The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ recent 36-30 overtime loss to the Atlanta Falcons has reignited concerns over the team’s inability to finish games, and much of the blame has been directed at offensive coordinator Liam Coen. After a strong first-half performance where Baker Mayfield looked sharp and the offense seemed to be firing on all cylinders, the Bucs fell flat in the second half, only managing to put up two field goals. This drastic drop in production has sparked criticism of Coen’s conservative play-calling, which many believe cost the team a crucial divisional win.
In the first half, Mayfield and the offense were aggressive and creative, utilizing a balanced attack that included deep shots to Mike Evans and quick strikes to Chris Godwin. Their strong performance had the Bucs holding a comfortable lead, and it appeared as though Tampa Bay was poised to run away with the game. However, as the game wore on, Coen dialed back the aggression, opting for short screens and runs rather than allowing Mayfield to keep pushing the ball downfield. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the offense had lost its rhythm and failed to capitalize on key opportunities.
The turning point came after Lavonte David’s interception late in the fourth quarter, which set up Tampa Bay with excellent field position and a chance to seal the game. Instead of trusting Mayfield to close out the win, Coen switched to a run-heavy approach, calling for plays designed to chew up the clock rather than aggressively move downfield. While the idea of making the Falcons burn their timeouts is sound in theory, it ultimately backfired. Atlanta stacked the box to stuff the run, and the Bucs failed to gain a first down, allowing the Falcons to get the ball back and drive down the field to tie the game and force overtime.
This conservative approach has fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. Why take the ball out of the hands of your star playmakers when the game is on the line? As one commentator noted, “You don’t see teams like the Chiefs taking the ball out of Patrick Mahomes’ hands in those situations,” which begs the question: why did the Bucs do it with Mayfield? Coen’s play-calling appeared to lack confidence in his quarterback, who had played well up to that point, and it showed in the final result.
Even Bucs left tackle Tristan Wirfs was vocal about his frustration, saying, “It was right there. They gave it to us… We should have done it.” The disappointment was palpable among the players, and it’s clear that the team knows it let a big opportunity slip away. This loss could have major implications for the Bucs’ chances of winning the NFC South, especially with upcoming matchups against the Saints and another rematch against the Falcons in a few weeks.
Looking ahead, the Bucs will need to reassess their strategy in similar situations. Coen, in his first season as the offensive coordinator, has shown flashes of creativity and skill in play design, but this latest stumble highlights the growing pains of a new play-caller trying to find his groove in the NFL. If Tampa Bay wants to maximize its offensive potential, Coen needs to trust Mayfield and his top weapons to finish games rather than retreating into a shell when the pressure is on.
The Bucs’ second-half collapse has also raised questions about whether this conservative approach is indicative of a deeper issue within the coaching staff. Head coach Todd Bowles has historically been known for his defensive mindset, and it’s possible that this cautious mentality has influenced the offensive play-calling. If the Bucs want to compete at a high level, they’ll need to shift away from playing not to lose and instead adopt a more aggressive, winner’s mentality.
With a crucial divisional game against the Saints next week, Coen and the Bucs will have a chance to redeem themselves and show that they’ve learned from this experience. The question is: will they adjust and allow Mayfield to play more freely, or will we see the same conservative mistakes that have plagued them? Let’s hear your thoughts—should the Bucs stick to their guns, or does Liam Coen need to rethink his approach in crunch time? Let’s get the conversation started!
