Tom Brady Arm Strength Is Questioned
October 31st, 2022
This isn’t Joe going here, it’s a former Pro Bowl quarterback who has spent many dozens of hours around Tom Brady.
For nearly two decades, Phil Simms was the top game analyst for CBS, which meant he called a ton of Patriots games for the network. That sent Simms, the 15-year Giants quarterback, to plenty of New England practices and sit-downs with Tom Brady in pregame production meetings.
On Friday, Simms was on SiriusXM Mad Dog Radio saying he saw Brady without the usual zip on his throws against the Ravens on Thursday Night Football. Interestingly, Simms said that could have been due to throwing too much in practice.
Did Brady overdo it on a short week?
NFL.com reported in September that Brady would not be practicing Wednesdays during football season. Head coach Todd Bowles didn’t refute the report, but he did say Brady is indeed practicing Wednesdays because there’s lots of work to be done.
Joe respects the hell out of Simms, but Joe is seeing Brady’s arm strength on display in every game. Brady’s overall consistency, however, has taken a step back this season.
Will a mini-bye fix whatever ails Brady? Joe wishes the Bucs problems were that simple.
Ira Kaufman Explores Answers, Responds To Tough Byron Leftwich Questions, Addresses Jason Licht’s Future, And Much More
October 31st, 2022 at 2:27 pm
He does seem to be rainbowing more deep throws. I just attribute it to the Rotator Cuff injury. Doubt his arm changed dramatically in 10 mos.
October 31st, 2022 at 2:31 pm
I think sometimes his mind isn’t in the right place. JMO.
October 31st, 2022 at 2:40 pm
Brady It’s not the same player who was voted number 1 just months ago. It’s probably been awhile since he could carry a team without superior weapons like Gronk and Ab. Without those guys…he’s average
October 31st, 2022 at 2:44 pm
FIDDLE FADDLE!!!!!!!!
October 31st, 2022 at 2:45 pm
FIRE Leftwich and make Brady QB/OC and the Bucs win the division and go deep in the playoff!
October 31st, 2022 at 2:53 pm
While his short passes have been close to accurate, his longer passes have either sailed or dropped out of the sky.
I won’t say it is an arm strength thing, but his mechanics look off and that could cause it.
It would seem like the mechanics would be a muscle memory, so maybe something else is wrong, other than just having his head far away fro the game.
October 31st, 2022 at 2:53 pm
I see this too but I also thought it was his shoulder injury.
October 31st, 2022 at 2:59 pm
Does he have a rotator cuff injury in the right shoulder? If so, that’s something that needs rest, if not surgery. We can’t afford to rest him, so I guess that’s why he’s playing. True?
October 31st, 2022 at 3:01 pm
I don’t know if it’s the supposed shoulder injury or lack of confidence in receivers but he’s not ripping throws as often as the past few years. There’s been some bad drops this year . He seems to be babying throws to guys at times.
October 31st, 2022 at 3:07 pm
Last week, that dropped pass from Evans (a sure TD) – that pass was PERFECT. That missed TD to Rudolph was a throw with good velocity.
The lack of WR separation, the quick throws needed due to lack of O-line blocking have resulted in more throws in the dirt than we’re accustomed to seeing from Brady.
It’s a ton of little things leading to lack of production, especially in the red zone. Brady has not been especially sharp, but to this fan, it’s not just Brady, it’s all the factors mentioned above.
If anything, maybe Brady’s footwork hasn’t been as good as in the past, but since he still demonstrates accuracy and velocity (see the 2 recent examples provided above), I don’t think his arm strength is especially suspect at this point. Something to monitor going forward, obviously.
I have faith in Brady, and I’m still optimistic for at least a few more weeks.
GO BUCS!!!
October 31st, 2022 at 3:13 pm
I can’t ever remember him missing someone as badly as he missed Evans in the end zone on the first possession.
Something is up.
October 31st, 2022 at 3:15 pm
questioning everything seems reasonable when the offense is such garbage
October 31st, 2022 at 3:15 pm
PS: Just rewatched the highlight of Brady’s 51-yard strike to Evans. It was a gorgeous pass and he dropped it right in the bucket, sucker. Re-watched quite a few Brady throws, and my gut says his arm isn’t the problem.
