Todd Bowles: Tom Brady Struggles Have Nothing To Do With Age
December 14th, 2022
It’s obvious that Tom Brady and the guys around him aren’t playing to their potential.
But with Brady, the obvious isn’t always so obvious.
At 45 years old, the question is always hanging out there regarding whether any Brady bad game is tied to being born in 1977. Nothing is a given on a football field at that age.
Today, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles was asked by Rock Riley whether he’s seen any age-related dropoff in Brady and Bowles was fast and sure with his answer.
“No, he’s exactly this same,” Bowles said. “It takes 11 guys on offense, 11 guys on defense to win a ballgame. When things go wrong, it’s not because of Tom’s age, it’s because we didn’t execute it.”
Joe was pleased to see Bowles be so genuine with his body language during the response.
If Brady were to decline clearly because of age, then the Brady dream for the Bucs and fans needs to die in a hurry.
December 14th, 2022 at 1:40 pm
Ohhh boy, Bucs chronicles now turning into comedy.
December 14th, 2022 at 1:40 pm
it’s not age, it’s because of brand new primo strange
December 14th, 2022 at 1:43 pm
Call it whatever you want, but his play has declined. He needs perfect conditions to succeed; more so now than ever. Prove me wrong TB, I’m rooting for you.
December 14th, 2022 at 1:51 pm
Tom is scared and that is plain and simple, he does not trust his OL and then he cannot step into his passes and is constantly short on his deep throws and then only throws those 55 dump offs per game, that and you combine it with a pop warner offense, you get THE WORST scoring offense in Buccaneer history
December 14th, 2022 at 1:52 pm
WOW, Bowles actually said something I agree with. Brady didn’t fall of a cliff in less than one calendar year. Manning couldn’t grip a ball anymore, Brees arm was a wet noodle. Montana’s elbow was destroyed, Marino’s legs were shot. Is Brady the same player he was 10 years ago? No. But he’s still more than capable of putting a good team over the top. Give him a decent running game, and a line that can pass block. A coordinator that can actually design people open would help.
December 14th, 2022 at 1:52 pm
Dusthty, you nailed it !!
December 14th, 2022 at 1:54 pm
Well, there you have it. The Bowles has spoken.
Next question then. Why are there so many poorly executed plays? There’s an awful lot of talent at the skill positions, and the ball never seems to get in their hands. Either the play call/design is screwed or the guy taxed with getting the ball to those guys is underperforming. Which is it, or is it both?
December 14th, 2022 at 1:56 pm
Up until I read that, I thought todd bowles was part of the solution. now I see he is part of the problem. Tom Bardy is just old. His throws are 3-5 yards, he can’t hit anyone over 10 yards, they are underthrown and he can’t even get a play off at the end of the game for a 2 point conversion without a penalty. His time is over. We all know brady and leftwich both suck, but now I’m seeing that bowles is blind too. If he can’t see that, then rehire BA and put the rookie QB in. At least they would have a chance at the playoffs.
December 14th, 2022 at 2:00 pm
Tired of the Bowlzo Drama. Bring on the Bengals and play the game. I no longer care what he says.
December 14th, 2022 at 2:01 pm
Maybe he needs to start deflating the balls or start recording the other teams practices. Hey, that’ll work
December 14th, 2022 at 2:03 pm
Lol 😂😂😂 😂😂😂😂😂 boy they are trying to sale Brady so much that now they’re willing to lie about his age not being the problem even though we have seen he can’t throw the deep ball that much anymore lol 🤣🤣 but it’s not his age that his long passes are falling short where the receivers has to stop and come back to the ball on 9 routes . Even though Brady said it himself against the cowboys week 1 after he threw a pick 😂😂 . Now Brady said his arm is not that strong anymore because of his age but Joe has convince yall to believe his age has nothing to do with it!! Lol 🤣🤣
December 14th, 2022 at 2:04 pm
Leads the NFC in passing, same completion % a the #1 QB in the league, better completion rate than 95% of current QB’s including Allen, Goff & Cousins. Less than one yd per pass attempt to all but half a dozen QB’s in the league, including Herbert, by the way Dalton is higher than Mahomes (probably thanks to the Bucs D), 4th passing leader in the league, lowest ints and after ALL this he throws more. Not to mention with a bottom tier oline 32nd in the league in rushing and wr’s that can’t get open. I will keep posting it until it sinks into the morons on this sites heads.
