Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers were at home for TNF in Week 15. They had an NFC South showdown vs. the Atlanta Falcons. Thursday was a must-win game for Tampa Bay.
The team entered Week 15 tied with the Carolina Panthers for first place in the NFC South. Atlanta had nothing to lose with a 4-9 record. With 13:34 left in the fourth quarter, the Bucs had a 28-14 lead. However, Tampa Bay crumbled and did not score for the remainder of the game. Additionally, their defense collapsed, and the Bucs lost on a walk-off field goal. After the game, head coach Todd Bowles used profane language in his press conference.
Todd Bowles did not hold back after Tampa Bay’s loss on TNF
Bucs HC Todd Bowles did not hold back after his team blew a 28-14 fourth-quarter lead. pic.twitter.com/F8D0LXnce8
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 12, 2025
After a 6-2 start to the 2025 season, the Buccaneers have hit the ultimate collapse. The team is 1-5 in their last six games. That includes a 29-28 loss to the Falcons on TNF in Week 15. Tampa Bay is now 7-7 in 2025. If the Panthers beat the Saints this week, the Bucs are in danger of missing the playoffs. It would be the first time sicne 2020 that the Bucs did not win the NFC South.
Early in the fourth quarter, Chris Godwin caught a three-yard touchdown from Baker Mayfield. He also connected with Godwin for the two-point conversion. This gave the Bucs a 28-14 lead with 13:34 left in the game. However, it all went wrong for Tampa Bay, and they blew a two-touchdown lead in the fourth. Atlanta kicked a walkoff 43-yard field goal to stun the Bucs in Week 15.
An angry Todd Bowles just threw his players under the bus.
“Coaches have done all they can do”
“They have to hold themselves accountable”
This is exactly what it sounds like when the end is near. The Bucs are cooked. It’s over, folks. pic.twitter.com/vntvGIm9Ka
— Josh Hill (@jdavhill) December 12, 2025
Head coach Todd Bowles spoke with the media after the game. Normally, Bowles is soft-spoken and reserved. In his post-game press conference in Week 15, Bowles did not hold back. He used profane language in front of the media. NFL insiders counted that Bowles dropped the f-bomb seven times in a thirty-second clip.
What made matters worse was that he threw his players under the bus. As a head coach, you simply cannot do that. Even if a player made a mistake, it’s on the head coach to own it. That’s how the NFL has worked for years. Todd Bowles went against the grain on Thursday and spoke his mind. Now, the 62-year-old is on the hot seat after Thursday night’s blown lead to the Falcons. He’ll have to answer for his profane tirade and will have several fines to pay.
