“Connection” And “Rapport” Failing Tom Brady
December 14th, 2022
In addition to his missed throws, red flags are popping up on Tom Brady from all corners of the football landscape.
Former Buccaneer Richard Sherman had pain in his voice talking on his podcast about Brady’s performance against the 49ers on Sunday.
Sherman, who played for the Bucs last season, referenced Brady’s “connection” with receivers being off as well as his “rapport” with them. The latter really has Joe flummoxed. Have guys soured on Brady?
Keep in mind Sherman has friends on the Bucs roster and repeatedly has said he communicates with them regularly.
That got in Joe’s head a bit because well-connected former Bucs quarterback Chris Simms said on NBC’s Pro Football Talk how he’s heard that Brady has told people he regrets how he’s handled some situations this season with the Bucs. And that’s in addition to Simms’ analysis that Brady looks “jumpy” in the pocket and a full step down from his play of the past two years.
And then there’s all those rumblings of Brady being over Byron Leftwich, like so many Bucs fans are.
Joe remains filled with optimism that the Bucs will make the playoffs. But that’s much more about the chances of the other NFC South teams rather than the Bucs’ greatness.
Yeah, the Bucs need a win Sunday against Cincinnati, but more than anything Brady needs a good, 60-minute game regardless of the outcome. That would shut up the chorus of Brady doubt that isn’t good for the team, and it would inspire a lot of confidence in anyone who cares about the Bucs’ shot at making noise in January.
Ira Kaufman Talks Total Overhaul Parameters, Fan Psyche, Defensive Collapse, Carolina Crisis, Leftwich-Brady Reality, Monitoring Team Glazer, And More
December 14th, 2022 at 5:37 am
Some players look motivated and some don’t. The last two years it hasn’t been an issue. But has the team soured on Brady or a lack of a motivational head coach. Your guess as good as mine.
December 14th, 2022 at 5:52 am
team glaze over should punt
December 14th, 2022 at 6:01 am
What Tom did not realize entering 3rd season with Bucs…
People aren’t driven like he is for greatness. (Who is?)
Most Bucs players are chilling with one SB ring in their pocket.
That’s when his yelling and hard demand become old.
These guys cannot sustain nor handle it.
Simple.
December 14th, 2022 at 6:04 am
Allbuccedup, I’m with you. It’s kind of hard to believe with Brady as the qb, but anything is possible I guess. Perhaps if either or leaves we’ll find out in a hurry.
December 14th, 2022 at 6:20 am
Hopefully he’ll get out of the funk he’s in at the moment.
December 14th, 2022 at 6:21 am
The All Bowzo Blame Brady Camp strikes again.
December 14th, 2022 at 6:22 am
Someone told me last year that Leftwich might be the head coach of the Bucs after BA retired. My response was Leftwich is not a BA n he’s not ready for a head coach job anywhere. Can u imagine AB on the team with Leftwich as coach, or even Bowles. He wouldn’t respect either. They both must go, plain n simple. You inherited a Super Bowl/playoff team from the past two years with a 11-5 and 13-4 record respectively with primarily the same skilled key players n you immediately regress. Give me a break. Bowles is not a players coach n for Leftwich, unless he goes to pop Warner, he’s no match in the nfl as an OC. How many teams we played this year anticipated the quick bubble screen to Chris Godwin for a lost or a gain of only 2-3 yards.
December 14th, 2022 at 6:24 am
Brady has never been all in this season. The family issues, retiring, unretiring, time off during training camp and rumors that just won’t die that he tried to leave the team for Miami with Sean Peyton. Most everybody his given him a pass cuz he’s Brady. Compare that Brady to the guy that WAS all in the last two years, won a SB and was a couple plays away from the NFC championship last season. How is this a surprise to anyone.
December 14th, 2022 at 6:25 am
Any player souring on Brady is a weak willed, pouting baby moron, not a man, and should be benched. This is something only the Bucs would do. A good shot of testosterone would be perfect for this team of ladies.