October 31st, 2022 at 3:17 pm
Brady does not trust the O-Line; so he tends to rush some passes, plus he can’t wait to give receivers time to get the separation,, plus since he’s never been a scrambler -he always has stepped UP in the pocket–but he can’t do that now , particularly without jensen.. And Last , the world knows since Bucs have no ground game;; we have to pass 50+/- times per game (thanx to jason )
October 31st, 2022 at 3:18 pm
The man has a “little rotator cuff” injury. Many other QBs with that injury would be on injured reserve. In training camp, it was clear that Brady’s arm strength was as good as it’s been in many years, if not better. I would bet good money that the injury is what’s causing some issues.
That said, the inability of the O-line to run-block or the inability of some defensive players to play through the whistle isn’t connected that Brady’s rotator cuff.
October 31st, 2022 at 3:18 pm
I think a combo of injured shoulder and some passing off the back foot because of repeat pressure in his face.
October 31st, 2022 at 3:20 pm
^^^^^”….isn’t connected to Brady’s rotator cuff injury.”
October 31st, 2022 at 3:29 pm
My eyes see the same. Brady’s stats are a mirage. Not feeling a turn-around, and I’m convinced the goat is out of gas. Nope, he won’t be playing next year. Not for the Bucs, or anybody else. If he insists on furthering his career next season, I hope we play him twice. That’s how convinced I am that he’s finally fallen off the cliff.
October 31st, 2022 at 3:30 pm
Simms is a Parcells guy, always been a Brady hater, he always has negative input at 1/2 time if Brady us average and doesn’t comment when he’s lights out. Boomer always calls him out for this. He’s freaking 45. He’s won SB’s without Gronk & AB. No slants, no rub routes, multiple sideline screens that are getting as redundant as the run up the middle on 1st down. There is NOTHING Brady, Evan’s & Godwin can do, that’s all this O has. You HAVE to be able to run the ball. Brady is the least of this teams problem.
October 31st, 2022 at 3:32 pm
Dang we couldn’t trade Devin White for Roquan Smith.
October 31st, 2022 at 3:42 pm
Agree, Listn.
October 31st, 2022 at 3:45 pm
Bucsbro,
I’ve no idea if we have cap space or it’s even remotely possible (where are you with your cap space stats, DR? LOL), but this is what I posted earlier:
D-Rok Says:
October 31st, 2022 at 1:10 pm
Here’s a crazy pre-trade deadline hypothetical trade: Go get Roquan Smith and plug him in with Lavonte, and put DW on the edge.
Our D would be much better.
As for our O, the most glaring need is for the O-line to play better. I saw glimpses of good play in first half against Ravens. Not sure bringing in a player will help us much, unless we get an outstanding guard. Obviously, if Gronk were to come back in playing shape would be huge.
Otherwise, we got who we got and our only hope is much better execution from top to bottom.
October 31st, 2022 at 3:52 pm
Chrissie even has passes batted down from his TV stool. Rotator cuff and finger the size of Lenny’s thigh. Yeah.
October 31st, 2022 at 3:57 pm
Goat,
So TB12 played a whole year with a messed up MCL. Hard to plant with knee instability, yet he did it, and nobody knew it at least publicly.
Now he’s playing with a rotator cuff AND a bad finger on throwing arm. Yet he’s still competitive and isn’t pulling a Manning (yet).
If nothing else, one marvels at his toughness. Well, I do. Hopefully 10 days off with help Brady.
October 31st, 2022 at 4:00 pm
“…10 days off WILL help Brady.” I pulled a Joe, sorry. No offense, Joe – you guys just type too fast. Too instead of to.
October 31st, 2022 at 4:03 pm
It might not be just his arm. Here are some plays from the Ravens game that were just off:
Q2 1:06 2nd and 5 Eats a sack with two checkdowns wide open at the marker.
Q2 1:01 3rd and 14 Pump fakes and eats a sack instead of throwing a jump ball
Q3 7:08 3rd and 2 Throws short and behind an open Evans
Q4 5:41 1st and 10 Underthrows Miller deep
Couple these with drops, penalties, bad play-calling, and a defense that can’t get off the field with it matters and you have a big problem.
