Tuesday, 4 a.m.
5 Thoughts
- Sometime in the upcoming NFL draft, perhaps the Bucs should consider some guy with a Timex.
2. Also, an edge rusher, an inside linebacker and a cornerback.
3. Just wondering: If he were to play against this Tampa Bay secondary, could Jameis Winston still throw interceptions?
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4. Mike Evans took Marshon Lattimore to the woodshed Sunday.
5. If Bucs’ fans could vote for a coach during his last year, I figure John McKay, Tony Dungy, Jon Gruden and Bruce Arians all get more votes than Todd Bowles. Maybe Dirk Koetter, too.
5 Comments
(From Todd Bowles’ Tuesday press conference)
(On his message to the team): Obviously, I’m proud of the work they’ve done this year. It wasn’t good enough — the only team that’s going to be happy is the team that’s going to win the Super Bowl. Start the little things right. It starts with the off-season, once they come back from the break. We’ve got to build it up from ground zero once again. A lot of guys in that room are free agents. We’d be lying if we said we were going to keep everybody. For whatever reason, there is going to be turnover. When they come back, just realize we’re starting from ground zero. We’ve just got to do a better job of coaching, a better job of playing and come back with a chip on our shoulders.”
(On where he would like to see the team improve): “Right now, all areas as I dive into it. We haven’t dived into the offseason yet, but I can name a myriad of things and it’d be too long a list to go into right now. Whatever it takes to get us to the next step.”
(On what’s at the top of his off-season wish list): “Like I said, I don’t have a top of the list. I’m still fresh off the loss right now. There’s a lot of things I can single out, but I wouldn’t say they’re at the top of the list until I sat down and really charted them and looked at them. Once the weeks go by, we’ll get ahold of that and see what we want.”
(On if he’s contemplating any changes to his staff): Not thinking about that right now. Again, we’re having exit interviews — we’re fresh off the loss. Ashhe the days come, we’ll go from there. We went to the playoffs five times with the defensive coaches we have here. They’re very good coaches, obviously. A lot of things have to happen. We’ve got to get more interceptions, we’ve got to coach it better, but we’ve got to play it better, too.”
(On which players took the biggest strides this year): I really like where Luke Goedeke played — I like the way he came back this year and played. Even after he got hurt with the concussion, he came back and he made a lot of strides this season. I thought Christian Izien before he got hurt made great strides. There a few guys like that, but those two stand out.”
(On if he’s spoken to offensive coordinator Liam Coen): “We’ve had a conversation. Me and Liam are very close — we have these types of conversations (as far as) what to expect from an interview and everything else. At least you know you’re picking the right guy. We’ll see what happens going forward, if they’re not talking about your guys for interviews, you’re probably not doing it right.”
Game Balls
Offense: Mike Evans won his showdown with Marshon Lattimore by a knockout.
Defense: Once again, Lavonte David led the Bucs in desire.
Special teams: Jack Browning averaged 48.5 yards per punt.
Grades
Quarterback: Mayfield didn’t have enough attempts. He had a high grade, but a key fumble: Grade: C-.
Wide receiver: Evans had a terrific night. Grade: A.
Offensive line: The Bucs had 100 yards rushing and only one sack for two yards. Grade: B.
Running back: Bucky Irving was good, but he’s had better nights. Grade: B.
Edge: Zero pressure on Jaden Daniels is trouble. Grade: D.
Defensive line: They were okay against the run, but they lost containment a few times. Grade: C.
Secondary: Hapless. The secondary hurt the Bucs all year. Grade: F.
Power Rankings
- Detroit.
2. Kansas City.
3. Buffalo.
4. Baltimore.
5. Philadelphia.
Bottom 5
32. Tennessee.
31. Cleveland,
30. Jacksonville.
29. N.Y. Giants.
28. Las Vegas.
Bucs' Awards
Offensive Player of Year Mike Evans
Defensive Player of Year Lavonte David
Rookie of Year Bucky Irving
Special teamer of Year Chase McLaughlin
Leading sacker Calijah Kansey
Best Victories
- Detroit
2. New Orleans (home)
3. San Diego
4. Philadelphia
5. Washington
Most Frustrating Losses
- Washington (playoff)
2. Atlanta (home)
3. Dallas
4. Kansas City
5. Atlanta (home)
Ranking the Bucs’ free agents
- Lavonte David
2. Chris Godwin
3. Anthony Nelson
4. Ben Bredeson
5. Greg Gaines
5 Best Bucs Rookies
- Bucky Irving
2. Jalen McMillan
3. Graham Barton
4. Tykee Smith
5. Devin Culp
Quarterbacks vs. Bucs
- Lamar Jackson 158.1
2. Kirk Cousins 145.1
3. JustoHerbert 135.4.
4. Brock Purdy 119.3
5. Patrick Mahomes 116.8