December 14th, 2022 at 6:39 am
IMO, Brady’s pinpoint pocket passing has not been up to his usual standards.
We have way too many three and outs for a number of reasons, some but far from all Brady can correct. I do think his screaming at players on the bench is not helping. Maybe if he is playing like the best player on the team, but he is not. Its very likely the shoulder is the reason for his drop in play, but age and immobility also may also be a factor.
I thought finally getting the RB’s more involved in blitz protection and chip blocking was a positive step. But at the end of the day the yard per catch of 4.6
yards average gives receivers little chance for YAC yards and in some cases
they also absorb vicious hits.
December 14th, 2022 at 6:51 am
Again to me Brady is the least of our problems. This team collectively have tuned out this coaching staff.
This isn’t an individual problem here or there.
These coaches have destroyed team unity and the belief that they can get it done. You want someone to blame? TODD BOWLES/BYRON LEFTWICH.
There’s your problems right there.
I’ve literally seen no adjustments all year. Same garbage every game. This team knows the coaches are awful and they don’t believe in them anymore.
You’ll see the same thing on Sunday against the Bengals. I said you’ll see because I’m not watching this train wreck anymore. It’s Christmas season. I’d prefer not to be aggravated for ir.
December 14th, 2022 at 6:52 am
Licht asks; “Bruce, you sure Todd and Byron can handle these positions?” Bruce replies; “Afirmative!”
There’s your problem. Where the head goes the arser follows.
December 14th, 2022 at 7:03 am
Yup week 15 is when it will all gel for this team.
Maybe week 16 or 17. Possibly 18, but it’s gonna happen. Right?
December 14th, 2022 at 7:10 am
Don’t know if anyone noticed, but there’s a report this morning that Mariotta was benched yesterday and subsequently left the team. As in … ‘Left the team’. Sounds like he’s taking pouting lessons from Jameis.
Looks to me like the most viable ‘threat’ to our NFC South hopes is the Panthers. They’re 5-8, won 2 in a row, are 4-4 since Wilks replaced Rhule, and own the tie-breaker with us. Anyone who ASSUMES that we’ll win the NFC South crown this season better re-evaluate.
Panthers play the Steelers & Lions next, before they play us, and could potentially win both games. IF we lose to the Bengals but beat the Cards, we’d have the same record (7-8) when we face them on New Year’s Day, but they’d own the tiebreaker. IF we lose that game, it’s season over for us, regardless of what either team does in Game 17. Even if we win that game, we could still potentially lose the division if we lose our last game against the Falcons & the Panthers win theirs against the Saints. Tough times ahead, starting this Sunday.
December 14th, 2022 at 7:14 am
Panthers > Bucs
At least they give a crap.
These Buc muffins are just playing out the string.
December 14th, 2022 at 7:21 am
It is obvious that something is very wrong with our team.
It will eventually come out one day, maybe sooner if we completely implode after Cincinnati whips our butts at home.
But something is wrong, that’s for sure.
December 14th, 2022 at 7:24 am
Am I missing something? Where is my morning cup of Joe?
December 14th, 2022 at 7:26 am
On the Bengal game rides the season. If they get blown out again pack it up.
December 14th, 2022 at 7:30 am
@HC: Bengals will blow out the Bucs.
And Todd will say “we have the watch the film to see what happened.”
December 14th, 2022 at 7:33 am
DR
You’re giving the Panthers all the benefit of the doubt….but it is possible.
As for Brady…..there is no question he look uncomfortable on the field.
As for Byron….he’s watching his coaching career go up in smoke.
He might get a job at Marshall where he can he can also continue his English lessons.
December 14th, 2022 at 7:33 am
Wait for it, Bucs best Cincy 21-17, all is well in Bucs land. Bucs go on to lose the last 3 games to no name QB’s. All 3 are NFC offensive MVP’s for the week.