December 14th, 2022 at 2:05 pm
So, on this point, you trust in Bowles judgement. You don’t trust his judgment re: clock mgmt, retaining Byron, that infamous 2021 Rams blitzing, his soft prevent defense, him not trusting Brady, punting on the opponents 37 yd line, that ridiculous 55 yd fg attempt, etc, etc… but now that Todd says something that your wishful thinking agrees with, now Todd is exhibiting great clarity in judgment?? Click yout heals Dorothy to end this nightmare.
December 14th, 2022 at 2:08 pm
I wish this guy would shut up already. He stinks.
December 14th, 2022 at 2:11 pm
Physically, he is exactly the same. He even moves around in the pocket a little bit better than he ever has (and ever since he started lifting some weights). He could not move at all toward the end in New England. His throws have the same velocity as ever. The problem is, the play clock in his head is off a little, causing him to get rid of the ball a little bit early. He playing extremely scared/conservative because he’s afraid to take a career-ending hit. He’s throwing the ball in the dirt for rear of taking a sack, instead of trying to improvise and make a play. He’s not trying to run when there is an opportunity to run, like he would’ve even two years ago. The O line will not hold up long enough for him to throw the ball deep enough on deep routes. Getting rid of the ball is his solution for the office of line issues. But it’s not working. He needs to just forget about that mentality and go out there and just play. If you get hit you get hit. Don’t worry about it. If it’s a career ended, so be it. It would be a better way to go out that way go out that way, with a bang instead of a whimper. He needs to extend that play clock in his head a little bit. If he can make that one little change, they will have hope.
December 14th, 2022 at 2:14 pm
Man look here I am done with the Brady talk I mean when it’s clear as day that Brady age has cough up with him and you still got people saying Brady being 45 has nothing to do with his bad play on the field ? Man that’s when enough is enough Brady has become a idle to some of these people and I mean a god to these people. And once that happens it ain’t no truth you can tell someone that’s that lost behind a man who don’t even know they exist. NEfan, Joe , Lee Dacamper, redeemer and others has lost their minds behind Brady !! Lol 🤣🤣
December 14th, 2022 at 2:21 pm
Joe I knew wasn’t going to post my last comment and it wasn’t even bad but that’s cool. I’m done with the Brady talk on here some of people has lost your minds behind Brady go ahead and sale the Brady narrative to these suckers but you can’t fool me peace out lol 🤣🤣.
December 14th, 2022 at 2:24 pm
It’s funny how Brady’s throws were all perfect in these several game-winning drives where he came back and won these couple of games at the end. Every throw was perfect on those drives. If he had a physical issue due to age, like Peyton Manning had, every throw would look bad. He would not be able to make any comebacks to win any games. Peyton Manning, in the end, could not throw the ball 10 yards. So there is no age-related physical issue with Brady. This is all mental.
December 14th, 2022 at 2:25 pm
Carey, well written, I just don’t buy he can’t do what he could last season and 2020 with a bad knee.
December 14th, 2022 at 2:26 pm
Dusthty Rhothdes Says:
December 14th, 2022 at 1:51 pm
Tom is scared and that is plain and simple, he does not trust his OL and then he cannot step into his passes and is constantly short on his deep throws and then only throws those 55 dump offs per game, that and you combine it with a pop warner offense, you get THE WORST scoring offense in Buccaneer history
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1977 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Game Log Previous Season Next Season Record: 2-12-0, 5th in NFC Central Division (Schedule and Results) Coach: John McKay (2-12-0) Points For: 103 (7.4/g) 28th of 28
December 14th, 2022 at 2:26 pm
I believe it is not so much the age of the QB – Brady is fine. it is the age of the offense. this ANTIQUATED offense is older than the QB is.
Everything has evolved in the league EXCEPT this offense.
December 14th, 2022 at 2:42 pm
In conclusion, Tom is going mental?
