Todd Bowles addresses controversial decision in loss to Chiefs

Sep 9, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles looks on before a game against the Dallas Cowboysn at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles addressed one of his controversial moves late in his team’s 30-24 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

After a big play set the Buccaneers up in a goal-to-go situation, Bowles controversially called timeout with 33 seconds left in regulation. That was criticized by some, as it let the Chiefs settle and ensured there would be more time on the clock for them if and when the Buccaneers scored a game-tying touchdown.

On Tuesday, Bowles suggested that he sensed the Buccaneers had lost their composure, and wanted to sort things out before the offense tried to punch it in.

“We wanted to bleed the clock and bring it down, but we had lost our composure a little bit on that play, so we needed to call a timeout so we could get composure and we didn’t go down and get a penalty and get backed up and try to make it tough on ourselves,” Bowles told reporters. “We definitely didn’t want to leave (Patrick) Mahomes with time on the clock. We knew he had three timeouts, but we felt it was necessary to call it and take care of ourselves so we could score.”

Full quote from Bowles on taking time out with 33 seconds left: "We wanted to bleed the clock and bring it down, but we had lost our composure a little bit on that play, so we needed to call a time out so we could get composure and we didn't go down and get a penalty and get…

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The Buccaneers did get away with this one. They wound up scoring, and the defense was able to hold and keep Mahomes from driving downfield and getting into field goal range. It did not wind up mattering, however, as the Chiefs won the overtime coin toss and marched downfield for a touchdown.

Bowles was also strongly criticized for not going for two after the late touchdown. While he blamed another factor for that, one has to wonder if he was a bit worried about the team’s composure in that spot as well.