Bruce Arians Defends Byron Leftwich, Says Tom Brady “Was Playing Bad”
November 15th, 2022
BY IRA KAUFMAN
@ikaufman76
Bruce Arians believes the Bucs are poised for a powerful late-season run and said their October doldrums were attributed to several factors — including Tom Brady’s erratic play.
In a wide-ranging interview, Tampa Bay’s senior adviser to GM Jason Licht applauded offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and head coach Todd Bowles for maintaining their focus during a three-game losing streak that dropped the Bucs to 3-5.
“I talked to Byron every day when that was happening,” Arians said. “He doesn’t read the papers and nothing bothers Byron. That’s what I love about him and that’s why he’ll be a damned good head coach one day, because he weathers everything. And Todd does, too.”
The Bucs have evened their record at 5-5 heading into a bye week that “couldn’t have come at a better time,” according to Arians. Tampa Bay downed Seattle 21-16 on Sunday in Germany, limiting standout rookie back Kenneth Walker III to 17 rushing yards
Bucco Bruce Arians taking selfies with fans before the Bucs-Rams game last week.
“I’m really optimistic about the rest of the season,” he said. “First off, we’re getting healthy. Tom smiled at practice last week for the first time this season. He’s going to be fine. I love the swagger we played with Sunday, especially defensively. It’s been missing. Seattle’s a good running team, but that kid (Walker) went nowhere.”
Before the Bucs assumed first place in the weak NFC South, Leftwich faced withering criticism for a plodding offense that was settling for field goals instead of touchdowns.
“I don’t think it was fair to Byron,” Arians said. “Nobody is going to say that Brady was playing bad, but he was playing bad. We also had growing pains on a young offensive front and we weren’t running well. There comes a time as a play-caller when you’re losing yards running the ball and you say, ‘Forget this, I’m putting the ball in Tom’s hands.’ “
The Bucs featured a robust ground game in Munich as rookie Rachaad White carried 22 times for 105 yards. He started ahead of veteran Leonard Fournette, who added 57 rushing yards and a touchdown. Just 10 games into his NFL career, White is already generating comparisons to a Hall of Famer Arians saw up close as an assistant coach with the Colts.
“I told you way back when that White’s going to take this thing over,” Arians said. “He’s just too freaking good. He sees it, he’s got power, he’s got speed. He can run routes like a wide receiver. I think he’s very much like an Edgerrin James. He can run, he can catch and he’s a little bowlegged, just like Edgerrin.”
Arians also praised Tampa Bay’s kicking game.
“Ryan Succop has been very good and our rookie punter (Jake Camarda) is ridiculous,” he said.
Brady looked sharp in Germany, although Arians was “shocked” by a fourth-quarter interception that ended a streak of 399 consecutive passes without a pick. Fournette was also picked off when he tried to find a well-covered Brady down the left sidelines.
“Don’t ever tell a halfback he can throw the ball,” Arians said with a laugh, “because no matter what, he’s going to throw it.”
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Enjoy today’s Ira Kaufman Podcast. All kinds of Bucs subjects on the table.
November 15th, 2022 at 10:06 am
Obviously, we miss Arians as a coach. I really believe that he would have changed enough plays to make us score or get first downs at key times.
Two more wins with Arians as coach in my opinion.
November 15th, 2022 at 10:08 am
I’m afraid to be the one shouting “the emporer has no clothes,” but hey BA, how is it on Brady that we run up the middle or to the weak side, time and time and time again, with no success? How is it on Brady to run a bonehead Philly special twice in a row? Get real.
November 15th, 2022 at 10:08 am
That’s all fine. Where was this when they were losing. Of course he’s going to defend the piss poor coaching. Byron’s play calling is still suspect.
November 15th, 2022 at 10:09 am
Yeah no. The OC has been the main problem for this offense. Arians is full of it.
November 15th, 2022 at 10:14 am
Duh. Anyone who has rational thinking would say Brady was playing bad because he was and probably not over the slump yet
November 15th, 2022 at 10:15 am
BA would have some insight into the locker room and even about how Brady is doing personally. But, I’m sorry. Leftwich is awful. A lot of the woes fall on him. He is not head coaching material…unless some team in our division hires him, then by all means…they can have him.
November 15th, 2022 at 10:18 am
Blamming BL for the offense on past games is partially true…..TB12 has been always envolved on offensive calls and plans, everybody knows that….
He ´s been even recruting free agents,…. The problem is nobody has the balls to say it, simple because he is the goat and brought sunshine to a pretty obscure franchise…..
So let´s say as it is….I love TB12, but he has his responbsability, and also BA is right, he wasn´t playing any good….
SEEMS TO ME THAT THINGS HAS CHANGED, LET´S TRY TO SUSTAIN IT!!!
Lfg!!!!
