Todd Bowles makes brutal Buccaneers statement after Dolphins loss

Adam Schultz

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Todd Bowles makes brutal Buccaneers statement after Dolphins loss image

© Nathan Ray Seebeck

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continued their poor form, losing 20-17 to the Miami Dolphins, which sees Todd Bowles' team in freefall as the playoffs approach.

Two Baker Mayfield interceptions, three sacks allowed, and a handful of penalties all add up to another indifferent showing for Tampa Bay.

Now, it will enter Week 18, if the Atlanta Falcons lose on Monday Night Football or in Week 18, needing a win to claim the division against the Carolina Panthers.

But for head coach Todd Bowles, his team has to forget what transpired in Miami.

"I think we got to erase that from our heads because we have to get ourselves together before we worry about Carolina or anybody else,” Bowles said. “We just shooting ourselves in the foot at every chance. That starts with me. I got to coach them better. They got to play it better, then we got to figure out how we can stop making our mistakes to move on."

But then Bowles dropped the hammer on his team.

"If we play and do the things we did today, next week we won't be going anywhere," he added.

Yikes.

More: Buccaneers fans will love Baker Mayfield's Week 18 promise

Buccaneers close to ending horrific season

The Buccaneers started the year in good form (5-1), but since then, it has been tough sledding.

Losing seven of their last eight games isn't great, but if the Falcons lose on Monday night or in Week 18, if the Buccaneers beat the Panthers, Tampa Bay will be division champs.

Granted, if they do make the postseason, exactly how far they can go in this form would suggest not very far, but punching your ticket gives you a shot.

Needing a little to go their way and then take care of business, that is what's on the line for the Buccaneers.

It's now or never.

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Editorial Team