Tom Brady Says He Has To Be Better Throwing To Mike Evans
December 30th, 2022
What’s going on?
To Joe, this is either a sign a receiver is open, or the offense has changed and your greatest quarterback of all time and the franchise’s best-ever receiver are not yet comfortable with it.
Or, one of the two (both?) is hurt.
For the past two years, Tom Brady and Mike Evans had one of the best connections in the NFL. And Brady once said when he’s in trouble, he throws the ball where he knows only Evans can grab it. Often, Evans does.
This year, it’s like the two guys never played before. You don’t go from reading each other’s minds to not knowing where to throw or where to run a route.
But Brady said yesterday at One Buc Palace, it’s up to him to make sure Evans gets the ball.
“I think everything has been a little [off] this year, it just hasn’t been as good as we would have probably all hoped from the beginning of the year, but that’s the reality of where we’re at,” Brady said. “I love Mike. I love playing with Mike, I love being out there with him. He’s a fighter, he’s a warrior, he’s so tough, he’s talented and I’ve got to make better throws.
“At the end of the day, I’ve got to do a better job getting him the ball.”
If you want to argue with Joe that Brady has a hurt shoulder and his passes to Evans are off as a result, OK. If you want to tell Joe the chemistry between these two was screwed up with a change in the offense, Joe will buy that.
Here’s something to keep in mind: Through the first 10 games this year, Brady had but two picks, which is absolutely incredible. In the past four games, Brady has seven picks. In the past three games, Brady has had two picks each game.
That’s not the Tom Brady we all know and love. Has Brady hit the middle-aged-man wall?
Additionally, seven of Brady’s nine picks were when he targeted Evans.
Is Brady getting too jumpy in the pocket? Is he tipping pitches? Is he hurt? Joe isn’t sure but something’s up.
December 30th, 2022 at 8:22 am
Mike has been totally covered when Brady has thrown those picks……set shorter routes for Evans and he will produce.
Note that Scotty Miller in spite of his speed has been covered most every time.
Receives who have been getting open are Godwin, Gage & sometimes Julio.
December 30th, 2022 at 8:31 am
Brady can’t/won’t throw deep or intermediate outside the numbers, and when he does give it a try it’s been an inaccurate ball. Give whatever reason/excuse for why that is, but those are Evans areas of work, so if the QB can’t/won’t put the ball there, Evans isn’t going to see any catchable targets.
It’s that simple.
December 30th, 2022 at 8:36 am
To beat the Panthers, we are going to need a big day out of Evans.
December 30th, 2022 at 8:43 am
Optimistic here,…..,looking for things to click big time into The Playoffs!!!!
December 30th, 2022 at 8:45 am
Win One game at home. Rest everybody next week. Get Jensen back and win playoff game at home against a team you already defeated. Go on the road and win another game. Play NFC Championship game. Just win baby.
December 30th, 2022 at 9:01 am
It sure would be nice to see a red zone fade to Mike in the back corner of the endzone. It’s been a while since it’s even been attempted… damn Byron and his pop Warner playbook.
December 30th, 2022 at 9:02 am
There’s really no place for Mike in the short game, and Grady is apparently outside of this comfort zone throwing the passes that Mike is used to
December 30th, 2022 at 9:09 am
remember the good old days when our offense allowed to throw to 6-10 different receivers? That’s a sarcastic question for Heckle and Jeckle
December 30th, 2022 at 9:09 am
Stupid phone
December 30th, 2022 at 9:11 am
I problem with ME13 is that he’s not very good at getting separation for DBs…..that’s why he rarely ever plays in the slot.
So because the O-Line has been so bad this year, Brady just doesn’t have the time to let Mike get open enough so Brady has put up more Jump Balls.
Remember, ME13 was also one helluva Basketball player in College…..so he knows how to “box out” and “body” DBs……that’s easy for him to do.
Brady knows all this….but Brady has been throwing “JAMEIS WINSTON” passes all season long…….that I think is the #1 problem……..
BRADY is the problem………not ME13!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 30th, 2022 at 9:13 am
Blame everything and everybody look in the mirrow Brady, your are the so call GOAT get it done Mr. turnover machine.
December 30th, 2022 at 9:15 am
Yet during the hurry up Brady is dead nuts hitting him. Go figure. The sideline throw last week is not easy and he led him perfectly. There are many times over the past 3 seasons Brady has expected Mike to turn one way and he goes the opposite. What are scare is the curl in the middle they often ran. We’ve only see that from time to time this season.
December 30th, 2022 at 9:16 am
@ Chris@Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa
Disagree with you on this one.