December 14th, 2022 at 7:34 am
After seeing Brady’s new girlfriend I think he is even more distracted. And I don’t blame him.
December 14th, 2022 at 7:47 am
Yeah, the rapport comment caught my attention. Brady’s always been known as an excellent teammate. I don’t really trust Simms when’s he’s discussing Brady because he has some weird grudge against them, but Sherman’s word means more because he does communicate with current players. Sherman is also a pretty fair guy, and rarely offers hot takes.
December 14th, 2022 at 7:58 am
Backing Brady now after all of those sucky games is dumb. His time is over. It happened to Peyton manning and has happened to brady. He may have been good in the past, but not now. if his name was not brady, he would have been benched weeks ago. Just look at the other NFC south QBs. The problem is that no one wants to bench a GOAT. This will cost Tampa a playoff game. They won’t even finish above 500
December 14th, 2022 at 8:09 am
Brady assembled all these players in Tampa with promises of building something here, and then was ready to bolt for Miami and leave them all behind. All indications are that he was trying to make a power play to get traded to Miami that fell apart when Brian Flores filed suit on Ross.
Maybe he was trying to do it to save his marriage, but how much loyalty can a fellow player feel to him after that?
Plus he was probably pimping his TB12 garbage to everyone like an Amway salesperson. And that may work to keep a quarterback limber but isn’t the right diet/regimen for any other position.
December 14th, 2022 at 8:12 am
@Defense:
don’t sleep on the lions…they are playing some of the best football in the league right now and even when they started at something like 1-5, i was thinking this is one of the best 1-5 teams i’ve seen in a while…they lost a few tight, hard fought games – they almost deserves a playoff spot, but most likely won’t be getting in…they are a darn good football team that can ring up the scoreboard…and should beat the panthers easily imho…
and pittsburgh is playing a little better of late too…
the panthers don’t have an easy ride to the division title…it really is ours to lose…we should squeak it out…
hopefully
December 14th, 2022 at 8:13 am
the lions are the one team in the nfc no one wants to play right now
lol i know that sounds crazy 🙂
December 14th, 2022 at 8:13 am
Are there tons of wide ass open receivers out there who he’s ignoring and instead dumping it off to a running back? Haven’t seen evidence of that yet
December 14th, 2022 at 8:15 am
and they are much more fun to watch than the bucs these days…
goff is playing like an all pro, good receivers, good rb’s…
then need a little bit on the defensive side tho…
and their coach is wishing he had hockenson back in the mix
December 14th, 2022 at 8:30 am
That’s the Clueless Todd influence! Duuuuuuhh-Yup!
December 14th, 2022 at 8:33 am
TBBF … Agree with you on the Panthers, thus the word ‘potentially’. They’ve won 3 of their last 4. Their defense has been solid for the most part, and their offense is actually getting better since trading McCaffrey.
For the life of me I don’t know why Byron is still here. Admittedly he’s working with a meh OLine & some injured receivers, but danged, we should still be doing considerably better than what I’m seeing on game days. Goodwin was BA’s OC out in Arizona for the 2013-2017 period (ya I know, with BA calling the shots) & should be able to do better than BL. Why don’t they just hand the reins to him? licht & Bowles have everything on the line right now. This shouldn’t be a tough decision.
December 14th, 2022 at 8:46 am
Beej,
in the past two games there have been a couple of examples where Evans was open. I believe in the last game Evans was a bit more open than Julio who both went deep. Brady chose to throw to Julio and it was overthrown. The announcers highlighted it along with one that Evans had nobody around him but Tom threw to the other side of the field incomplete probably to Brate but don’t quote me on that. I should also point out Julio also pulled down Two others with great hands and leaping ability. No question Brady needs more time for plays to develop and receivers to create separation.
December 14th, 2022 at 9:01 am
The Gravy train is about to dry up for a lot of people.
