Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles Close to Naming Team Captains
In a somewhat unconventional approach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles didn't name team captains to start the season. Each week he has sent different players out for the coin toss, something usually reserved for captains of the team.
One can likely discern who the captains are going to be based on experience and past responsibilities at the position. On an appearance on the Loose Cannons Podcast, Bowles was asked when we should expect captains to be named. The head coach broke down his reasoning behind not naming captains at the beginning of the season, and when they will likely vote for them for the 2023 season.
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"I wanted to let them wait so they could spend some time around each other because we had so many new guys," Bowles said. "I didn't want them to just go off of names. So now that we've got some games under our belt. It will probably be next week when we come back at some point we'll vote for captains and we'll go from there."
At least everybody has got a good feel in seeing everything now. After about four games they can really make educated choices.
It's sound reasoning for the Buccaneers' head coach who is building a new culture and camaraderie in the locker room. Allowing his players to see who steps up in that role in actual games rather than going off past accomplishments is a new and different approach that could pay off.
Though if the past is any indication you can likely make the case for several players to be named. Mike Evans and Lavonte David feel like locks for captaincy. While Devin White has been a captain for three seasons and usually leads the pregame huddle seems like another certain candidate. Vita Vea was named a captain last season and his play and leadership through four weeks would likely see him named again.
From there it depends on how many captains this Bucs team decides to have. Baker Mayfield is an obvious choice on the offensive side of the ball but Tristan Wirfs has taken a big step forward vocally as well. Chris Godwin is another candidate on the offense as well as Antoine Winfield Jr. on the defense. While Jake Camarda would be the top choice on special teams.
We'll find out soon enough who the team elects to represent them as captain when they return from their bye week.
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Stick with BucsGameday and the Locked On Bucs podcast for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2023 season
