The Bucs started the season with an impressive record of 5-1 and were atop of many power rankings, as well as the NFL standings themselves.

Now, as the team heads into Week 12 with a matchup against the Los Angeles Rams looming, they have a record of 6-4 and have lost three in a row. Everyone is looking around for someone to blame, but they needn’t look far. For the most part, the answer is standing on the sideline wearing a headset and playsheet: Head coach Todd Bowles.

Todd Bowles has taken a roster that had depth to handle injuries and has taken them to the top of the NFC South once again. However, they have now seen a four-game lead vanish and have just a half-game lead over the Carolina Panthers, and could be behind them with another loss in Week 12.

Bowles’ approach “isn’t working” in the eyes of one analyst. That is the takeaway that Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski had from their game in Week 11 on the road in Buffalo.

Sobleski writes, “Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles is known for his aggressive scheme as Tampa Bay’s defensive play-caller. It’s an all-or-nothing approach, though. Offenses have adjusted, while Bowles hasn’t. Against two elite quarterbacks and quality offenses, the Buccaneers allowed 849 yards over the last two weeks. Both Drake Maye and Josh Allen were allowed to make plays instead of bottling them up. . .In order to win at the highest level, the Bucs need to slow the league’s best signal-callers and slow opposing offenses. They haven’t in back-to-back contests.”

Something has to give with these Bucs, but it doesn’t seem to be anytime soon. Injuries will likely serve as an excuse to save him, and the hiring of Josh Grizzard has not gone well, but Baker Mayfield’s production has covered it up. It has not been a good year for Bowles in 2025 ,and it is unlikely to get better anytime soon..

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Todd Bowles approach ‘isn’t working’ in the eyes of one analyst