A Humbling Defeat: Buccaneers Coach Calls Loss a “Complete Team Collapse”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles described his team’s 26-7 home loss to the Denver Broncos as a “complete team collapse.” The Buccaneers were seeking to start 3-0 for the first time since 2005, but instead, they surrendered seven sacks and allowed the Broncos’ rookie quarterback to score two touchdowns within the first 12 minutes.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield acknowledged that the team got “our asses kicked” and attributed the loss to a lack of physicality, execution, and attention to detail. Wide receiver Mike Evans said the team had a “great week of preparation,” but they failed to match the Broncos’ energy, saying “it felt like they wanted it more.”
The Broncos’ offense got off to a fast start, with quarterback Bo Nix leading a 3-yard scramble for a touchdown on the opening drive. The Buccaneers’ defense struggled to contain Nix, who finished with an 80.5 Total QBR and a 69.4% completion rate.
The Buccaneers’ lone touchdown came after a fumble recovery, which led to a 5-yard touchdown pass from Mayfield to Chris Godwin. However, the team’s inability to protect Mayfield, who was sacked seven times, hindered their ability to gain momentum.
Coach Bowles emphasized that the team didn’t overlook the Broncos despite their 0-2 record heading into the game. He stressed the importance of proving themselves right, rather than trying to prove others wrong.
The Buccaneers face a tough stretch of games ahead, including a matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Outside linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka urged his teammates to take a deep breath and respond to the loss with mental toughness and grit.
Wide receiver Chris Godwin reminded everyone that the NFL is a difficult league with much parity, and that one loss doesn’t define a team. He emphasized the importance of going back to work and fighting again next week.
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