What’s Gone Wrong with the Buccaneers’ Defense - And Why It All Leads Back to Todd Bowles
It wasn’t long ago that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were hanging around in the NFC South race. But since Week 10, the wheels have come off - and it’s not just about Baker Mayfield’s inconsistency or the mounting injuries. The real issue lies on the other side of the ball: a defense that’s gone from respectable to flat-out unreliable.
Let’s start with the numbers - because they paint a pretty grim picture. Over their last five games, the Bucs have allowed an average of 29 points per game, ranking 31st in scoring defense during that stretch.
They've also given up 384 yards per game, which puts them at 30th in total defense. That’s not just a bad stretch - that’s a defensive collapse.
Sure, some of that came against high-octane offenses. But the concerning part?
Even teams like the Falcons and Saints - both dealing with injuries and ranked in the bottom half of the league offensively - managed to outplay this Bucs defense. That’s where excuses run out.
Bowles at the Center of It All
Head coach Todd Bowles wears two hats in Tampa: he runs the team and calls the defense. And while Bowles has built a reputation as a defensive-minded coach, the results lately haven’t backed that up. His scheme hasn’t adapted mid-season, and the unit continues to get picked apart week after week.
Since Week 10, Tampa has allowed 270+ passing yards in five of six games. For the season, they now rank 29th in passing yards allowed per game.
That’s not just a bad stretch - that’s a trend. And it’s one that’s been building.
This is now the third straight season the Bucs find themselves in the bottom five in that category. In 2025, they’re dead last.
Secondary Struggles Run Deep
The problems in the secondary are widespread. The only bright spot?
Jamel Dean. The veteran corner has been rock solid, allowing just a 43.6 passer rating when targeted - elite territory.
But he’s been the exception, not the rule.
On the other side, Zyon McCollum has had a rough go. He’s given up six touchdowns and allowed a 100.9 passer rating, marking his worst season since his rookie year in 2022. Rookie Jacob Parrish has seen significant snaps as the third corner, and while he’s only allowed two touchdowns, he’s clearly still adjusting to the speed and complexity of the pro game.
And it doesn’t stop there. The Bucs’ defense has been particularly vulnerable to wide receivers and tight ends, ranking 9th in passing yards allowed to those groups.
Against running backs? They’ve actually been the best in the league.
But that’s more a reflection of where teams are attacking them - and it’s not in the flat. It’s downfield, over the middle, and in the seams.
That brings us to the linebackers. Lavonte David and SirVocea Dennis have struggled mightily in pass coverage. David, a longtime leader of this defense, looks a step slower in coverage, while Dennis has yet to find his footing as a consistent contributor.
Draft Picks, But No Quick Fixes
Tampa tried to address the secondary in the 2025 NFL Draft, using second- and third-round picks on two rookie cornerbacks. But so far, neither has made the kind of immediate impact the team hoped for. Both have been forced into starting roles due to injuries and underperformance elsewhere, and the growing pains have been evident.
This isn’t just about young players learning on the job. It’s about a system that hasn’t evolved - and a coach who’s yet to make the necessary adjustments.
Can It Turn Around?
There’s still a sliver of hope. The Bucs will close out the regular season against two teams with bottom-tier passing offenses, which could give the defense a chance to regroup and build some momentum. And in the NFC South, a couple of wins can still mean a playoff berth.
But unless Todd Bowles finds a way to recalibrate his defense - and quickly - the Bucs’ postseason hopes may be more fiction than fact. The talent isn’t entirely absent, but the cohesion, communication, and schematic flexibility just haven’t been there. And in today’s NFL, that’s a recipe for disaster.
The final stretch will be telling. Not just for the Bucs’ playoff chances - but for the future of this defense, and potentially, the man calling the shots.