December 14th, 2022 at 9:07 am
Bob, your talking about the Saints game, when he threw to Julio over Evan’s. Both were open it was over thrown, LOW % play. He threw the perfect ball to Evan’s in the end zone and Evan’s chose to scream for the PI which he got. In the Cleveland game Evan’s made a great catch early out of bounds that should have been contested and later Brady threw 3 more downfield to him which 2 he clearly quit on which tells me he is either gassed or injured or I hope not quit. In San Fran he hit Evan’s on a 68 yd td called back, yes Brady threw a horrible pass in the end zone to him, it happens. Evan’s is not a good route runner or fast he relies on his physical ability which shines from time to time. Rarely do you see him across the middle anymore, this could be do to injury or the new role BL put him in, either way it’s causing his separation issues and he is the worst on the team in separation.
I’m also not sure why Brate is on the field, he hasn’t done anything since 2020.
December 14th, 2022 at 9:09 am
Imagine saying that Thomas Brady isn’t all in. This is such a stupid refrain from some Bucs fans! Jesus, have you only started following this man since he joined the Bucs? He knows nothing but all in. He’s obsessed with the game. He doesn’t sleep at night when the team loses and he doesn’t play well. His preparation is unmatched. The man sacrificed his marriage to play football. How the heck can you say a man who does that isn’t all in. What other player would put that all on the line to play football. When I see a poster who accuses Brady of not being all in, I lose respect for their opinions. Critique Brady’s poor play, but never accuse him of not being all in. It’s such a lazy and I’ll-informed take.
December 14th, 2022 at 9:10 am
FYI, just because a Db drops Evan’s downfield doesn’t mean he is in the designed play call.
December 14th, 2022 at 9:45 am
I haven’t seen Brady do much of his Rah, Rah speak this season, it looks more like a rant.
Maybe the rant is about his receivers not getting to the spot he wanted them in, even though that is the function of an NFL defense.
Brady isn’t adapting, he’s playing like it is practice and not a game.
December 14th, 2022 at 9:45 am
Joe Burrow and Justin Hebert have crap Olines they are doing just fine I don’t hear the excuses for them like I do Brady…
Seems like everything has to be absolutely perfect around him for Brady to play well these days…sounds like a system quarterback
December 14th, 2022 at 9:52 am
I guarantee it that first quarter there will be another bigplay by the offense and it will be called by by a holding call again from Smith. Smith is the momentum killer.
December 14th, 2022 at 9:58 am
brady needs to drop the tb12 and model gf’s.
have some brews, burgers and broads. let it all hang out. the yr is over anyway.
December 14th, 2022 at 10:07 am
Taking a few weeks off during training camp and then skipping out on practice to attend a wedding are showing up. Too bad. Of course Bowels also took off during the middle of the week, so permissiveness and lack of discipline became the rule. Lack of cohesion and discipline the result.
December 14th, 2022 at 10:19 am
quarterback Nathan Rourke ?
December 14th, 2022 at 10:21 am
The fact that Brady wasn’t working the Bucs sidelines last weekend was very telling.
He knows this team has packed it in.
December 14th, 2022 at 10:25 am
Joe you are really holding out on the Brady doubt huh? How are you not absolutely doubting what Brady can do this year? He plays for 5 min a game and it’s the last 5. The Brady effect is gone. Let’s move on- whatever that is!
December 14th, 2022 at 10:30 am
Let’s be real, we’re losing to both teams from Ohio this year…
December 14th, 2022 at 10:35 am
The problem with the Bucs is so obviously the coaching of Bowles and Leftwich and it’s also totally obvious that those coaches know they are on the hot seat, so now they are throwing the blame at Brady through these ridiculous media leaks.
It’s u believable that these ridiculous loser coaches have not been fired yet. It’s also completely ridiculous that a lot of the Bucs fan base is falling for this BS and is blaming everything on Brady.
