Tampa Bay Buccaneers Todd Bowles Still Seething At Blown call In Week 8 Clash With Saints

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured a dominant 23-3 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, but Head Coach Todd Bowles was not in a celebratory mood when discussing the officiating. A controversial, quick whistle in the second quarter erased a clear defensive touchdown by All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr., and Bowles made his frustration known after the game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense TD Wiped Off The Board

The play in question occurred midway through the second quarter with the Buccaneers leading 7-0. Saints receiver Rashid Shaheed caught a short pass and was immediately wrapped up by Winfield, who executed a perfect strip-sack, jarring the ball loose before Shaheed hit the ground. Winfield then scooped up the fumble and raced 40 yards to the end zone for what should have been a game-altering defensive score.

However, an official blew the play dead, ruling that Shaheed’s forward progress had been stopped. The call, later explained to Bowles as an “erroneous whistle,” could not be reviewed or overturned due to NFL rules. While the fumble was ultimately awarded to Tampa Bay, the touchdown was nullified, robbing the Buccaneers of a crucial score.

Bowles Voices Frustration

Even with a win, Bowles was clearly incensed by the call. “I’m still pissed off over some of it,” he told reporters post-game. “He did a hell of a job today getting the ball out, and we’ve got to do something. We’ll discuss that with the league and go from there.”

Bowles emphasized the clarity of the play from his perspective. “As soon as he hit him, he stripped him,” he said. “So I got no answers for that.” His intent to follow up with the league office sends a clear message that he found the officiating error unacceptable, regardless of the game’s final outcome.

Defense Dominates Despite Controversy

The nullified touchdown could have been a deflating moment, but the Buccaneers’ defense ensured it was merely a footnote in a commanding performance. The unit was relentless all day, holding the Saints to just a single field goal and forcing four turnovers, including a pick-six.

Winfield himself continued to build his case for Defensive Player of the Year, finishing the game with six tackles, the forced fumble, and a pass breakup. The defense’s ability to shake off the frustrating call and maintain its intensity was a testament to the team’s focus and resilience.

While Bowles made it clear he expects more from the officials, he also praised his team’s mindset. “We can’t control the whistle,” he said. “We just have to keep playing football.” On Sunday, his defense did exactly that, leading the Buccaneers to a 6-2 record and tightening their grip