December 14th, 2022 at 2:45 pm
It’s Physical . I’ll give you that. It’s called having to throw flat footed or off your back foot. Most of his throws are arm throws. The Oline giving up middle push has negated his ability to slide up in the pocket and step into throws. Everybody in the NFL has known for years that the one way to stop Brady is middle pressure. The Bucs thought it would be a good idea to not shore up the middle of the line. In a nutshell the Bucs did the rest of the leagues job for them by having a weak Oline.
December 14th, 2022 at 2:46 pm
well, i did not think it was age….but now i do. i don’t trust a think out of toilet bowls mouth. if anything-believe the opposite.
December 14th, 2022 at 2:48 pm
Thanks to ALL that posted on this thread, finally got oneiltobrady to take a knee and stop posting Brady hate.
December 14th, 2022 at 2:54 pm
James Carville once said it’s the economy stupid. Well Brady haters, it’s the running game stupid. No QB has thrown into 7+ defenders more than Brady. Why? Because defenses don’t respect the bucs horrendous running game. The trickle down effect reverberates through the offense. They can’t run play action because nobody is biting. Why would they. Everything becomes incredibly congested, and Brady needs to be near perfect for success. It has nothing to do with age.
December 14th, 2022 at 3:08 pm
Oneilbuc, I said it before, I think you know a lot about football. We know what you think of Brady,. What do you think of the rest of the team? What would you do to help the defense or o-line. You Brady haters day the same thing over and over. You can’t be happy with how the rest of the team is playing. Show us the rest of your football knowledge.
December 14th, 2022 at 3:15 pm
Word out of Bucs camp this morning is Vita and Wirfs are probably out for the Bengals. Don’t get them victory hopes up to high for Sunday.
December 14th, 2022 at 3:19 pm
NEfan. You call it hate if any one tell the truth about Brady it’s a difference between worship and and liking a player. You worship I tell the truth and to say that it’s not his age because of his bad play is just crazy he has become a god to you and the rest of you Brady worshipers .
December 14th, 2022 at 3:27 pm
Let’s see if we can get Jameis back in Tampa. We would at least score a ton, even if scoring is on pic sixes for the defense.
December 14th, 2022 at 3:27 pm
If Brady is showing his age, here is why. We had one of the top o-line the last 2years. Since than, 1 retired, 1 went to Cincinnati, 1 blew out a knee, done, another blew out a knee, done, tried a rookie, nope , 1 hurts his elbow misses 2games, now can’t stop anybody attacking his right side unless he holds, 1 has a high ankle sprain, has missed 2 games, probably more, the back ups are trying hard, but they were back ups for a reason. Brady has if he’s lucky 3 seconds to throw. So he looks over the defense, finds what he thinks is the best match up and 9 out of 10 times he throws there because he knows he doesn’t have time to look anywhere else. A couple of weeks ago you guys were blaming Brady for over throwing everybody, now his arm is shot. Make up your mind, too much arm or not enough.
December 14th, 2022 at 3:35 pm
I still enjoy watching Tom Brady play, even with a team as unmotivated, undisciplined, and one bereft of any coaching acumen! What Todd Bowles and Byron Leftwich have done to this team is disgraceful. There is only one visual reason they have not been fired! If Tom decides to play next year, the only certainty will be he will not play for Tampa! Good luck Tom, both on and off the field!
December 14th, 2022 at 3:54 pm
It’s never as simple as some make it out to be (Fire Bowles) nor as complex as some others think it is either. Sometimes 1 problem generates others, and that may be the case with Brady. Given a great OLine, his age & immobility probably wouldn’t significantly impact his performance. Given a poorly performing OLine though, his age & immobility does seem to be impacting his performance (maybe his survival instinct is kicking in?).
December 14th, 2022 at 3:55 pm
Oneilbuc, you clearly can’t stand it that Brady is a tremendously talented, successful and popular player. It eats at you to the point of making you crazy. Keep it up. We know where you’re coming from.
