Tampa Bay regressed in Bowles’ first year as head coach of the team, and that’s putting it nicely. A team that was 13-4 a year ago followed that up with an 8-9 campaign, although they captured another NFC South crown. That alone says a lot about the division — which was weak — and the team’s discipline under Bowles, which felt non-existent.
Tom Brady took time off during training camp, then came in and had one of his worst years on the field. Bowles’ calling card is defense. This year, the D couldn’t stop traffic dressed up as stop signs. The Bucs’ defense finished bottom third in the league in most of the major defensive categories. Even when injuries are involved, a defensive coach should be able to get more out of his guys.
