TAMPA, Fla. — Addressing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ struggling defense will not require significant changes to the lineup, nor does head coach Todd Bowles plan to hand over the play-calling duties to someone else.

“We evaluate personnel every week to determine what is best for the team,” Bowles stated on Monday, as he reflected on a troubling phase where the Buccaneers have lost three out of their last four games and conceded 27 points or more in each of those contests. In contrast, their first four games saw them allow no more than 26 points, contributing to a positive 3-1 start to the season.

“At times, we might feel helpless, but we are doing everything possible this week to optimize our lineup and improve moving forward,” Bowles remarked. “If the players are on our roster, we will utilize them; if they aren’t, then that’s that.”

Addressing his team’s performance, Bowles was asked about the defense’s inability to meet expectations and whether he would consider delegating play-calling responsibilities. Since Bowles joined the Buccaneers as defensive coordinator in 2019, the defense has been known for its resilience. This year’s dip in performance can be partially attributed to injuries, but Bowles is unwilling to use this as an excuse.

“We can pinpoint around four or five crucial plays per game where we miss tackles or fail to position ourselves correctly, leading to big plays,” Bowles noted. “I will continue to call plays myself.”

He emphasized the need for players to improve their communication and execution, regardless of who is on the field. “The solutions lie within our locker room, just as the problems do,” Bowles said following Sunday’s narrow 31-26 defeat to the Atlanta Falcons.

“It’s quite challenging playing against both the Bucs and the Falcons at the same time; it’s not possible to overcome two opponents.”

In terms of positives, the team’s offensive performance during their recent loss to Atlanta offered some hope. Despite the absence of key receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, quarterback Baker Mayfield successfully connected on a career-high 37 passes to nine different receivers, accumulating 330 yards and three touchdown passes. The Buccaneers managed to surpass 400 offensive yards for the fourth time in eight games and are currently averaging 29.4 points per game.

However, despite Mayfield leading the league with 21 touchdown passes, he has also thrown nine interceptions, with seven of those occurring in the last three games. Bowles was prompted to comment on ways to help Mayfield reduce turnovers.

“Mayfield needs to recognize scoring opportunities and avoid trying to force every pass,” Bowles advised. “Occasionally, even a field goal is more beneficial than a turnover.”

One player who has stepped up is tight end Cade Otton, who recorded a career-high nine receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns against Atlanta. With the absence of Evans and Godwin, he became a primary target, receiving the ball ten times.

“Cade often gets overlooked due to the depth of our skill positions, but he is instrumental in our offense,” Mayfield noted.

“The entire team recognized the need to elevate our performance, realizing Mike and Chris are integral to our success. The balls went my way this time, but it could be someone else next week. We all need to be prepared to contribute,” Otton added.

In contrast, Bowles asserted that running back Sean Tucker should have a larger role in the offense, but this hasn’t materialized recently. Tucker’s contributions have dwindled since a standout performance against New Orleans three games ago, where he amassed 192 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. In the latest game versus Atlanta, he recorded just two carries for three yards and one reception for twelve yards, following a five-carry performance for 29 yards against Baltimore.

Regarding injuries, rookie safety Tykee Smith sat out the Atlanta matchup due to a concussion, and Bowles indicated it’s premature to comment on his condition for the upcoming week.

A notable statistic for the Bucs is that they posted 102 rushing yards against the Falcons, marking their fifth consecutive game with over 100 rushing yards. This streak highlights a significant improvement; it’s the first time Tampa has achieved five straight games with such levels since 2015.

The Buccaneers face a formidable opponent next as they head to Kansas City next Monday night, followed by a home game against San Francisco, rounding off a tough stretch where they take on three teams that featured in last season’s conference championship games.