December 14th, 2022 at 3:59 pm
Coaching staff ignorance has nothing to do with age either. There are really six year olds out there who can manage a play clock better. Not sure if there are better six year old play callers but I’d be willing to give it a shot at this point
December 14th, 2022 at 4:20 pm
Whatever Bowels says, believe the opposite
December 14th, 2022 at 4:23 pm
“same completion % a the #1 QB in the league”
Not hard to do when you only throw 3 yard checkdowns to Lenny
December 14th, 2022 at 4:30 pm
Yep, DR. Like I posted earlier, it’s a cause and effect relationship. The O-line is not as good this year – we can all agree on that. Because of that, Brady KNOWS he has to throw quicker to make up for deficiencies on line. Because of THAT, Brady doesn’t have time to read his progressions. And WHEN he does decide to take a deep shot, taking a few more milliseconds, the middle pressure is there quick and he can’t step into his throws. IMO, the cause is the line, and the effect is Brady isn’t throwing as we are all accustomed to for the last 22.5 years.
Add in WR’s not getting separation like they used to, and he MUST be even more ultra-precise in ball placement, and when he can’t do that, he wisely overthrows or dirts balls – he is VERY risk-averse, and that’s wise, but it doesn’t lead to passing efficiency.
What have people lauded Brady for over his career? His play-action. He cannot be effective with PA this year because he has no run game, or at least one that no D respects.
It’s a perfect storm, and it’s a cause and effect relationship. Start running better, and blocking better, and Brady will get back to his normal self. The cause is the O line, IMO.
And gee, I didn’t even delve into scheme, play-calling, or coaches deciding whom to play or not play (See: Darden vs Thompkins).
I dunno man, it all seems easy to diagnose from so many fans’ standpoint, but MUCH harder to fix. And IF the Bucs can fix or even improve these issues, with Brady in the play-offs, anything is possible, presuming we even make the playoffs with how this team has been playing.
SIGH.
December 14th, 2022 at 4:38 pm
Yea he is still Brady and still great at diagnosing plays and disguises but his deep ball is an issue. He still has the ability to push it downfield but not with accuracy like he is just tossing it up there hoping it lands in here it needs to be
December 14th, 2022 at 4:42 pm
One “fix?” If Gage can get healthy, he’s quick. Thompkins is quick. Let those quicker guys move the sticks with 5-10 yarders, which is what we’ve been doing. Godwin is great on intermediate routes, and Julio and Evans are seam and sideline deep guys.
Brady loves quicker, Smurfy-guys (Edelman/Welker) so give Brady his comfort zone and target Gage (when / if healthy) and Thompkins, if ready on O, to be his quick throws when pressured, with RB’s being the outlet/check-down.
On paper it seems like a no-brainer for Leftwich. But who am I? Just a fan…LOL.
There’s my solution, for what’s it’s worth. Nothing is working so we GOTTA try something, anything else!
December 14th, 2022 at 4:58 pm
You ask any QB and if they are honest they will tell you, on any throw of 40 or more yards they are throwing to A area and the receivers are to a just to it. Very seldom do you see a receiver not have to slow down or change direction on a long throw.
December 14th, 2022 at 5:07 pm
It’s not age…..it’s page……They need to get on the same page…..at least that’s the answer we keep getting.
December 14th, 2022 at 5:20 pm
disagree…this day was always coming…we just didn’t know when
December 14th, 2022 at 5:23 pm
Ttsucs yet he leads the NFC in passing. As always you missed his yards per completion is 6.4, Mahomes 7.1, Allen 6.8. Next rebuttal moron!
December 14th, 2022 at 5:24 pm
Oh Cousins 5.9 with the best receiver in the league.
December 14th, 2022 at 5:29 pm
Oneiltobrady, I knew it was too good to be true, you’re like shat on the bottom of my shoe. I guess you’re like Bowels & Leftnut, stats don’t mean anything.
December 14th, 2022 at 5:30 pm
Again, leading the NFC in passing yards means absolutely nothing when your offense has the most passing attempts by a mile….
Team pass attempt leaders
1. Bucs 579
2. Chargers 561
3. KC 511
4. Vikings 490
5. Bengals 473
Horray for passing yards!
December 14th, 2022 at 6:02 pm
Anyone can see the set up. BLAME brady not the Clowns.
