Vita Vea Blames Buccaneers Players for 2-7 Collapse, Defends Todd Bowles
Updated
Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 20
Vita Vea Blames Buccaneers Players for 2-7 Collapse, Defends Todd Bowles
3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 20
Summary
Vita Vea said Tampa Bay’s players — not Todd Bowles — were responsible for the Buccaneers’ 2-7 finish after a 6-2 start last season.
Bowles "gave us all the answers to the test," Vea said Thursday, arguing the coach put players in position to win and they failed to execute.
The defensive tackle also stressed locker-room support for Bowles, saying "we all love Bowles" and adding he told the coach he would retire when Bowles does.
That public defense comes with pressure still on Bowles in 2026, with the NFC South viewed as wide open and the Buccaneers favored to win it.
A miss this season could sharpen scrutiny because Tampa Bay’s ownership has shown a willingness to make coaching changes.