Joe, you need to make polls for each one of Leftwich and Bowles, asking if they should be fired. No more of this confidence nonsense. The inaction of the Glazers and Light on these absurd coaches is disturbing at this point.
Todd Bowles’ NFL head coaching resume:
6 seasons, 3 teams
32 wins, 48 losses
0 playoff appearances
Arians’ induction into the Bucs’ Ring Of Honor should be cancelled for him forcing Bowles and Leftwich in the team.
December 14th, 2022 at 10:35 am
God, there’s a lot of boring and stupid opinions in the comment section.
It’s remarkable how these dullards just listen to talk radio, hear the dumbest callers, then think they make great arguments, then repeat the nonsense they heard as their own thoughts.
December 14th, 2022 at 11:08 am
I have no confidence in the team and coaches in general.
December 14th, 2022 at 11:12 am
You guys see the film of 2 of the td runs for the 49ers? The one by Samuel, White actually pulled his arm back so he wouldn’t touch him. The run by McCaffrey, the defense made no effort to dive at him as he ran by them. EXCEPT FOR BRADY,everybody else has given up. When Godwin got interfered on the route in the end zone, Brady was the only one to yell at the ref.Godwin didn’t, the leader of the receiver room, Evans didn’t, Leftwich didn’t, Bowles didn’t. Everybody looked at Brady like he was nuts. Watch the receivers as they run their routes. They make their first cut and if the ball isn’t thrown they slow down or quit altogether. Watch any other game, doesn’t it seem strange that even the week teams have guys open for easy catches. Our receivers are slow can’t get seperation. There is absolutely no yards after catch because they are getting tackled as they are catching the ball. This team isn’t going to beat the 49ers, Chiefs, Eagles, Bills etc. The game Sunday against the Bengals is going to look a lot like last Sunday. Nothing will change. Bengals 42, Bucs 10.
December 14th, 2022 at 11:16 am
Ttsucs no way are Chargers & Ciny’s line as bad as the Bucs. No your making up shat. How is Eckler doing by the way? These teams have a great rushing game and wr’s that can spin Db’s around, Bucs lost that when BA kicked AB out the door. FYI, Chargers have one more win than the Bucs, why??? Their coach sucks. That’s why Payton is considering that HC job.
December 14th, 2022 at 11:20 am
Rod, you’re the biggest offender. You write like you’re sitting in the locker room with them and know them all personally. I get a 3rd through most of your posts and move on.
December 14th, 2022 at 12:10 pm
given the Miami screw-up with Payton of all people, retire ,unretire, skip 11 days of camp , attend Kraft weeding in nyc & miss walk thru practice ;; its pretty readily apparent why the rapport is NOT the same this yr …
all that + his play behind the worst O-Line in the league who can’t either pass or run block + bowleszo + leftworst = the mess we’re in !!
December 14th, 2022 at 12:10 pm
NE, you took words out of my mouth. Other Brady haters will say the line hasn’t given up many sacks. Brady doesn’t take sacks, never has no matter how bad his lines have been. He has already questioned the teams effort and commitment level. I don’t think he’s ever gone that, at least not publicly. It’s not Brady who isn’t all in, it’s his team.
December 14th, 2022 at 12:11 pm
Done that
December 14th, 2022 at 12:40 pm
Buc fans get a bit sensitive when you talk about the GOAT. But look guys, he’s given us 2 great years. And at his age? Thats all we are gonna get.Its time to start thinkin mobility at our QB position. Most of the really good teams got it. Brady ain’t winnin us another superbowl. He’s almost done. Accept and embrace it. Let’s concentrate on going ahead.
December 14th, 2022 at 12:49 pm
Brady and Evans were going at it, during the game
December 14th, 2022 at 1:09 pm
We Win Sunday
December 14th, 2022 at 1:19 pm
Agree Mike Johnson…so many so called “Brady Haters” all agree that Brady gave us 2 great years….but it’s not 2021 anymore
Every great quarterback eventually falls off a cliff and the 2022 version of Brady is similar to Manning and Brees final years.
