Todd Bowles reveals why the Bucs didn’t go for potential game-winning two-point conversion after OT loss to Chiefs
Todd Bowles, on his second attempt as head coach, faces media fire for controversial last minute game play.
Follow Us
Todd Bowles on Bucs vs. Chiefs (via YouTube/Tampa Bay Times)
The Kansas City Chiefs continued their unbeaten streak with their eighth win of the season, over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The closely fought game crossed into overtime with the Bucs opting out of a two-point conversion in regulation time.
After forcing the game into overtime, the Buccaneers lost the coin toss, which gave the Chiefs the ball first. The Chiefs capitalized on their possession, with Kareem Hunt scoring a touchdown on their opening drive to secure the victory. The false start call wasn’t heeded, with the Bucs forced to accept defeat without a chance for them to touch the ball in overtime.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles commented on their inaction later in the post-game conference. The coach admitted that they had given the two-point margin very little thought.
The 60-year-old former Jets coach explained that the decision was heavily influenced by the poor conditions on the field, specifically pointing to the wet, slippery outfield as a key factor. According to him, the team had initially believed they could secure a victory in overtime, despite the challenging circumstances.
We wanted to get it to overtime. With the wet conditions on the field, we feel like we had to go into overtime.
Todd Bowles told the reporters
However, the limited opportunities afforded to highly-praised Baker Mayfield or the team in the final moments effectively crushed their chances of turning the game around. The coach defended that the game didn’t ultimately come down to the final play.
We went for one. We took our shots. We had our chances all game. We just lost the game. It didn’t come down to that.
Todd Bowles added
Video: Todd Bowles said he gave “very minor” thought to going for two after the late touchdown. Cited wet field conditions, thought they could win in overtime. pic.twitter.com/uR67NorVnA
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) November 5, 2024
Tampa Bay fans have been clamoring for a more aggressive style of play from their team, particularly under coach Todd Bowles. While there have been moments of boldness, they’ve often been mistimed or poorly executed, as seen in the failed fake punt against the Falcons.
Dallas Cowboys legend calls out Todd Bowles for worrying about last-minute decision
ESPN MNF analyst Troy Aikman expressed his disapproval of Bowles’ late play call. Aikman mentioned this when anchor Scott Van Pelt addressed the issue in a post-game interview.
When you’re on the road against the defending world champs, and you’ve got them on the ropes, and you get a chance to win a game, you know, on one play, I think you’ve got to do that.
Troy Aikman said
Aikman explained that maybe the Bucs would have lost despite the attempt. He noted that the Bucs didn’t handle the timeout also any better.
Aikman wasn’t the only one to call out Bowles. In addition to the heat from fans, terming Bowles a “coward” among other names, analysts also have launched an attack on the coach. Peyton Manning blamed the coach in his podcast Manningcast. Even the opposition coach, Andy Reid, stepped up to thank Bowles for not going for a two-point conversion.
Stay Updated!
Mohammed Bazim
(515 Articles Published)