The Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't used to this feeling.
For the first time in five seasons, they won't be in the playoffs, and won't be division champs.
For a team that started the year 5-1, to be in this position is, honestly, shocking.
But going through a stretch of the season where you lose seven of eight games will put the nail in your playoff hopes.
And for head coach Todd Bowles, the Bucs don't have anyone else to blame but themselves.
“It's disappointing we didn't get in,” Bowles said. “It's very disappointing. First time in five years, so you kind of get used to it a little bit, but we did it to ourselves. So, we got to take a deep evaluation, starting with myself. And once I do that, I'll evaluate the coaches and players, and we'll go accordingly.”
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Changes coming in Tampa?
If you ask Tampa Bay fans, Bowles should be the first to be moved on, but given that he only recently signed an extension, we don't think that will happen.
Of course, it could, but right now it doesn't seem likely.
But starting 5-1 and then finishing 8-9 is a serious second-half collapse for the Buccaneers, and questions have to be asked. From top to bottom, the franchise has to be evaluated.
Bowles has already started, and his job could be on the line as a result of this year's failure.
The season started so well, but then fell off a cliff. And when that happens, changes, either personnel or coaching-wise, usually happen.
More Buccaneers news:
- Buccaneers get what they deserve after Week 18 disaster
- Buccaneers 'break that spell' in Week 18, but too little, too late?
- No Week 18 pity party for Buccaneers' Todd Bowles
- Why Buccaneers' 'main focus' is an odd aspect of Week 18