When Detroit Lions offensive coordinator John Morton said facing Todd Bowles “kept me up late last night,” it wasn’t just coach talk — it was a mix of respect and a little anxiety.
Morton knows exactly what’s coming. The Buccaneers under Bowles don’t just play defense — they attack. Blitzes, disguises, pressure packages — Bowles has built a reputation for making even veteran quarterbacks second-guess themselves. And for Morton, this matchup is personal.
Back in 2017, Morton called plays for Bowles when both were with the Jets. One season, one whirlwind of learning. Fast forward to 2025, and Morton’s now the architect of a Lions offense averaging an impressive 31.8 points per game — one of the best in the league. But even with that firepower, he’s losing sleep thinking about what his old boss might throw at him.
The Buccaneers, though, aren’t blitzing quite like they used to. They’ve become a smarter, more unpredictable unit — one that can confuse protection schemes just as effectively as they can collapse a pocket. For Jared Goff, that means he’ll need to be at his sharpest on Monday night.
If Detroit wants to keep their scoring pace, Morton’s late-night film sessions better pay off. Because history says Bowles’ defenses find ways to create chaos — and the Bucs will need a turnover or two to pull off the upset.
Monday night won’t just be about plays — it’ll be about pride, preparation, and two football minds who know each other all too well.
Sleep? Not When Todd Bowles Is Blitzing — Lions’ Playcaller Reveals His Late-Night Worry