November 15th, 2022 at 10:21 am
So maybe Brady really did get Arians fired…
November 15th, 2022 at 10:27 am
Bowles would never call Brady out.
November 15th, 2022 at 10:31 am
Typical Arians. This is the same guy who thought Amos Jones was a viable special teams coach. Bucs offense is objectively superior when Brady is calling plays. Leftwich still needs to go.
November 15th, 2022 at 10:34 am
BA is just rah rah’ing his guys. He’s putting lipstick on a pig and he knows it. Leftwich sucks at play calling. Look no further than the stupid call where a slow, 45 year old QB was the intended receiver. If Brady doesn’t have to fear for his life, he’s still deadly. And, yes, he hasn’t always played to his potential, but the monkey is off his back now (and vacationing in Costa Rica). And BL will have to improve tremendously before he gets even a sniff at a HC position beyond the Rooney rule.
November 15th, 2022 at 10:35 am
What! That’s a ridiculous statement! He might not have been playing up to his standards, but certainly better than the guys around him. Play calling has been terrible!
November 15th, 2022 at 10:37 am
Appreciate you coach but your boy is a terrible OC and would make a great HC…somewhere else!!
Brady is not absolved but any means, but Byron should be listening or at least be aware of hi predictable and uncreative play calls.
November 15th, 2022 at 10:39 am
He just couldn’t help opening his loud mouth. This is why I prefer Bowles demeanor. People are saying Brady hasn’t played well in some games, but he’s not the main problem. The problem is Leftwich! This isn’t the first time threw Brady under the bus. I hate when coaches do that. I remember BA called out Evans for running the wrong route. There’s no need for that. This is Bowles’ team. BA needs to go away. BA has been pushing for Leftwich to be a head coach. You don’t have to tear someone down to lift up another person. No team will hire Leftwich. I promise you.
November 15th, 2022 at 10:49 am
Brady often gets a pass because he’s Brady…
But…..
When your team can’t convert on 3rd downs…..fails in the red zone…..can’t score points for long periods of time…..some of that is QB play….
With any other team in the league….when you look at the offensive stats…you’d ask…”Who is the QB?”
That all being said……Byron and the poor run blocking Oline are the primary reasons for the impotency.
Love BA but practically his entire legacy is with the coaches he mentored…..I don’t blame him for sticking up for them.
November 15th, 2022 at 10:50 am
Everything Arians is saying here is why I vote “Very Confident” when it comes to Todd Bowles. That’s not to say Bowles has done a perfect job but if the greatest coach in Bucs history and a future HoFer thinks you’re good, then you’re good.
All that talk about growing pains on the offensive line is spot on. Jensen, Marpet, Cappa, and Gronk are not blocking on that offensive line. It makes a huge difference.
November 15th, 2022 at 10:50 am
Brady hasn’t been his best. The O Line has also sucked and there’s been a lot of drops. This last game was the first time Brady was consistently putting zip on the ball. Looked like he was babying some throws because of the drops. He’s still not turning it all the way loose but it’s coming. As per usual BA talking out of his azz concerning BL.
November 15th, 2022 at 10:51 am
I like Arians but this is a load of bullish!t. Put most of the blame on Brady is irresponsible. He must have not watched the games or was just too drunk.
November 15th, 2022 at 11:02 am
Brady not playing good is definitely a part of the Offense struggles because lets be honest he was not playing really good. He was not bad but he was not great either.
I think a big issue with the Offense is what K.Warner said when he was calling the game Sunday (and some of us could easily see) that Brady and/or BL dont have trust in the OL and playcalling was a lot of fast and short quick throws. Too conservative. If we could see that so can the opponents and they played accordingly. You have to run a complete Offense with more intermediate and some deep throws, you have to be diverse. We were too much dink and dank and dink again.
I dont think even after the bye week that we can go to the standards of the 2 previous years averaging 30 points a game but we have to be honest the 18 to 19 PPG is awful and bad. Brady has like 12 passing TDs in 10 games. This Offense is way underachiving.
Realistic goal should be to try to get better win the Division and see what you can do in the Playoffs
Go Bucs
November 15th, 2022 at 11:03 am
Well, BA isn’t wrong in his assessment and backing/defending Leftwich falls in line with how highly Arians has spoken of BL leading up to this season. I will say Arians is 100% correct about the hands off response you’d get critiquing Brady, but I think both BL & TB should and have both tried taking their share of accountability in terms of getting this offense out of this rut its’ been this season.