Amazing how your labeled a hater for simply calling out of the play of a 45 year old QB who’s having the worst year of his career.
December 14th, 2022 at 1:20 pm
The GOAT approached this season like he was 1/2 pregnant.
December 14th, 2022 at 1:26 pm
Brady is done, he is way past his expiration date. He is not playing well, is totally immobile, missing throws, and his O line is a tragedy. Coupled with a porous secondary and a weak D line, this team is finished. Time for a rebuild.
December 14th, 2022 at 1:46 pm
I don’t disagree the Bucs are no longer a good team for him. Bucs do need a mobile Qb that can run for his life with the current Oline. Unfortunately Bucs do NOT have one on the roster. It’s understandable true Bucs fans want to tank the season and move on in hopes of a high draft pick because it worked so well the last 10+ season pre-Brady. All I’m saying is careful what you wish for. Pewter, I think the Brady/Evan’s confrontation was Brady coaching him up saying we can still do this but I need you. I don’t blame Evan’s and some of the other players It’s hard to stay motivated when you’re getting your arse kicked. Hats off to Godwin, looks like he has no quit in him.
December 14th, 2022 at 2:30 pm
Some of younlive in Fantasy Land. If the Bucs O Line cannot block for a RB, what makes you think a mobile QB will make a difference?
December 14th, 2022 at 2:57 pm
Goatfondler, yet they won the first two games. The absence crushed them.
December 14th, 2022 at 4:16 pm
NEfan – You only make it a 3rd through my posts because you have a very low IQ. Anywho, I rarely read anything you say beyond the first word or two since I already know exactly what you’re going to say as you’re as predictable as Byron Leftwich calling plays on 1st down.
December 14th, 2022 at 4:42 pm
You don’t throw downfield if the quarterback isn’t accurate deep, this is the part of Brady’s game that declined
December 14th, 2022 at 5:20 pm
Reasons why the Bucs are horrible in order of importance:
1. Todd Bowles. As the sole captain of the ship, all failures and successes come from your decisions. Period.
2. Byron Leftwich can’t design a game plan. Air Raid Quick Pass or Perkins/Earhart Quick Pass triangle concepts should be the Bucs bread and butter. Stick & Fade/Out from any two wide receiver sets, Trips Double Slants with the slot running a wheel or 1 step speed out should be our bread and butter. Sadly it’s not.
3. Jason Licht failed on his draft picks and free agent signings.
4. OLine is decimated by injuries that started in the preseason, and Jason Licht failed to address this issue, instead picking up free agents like Julio Jones instead.
5. DLine is atrocious. JTS and Logan Hall are busts. Licht failed to build the trenches. Trench Warfare wins games.
6. Secondary play is not good, and to many DB’s injured.
7. Not replacing heart, toughness and leadership like Suh, JPP, Whitehead and Gronk.
8. All skill players will struggle, including TB12, with a decimated OLINE.
9. All defensive backs and linebackers will struggle with a defensive line that gets dominated in the trenches.
10. TB12 and ME13 are hurt. They are warriors playing through it, and anybody who has strapped up can see it and respects it. They both are not playing their best because they are hurt, but they know if they give up and go on the injured list that the whole team will quit. They are leaders and ballers.
11. Not having Big Storm Beer like Dunder Blixm at the stadium so that us fans can tolerate a little bit better the above listed reasons for why the Bucs are such a mess this season.
December 14th, 2022 at 7:26 pm
@Pewter Power
You obviously aren’t familiar with Brady’s game. His strength is between the hashmarks, short to intermediate passes, not deep passes. Outside of the brief association with Randy Moss, going deep is not part of Brady’s game.
Try again.
December 14th, 2022 at 7:35 pm
Joe is going to destroy this D and will probably sit the 4th and the Colt will do the same as that will be three in a row aka 6-9 knocking the morons off the plank !!! What a joke