The DEFENSIVE LINE will have to have a big day in order for the Bucs to have a chance in winning. The D-LINE has played poorly for majoirty of the season………..they GOTTA stop the run….that’s critical.
Carolina has like 326 rushing yards last week against Lions……which the Lions are one of the best teams in the NFL right now.
December 30th, 2022 at 9:16 am
Biggest game of the season. Stop the run, feed ME13 the ball, and manage the turnover margin. I am expecting big games from 45 and 54 to keep it close to pull out the win. Stinking Panthers have no reason to think they belong in this position. Put their post season aspirations to rest and send them home with a bad taste in their mouths that a case of Big Storm wont get rid of.
December 30th, 2022 at 9:17 am
Totally agree with Tampabucsfan. Move Mike around and get him some seam ball throws. Brady is fine with throws outside of the numbers. He threw an incredible difficult pass to Evans in OT. It was from the total opposite hash. You need pretty good velocity to complete those throws. Brady’s issues have been on the GO ball. Those balls require timing and touch. His mechanics have been off which are affecting his throws. He also has an injured shoulder and finger. The OL is a problem. That’s the main issue. Evans also needs to get better separation. He said it myself.
Brady needs to get the ball to Gage. The guy is a stud when on the field. He can run those key intermediate route and get separation
December 30th, 2022 at 9:17 am
Doc of hate, far less turnovers than the top QB’s in the league and he throws more. Try something else to hate on him for, that point is weak.
December 30th, 2022 at 9:34 am
I’m sure somebody has the stat of turnovers per pass attempt, I would expect Brady is near the best
December 30th, 2022 at 9:35 am
Just don’t throw anymore interceptions BRADY and this team has a fighting chance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 30th, 2022 at 9:42 am
Brady has fell off. He straight misses throws. But blame the coaches tho
December 30th, 2022 at 9:49 am
Hello “NEfAN” okay look at the team record, again blame game, however the record do not lie.
December 30th, 2022 at 10:00 am
If Brady is washed or fallen off, he would not be able to complete 6/6 for 69 yards in one drive – in overtime to win the game. He still has “it,” but Brady, and this whole Bucs team, have been wildly inconsistent virtually all year.
When a QB is inconsistent, either his footwork/mechanics are off, or he’s injured. Brady’s feet at times are not being set, but I’m not sure if that’s due to being hurried, and hurried often. Look at how far the pocket gets pushed back into Brady, that’s one cause for erratic throws.
I think Brady is injured and the entire offense is trying to endure and play through it because of the options behind Brady.
I still have optimism / faith in this team, and I will until they have no more games left to play.
GO BUCS!!!
December 30th, 2022 at 10:02 am
Where I’m from…that Doc=Quack. If only the Bucs could bring in the clutch Trent Dilfer and/or Shaun King for this winner take all game. If only…
Brady has missed Evans a times, Evans seems to have quit on some routes due to frustration honestly. It happens…
December 30th, 2022 at 10:05 am
Has anyone noticed that even in the shotgun, Brady is still taking another 7-step drop, which is unusual? It’s because the pocket is routinely being pushed into his lap. Most shotgun snaps are a 1-step or sometimes a 3-step drop. Brady is dropping back really far, and I’m sure that alone is having an effect on timing.
December 30th, 2022 at 10:08 am
@Lamarcus. All QBs miss throws! Even the best. Ask yourself why Brady missing passes can make or break games? It’s because it’s all on him. We have a historically bad run game. We’re in constantly third and long situations. Brady isn’t beyond criticism, but there’s a lot of blame to go around. The people who hated Brady before he came are reviling in his struggles. Most of them are Winston Stans.
December 30th, 2022 at 10:09 am
You clowns that want Brady gone will be wanting him back next year when hes gone and our team is 3-12 at this point next year.
BECAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR!!!!!
December 30th, 2022 at 10:11 am
I remember in the Super bowl season there was a constant discussion about shotgun versus play action, and how poor Brady was in the shotgun.The consensus was, before the break, that Brady was washed
December 30th, 2022 at 10:16 am
I remember that also, Beej. In 2020 when we were 7-5, lots of experts thought he was done. Then he went scorched earth, and SB win. This is why I’m still holding onto hope for this season. They’ve played mostly bad football, so I’m wondering, CAN they turn it on this season? I hope so, but we’ll have to wait and see.
December 30th, 2022 at 10:16 am
In hurry-up, TB12 not as worried about getting crushed, because the opposing D cannot adjust as well.