For all those still worried about the Wildcat pass, Brady on his own podcast sure sounded like that was a choice he & Leftwich made in concert as Brady wanted to “have a special moment” in front of that German crowd. No way that gets called with out the 45 yr old QB being on bored with it in my opinion and just like BA says, after it failed fans went apesh*t on one guy. Had that play worked, all we would’ve heard about is Bradys’ greatness and that’s the fairness vacuum BA is hinting at. I think w/e critiques BA has for Leftwich, only those two know what’s been said amongst each other, but I’d be inclined to think Arians has been in everybodys’ ear at some point this year
November 15th, 2022 at 11:05 am
Everyone knows Brady missed some throws, that he was not able to carry this team like he’s done with so many others in the past. He has not been at the top of his game. But trying to make it out like it’s his fault, especially over Byron, is ridiculous. During that stretch he was in the top 2 for passing yards, best td-int ratio, most tight window throws, comp % almost the same as past two years, bottom-rated pass block win rate from his line so even with his release being MUCH quicker than his already lightning fast release in the past he was STILL sacked and hit the same amount as last year, and obviously that quicker release impacts how he pushes downfield, dealing with what at a couple points was the most drops in the league, poor receiver separation (I think low middle of the league), tons of wr injuries (Julio, gage, Godwin still feeling effects, etc), AND the worst rushing attack in modern history. Uuhhhh idk many QBs that could deal with all of that and STILL get those passing results. Running QBs could’ve fared better for obvious reasons but this is where Byron comes in. How do you not scheme runs to account for the line weaknesses? How do you not scheme WRs open? You have to be able to design and call plays to your strengths and he very clearly can’t. All season we were always best in hurry-up, cuz Tom has the calls. Again, he missed some bad throws, (though I will say some of those throws in the dirt are actually classic Tom knowing they can’t afford a turnover so he’s putting it in a place a defender 100% can’t get it, it’s just also much harder for the WR… again, some were just bad throws too), missed some TDs, some 3rd downs, even the 1 QB sneak (yes poor line but he’s the best at these). Call him out, but this is overwhelmingly on the coach’s inability to plan around weaknesses and play to strengths. This smells a lot like when arians said both of Tom’s ints in his first game were on him when one was on mike. He just wants to protect his guys, and Tom is not his guy. Idk that their relationship is as bad as the media says, but arians is clearly a loyal person and his loyalty to others in the org will come before loyalty to Tom… which I get. But he’s mostly (but not totally) wrong in this assessment
November 15th, 2022 at 11:06 am
Everyone knows Brady missed some throws, that he was not able to carry this team like he’s done with so many others in the past. He has not been at the top of his game. But trying to make it out like it’s his fault, especially over Byron, is ridiculous. During that stretch he was in the top 2 for passing yards, best td-int ratio, most tight window throws, comp % almost the same as past two years, bottom-rated pass block win rate from his line so even with his release being MUCH quicker than his already lightning fast release in the past he was STILL sacked and hit the same amount as last year, and obviously that quicker release impacts how he pushes downfield, dealing with what at a couple points was the most drops in the league, poor receiver separation (I think low middle of the league), tons of wr injuries (Julio, gage, Godwin still feeling effects, etc), AND the worst rushing attack in modern history. Uuhhhh idk many QBs that could deal with all of that and STILL get those passing results. Running QBs could’ve fared better for obvious reasons but this is where Byron comes in. How do you not scheme runs to account for the line weaknesses? How do you not scheme WRs open? You have to be able to design and call plays to your strengths and he very clearly can’t. All season we were always best in hurry-up, cuz Tom has the calls. Again, he missed some bad throws, (though I will say some of those throws in the dirt are actually classic Tom knowing they can’t afford a turnover so he’s putting it in a place a defender 100% can’t get it, it’s just also much harder for the WR… again, some were just bad throws too), missed some TDs, some 3rd downs, even the 1 QB sneak (yes poor line but he’s the best at these). Call him out, but this is overwhelmingly on the coach’s inability to plan around weaknesses and play to strengths. This smells a lot like when arians said both of Tom’s ints in his first game were on him when one was on mike. He just wants to protect his guys, and Tom is not his guy. Idk that their relationship is as bad as the media says, but arians is clearly a loyal person and his loyalty to others in the org will come before loyalty to Tom… which I get. But he’s mostly (but not totally) wrong in this assessment
November 15th, 2022 at 11:07 am
maybe it was a lot of Giselle. I hope Tommy has a new VS girl, should be at the 25 – 28 year old range for Tom. He will start soaring again !
November 15th, 2022 at 11:12 am
it wasn’t a 3 game losing streak it was 5 of 6, and the lone win vs atlanta was almost a loss, making it potentially 6 losses in a row…
man oh man i miss BA’s attitude…the “dude has a tude” and one would think he’s sorely missed during the week and on the front lines on sundays…
really was good to see a much more complete effort in munich – as if it’s beginning to look like things potentially are rounding into shape…really good signs for the final push…
#LFGee
November 15th, 2022 at 11:13 am
Great timing by Bruce. Torching Tom the moment the team start to show some life 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
November 15th, 2022 at 11:19 am
You guys are in for a big surprise. I’ve been watching Brady since the beginning of his career. After Thanksgiving he becomes a different QB. He will be taking more time in the pocket, studying more film, taking more hits. Before thanksgiving he makes sure he and his receivers don’t take any unnecessary hits, hence the balls thrown at the receivers feet. You will see a different game from the offense from here on out.
