Overview
- A 23-20 loss at Carolina dropped the Buccaneers to 7-8 and pushed the Panthers into the division lead.
- Todd Bowles told reporters he ignores outside criticism, saying he listens only to music when he leaves the facility.
- Ronde Barber said the team is not seeking a new head coach and called Bowles’ chances of staying “pretty high,” while ESPN’s Dan Graziano argued that firing him could be an overreaction.
- ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported Bowles would contemplate retirement if he is fired, framing it as a consideration rather than a confirmed plan.
- Offensive stagnation and a weak pass rush persist despite improved health, leading to a short-term move to bring Jason Pierre-Paul back, as Baker Mayfield stressed the need to win out and eliminate penalties.