Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Houston Texans: Bowles reveals how Bucs’ ‘chemistry’ inspired dramatic NFL win
Todd Bowles spoke after the Bucs vs Texans
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles has revealed how “battles” during hot training sessions helped his team earn their second win in two NFL games this season in sensational style against the Houston Texans on Monday.
Running back Raachad White powered his way through with six seconds left to beat the Texans 20-19 at the NRG Stadium.
“That was a heck of a job of situational football, really,” said Bowles. “Everything we’ve practiced, everything we’ve talked about, everything we’ve done about finishing the ball game – they did a heck of a job finishing.
“We practice it all the time, starting in the spring, and we try to go through every situation possible, from the best to the worst. Just constant repetition and repetition and the guys believing in each other.”
“I love y’all boys!” 🥲#WeAreTheKrewe pic.twitter.com/9mZzpUMrwB
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 16, 2025
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Bucs vs Texans: Baker Mayfield ‘catapulted’ win
Bowles, who was appointed in 2022, suffered at the hands of a last-gasp Texans win when the Bucs last visited Houston in 2023.
Their revenge was inspired by Baker Mayfield’s 11-play, 80-yard drive leading to White’s two-yard touchdown.
“That kind of catapulted everything,” Bowles said of Mayfield’s role, praising his players’ “resiliency”.
“The chemistry these guys have, being around each other. We talk a lot about culture and culture helps you win ball games, especially on the road.
LOOK AT BAKER MAYFIELD pic.twitter.com/4lO9OX1JnL
— Jon Gruden (@BarstoolGruden) September 16, 2025
“We have some good battles in practice and they know… how they’re going to react to [situations]. We practice in the heat in the summer, so that’s going to make you mentally tough, in pads and in the heat.
“We think we have a program that gets everybody prepared to play and have some battles along the way that build mental toughness in that aspect.
“We look for those type of guys, as well. The coaches do a great job and the leaders and captains on this team do a great job. Everybody buys in and that’s great to see.”
Calijah Kancey injury: Bucs plan X-rays
The Bucs’ victory was tempered by a pectoral problem for injury-troubled defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, while right tackle Luke Goedeke was also forced off.
“It has a chance to be serious,” Bowles said of Kancey. “We’ve got to get some X-rays. He’s in a sling right now and I’ve got to see what the final result is.”
Tampa are next in action against the New York Jets, who have lost both of their opening games, at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday (13:00 ET / 10:00 PT / 18:00 BST).