November 15th, 2022 at 11:21 am
Hot wind from a total donkey. Sticking up for his buddy . Not one rational person things left which is doing his job properly. Brady’s missed a few passes each game that he wishes he had back but in general he’s been the best player on the team once again
November 15th, 2022 at 11:23 am
BL up the gut first drive every game, one day can we do a screen or playaction ?
November 15th, 2022 at 11:28 am
BAs not going to sugarcoat it, and people got bent out of shape when he called Brady for his poor play in the past. I would bet the house that BA would have red penned that pass attempt to Brady. I have zero problem with laying the bad production at Lefty’s feet, but its a team sport and there surely is plenty of blame to go around considering this roster and coaching staff is currently cobbled together for one man. TB12 is playing better with the 7 man protection. Not sure why he waits until week 10 to implement it, but its also similiar to what happened a couple years ago when the offense took off. Maybe we get similiar results.
November 15th, 2022 at 11:30 am
Who cares what Arians says, have another beer old man. Anyone being honest KNOWS that Tampa is winning the division, that is a done deal. I think it is also likely they get Logan Ryan back, AND Jensen. So in the post season you could have Brady vs Daniel Jones, Brady vs Hurts, Brady vs Jimmy G, Brady vs Geno, Brady vs Dak, Brady vs Cousins. I like any and all of those matchups! None of those teams want to see Brady in the post season . NFC is WIDE open
November 15th, 2022 at 11:31 am
Bruce Arians got some of ya’ll triggered and in defense mode before lunch time lol
November 15th, 2022 at 11:35 am
Coran
That is one of the best and most of well thought posts I’ve seen on JBF ever.
Agree completely though there is one aspect others forget:
A great QB can only carry a team when the team is putting in effort and heart. No one can lead those who aren’t putting in the time and effort. Additionally, it is a sad thing that while Brady as struggling emotionally NO ONE stepped up. There are times a team has to get behind their leader and lift them up too. This is another example of how the coaches have let the team and Brady down. Also now that Brady is back emotionally the team is too. One man should not have to be the best player and the only leader and the coach.
November 15th, 2022 at 11:43 am
First off I’m sick & tired ofArian’s defening that worthless piece of crap Leftwitch. Arian’s is nothing more than a BS artist. As far as I’m concerned he can leave & take wothless with him. Arian’s has done worn out his welcome.
November 15th, 2022 at 12:01 pm
Also I’m pretty sure Brady didn’t call 11 of 12 first down runs up the left guards bum for a total of 10 yards either.
November 15th, 2022 at 12:01 pm
Tried to tell you guys about the IOL. The players were playing bad. Putting it on coaching was a poor excuse
November 15th, 2022 at 12:07 pm
Brady played so badly he was among the league leaders in passing…
November 15th, 2022 at 12:11 pm
@Dooley. I listened to the podcast, and you’re reaching with your assessment of Tom. We get it. You hate Brady. The people on this board always see things in black and white. Brady hasn’t played well in some games, and Leftwich has been an awful play caller. Both can be true. Tom doesn’t care what BA thinks. He’s not some snowflake. He put in his hard time with Belichick for 20 years. Belichick didn’t run his mouth and criticize players in public. He did it in front of the team during meetings. That’s how you hold players accountable. You do it in front of their teammates. Belichick once told Brady that he played like a HS QB one game. He said all of this behind closed doors and not the media. Most coaches don’t throw their players under the bus publicly
November 15th, 2022 at 12:32 pm
What do you expect the idiot to say? That he handpicked a couple of fools to serve as Head Coacj and Offensive Coordinator?
November 15th, 2022 at 12:40 pm
Only stat that matters is the wins and losses. Its quite natural to go back to playing with the number to make one feel better about poor performance. Only problem is there is no future to look forward to with a 45 yo signal caller.
November 15th, 2022 at 12:43 pm
BA’s statements are factually accurate. Brady was clearly rushing throws and was out of sync with the receivers. ME is great, but he requires tight window throws because he doesn’t get much separation. CG is only now starting to look like the CG of old.
My objection to BA’s statement is that it fails to account for the real problem- The OL wasn’t playing well, period. They have improved the last two weeks and the offense is more productive. This is hardly rocket science. Having some sort of running game and giving TB the confidence to take a half second longer to let routes develop makes all the difference in the world. The difference between a bad team and a good team is the play of the OL and DL. The difference between a good team and a great team is superior skill players.
November 15th, 2022 at 12:46 pm
I love Brady and all, but he was throwing a lot of worm burners over the middle earlier in the season. Hopefully his accuracy will continue to improve as his protection improves.