December 14th, 2022 at 6:17 pm
His long ball isn’t too long anymore and he is more nervous in the pocket than he has ever been before
He is still better than most
December 14th, 2022 at 6:52 pm
If Brady had a clean pocket…. He will light you up’
its a simples equation, Give the best QB in History the worst line in football you will see what you get.
Other case study is Jalen Hurts, love his heart and all, but he is an awful passer.
But give him the two best wideouts and the best line in football…
Jason Licht this is 100000000000% on you.
December 14th, 2022 at 7:05 pm
“When things go wrong, it’s not because of Tom’s age, it’s because we didn’t execute it.” — aka “It’s not the crappy coaching, it’s the players”.
December 14th, 2022 at 7:19 pm
Anyone that throws 50x/game should lead something. @NE, what does this stat mean to you, 6-7?
This is not black or white, although I know you good ol boys only think in those terms, it is reality. This is not Brady hate, it is reality. The QB is the last person to change a call and the first to touch the ball EVERY offensive snap. Yes Byron sucks! Yes Bowles is a poor Leader. But Brady is culpable for a 6-7 record. If the offensive team captain, face of the team/league cannot be held accountable for some part in a 6-7 record, what world are you living in? Bizzaro?
[sidenote, I love Brady for bringing his MOJO and winning us a SB, but always hated him on NE. No fncking shame. He and Belicheat are cheaters and liars. Brady always gets caught with his hand in the cookie jar and you sychophants always give him a pass. I hate the fact that ppl elevate his entitled-highness above team and even the league for that matter.]
December 14th, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Untouchable. Thats what bowles and leftwich are, and they know it. No different than corporate America today. countless leadership positions being filled with unqualified and unproven candidates. the NFL is no different.
December 14th, 2022 at 7:44 pm
Line em up Joe, stand at attention, and charge the capital. Then, call yourself a hero. You take the boy outa the port, but you can’t take the port outa that good ol boy
December 14th, 2022 at 8:14 pm
Lol yeah come to Brady trolls again. You guys are so predictable. Anything negative you got a rocket in your pocket. You guys are absolutely laughable with ridiculous takes. He’s afraid to get hit? Can’t make this stuff up. You do understand that he’s still near the top in downfield brows , tight window , with no receivers getting open. No o line or running game. Yes those last 23 years have happened and you can’t take away his Super Bowls. Your salty tears are the best.
December 14th, 2022 at 11:55 pm
The issue has been a lot of things—
BL game plans.
Jensen getting hurt.
Receivers injured.
A mostly new o line.
Brady not focused- pending divorce, public divorce, missing training camp, taking off to weddings, NFT lawsuit….
Very average at best TE play
December 15th, 2022 at 2:29 am
Dusthty Rhothdes Says:
December 14th, 2022 at 1:51 pm
Tom is scared and that is plain and simple, he does not trust his OL and then he cannot step into his passes and is constantly short on his deep throws and then only throws those 55 dump offs per game, that and you combine it with a pop warner offense, you get THE WORST scoring offense in Buccaneer history
Dusthty You nailed it with the old Bionic Elbow there Brotha!
December 15th, 2022 at 8:34 am
How can anyone bring up the pre-season stuff when the Bucs won the first two games??? Even though the D tried to loose Atlanta. When you D capt. gets bored in the 4th qtr.
Chia@ cheater? 1 ball out of 12 or 14 was 1lb psi light. Go take some air out of your head and see if you could tell the difference. Secondly and obviously you discounted this news that Vincent withheld evidence proving Brady was innocent yet he was never punished. He got a 4 game suspension ( yet same season Tyree Hill abused his 3yr old son braking his arm and didn’t even get a slap on the wrist). YUP he cheated his way through.6 SB’s and he paid off Mahomes to win his 7th. Idiot
December 15th, 2022 at 1:30 pm
I know you don’t want to hear from a jet fan I rooted for the bucs for 20 yrs stopped rooting when bradygot here don’t like him respect him watched bowels for 5 years you are all right he’s in over is head watched Brady for 20 years that was the worst I seen him play let him go back to new England the team will be better off