Normal dismal O play calling, TB12 knows he better get the ball out or he may get killed. Opposing D has plenty of time to adjust.
Likely a combination of knowing TB12 cannot physically handle always being in hurry-up any more than the rest of the team.
Figure a way to win Sunday, rest everyone, then go bonkers for playoffs. 1 game at a time.
Suh.
December 30th, 2022 at 10:23 am
Tampa Ty . I’m one that can’t wait until he’s gone because at 46 he’s going to be worse than this year. You don’t get better the older you get .
December 30th, 2022 at 10:26 am
You cant argue those points, however, please kindly point me to a better option
December 30th, 2022 at 10:50 am
Evans has mostly been running go routes along the sidelines as a decoy. On the times he ran the seem route he was open he dropped one and Smith got called for holding on the other. If Leftwich would open up Evans route tree he would catch more passes. In the two minute offense Evans route tree is opened up and he becomes more involved.
December 30th, 2022 at 11:25 am
Down wif Witey.
December 30th, 2022 at 11:32 am
Some of you guys kill me. All year I read, throw it to Mike! Throw it to Mike! Force it to Mike, he’ll get it! Well, when they force feed Mike there is a pretty good chance it gets intercepted. Now the same guys are saying quit forcing it to Mike! Evans is almost always double covered. When you are doubled, a lot of the time you have 2 guys trying to f–up your routes, making timing and precise routes very tough. A lot of passes are thrown before the receivers make their cut, if they are slowed down even 1 step it can lead to an incompletion or worse. That is why good OC will scheme their receivers open. Man in motion, play action, picks, crossing patterns, spread outs, etc. We did that for 1 half and it worked great. They must practice it A lot because they looked sharp. That is how you get Evans and everybody else open.
December 30th, 2022 at 11:33 am
I sit in that stadium every game and I promise you Mike is running wide ass open many times and doesn’t even get a look. When Brady has gone his way a lot of them were flat out horrifically missed throws BY THE QUARTERBACK. Brady is playing scared, he’s seeing ghosts and rushes throws because he clearly doesn’t want to get hit. ME13 gets no separation? BULLSPIT. If you’re not a Brady jock sniffer then you know I’m right.
December 30th, 2022 at 11:35 am
“If Brady is washed or fallen off, he would not be able to complete 6/6 for 69 yards in one drive – in overtime to win the game…”
So the old guy gets a rush of adrenaline 1x/game, plays out of his head (not scared), stands tall, and the old noodle has some zip.
I find it ironic that everyone points to Brady OT “heroics” for comeback victories. Meanwhile, ignoring the fact how his turnovers shorten the field for opponents and regularly lead to them scoring to take the lead. So he turns the ball over, failing to score, putting opponents in prime scoring position, and you take pride in the fact that teammates get injured so Tommy can take all the glory for a desperate (usually DPI assisted) drive for victory. You play roulette, I prefer the odds at the blackjack table.
December 30th, 2022 at 11:35 am
You don’t get better when you get older, hmmm? I guess next year Allen, Mahomes, Hebert & Burrow fall off a cliff. Cash your checks now men cause your teams will be selling you fossils for chump change. I would take him above every other QB except the ones listed above. That’s not bad.company.
December 30th, 2022 at 11:36 am
let us decipher this…
tom is pretty much saying:
“i gotta get mike 100 yards this week and a 1,000 yard season”
#GitErDun
December 30th, 2022 at 11:44 am
Brady troll alert!! Time to go from the PFF main board and Chiefs message boards to attack the GOAT!! How has his schmenza tasted the past 22 years!! Salty tears are the most delicious!! By the way Evans is near the bottom of the league in separation and can’t be schemed open by the nitwit OC. Evans at a minimum has been inconsistent at best with his routes this year and I still will question his effort at times especially after the Carolina meltdown. That being said he can be dominant at times when he is locked in. Sunday will be the perfect time to see the 20-21 connection between Brady/Evans.
December 30th, 2022 at 12:04 pm
Fair points, ChiBuc….BUT! We have ZERO run game. Our O-line is way below average, and Brady’s pocket is in his lap on many passes. Our coaches are asking 45-year-old QB to put the offense all on his shoulders as evidenced by how much we pass per game.
Sure he’s had some picks and every QB does. I’m actually shocked Brady doesn’t have like 20 INT’s this season. I think he’s done a good job this year despite his age and despite what is going on around him.
I think with better pass pro, we’ll see Brady be more consistent. I don’t have much hope for better pass pro or we’d have seen it steadily improve throughout the year, but we haven’t.
