The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have started the 2022 season 2-1.
While that is a good start to the year, quarterback Tom Brady has struggled this season.
So what is the reason for the slow start you may ask?
There are a few reasons for Brady’s early season struggles.
One is he missed 11 days in training camp for personal reasons.
Those 11 days plus a lack of preseason play could lead to some early-season rust.
Also, Brady needs the players around him to be available to have the most success.
The offensive line is missing multiple starters and it seems like every week the wide receivers in Tampa are questionable.
The leading receiver from last year, Chris Godwin has only played one game this season.
In Week 3, Brady was without three of his top receivers in Mike Evans, Julio Jones, and the aforementioned Godwin.
It is hard to build any rhythm as an offense when guys can not practice or play in games.
Brady has still shown moments of greatness which is why Tampa Bay should not be worried.
TOM BRADY CLUTCH TOUCHDOWN.
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/uppF8rxpYP
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 25, 2022
The 45-year-old QB should continue to get better as the season goes on.
At least for Tampa Bay, their defense has carried them so far this season.
They are the top-scoring defense in the league averaging 9.0 points allowed per game.
Also, they are fourth in yards per game.
Turning Back The Clock
In what could be the final season of Brady’s legendary career, will he be able to have another huge statistical season?
Last year, Brady led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns.
Despite his slow start to this season, he still can lead one of the top offenses in the NFL.
The Bucs have faced some of the toughest defenses in the NFL so far.
The Cowboys, Saints, and Packers all have top defenses and are a big reason why Brady’s stats are not elite.
The future Hall-of-Famer ranks 22nd in passing yards this year, while also only throwing three touchdowns.
Tom Brady ranks this season
Rank
Pass Yards 673 22nd
Pass TD 3 t-19th
QB Rating 89.2 t-14th
Comp pct 65.0% 13th pic.twitter.com/BAUM5Yik9g— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 26, 2022
It remains to be seen how much the head coaching change will impact the Bucs.
Todd Bowles has taken over for Bruce Arians and having a different voice in the locker room has affected teams for years.
The 17.0 points per game the Buccaneers are averaging is not going to cut it.
There is no time like the present to turn the offense around for the Bucs who have to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4.
In a rematch of Super Bowl 55, Tampa Bay will need to score points to keep up with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Also, Mike Evans and Julio Jones are both expected to play in this game, the pressure is back on Brady’s shoulders.
The only expectation that matters for the Bucs this year is for them to compete for a Super Bowl.
This Week 4 game is a great litmus test to see if they will be able to do that.
Many call Brady the “GOAT” for a reason.
Expect him to bounce back in Week 4 and start to lead this team on a tear through the NFC.
