Bucs Head Coach Todd Bowles Opens Up to Dan Sileo: Cutdown Day, Baker Mayfield, and Buccaneers Legacy
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrive at Week 18 battered, inconsistent, and somehow still alive in the NFC South race. After dropping seven of their last eight games, the Bucs have backed themselves into a corner. Yet the math remains simple: beat the Carolina Panthers, and hope the New Orleans Saints defeat the Atlanta Falcons. If both results fall their way, Tampa Bay claims the division crown and punches a postseason ticket. If not, Saturday night becomes the final chapter of their 2025 season.
This is the razor’s edge the Bucs now walk—one game, one chance, and no margin for error.
Despite their struggles, Tampa Bay holds two meaningful advantages entering this matchup. First, they return home, where the crowd has historically given them a lift in high‑pressure moments. Second, they lost the previous meeting with Carolina, which—oddly enough—gives them more to work with.
Coaches reviewing the film saw glaring issues: missed assignments, protection breakdowns, and defensive lapses that flipped the game. Teams that lose often learn more, and the Bucs believe they have the clearer roadmap for improvement. That combination of urgency, home‑field energy, and self‑correction could create the “perfect storm” they need to survive another week.
Key Player Comparison: Baker Mayfield vs. Panthers Defense
Baker Mayfield remains the emotional engine of this team. His toughness has never been questioned, but the offense has sputtered during the late‑season slide. ESPN and Pro Football Focus metrics show declining efficiency, particularly under pressure—an area Carolina exploited in their last meeting.
For Tampa Bay to win, Mayfield must rediscover his early‑season rhythm, push the ball vertically, and avoid the costly turnovers that have plagued recent losses.
Coaching Spotlight: Todd Bowles Under the Microscope
Head coach Todd Bowles enters this game with enormous pressure. National outlets—from ESPN to Fox Sports to CBS Sports—have openly discussed his uncertain future. A loss could intensify speculation about organizational changes, while a win (and a Saints upset of Atlanta) could buy Bowles another postseason opportunity.
The redevelopment plans aim to transform the City Ground into a modern, sustainable, and iconic venue, while preserving its identity along the banks of the River Trent.
City Ground Enters a New Era
Nottingham Forest has taken a decisive step toward reshaping its future with the formal submission of planning applications to redevelop the City Ground. The announcement signals one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the club’s modern history, while reaffirming a deep respect for a stadium that has stood at the heart of Forest for more than 120 years.
The redevelopment plans aim to transform the City Ground into a modern, sustainable, and iconic venue, while preserving its identity along the banks of the River Trent. Once completed, the project would increase stadium capacity to more than 50,000, allowing Forest to meet growing demand and compete at the highest level both on and off the pitch.
Marinakis Investment Shapes the Vision
The project will be fully funded by club owner Evangelos Marinakis, whose continued investment reflects a long-term commitment to Nottingham Forest and the city itself. The redevelopment is designed not only to enhance the matchday experience, but also to serve as a catalyst for economic growth across Nottingham and the wider East Midlands region.
Club officials have emphasized that the stadium project extends far beyond football. It is expected to generate jobs, attract visitors, and stimulate local businesses, while delivering a landmark venue that aligns with modern environmental standards.
Community Support and Collaboration
Forest acknowledged the strong public engagement shown during the consultation process, noting widespread backing from supporters and residents alike. That support played a key role in reaching the planning submission stage and has reinforced confidence in the project’s long-term value.
The club also expressed appreciation for its professional partners, including Gleeds, KSS Design Group, Buro Happold, and Savills, who have contributed expertise across design, engineering, and planning.
Working With Local Authorities
Attention now turns to collaboration with local and regional authorities. Forest will work closely with the Mayor of the East Midlands, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottingham City Council, and Nottinghamshire County Council to move the project toward approval.
The club has stressed its intention to maintain an open dialogue with supporters and the wider community as the process continues. Forest believes that cooperation and transparency will be vital in achieving a successful outcome.
If approved, the City Ground redevelopment would represent a defining chapter in the club’s history. It would honor the past, serve the present, and lay foundations for a future where Nottingham Forest matches its ambitions with world-class infrastructure.