October 31st, 2022 at 4:08 pm
Just read an article on the top 20 players that could be traded by 4pm tomorrow. One of those names Brandon Cooks. One of the teams rumored….Bucs. Makes sense to reunite Brady and Cooks. Another name mentioned was Josh Allen (Jags DE) again, top team rumored..BUCS. Please Licht make this happen, you have 23 hours and 52 minutes
October 31st, 2022 at 4:12 pm
Well, there goes that theory – R Smith just traded to Ravens.
October 31st, 2022 at 4:21 pm
D-Rok – that’s the point I was making bro. Simms is an idiot.
October 31st, 2022 at 4:21 pm
Heard Bradly Chubb too.
I’d like Allen better.
October 31st, 2022 at 4:25 pm
Brady hasn’t lost anything in his arm. Imo it’s a combination of several things. Oline protection/trust, mental personal issues , chemistry with new targets such otton, Rudolph , r. White , kieft, julio , gage.
Is Brady off with his mechanics yes. Imo he’s not comfortable in the pocket. His footwork and delivery seem inconsistent.
October 31st, 2022 at 4:32 pm
Goat,
Gotchya bro. Same page. 😉
October 31st, 2022 at 4:32 pm
Let’s not forget the coaching is the worst since Raheemie 2011.
October 31st, 2022 at 4:35 pm
I’d be down for a Bradley Chubb trade. Or a guard. Or a fast WR, since there are none on our roster or PS. Or a coach.
LOL (on some of them since my sarcasm veils my disappointment).
October 31st, 2022 at 4:38 pm
Brady doesn’t throw 50/50 balls, except maybe once in awhile to Evans, that’s why he throws so few pics. The scenario towards the end of the half, he intentionally took a sack to keep the clock running
October 31st, 2022 at 4:42 pm
The Bucs and Packers have a gambling problem. Too much money bet on these 2 teams to cover. Bucs playing Rams this week, big money should be on Rams. Bucs should began their winning streak Sunday.
October 31st, 2022 at 4:58 pm
OLine
OLine
OLine
OLine
OLine
OLine
OLine
OLine
OLine
October 31st, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Brady is 45 years old and y’all are acting like he’s 25 lol stop with the excuses!! He’s old during the cowboys game he actually said his arm strength is not the same anymore and some of yall still want to live in denial when it comes to Brady . I never as soon as those weapons leave like AB and Gronk he was going to be a average or below average quarterback. And I also knew y’all were going to blame the coaches and make them the scapegoats for Brady. This offensive line has kept him up right now in the run blocking their struggling but pass blocking their doing their job. Brady has not been sacked that much this year he’s old and he’s been throwing the ball in the dirt this year so far. Will he play better this year I don’t know but so far the past 2 games he’s looked bad .
October 31st, 2022 at 5:18 pm
When Brady is gone we will see a real drop off at QB. And with these coaches, 3-5 will seem like a swedish massage.
October 31st, 2022 at 5:26 pm
Dude you’re on drugs stop watching football you’re completely clueless average? Even a down year he leads the NFL in yards interceptions tight window throws turnover worthy plaid you know about much football as my grandmother , he took this franchise to new heights was the best player in football the past two years and it’s still a top five quarterback clueless
October 31st, 2022 at 5:32 pm
That has been clear for a long time, all you have to do is watch the young whips!
That said his arm is the least of the problem, actually his arm is not a problem, it just is not a strong NFL arm
October 31st, 2022 at 5:34 pm
Oneil,
I always read your comments hoping for some creative and insightful thoughts.
October 31st, 2022 at 5:40 pm
SB~LV,
Josh Allen, Brady is not. We all know that. He’s NEVER had a strong arm, just good enough to make the throws with precision, accuracy, and occasionally shows a huge arm on a long pass. Arm-strength is NOT his forte, and everybody knows this.