November 15th, 2022 at 12:48 pm
The entire offense was playing bad, Brady included. But, if ya cherry-pick Brady’s stats, he was playing great. And not missing throws, high, low, and wide.
Brady is not immune to criticism. He has to take his lumps like everyone else.
November 15th, 2022 at 12:49 pm
Tom made several not bad but terrible throws in the first half of the season. Anyone taking umbrage with with BA’s comments either is in denial or doesn’t know what they’re watching. Just because Tom is the goat doesn’t mean he’s perfect on every play.
November 15th, 2022 at 12:50 pm
“Bucs offense is objectively superior when Brady is calling plays.”
The Brady cult is pretty funny. As if the poster knows the difference.
A bad OL is toxic to an offense, but particularly to a Brady led offense. Brady is high maintenance – there are other QB’s that are much better than he is if the OL has trouble. When the OL play was weak Brady clearly got rattled. He missed wide open throws in the end zone. He gave up on plays in the red zone.
He was playing poorly. He needed to be called out for it. BB would have.
November 15th, 2022 at 12:51 pm
“’I talked to Byron every day when that was happening,’ Arians said. ‘He doesn’t read the papers and nothing bothers Byron.'”
Obviously someone is reading those papers (or this here site).
Otherwise you wouldn’t know to be remarking about it.
November 15th, 2022 at 12:52 pm
Would BB have let Brady take a large portion of training camp off?
No way.
November 15th, 2022 at 1:03 pm
There is a lack of accountability problem on Bucs coaching staff. There is soft nepotism that led to our assistant coaches being where they are despite Arians retirement. In my opinion, most of them don’t deserve the jobs they are currently performing. I have never seen an OC be as comfortable at his job as Leftwich was despite downright horrid production on offense and bonehead play calling contributing directly to at least half of those problems.
November 15th, 2022 at 1:03 pm
You’ll are defensive because it’s true.
He was not alone. It’s nice to see everyone playing better.
November 15th, 2022 at 1:04 pm
On the bright side, the Bucs looked really good against Seattle.
It’s like the Bucs forgot what it takes to win. Maybe they got some things figured out. The o-line certainly seemed to do a better job, and that’s huge for an offense to function properly.
All my opinion, of course. Others mileage may vary, lol
November 15th, 2022 at 1:22 pm
I like BA, but he is just pushing his boys in public for HC jobs in order to build himself (and his supposed coaching tree) up. The more head coaches who come out of his stable, the more “genius” BA becomes. So far BA has an empty tree, nobody I can think of. And nothing BL has done indicates that he is a top notch OC. What other OC in the NFL uses an end of career Julio Jones (with bad knees, I might add) to run a jet sweep? Or uses a 45 yo QB as a wide receiver, twice? The Brady plays were just dumb and were not going to fool anyone had they been executed well.
November 15th, 2022 at 1:32 pm
Shout our to all the Bucs fans that wanted OC Leftwich fired. Lol
Knowing good and well there was no continuity in our OL making it difficult to run the ball and give TB time to throw the ball. Lol
November 15th, 2022 at 1:34 pm
BA just covering for his guy. Unless your name is Josh Allen, all QBs need a running game. With this historically bad running game, Brady almost managed to break Aaron Rodgers record for consecutive attempts without a pick. The two times they’ve actually run well, were against very bad run defenses. Without a play action game, Brady has almost been exclusively a drop back passer. No screen game, no misdirection. It’s all on him. Both PFF and next gen. data shows the lack of separation by his recievers. Oh yeah, and still Brady is among the league leaders in passing yards, rating, and TD/INT rate.
November 15th, 2022 at 1:34 pm
@RSJ You obviously don’t know Belichick. He does not call out players in public. Like most coaches, he rips players behind closed doors in front of his teammates. BA just wants attention. Calling out players publicly only satisfies the media and fans. It’s dumb and unproductive.
I loved in 2020 when BA called out Brady, and Romo was calling out the play calling and schemes against the Chiefs. BA was pissed that Romo called him out. He can dish it out, but he can’t take it.
November 15th, 2022 at 1:35 pm
BA just needs to shut the fccccck up. Team just now showing some signs. Don’t need that bull shirt . Where was he when the team was sucking. Nowhere to be found. Now that they won a couple he runs in to protect his boy. Back to the bar BA. You had your chance to coach this team. Now your just a drunk spectator like the rest of us.
November 15th, 2022 at 1:37 pm
@Bucfan13
First off I’m a Buc fan and have been following this team loyally since I was 10 years old. My allegiance lies with the TEAM, and I’m not one of you Brady fan boys who chooses to see no wrong even when it’s clear as day live or in a film breakdown that Brady has his hits and misses just like any other player playing the game of football. I’ll keep being critical if Brady or any other players playing when they screw up and I’ll be celebrating right along with bozos like you when Brady or anybody else gives reason, because this is the only football franchise I root for. The fact you misconstrue objectivity as “hate” says more about you and how you take the game of football than anything else.
