Buccaneers Searching for Answers After Another Costly Loss
The Buccaneers dropped a heartbreaker in Week 16, falling to the Panthers in a game that could have massive implications in the NFC South race. That makes it six losses in the last seven for Tampa Bay - a stretch that’s tested the team’s resilience and execution in crunch time.
Head coach Todd Bowles isn’t sounding the alarm when it comes to his locker room’s mindset. The confidence and chemistry, he says, are still intact. But even he admits that’s not cutting it right now.
“The biggest thing is our confidence is good, camaraderie is good and that’s high - but that’s not enough right now,” Bowles said after the loss. “It’s the execution that we’re lacking.”
That execution - or lack thereof - showed up in the details. Missed assignments, mental errors, and untimely penalties cost the Bucs dearly in a game they lost by just three points. Bowles didn’t sugarcoat it: “We shot ourselves in the foot enough today to lose this ballgame by three.”
Still, the message from Bowles is clear: accountability remains high, and the team’s focus is on the day-to-day grind. He’s hoping they get another shot at Carolina in two weeks - and that there’s still something meaningful on the line when they do.
Cowboys Stand Behind Bland, Schottenheimer Amidst Ups and Downs
In Dallas, the Cowboys are navigating their own share of adversity, but owner Jerry Jones is standing firmly behind his key personnel - both on the field and on the sidelines.
Cornerback DaRon Bland, who signed a four-year, $90 million extension back in August, has been working through a foot injury that’s impacted his play. But Jones isn’t second-guessing the investment.
“He’s been everything you could ask,” Jones said. “He’s thumbs up.”
That kind of support extends to first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who’s had to juggle more than just play-calling duties. Jones praised Schottenheimer’s technical acumen and his ability to steer the team through a season filled with unexpected hurdles.
“He’s had an outstanding year,” Jones said. “He’s technically as sound as you can draw up. We really like his philosophy of how to play football.”
Schottenheimer’s workload has been heavy - from leading the offense to managing team dynamics and dealing with injuries and setbacks. Jones acknowledged that Schottenheimer’s had to wear multiple hats but credited him for staying the course.
“Boy, he’s made progress, and we’ve got a great future ahead,” Jones added.
As for the team’s shortcomings this season, Jones isn’t dodging responsibility. He made it clear that the buck stops with him.
“There’s no question. There’s no manning up or anything.
I know exactly who is ultimately responsible,” he said. “I take it real serious… there is accountability in a very, very big way.”
On the defensive side, Schottenheimer believes a recent adjustment - moving defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus to the coaches’ booth - could help the unit respond more quickly in-game. The hope is that the elevated view will lead to faster, more informed adjustments on the fly.
Giants Keep Game Plan Close to the Vest Ahead of Week 17
In New York, interim head coach Mike Kafka is keeping his cards close to his chest when it comes to the Giants’ offensive strategy moving forward.
Last week, the Giants leaned heavily on the run game to protect rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart from the pressure-heavy schemes of Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. It was a conservative but calculated approach designed to limit mistakes and keep the game manageable.
Asked if the team would stick with that run-heavy formula moving forward, Kafka didn’t tip his hand.
“Every week is different,” he said. “Whatever we can take advantage of… whatever gives us the best chances to win the game, that’s what we’ll try to do.”
It’s a pragmatic approach from a coach trying to navigate a challenging late-season stretch with a young quarterback under center. The Giants know they have to be adaptable - and with Dart still gaining his footing, Kafka’s play-calling will continue to walk that line between protection and production.