Yet on touch passes, he’s still very good. On velocity throws, like the missed one to Rudolph in the end zone last week, he’s still very good. On rainbows, he’s still very good, like the 51 yard pass to Evans this week. Heck, even that intermediate pass to Godwin this week was in between 2 defenders.
He just knows HOW to deliver the ball in a variety of ways, techniques, and styles. His arm isn’t “strong,” but it’s precise. Even this year, so I agree with you.
October 31st, 2022 at 5:49 pm
Brady himself said his arm is not as strong anymore and when it comes to football I call it like I see it. I’m not going to sit here and make excuses for Brady like most of yall do on here. When it hits fault than it’s his fault now the running game has been bad for a long time but a lot of y’all didn’t care about the running game until Brady became the quarterback. I’ve been talking bad about this running game and y’all told me I was making excuses for the last quarterback. JimmyfromNY Brady had a all star cast on offense and now Gronk and AB are gone and now look how Brady is playing?? That’s just the truth. Now to me RoJO was the better runner than Fournette and Fournette has been horrible I want to see more of Rashard White running the ball than Fournette!!
October 31st, 2022 at 5:50 pm
It’s the shoulder injury Joe, you can bet on it. He seemed to have more zip on the ball before the injury and he started under throwing receivers after the injury.
October 31st, 2022 at 5:54 pm
It looks like Brady has lost weight. Maybe needs some meat on his bones?
October 31st, 2022 at 5:58 pm
Oneil,
I mean, c’mon man – you got RoJo pegged as a better RB than Lenny? That’s why I’ve been hoping for insightful and thoughtful responses from you; nevermind your affliction with home-grown QB talent. This is the NFL and not many QB’s (HOW MANY?) QB’s thrive with only 1 team their entire career.
As for White vs Lenny, that’s one point I can slightly agree upon. White has showed much promise so far and I think he should get more touches. I’d say Lenny and White should be featured 50/50 for touches – both bring a lot to the table, in different ways of course.
October 31st, 2022 at 6:05 pm
D-rok . RoJO had rush for 989 yards in 2020 and he miss 5 games that year. He hits the holes harder than Fournette that year. And I’m not saying Brady is trash don’t get me wrong on that but the last 2 games he’s been bad throwing the ball he should have at least 6 picks right now. But I really don’t count that as a stat myself but some people do . Brady is Jerry Rice with the Raiders right now not bad but definitely not the same player he was in New England.
October 31st, 2022 at 6:12 pm
Oh kneel been spewing the same garbage for 3 years. You have zero credibility. Your an idjit. Go back to watching pee wee. Your intellect can’t handle anything else. Down with Whitey.
October 31st, 2022 at 6:13 pm
Oneil,
Thank you. That was insightful and mostly correct. As for Brady now being contiguous with Rice with the Raiders, ummm, I’ll have to think on that for a minute but my gut reaction is you probably are close on that one. No doubt that Brady isn’t the same, but who would expect him to be? The bigger question is, does Brady help this team or does he hinder it?
As for RoJo, now a completely irrelevant topic since he’s gone from the Bucs and isn’t currently employed (is he??), RoJo did hit the hole really hard, but that’s only a portion of what’s expected from a RB1. He couldn’t catch well, bro, something that is needed from a 3-down back, and that’s why RoJo isn’t on a team right now, only 2 years removed from being that RB1.
October 31st, 2022 at 6:14 pm
Ofeelyourself —. Hey, girl, y’all sound just as informed about football as the pillow fights y’all have with your other girlfriends. Y’all’s takes are so cute, almost as cute as the Barbie doll collection y’all keep next to y’all’s JaMiss posted. Shame that’s all crusty now.
October 31st, 2022 at 6:15 pm
Oh Goat, be nice, LOL.
October 31st, 2022 at 6:21 pm
What is Brady compared to last year? 90%…80…70? He threw for 5300 yards and 43 touchdowns. When he starts throwing the ball like Peyton or Brees in their last seasons I’ll start worrying
October 31st, 2022 at 6:24 pm
Oneilsuckyall, so you’re saying Brady is the cause of the Bucs woe’s? If that is the case bench him and let Trask win out and get Bucs their 3rd SB. Lenny runs for 150 a game, White stays awake in the 4th qtr, Vea starts doing his job, Darden runs back every punt, Jones and Hicks magically heal, BL becomes Kyle Shanahan and Bowles wins coach of the year. All is well, say hello to Santa Claus while riding you unicorn with your mermaid wife. Dream on! Say it with me loud so everyone can hear it, I Hate the Rich White Man!!!
