Experience Makes All the Difference

Todd Bowles brings a 3-4 defense to Tampa Bay for the 2019 season, and he served under Bruce Arians as defensive coordinator from 2013-2014. Bowles brings with him a defensive line coach with coordinator experience in Kacy Rodgers. We are all familiar with Todd Bowles being the head coach for the New York Jets and underachieving, but I know for a fact that Bowles is a different story as a defensive coordinator. The addition of Bowles is really good for Tampa, but it is great when you have a defensive assistant who had been a defensive coordinator in the past. Rodgers was the defensive coordinator for the New York Jets from 2015-2018, and in the past, Rodgers has coached some talented players himself. Example: Cameron Wake who is now with the Tennessee Titans.

Bowles and Rodgers bring more than 20 years of football experience to Tampa and additionally, Rodgers and Bowles as a players were privileged to have played for some of the greatest coaches in NFL history. Rodgers briefly played for Bill Cowher, and Bowles played extensively for Joe Gibbs and briefly for George Seifert. As a player, Bowles was drafted by the Redskins in 1986 and played in Washington until 1990. He played for the 49ers for one season in 1991. Bowles would finish his career where it started in Washington from 1992-1993. During Bowles career as a Safety, he recorded 15 interceptions, 2 sacks, and 7 fumble recoveries. There are no tackle stats, but I can promise you that he was good with the tackle.

I believe the most important things that Bowles and Rodgers bring to Tampa Bay is actual NFL playing experience.

I’m familiar with Kacy Rodgers as a player from the University of Tennessee because I grew up around the Tennessee Football program from 1988-1991. Rodgers was a linebacker for the Vols and was an honorable mention All-SEC selection. When you think about bringing a flexible 3-4 to Tampa Bay this season, Rodgers played both defensive end and linebacker for the Vols. Having played in the style of system you are coaching, has to be easier for players to learn.

I think aside from Bowles, Kacy Rodgers is my top assistant on the Buccaneers staff, and he is not a coach that the Bucs should let get away if they ever crossed that bridge.