All I know for sure is this Sunday’s game is sink or swim. Let’s see what this team is made of! GO BUCS!!!
December 30th, 2022 at 1:19 pm
Bucsfan13
How about some of us are tired of hearing excuses that can’t be proven. As if we (fans and media) know how to draw up an NFL play to criticize play calling. Nobody here ever coach a football team so there no experience here.
No it’s Brady. How about him getting an extra day off, weddings, etc. has affected this team more than any Coach on this team has done. No chemistry?? Yea no practice
December 30th, 2022 at 1:27 pm
Larmacus. You’re showing your ignorance. Vet days aren’t really days off, and they’re not uncommon. Mike has vet days off. Lavonte has a vet day off on Friday. Julio has a vet day off. Please do your research. With vet days, it’s not like he’s at home watching Netflix. They’re at the facility receiving treatment and watching film. I know that doesn’t fit your narrative. The only thing that matters is what folks in the locker room view Tom. He’s still a leader of men and they follow him. Oh, Tom is on pace to break the record for pass attempts. Don’t you think that merits a rest day for his arm. The same injured shoulder. Don’t you think asking a 45 year old QB to pass 50x a game because the run game is historically bad not sustainable?
December 30th, 2022 at 1:58 pm
Half those picks on throws to Evans were because he either threw too late (like last week), or he short armed the pass leading to an interception from underneath coverage (1 or 2 of which were from him being hit).
December 30th, 2022 at 2:23 pm
Occam’s razor: Brady is old.
December 30th, 2022 at 2:55 pm
Get this guy off the team next year. He’s washed and he’s not a team player. He ditched training camp for 11 days, he skips Wednesday practices, he went to another team owner’s wedding, he’s yelling and screaming at guys on the sideline, and is playing bad.
And now he has ruined Mike Evans’ season. Get this selfish guy off the team. Let’s not forget he made a play for Miami last season to team up with Sean Payton.
December 30th, 2022 at 3:12 pm
Brady needs more time to get accurate reads for Evans. Routes change lid play , but you need extra time to adjust. Without that extra split second Evans and Brady are off half the time.
December 30th, 2022 at 3:51 pm
If you go back to that Atlanta game earlier this year, I think that’s where whatever happened to Brady, happened. He certain, in that game, appeared to hurt his hand, and really hasn’t looked the same since that game. If you recall, the first half of that game, he was destroying the Falcons, throwing deep, pinpoint, all the typical Tom Brady stuff – then he got his hand smashed, I think near the end of the first half or maybe early in the 2nd half. In any case, after that happened, he had quite a few balls off target, some thrown into the ground, he clearly didn’t look right. He gutted it out and made some throws at the end that were needed to win, but he didn’t look like the same QB. After that game, he’s had way more misfires than we’ve ever seen. Yes, some of that is on the o-line not giving him time, some of it is his age I’m sure, but I think whatever injury he’s had all year is just something that isn’t going to fully get better before the season ends.
With all of that said, Evans and him just do not look like they’re on the same page. Why is that? Because they lack a legit NFL OC that would be working with the two non-stop and getting them on the same page. But Leftwich is a pure-bred idiot and stinks at his job when Arians isn’t hovering over him telling him what to do.
December 30th, 2022 at 3:52 pm
Hmmm why can’t I post a comment
December 30th, 2022 at 3:53 pm
I don’t think F@ther time has diminished Brady’s physical abilities (though he has def been injured this year, which may have affected some things).
However- I do think f@ther time has diminished his processing abilities slightly. Not much, but a couple tenths of even hundredths of a second can make a difference in football. Hence a few slightly late throws to Evans.
Then you combine that with him not trusting the o-line and rushing throws… and this is the result.
That said, Brady in his current form is still better than at least 22 – 24 other starting QBs in the league.
December 30th, 2022 at 5:45 pm
Brady watches more film than anybody reading this and I’m sure he’s seen his share of missed opportunities getting the ball to Mike or Mike making a play on the ball. Both players are probably two of the more “about business” players we’ve got on this squad and both have shown in the past two years the connection not only works, but even makes a difference when they don’t connect on a pass-catch but draw PI flags. We need both to be better than they’ve been the last hand full of games, and we need to see it for more than a quarter or half. This season has been beyond disappointing and there’s not much time left to define what the hell these guys are as an offense at this point.
December 30th, 2022 at 9:03 pm
I will attend church this weekend to vigorously pray he leaves and goes to a NFC South team other than the Bucs. Turnover machine, the least in the league and throws the most passes. That’s is a stupid person making a stupid statement.