Tom Brady took the Bucs by surprise with his knowledge and research
Clearly, the Buccaneers aren’t used to someone who operates on Tom Brady’s level. Their new quarterback surprised them with his level of research about the team.
FOXBOROUGH, MA – NOVEMBER 24: Tom Brady of the New England Patriots reacts during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Gillette Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Adam Glanzman/Getty ImagesBy Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Clearly, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't used to a quarterback who operates on Tom Brady's level.
Jameis Winston certainly rode his talent to put up some numbers over the first five seasons of his career, but his decision-making never hit a new level and unfortunately one of those numbers is 30 - interceptions, that is. Brady should cut that down by minimum 60 percent.
How will he do it? With his brain, mostly. Brady apparently showed a shockingly intimate level of knowledge about Bruce Arians' offense and the Bucs' roster when he first spoke with the team. He seems excited about his new toys. As part of a revealing new column by The MMQB's Albert Breer, Brady took Arians and Bucs GM Jason Licht by surprise with how much work he'd already put together.
Who do you think you're dealing with here, fellas? Get it together!
From Breer:
Arians and Licht were taken aback a bit by the level of research Brady had done, having thoroughly studied the Bucs’ offense and personnel, while explaining, then showing, that he’d kept an eye on Arians’s offense through the years. Licht loved the thought that went into what Brady was saying. Arians got juiced listening to the quarterback’s enthusiasm—to the point where it almost seemed like Brady was selling himself to the Bucs.
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAYOct 27, 2019; Foxborough, MA: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady makes an adjustment at the line of scrimmage during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium. (Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports)
The column also says that the Bucs' offensive terminology will largely stay the same and Brady will adapt to them rather than make half the roster adapt to him Makes sense. Brady is also expected to work with Arians to modify the offense to best fit his strengths, meaning they'll develop more short-to-intermediate concepts and less chucking it deep down the field. Collaborative coaching.
What did Arians and Licht think Brady did to help himself develop into the most ruthless, reliable, and successful passer the NFL has ever seen? It's never been about his mobility or arm strength. He has his own version of those things, but he's always dominated on the field with his combination of a superior football mind and equanimity in the most challenging of moments.
Tampa has already gotten a taste of the mind. It's likely they'll soon see why Brady has won so much on the field, too.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
