baffled. How can a defensive coordinator consistently struggle against Kirk “509” Cousins? It’s not just one game; it’s been several. Cousins isn’t a premier quarterback, certainly not a Hall of Famer, yet when he faces a Todd Bowles defense, he seems to play at an all-time high.
Lack of Defensive Adjustments
One would think that after getting burned, Bowles would come up with a game plan to shake Cousins. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Bowles has been criticized for failing to adjust his schemes, even after suffering defeats against Cousins last year. Did he even review the game tape from those encounters?
Predictable Game Outcomes
Were any fans really surprised by the outcome of the most recent game? Joe made several bets, confident in the predictability of the Buccaneers’ defense. They haven’t performed well since defeating the Saints, and Bowles appeared unwilling to make necessary adjustments to handle Cousins effectively.
Opposing Players Shattering Records
Joe feels exhausted watching opponents achieve career-best performances against Bowles’ defense. Last season, it was Cousins; this time, Atlanta tight end Kyle Pitts set records against the Buccaneers. Pitts caught 11 passes for 166 yards and three touchdowns, all against a Bowles defense that has been underperforming. This trend makes it increasingly difficult to argue against the need for a new defensive coordinator.
Debuting Devin Culp
Many fans have been calling for tight end Devin Culp to see more action. With Cade Otton struggling, Culp’s opportunity finally arrived. He completed a six-yard touchdown reception, showcasing what a tight end can bring to the offense—an encouraging sign, especially amidst concerns over tight end production.
Jalen McMillan’s Return
It was exciting to see Bucs receiver Jalen McMillan back in action. He didn’t just step onto the field; he made a significant play, catching a long pass in traffic to help set up a touchdown. After suffering severe injuries, McMillan demonstrated remarkable resilience, which was one of the few highlights in an otherwise disappointing game.
