The Bucs season ended Sunday night and social media had some thoughts
The Buccaneers season ended at the hands of the Washington Commanders on a heartbreaking last second field goal 23-20. Both sides of the football just simply were not good enough on Sunday night and it resulted in the Bucs being a one and done in the playoffs.
Anytime a season ends in heartbreaking fashion, there are a lot of differing opinions on things. Let’s take a look at what social media had to say about the loss.
Mistakes doom the Bucs
Tampa didn’t play a perfect game by any means, but they did have the lead and the ball after the defense forced a turnover on downs. The offense then made a pivotal mistake that Washington would later capitalize on.
Literally the last thing the Bucs needed here.
FUMBLE!pic.twitter.com/NsSPHxF0QO
— Fliff (@fliff) January 13, 2025
There are many that were critical of offensive coordinator Liam Coen for calling an end around in that situation and also the player’s execution of the play call. It’s a big play and resulted in Washington taking the lead a few plays later.
However, not everyone was so harsh on the Bucs offense for the blunder.
I know this isn’t most #Bucs fans, but I have noticed a few protests against Liam Coen calling the end around that was fumbled on Sunday night.
I think that’s absurd. The Bucs had run 17 end arounds this season (5th most) and had the highest EPA/play in the NFL on such plays.
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) January 14, 2025
Mike Evans Wins this Round
A big storyline prior to the game was the matchup between Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans and Commanders corner Marshon Lattimore. Their history against each other is well documented and when Lattimore was with New Orleans, they had some fierce battles.
They would once again face off and this time, Evans was the clear winner.
Mike Evans had Lattimore in a blender during this slant with a “hesi-split” release
(h/t @ReceiverSchool)pic.twitter.com/9HOu2g0dQw
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 14, 2025
Evans finished the night with seven catches for 92 yards and a touchdown. Washington actually had to take Lattimore off of Evans mid way through the game because it was clear Evans had the upper hand. Just another chapter in the Evans/Lattimore rivalry.
How much heat should be on Todd Bowles?
Todd Bowles is certainly a polarizing figure in the land of social media and that was no different Sunday night after the game. Many folks are frustrated with how things have turned out this season and really over the previous two seasons as well.
Todd Bowles as the entire clock is running down: pic.twitter.com/qn6gIy9hnT
— theScore (@theScore) January 13, 2025
There are many Bucs fans who have called for Bowles’ job throughout this season and there are some valid reasons for it. Now it seems a bit more of the national media is thinking a similar thought.
After the repeated (and egregious) game management issues this season, I have to think there’s a possibility that this is Todd Bowles’ last game as the Bucs head coach.
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) January 13, 2025
Now, while it is entirely possible the Bucs move on from Bowles after a disappointing playoff exit, it’s not something I would be counting on. Odds are that Bowles is back in 2025 as Tampa Bay’s head coach but hey, this is the same team that fired Tony Dungy after he took them to the playoffs three years in a row so never say never, I suppose.
With that, Tampa Bay now turns their attention to the 2025 offseason and trying to figure out ways to improve this team to hopefully to another step forward in the 2025-26 season.