Bruce Arians was famous for his “no risk-it, no biscuit” philosophy, which was evident in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ style of play on offense over his three seasons as the team’s head coach.
Some have wondered whether or not that style of offense will continue now that Todd Bowles is the head coach in Tampa Bay. After offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich made it clear earlier this month that he has the same approach as Arians, Bowles himself said he won’t be pulling the reins back on the offensive play-calling.
“My attitude is to win the game any way possible,” Bowles told the media Tuesday. “If we have to throw the ball 50 times to win, that’s great. If we have to run the ball 30 times to win, that’s great. We’ll take what they give us – we’ll always have shots for big plays.”
Obviously, [Tom] Brady is a great passer,” Bowles continued. “We want to equal that with the running game, if we can. But, if they’re taking away the run and we have to throw the ball 60 times – and [Brady] throws five or six touchdowns – I’ll take the win. If we’re running the ball pretty good, and we can guard about 25 to 30 times, I’ll take the win. Whatever we have to do to win the ballgame. Nobody’s putting handcuffs on the offense from that standpoint. We’re going to do whatever we have to do to win the game.”
Brady led the NFL in pass attempts, passing yards and touchdown passes last season, at 44 years old. It wouldn’t be surprising if all parties involved preferred a more balanced approach this season, with a stronger emphasis on balance with a strong running game. But’s clear they won’t be forcing that balance at the expense of success, regardless of how they move the ball and put points on the board.
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