November 15th, 2022 at 1:38 pm
I thought those wildcat plays were fun calls. Bucs were moving the ball so well and feeling froggy. Why not try em?
Bucs played so well, even Brady had a rare play saving tackle, showing off his agility by using his leg, lol
November 15th, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Love ya, BA. But that’s a whole lotta turd polish you’re trying to apply there.
November 15th, 2022 at 1:46 pm
Brady’s passing rankings
Attempts: 1st
Yards: 2nd
TDs: 13th
INTs: 37th
The last one is the most impressive, considering he leads the league in attempts. All this with a historically bad run game.
November 15th, 2022 at 1:55 pm
It’s good to hear AB’s perspective – he knows football – TB wasn’t playing up to his standards -playing too cautious and his divorce proceedings definitely affected him on the field. This sh*t is now in the past – with players getting healthy – week 12 begins the Bucs season to win it all – SUPERBOWL 57
November 15th, 2022 at 1:57 pm
I keep seeing this metric…”most tight window throws.” Does it indicate poor WR separation or is it more reflective of late reads and low velocity passes. Imo, this is some aws BS and really couldn’t be a less significant measurement of anything other than of WR’s ability to reach behind him to catch a crappy pass.
November 15th, 2022 at 2:01 pm
BA is like the absentee dad who shows up late to his kid’s party and acts as though he engineered the whole thing. STFU BA, where were you during the slide…. on 2nd thought, keep preaching the virtue of BL and hopefully he gets lured away and we get picks.
November 15th, 2022 at 2:32 pm
Remember 2020 when December came around and we went on a tear and won out for the Super Bowl? And last year we came on strong in Dec. And Jan. To catch Green Bay for best record in the NFC? Well hang on, Brady says it’s go time. He’s done it every year
November 15th, 2022 at 2:37 pm
Redeemer’s got the numbers !!!!!!
No surprise Ba defends HIS guys; since they couldn’t get hired anywhere else as HC or OC; BA retired to give them the opportunity . He mentions the O-Line problems in passing-but he was the guy advising Licht not to trade up for proven O-Line players-Thanx for nothing ,or less than nothing Arians !!
November 15th, 2022 at 2:55 pm
Capt. Here’s some more for ya bud. Brady has faced 7 or more defenders in coverage more than any QB in the league. The Bucs line has a 53.5% pass block win rate, ranking 26th in the league. So, he’s throwing into coverage, and has bad pass pro. Still, he’s not turning it over. If you dig inside the numbers, it all points to a herculean effort by Brady, with very little help. I’ve said this many times. Brady isn’t capable of carrying a team anymore. He’s 45 freaking years old. If you give him a halfway decent run game, and protect him, he’s still elite.
November 15th, 2022 at 3:00 pm
Stay in your lane Bruce…. You are loyal to a fault…. Fire Leftwich
November 15th, 2022 at 3:02 pm
Nothing but lip service. And who says these affirmative action coaches won’t conjure up another ridiculous losing streak.
Brady was playing bad my ass. That’s right–just ignore the drops, the one interception thru it all while leading the league in pass attempts, and the injured star receivers. WTF!??
Sure looks like Brady helped BA get off the field.
November 15th, 2022 at 3:06 pm
The offensive line has sucked . Given that I feel Brady played very well.
Sunday the o line gave Brady some time and the results were positive
November 15th, 2022 at 3:19 pm
I really am sick and tired of these threads. So many people pointing fingers at Brady who woulda given him a BJ to come win them a Super bowl a few years ago. So disrespectful.
Redeemer has it dead on with stats. He did not run around and win 7 Super Bowls and he won’t win one this year if the line doesn’t keep improving. However, he is still as good as any QB in the league when the TEAM is prepared. And now he’s coming into the November December stretch where he always amps it up (also divorce behind him). If the coaches and teammates match his intensity we can all go out on top. Oh and by the way… how did Mahomes do in the Super Bowl when his offensive line was trash? Thats right suckas, he had a hard time making plays. Does he suck too?
Redeemer Says:
November 15th, 2022 at 2:55 pm
Capt. Here’s some more for ya bud. Brady has faced 7 or more defenders in coverage more than any QB in the league. The Bucs line has a 53.5% pass block win rate, ranking 26th in the league. So, he’s throwing into coverage, and has bad pass pro. Still, he’s not turning it over. If you dig inside the numbers, it all points to a herculean effort by Brady, with very little help. I’ve said this many times. Brady isn’t capable of carrying a team anymore. He’s 45 freaking years old. If you give him a halfway decent run game, and protect him, he’s still elite.