October 31st, 2022 at 6:26 pm
D-rok I don’t worry about what that coward say I know he’s gay so for the most part I just ignore Elton John 🤣😂 !!
October 31st, 2022 at 6:30 pm
It’s the throws immediately following the Deep and Strong throws. Those are the ones that you can see the lack of zip FOR SURE!
October 31st, 2022 at 6:34 pm
Listnfrmafart. It’s never just one player but Fournette is not hitting the holes hard he’s tipping to much for me when their is a hole . I got one question for you or you still mad about the civil war and the civil rights movement?? You have to get over it because it will never be that way again !!!
October 31st, 2022 at 6:39 pm
Everybody is looking for different things going wrong… I think it’s pretty simple.
If you look at the roster, at nearly every position, they have talent to win. The roster, even with injuries, is still good enough to be 5-3, maybe 6-2. If your team underachieves, who’s responsible? Coaches. Period. Coaches are responsible for getting the most out of the talent, and that just isn’t happening. Generally speaking, under Arians, they did. Since the coaching staff is basically intact, the difference is in the leadership positions — Bowles and Leftwich.
Brady’s arm strength is not an issue. At all.
October 31st, 2022 at 7:14 pm
Osqueelgirl can’t wait to snuggle up to JaMiss, even though she knows it can’t happen. She brings up the gay references so much there’s no doubt,
October 31st, 2022 at 7:26 pm
Ofeelurself, you have yet to deny your hate for the Rich White Man! Maybe it’s you that should stop living in the past. Ever think when you show respect you receive respect? Calling someone gay just proves you not only hate rich white men you hate anyone different from you. Dude, you are the problem!!!
October 31st, 2022 at 7:32 pm
with all this divorce stuff he’s probably having to w@nk himself.
October 31st, 2022 at 7:39 pm
His touch, timing, and fades seem off, whic seems more if a head work with your new boys thing than an arm thing. Some deep balls have been short, but old man is flushed from the picket to buy time. He’s drilling the midrange stuff. Arm looks right, head looks a bit off.
I’m saying Brady is having difficulty overcoming coaching shortfalls this year due to his many personal issues (including flirting with the fins). So the proverbial chix n the egg… what came first sucky coaches or TB drama. The sucky no adjustment 1 game plan riding on the GOAT’S shirt tails have been been around a while
October 31st, 2022 at 8:17 pm
Brady’s arm is fine. Our offensive line sucks! Brady will be in SanFran next year and will win a Super Bowl. The 49’s are a solid team with good fundamentals…kinda like the 2019 Bucs. They need a difference maker at quarterback. Brady is the difference.
Tampa, on the other hand, will be wandering in the desert of the Lost Decade if we can’t find a quarterback. Unlike the Lost Decade, we actually have the individual pieces of a good team.
October 31st, 2022 at 8:22 pm
Said it since the beginning of camp , Bucs screwed up by not getting experienced offensive lineman.
Said it would be a waste of Brady’s last season .
Licht Committee malpractice . Should be put on the Gang Plank …
October 31st, 2022 at 8:31 pm
Brady injured his shoulder in the Chiefs game week 3. “Minor rotator cuff injury”. I think the injury may be worse than we were led to believe.
October 31st, 2022 at 8:48 pm
Of course his arm isn’t as strong as it once was. No 45 year olds is. He admitted it to Julio Jones during the Dallas game. He’s made up for it the last few years with added anticipation and pin point accuracy. Like has been said, his shoulder is bothering him. A little rotator cuff for Brady means it’s hanging by a thread. The Patriots listed him with a shoulder, every week for an entire season. I’d take Brady throwing Left handed before half the QBs in the league. If he does play next year, I’m sure shoulder surgery is around the corner.
