The Tampa Bay Buccaneers go as Tom Brady goes.
Ever since Brady came to Tampa he turned them into a winning franchise.
They have made the playoffs each of the first two years Brady has been there including the Super Bowl victory in 2020.
But, to start the 2022 season, Brady looks rusty.
The Bucs’ pass offense has not had the success we have seen in the past despite winning their first two games.
Brady has thrown for 402 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, along with a completion percentage of 59%.
BRADY DIME. @Buccaneers take the lead!
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He also has a low 6.6 yards per attempt.
Part of the reason for the slow start is the offensive line of the Buccaneers.
They are missing a few key starters up front and Brady knows he does not have much time to throw.
Also, wide receiver Chris Godwin being injured has hurt the pass offense.
Despite only playing 14 games last season, Godwin led the Bucs in targets and receptions.
Also, Tampa Bay has faced two tough defenses in their first two games with Dallas and New Orleans.
It makes you wonder if the offseason Brady had is playing any role in his slow start.
Missing 11 days of training camp could be part of the reason for the lack of chemistry within the offense.
Let us not forget that Brady is 45 years old.
Despite him being able to avoid aging through most of his career, there comes a point where his age must show.
No player has ever come close to playing at a high level at age 45, so Brady has his work cut out for him this year.
The Road Ahead
The Bucs face another tough test in Week 3 when they host the Green Bay Packers.
Also, the Tampa Bay offense will be without their most consistent receiver in Mike Evans.
Evans was suspended one game after getting into a fight with Marshon Lattimore in Week 2.
His absence will leave a big impact on the offense.
If Godwin misses another game, Brady will be without his top two receivers.
With Russell Gage, Breshad Perriman, and possibly Julio Jones as the next men up for Tampa Bay.
Brady has been known for statistical greatness throughout his career, including a career-high 5,316 passing yards last season.
His metrics have not been very good to start the season either.
According to PlayerProfiler, Brady ranks 23rd in QBR (38.6), 20th in Expected Points Added (+4.4), and 25th in accuracy rating (7.0).
In Week 2, the Saints’ defense seemed to get under Brady’s skin as he was seen showing frustration on multiple occasions.
Tom Brady is frustrated as the Bucs remain scoreless 👀
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In seasons past, particularly his last season in New England, many people thought Brady was done.
But, joining the Bucs seemed to give him a jolt.
Expect something similar this season once Brady gets all of his weapons back.
After their Week 3 game against Green Bay, the Bucs get another tough game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4.
The 2020 Super Bowl should bring the best out of Brady and it would be a surprise to see him continue to struggle in that game.
The “Goat” has had a rough start to the season, but he has been here before and it would be a surprise to see him not turn things around.
NEXT: NFL Insider Clarifies A New Tom Brady Break