November 15th, 2022 at 3:25 pm
@Dooley. I’m also a lifelong Bucs fans. We were a damn joke. We had the lost decade. We have the lowest win percentage. Some fans like you are acting damn entitled
November 15th, 2022 at 3:30 pm
@LastDance. You nailed out. People are saying other QBs would succeed with a bad OL. That’s simply not true! Look at Herbert and Kyler. Kyler gets sacked a lot and he’s very elusive. Herbert’s line is so bad that he’s become a one read check down down. Aaron Rodgers has a bad OL and he was playing poorly. Rodgers was getting the ball out quick and had a 4 yard average depth of throws! You don’t see his coach calling him out. Mahomes looked like a mere mortal in the SB with a bad OL.
November 15th, 2022 at 3:35 pm
Arians is living vicariously through Byron now, and refuses to say the obvious: he doesn’t know what he is doing. Brady has not been great but he’s still been good. Byron keeps setting up TB12 for failure with terrible, predictable play calling, no adjustments, and flat out stubbornness. Arians said it himself: Byron refuses to read the papers. If he did, he would understand exactly how he has been failing and have some ideas of how to improve. Instead he keeps doing the same thing expecting different results…. INSANITY.
Pass more on first down to set up more second downs that could be run or pass. Run out of passing formations and pass out of running formations. More quick developing routes, slants, crossers… Use play action!!! IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE!
November 15th, 2022 at 3:52 pm
BA was probably mad because Romo was calling out this stale offense. BA was upset when Romo called him out against the Chiefs in 2020.
November 15th, 2022 at 3:55 pm
Arians is right and hate to agree with him because a play call isn’t going to make players automatically better.
November 15th, 2022 at 4:12 pm
@dooley.. you’re a moron if you thing Brady has been the problem.
The only reason Arians has a ring is that he was a passenger on the Brady, suh and JPP bus. All those years of head coaching and he never even got to a superbowl with Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald. Ungratefulness is not a good look, but then Arians has never looked good.
Now that the team had a game where it looks like they are starting to gel, BA has to come in and say “LOOK AT ME, I’M OVERHERE”. Did Brady have a bad game in one of the losses? absolutely! But that’s not the reason for our consistent predictable poor play calling. That’s not the reason coaching hasn’t been holding players accountable. And, that’s definitely not the reason receivers have been dropping balls that were thrown on a dime.
Bruce, go back in your hole because everyone knows you are trying to cya on your pisss poor reccommendations for Head Coach and OC.
November 15th, 2022 at 4:19 pm
Brady begged Bucs to let him leave. Bruce said they wouldnt trade him for 5 first rd picks. If they would have just let Brady leave Arians would still be the coach. Bucs would have a young qb they could build around. Brady will is gone after this year. Bucs will be irrelevant again and Brady will start his 10 year 375 million contract with Fox
November 15th, 2022 at 4:25 pm
Bruce, I agree with you on Brady.
But just because Brady was not his usual self, does not logically mean Leftwich wasn’t the problem. BOTH had been poor up until the last game.
For Brady, I do think the off-the-field stuff simply took away from his practice and preparation. Leftwich, however, just has never shown us anything without Arians by his side.
November 15th, 2022 at 4:38 pm
another gimlet for loudmouth soup bruce
November 15th, 2022 at 5:26 pm
@Izod. Brady is the most prepared QB in the league. Former and current teammates have said this. Y’all just be making stuff up. Projecting whatever you might feel onto the person. Are you concerned about the preparation of other players? I feel bad for Bowles and Leftwich. Now they have to clean up BA’s mess. Bowles is the coach of this team. He runs it how he wants to run it. It’s not his style to call out players. He didn’t do with Devin White. That’s why i prefer Bowles’ demeanor to BA’s.
November 15th, 2022 at 5:57 pm
Bruce Arians is an absolute moron. The issue has not been brady.
November 15th, 2022 at 6:24 pm
He’s just stooging for Leftwich, trying to deflect blame from his handed picked dummy.
November 15th, 2022 at 6:45 pm
How many times did BA get fired, Everything and everyone is wrong, Nothing like coaching after the fact, Brady went through a divorce give the guy a break, yeah yeah all 23 firerings are wrong. Results is what counts Brady comes on board Windsor for again super bowl almost won last year thanks again turned around and it’s always about Bruce all left away I think the veterans are carrying the team but you know. Go Bucks.!!
November 15th, 2022 at 6:59 pm
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
DON’T YOU DARE SPEAK THE TRUTH ABOUT MY BOY LEFTWICH!
Pathetic coach. I will never forget him trying to blame Lavonte for his RIDICULOUS blitz call that costed our season. He and his Steelers stooges are all pathetic coaches.
November 15th, 2022 at 7:23 pm
Alright, who put a microphone in front of the old man’s face?
What does the special assistant to the GM in Carolina think about their team. How about the special assistant to the GM in Minnesota, what are their thoughts on the Vikings? We’ll never know because that isn’t a position on staff that talks to the media.
If Arians has any sense at all he will stay out of the media and only share his thoughts with his golf caddy.