October 31st, 2022 at 9:49 pm
I have been watching every throw since Brady got here, and I’m not really seeing any decline in his arm. Brady has, however, had an issue with happy feet this season and has been, more than previous years, bailing on plays early, often not setting his feet – if your feet aren’t set, you can’t drive the ball as hard, but I’ve also seen him when he sets his feet, throwing a ball with a ton of zip.
National figures aren’t watching every game, they’re just seeing some highlights and drawing their opinion from that. While it is interesting to hear what people like that have to say, it’s not really useful info when you know it’s incorrect or based on a small sample size.
October 31st, 2022 at 10:24 pm
If you look at that last game, his throwing motion is off. I think it’s a combination of a nagging injury, plus bad OL, forcing him to unnaturally favor something.
Even if he isn’t 100%, this offense should be built in a way that protects and hides any problems, and should be working well without his heroics. But no.
October 31st, 2022 at 10:35 pm
Brady certainly has declined, I think there’s no question. However, they still have Evans, Godwin, and Fornette plus handful of other guys who are serviceable. OL is very average but not terrible. They SHOULD be doing better!
The offense is just out of sync. Without Arians, this team needs Brady at his best, and right now they have neither. We now know Leftwich is who we always suspected he was, a below avg OC who was blessed with better people around him.
Bowles is a decent coordinator, terrible HC. He has answers to nothing. It’s not looking pretty and this team may not win another game due to having its confidence shattered.
November 1st, 2022 at 12:07 am
sasquatch Says:
October 31st, 2022 at 6:39 pm
Everybody is looking for different things going wrong… I think it’s pretty simple.
If you look at the roster, at nearly every position, they have talent to win. The roster, even with injuries, is still good enough to be 5-3, maybe 6-2. If your team underachieves, who’s responsible? Coaches. Period. Coaches are responsible for getting the most out of the talent, and that just isn’t happening. Generally speaking, under Arians, they did. Since the coaching staff is basically intact, the difference is in the leadership positions — Bowles and Leftwich.
Brady’s arm strength is not an issue. At all.
100% correct. You can nitpick GOAT, or you can realize the roster is good enough to be 5-3 at the worst, with quality coaching.
Do you really think that all those patriots teams had top shelf talent? You are delusional. They were COACHED to be great. Mostly a bunch of no-names, undrafted, late round picks, unwanted free agents. A great coach gives a team a chance to win every game. A shirty coach takes away any chance of winning. The Bucs have two shirty coaches. I didn’t like them the last 2 years and I don’t like them now. The sheer talent covered the clear lack of greatness. If Bowles could coach defense, he wouldn’t need to blitz so much (and lose us a super bowl last year), and the lack of motion, slants, play-action, scheming guys open was overlooked due to Gronk and AB and a healthy Godwin (I still think Evans has never really been on the same page with Brady). The incompetence just staggers me after following the pats for the past 20 years. My favorite team forever was the Lions, so I understand losing. I chose to follow players instead. I followed Brady here and Ill tell you, I would rather them have NOT won the Super Bowl than to coach so poorly they make him look bad at the end. As others have said, he has happy feet when he doesn’t trust the offensive personel (line and/or receivers) and always has. It makes throws fall short and arm strength and accuracy to decline when you aren’t set/throw from back foot etc. which is what happy feet causes. BL could schema this away easily… if he were competent to do so. He is not and Bowles is no better. He wants the worst rushing team in history to run more. Also, how many quarterbacks have been great with the worst ever rushing attack. Sometimes the folks on this page ignorance blows me away. But a few actually pay attention and understand the dynamics of the game and I appreciate reading those posts very much.
November 1st, 2022 at 3:55 am
Joe!!! come on man!
Chris Simms is a Sensationalist Moron who couldnt touch his dads ability.
Please for the love of god and country quit giving this jackass a platform!!!
November 1st, 2022 at 11:45 am
You really gotta question if these guys even watch the game or just a 3 minute highlight vid on YouTube… If that even
Or more likely, they just say crap for clicks.
Ive seen every single Brady snap since hes been in Tampa and I dont understand how anyone could question his arm strength or accuracy… He still looks elite. His arm is uniquely quick, which might be his greatest strength.