Nottingham Forest is delighted to confirm the submission of planning applications for the redevelopment of the City Ground.
Our home for over 120 years will see a significant investment made by our owner, Evangelos Marinakis, to deliver a sustainable and iconic design which… pic.twitter.com/AwAjMPDtx6
“Nottingham Forest is delighted to confirm the submission of planning applications for the redevelopment of the City Ground.
Our home for over 120 years will see a significant investment made by our owner, Evangelos Marinakis, to deliver a sustainable and iconic design which increases the stadium’s capacity to over 50,000. The redevelopment will be an integral part of the economic growth of the city and the wider region.
The Club is grateful for the positive public engagement and overwhelming support shown for our proposals ahead of the planning submission. We would also like to thank to our key partners, Gleeds, KSS Design Group, Buro Happold, and Savills for their support to date.
We look forward to working with the Mayor of the East Midlands, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council, as well as our supporters and the wider community, to achieve a successful outcome in the near future.”
Nigeria’s forward #09 Victor Osimhen (2L) celebrates scoring the team’s second goal during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Nigeria and Mozambique at the Sports Complex stadium in Fes on January 5, 2026.
Ngeria marched into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final stage with a dominant 4-0 defeat of Mozambique on Monday.
A brace from Victor Osimhen and lone goals from Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams cemented the Super Eagles’ progress in Morocco as they await the winner of the game between Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
For the first time at AFCON 2025, Nigeria did not concede a goal after a combined four goals in three group games.
Sports Talk has ranked the performance of Eric Chelle’s team after the round of the 16 game on a scale of 1-10.
Stanley Nwabali – 8
It was more like an off day for Nwabali who did not face any shot in 90 minutes.
Bassey & Ajayi comfortably shielded him from any threats
Calvin Bassey – 8
Organised and solid as usual.
Bassey’s presence in the defence neutralised Mozambique’s attacking threat, even in one-on-one situations we came out on top.
Semi Ajayi – 8
The Hull City centre-back showed once again that he is in charge and his partnership with Bassey proved to be a success as Nigeria failed to concede for the first time in Morocco.
Bright Osayi-Samuel – 8
Mozambique, on several occasions, tried to break the Super Eagles with counter attack but Osayi-Samuel’s strength and composure were key whenever he was caught overlapping on the wings.
Bruno Onyemaechi – 8
Made a number of timely tackles to stop the Mambas who failed to register a shot on target in the game.
Wilfred Ndidi – 8
A fantastic outing for the Besiktas midfielder. He returned to the starting XI after he was rested in the last game.
Ndidi’s leadership skills were evident even when his teammates were caught overreacting to situations.
Alex Iwobi – 10
Iwobi orchestrated and dictated the flow of the game from the middle of the park and he narrowly missed a chance to cap his display with a goal.
His calmness on the ball and pinpoint passes launched the Super Eagles’ attack for the four goals.
Frank Onyeka – 8
Onyeka’s versatility in the midfield gave Nigeria enough options in defence and attack.
He added more strength as Nigeria dominated the encounter from start to finish.
Akor Adams – 9
The Sevilla striker made a crucial contribution in Fes with two assists and a goal to end his AFCON drought.
Adams did not just prove to be a supporting striker, he made a statement that he can lead Nigeria’s attack and deliver goals.
Ademola Lookman – 10
Another Man-of-the-match display for the 2024 African Footballer of the Year as he grabbed two assist and a goal.
Lookman added some flair to his game with his creativity and mesmerizing moves, however, there instances he held on to the ball for too long.
Osimhen – 5
His presence in the starting XI created an advantage for Nigeria and he was rewarded with a brace in the game.
Osimhen stained his record with a condemnable behaviour as he requested the coach to replace him after an obvious confrontation with Lookman over a pass.
His reaction generated boos from Nigerians as he walked to the bench.
Moses Simon – 6
Pumped in more energy into the Nigeria team and made the left flanks the busiest side of the pitch in the final 20 minutes.
Simon came very close to finding the back of the net in the closing stage but his strike was saved by Mozambique goalkeeper.