November 15th, 2022 at 7:53 pm
You guys realize that Dooley is Oneilbucs new handle.
November 15th, 2022 at 7:54 pm
Hey Coach BA…..no lies told. Coach is spot on. Two things can be true. The line wasn’t playing well (expected with the rookies/1st yr players) AND Brady wasn’t playing well. They were hand in hand. Brady didn’t trust Goedeke and that led him to come off developing plays too quickly. No other reason Brady throws 5 yds on 3rd and 10.
It now seems Brady’s head is clearer and he’s letting plays develop downfield. We are seeing the diff between the gaping holes Lenny was used to the last 2 yrs and the small holes (due to less dominating Oline play) White can take advantage of as a diff quicker RB. Lenny needs to hit the crease and run to daylight.
Not rocket science. Just football.
November 15th, 2022 at 9:10 pm
@JBucs Ask yourself why he’s always in third and 10 situations? It’s because of the predictable play calling on early downs! Process over results! Like the great Peyton Manning always said “you win on first and second down.” Manning would’ve chucked this entire system. Leftwich would just be a figure head.
November 15th, 2022 at 10:08 pm
That’s a national story what jbf just printed.
Serious stuff.
First congratulations to Joe just for printing it, right or wrong. We can’t ask for anything more from our writers.
Before we address how true tge story is, let’s admire it some moe.
Tom now has new fuel.
Bl and Todd Bowles got their feelings aired
Lenny got the word, white is now the man
Licht goes up a notch.
If ba is wrong. He is still a hofer. No biggie
Is he right. I say close enough. I think Brady was fine the whole time and white at best wasn’t ready any way. He is a rookie and might get 10 yards next week.
Bl and Bowles are still working it out. It’s not over, lots still to do.
Thanks again Ira and Joe. I love integrity and that took integrity.
November 15th, 2022 at 11:49 pm
Ok…BA is a senile old man…
November 15th, 2022 at 11:59 pm
ON TO CLEVELAND!! WE HAVE TO STOP THIER RUN GAME ALSO..TAKE AWAY CHUBBS! EXPLOIT THIER WEAKNESS TAKE AWAY THIER STRENGTHS!! KEEP THE CREATIVITY IN THE PLAY CALLING LFGO!!!
November 16th, 2022 at 3:13 am
@Bucsfan. When you start the season with 40% of your Ofense starters either rookies or 1st yr players after having the most veteran (and super stud Wirfs) for 2 years, it’s understandable why there is 3rd and long most of the time. Took some time and a LG change. Our Oline was awesome until this year
November 16th, 2022 at 4:46 am
Whether it is sports or politics (and sports is political too) they will always defend their own, even when they are idiots.
November 16th, 2022 at 8:25 am
TB12Fan
I wouldn’t take your “unbiased” opinion very seriously, TB12Fan
So many fan boys refuse to admit that TB12 has been subpar this season. Lots of commenters on here and many new Bucs fans in general will flee the ship once Brady retires.
November 16th, 2022 at 4:38 pm
People forget that Arian fired Leftwich in Arizona, brought him back in Tampa
were going nowhere with a 7-9 season before Brady arrived and won the Super Bowl IF it wasn’t for some bonehead defensive play call last year against LA I believe we had a fair shot at another Super Bowl. Arian never would have won a SB in his life without Brady and his ego cant take it. Did Brady play at an elite level this year, absolutely not, so did the rest of the team, including the coaching staff, but what is this criticism going to accomplish at this stage of the season. Starting with Bowles, which I think the game is to fast for him ,the top Glazer family member and especially Licht should grow some BALLS and tell the old man Arian to get off the field, stop talking, grab another beer and go play some golf.
November 20th, 2022 at 3:20 am
what?
November 20th, 2022 at 3:27 am
Lets see… If I were an NFL caliber QB and didn’t trust the left (blind) side of my offensive line to pass block, learned that they couldn’t run block for a slow footed running back either, my proven tight end was home on the couch, two thirds of my receiving corp were in the hot tub. What could I do?I submit, as an NFL caliber QB that I would take a ALOT of sacks and/or throw a ton of interceptions. Brady has done neither! Brady is not an “NFL caliber QB” he is the GOAT and any criticism of his play is insane! Unless you totally discount the above facts which is again insane! The stat boys will tell you that this less than stellar offensive line gave up very few sacks/pressures. Check Toms release times. GOAT numbers saved his O-line total embarrassment! Stat boys will tell you he had very few long completions. How long would I stand in the pocket with that untrusted left side? Folks…This old man has done a masterful job working with what he had! Now about BA and his criticism. I don’t believe for one second BA really thinks Brady played poorly. This is BA and MAYBE Brady playing mind games with the media! If you really want Brady back next year start giving him the credit not the blame! BTW if you believe the National sports media about EVERYTHING well…
Yeah you Chris Simms!