On Sunday night in Tampa, the Bucs’ executed a masterful game plan which frustrated and eventually demolished the Kansas City Chiefs, 31-9. The master of that game plan was not Tom Brady, nor was it a single man. The architects were defensive coordinator, Todd Bowles, and offensive coordinator, Byron Leftwich.
And those two deserved Super Bowl LV co-MVPs.
Realistically, we know that’s not possible, especially with Brady under center. He played an efficient game, throwing for 201 yards and 3 TDs. But it was Leftwich’s playcalling that frustrated and demoralized a Chiefs defense which only mustered one sack and failed to put serious pressure on the seven-time Super Bowl champion. As a matter of fact, the biggest play made by their defense was due to a poor snap that forced Brady to recover the ball after it rolled backward for a big loss. Outside of that, the Chiefs could do nothing against Leftwich’s game plan.
This exemplifies why his head coach lashed out at owners for ignoring Leftwich’s talents.
“I was very, very pissed Byron at least didn’t get an interview this year,” said Arians a few two weeks ago. “For the job that he’s done, I get way too much credit and so does Tom Brady. I think next year people will see he took Jameis Winston, who broke every single record here for scoring and passing…and now Tom has broken both.”
And as much as Leftwich and his offense dominated, the Bucs’ defense actually had a stronger performance.
Todd Bowles’ defense bullied the Chiefs all night. Jason Pierre-Paul and Shaq Barrett had Patrick Mahomes in constant scramble mode while second-year linebacker, Devin White, was all over the field. White, who finished with eight tackles, also had the game-sealing interception in the end zone. But it all boiled down to Bowles. His defense held a frustrated Mahomes to 270 yards passing and 2 INTs and neutralized the big playmaking talents of the Chiefs.
This is in stark contrast to their first matchup in week 12. In that game, the Chiefs put up 543 total yards and Tyreek Hill went ballistic, catching 13 passes for 269 yards and 3 TDs. Bowles’ secondary was absolutely destroyed in that game. Last night, he instituted a plan that shut down the big play and forced the Chiefs into finding other ways to push the ball down the field. But they couldn’t because Bowles had his squad amped up and prepared.
”Coach Bowles is a mastermind,” said Bucs cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting.
Last night, both men proved their genius. Their performances increased the necessary pressure on the league and team owners who absolutely failed to acknowledge the quality and experience of Black coaches for head coaching positions this off-season. Out of seven vacancies, only the Texans hired a Black head coach, David Tulley.
After the Bucs’ dominating win last night, Leftwich was asked whether the team’s performance would change the obvious disrespect shown to him, Bowles, and other qualified Black coaches.
“Probably not,” replied the new Super Bowl champion.
“If it does, it does. Hopefully so,” said Leftwich. “Me and Todd were focused on what we needed to do to win the football game. To have this opportunity, to have three African-American coordinators on the same team and find a way to win the Super Bowl, obviously it will open people’s eyes, but I can’t speak on if it changes anyone’s mind or thoughts around the hiring process. All we can do is just coach football. All we are trying to do is help these men grow and be in the best position and be the best football players they can be. That’s our goal. Our goal is to help these players be at their best. Especially when you have these moments where you can grow.
“I still think we are getting better. I think a week from now, we will be getting better. Two weeks from now, we will be playing even better football. It’s exciting. I know it just happened, but I am excited about what we have coming back and what this team has become.”
The job of a coach is to lead, manage, motivate and develop. Leftwich and Bowles have successfully accomplished these tasks in their two seasons with the team. Now they have a Super Bowl trophy to validate their talents and deter future weak excuses about their abilities.
But will their masterful performances do anything to change an owner mindset that is stuck in neutral? One which appears to seek coaches with a certain look and resume? That remains to be seen. But for those in need of proven head coaches, they need to look no further than Tampa Bay.
They’re ready, waiting, and more than qualified.