NFL Streaks Snapped and Extended Ahead of First Playoff Weekend
Some streaks were snapped, some were extended and some will be watched in the postseason. The NFL regular season came to a close with an exhilarating finish as Pittsburgh held off Baltimore, 26-24, for the final playoff spot as winners of the AFC North.
The Steelers, who haven’t had a losing record since 2003, made the postseason for the third straight time, while the Ravens saw a four-year playoff string end.
NFC South and AFC East Shifts
When Atlanta beat New Orleans, Sunday, it ended two streaks. Tampa Bay failed to make the playoffs for the first time after five straight appearances, while NFC South champion Carolina is in the postseason for the first time since 2017.
In Buffalo, the Bills saw their streak of five straight AFC East titles snapped as New England moved back onto of the division. The Bills did extend their streak of seven straight playoff appearances, the longest current streak in the league.
Longest Active Consecutive Playoff Appearances
Buffalo 7 Philadelphia 5 Green Bay 3 Los Angeles Rams 3 Pittsburgh 3 Houston 3
That list shows you just how tough it is to make the playoffs. Exactly half of this year’s playoff field (7 of the 14 teams) did not make the playoffs last season. And chances are half of this year’s team won’t make it next year.
Teams Still Waiting
Then there is the flip side. Teams that never make the playoffs.
Longest Active Consecutive Years Missing Playoffs
New York Jets 15 Indianapolis 5 New Orleans 4 Tennessee 4
Even that list, with the exception of the Jets, shows how you can jump from bad to good in a short time.
Which leads to the next point.
From Worst to First
Almost every year a team goes from last place to first place in a division. This year two teams — Chicago in the NFC North and New England in the AFC East managed to do so.
Does that mean there is hope for the Giants (NFC East), Lions (NFC North), Saints (NFC South), Cardinals (NFC West), Jets (AFC East), Browns (AFC North), Titans (AFC South) and Raiders (AFC West)?
Maybe.
The Giants, Saints, Titans, Browns and Raiders all finished last in their divisions in 2024 and were back there again in 2025.
Five and More?
Sunday night the Atlanta Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris and Monday morning, Cleveland fired head coach Kevin Stefanski and Las Vegas fired Pete Carroll. That made five openings for head coaches across the league — Giants, Titans, Falcons, Raiders, and Browns. There are likely some more to come.
As far as Stefanski, don’t be surprised if he doesn’t fill one of those other three jobs with the Giants likely No. 1 on the list.
Rest is Best
Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni showed no regrets about resting his starters in Sunday’s 24-17 loss to Washington that cost the Eagles the No. 2 seed in the NFC.
When Detroit beat Chicago it opened the door for the Eagles to jump the Bears for that second seed. Instead, the Eagles will sit in the No. 3 spot and are as healthy as any team in the league going into the postseason.
The Eagles will host the 49ers, Sunday afternoon. Chicago will host Green Bay, Saturday night.
J-E-T-S
If failing to make the playoffs for the 15th consecutive season wasn’t bad enough, there is even more embarrassment for the league’s worst franchise.
The Jets did what no other team in the league has done. They went the entire year without an interception. Going back to 1933 when stats were first kept, that had never happened. The Jets four total take-aways were also the least amount for a team since 1940.
And there’s one more. The Jets became the first team to lose five straight games by 23 points, or more.
No. 1 is the Charm
Seattle earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC when the Seahawks beat the 49ers, Saturday night. It’s the fourth time in their history the ‘Hawks have been No. 1. The first three times ended with them in the Super Bowl (2005, 2013, 2014).
MVP
Last week was award week and Drake Maye was the choice for MVP.
Maye finished his second season tied for the most wins in the league (14), first in completion percentage (72 percent), first in wards per attempt (8.9), third in touchdown passes (31) and first in QB rating (113.5).
Giants Draft
All the New York Giants had to do was lose, as they did 13 times this year, to Dallas and they would have had the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft. Instead they won and dropped to the No. 5 pick.
Here’s how the non-playoff teams will select in April:
Of the six playoff games this weekend and Monday night, there are four home underdogs.
Green Bay (1 1/2), Buffalo (1 1/2), Los Angeles Rams (10) and Houston (3) are all favored on the road. Only Philadelphia (3) and New England (3 1/2) are home favorites.
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