Todd Bowles Wants the Bucs to Develop a Killer Instinct
PALM BEACH — Todd Bowles is instituting the no mercy rule. After watching his team bolt to a 3-1 record each of the past two seasons, only to need to pull out of a steep tailspin to win the NFC South, the Bucs head coach wants his players to start stepping on some necks.
Finish games, finish off teams, finish in the Super Bowl. Ruthlessness must replace restlessness.
Put simply, Bowles says the Bucs have lacked a “killer instinct.”
“I feel good that we know how to win,” Bowles said, “I don’t feel good about us finishing the season from a playoff aspect and the middle of the season, having a drought two years in a row. We’ve got to be better from that standpoint.
“From a coaching standpoint, from the veterans holding everybody accountable standpoint — which they do, but we’ve got to do a lot more of that. And we’ve got to play — not even better football at the end, but we’ve got to have a killer instinct and we’ve got to try and blow people out and try to win a division instead of it going down to the last week.”
Bowles Analyzing Defense to Avoid Midseason Slump
Bowles said that since the 2024 season ended, he has spent a lot of his time breaking down every play on defense to determine what the Bucs need to do better to avoid the midseason swoon. Two years ago, they lost six of seven games. Last year, it was five of six.
Both times they rallied in December to win the division. But the Bucs dropped playoff games at Detroit and home against Washington that were theirs for the taking in the fourth quarter.
Improving Game Management with New Director
Bowles wasn’t afraid to ask for some help after being criticized for his poor clock management and being risk averse. The Bucs hired Zach Beistline as their new director of football research to improve game-day decision-making.
Changes in Offensive Coordinator Position
One of the obvious offseason changes was hiring a third offensive coordinator in as many years. Bowles introduced passing game coordinator Josh Grizzard as the new Bucs offensive coordinator.
Coaching Transition and Development
Grizzard has never called plays at any level, but Bowles plans to help him develop that skill in the offseason through practice sessions and situational drills to prepare him for calling plays during games.
Conclusion
Todd Bowles is pushing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to develop a killer instinct to finish games and dominate opponents. With a focus on improving game management and coaching transitions, the Bucs aim to avoid midseason slumps and make a strong push for the playoffs.
FAQs
– What is Todd Bowles’ main focus for the Buccaneers?
Todd Bowles wants the Bucs to develop a killer instinct to finish games and blow out opponents.
– How is Bowles addressing the team’s midseason struggles?
Bowles is analyzing the defense and making changes in game management to avoid midseason slumps.
