Tom Brady’s departure from the AFC East was likely Bills fans’ favorite offseason move this spring, but lost in the COVID-19 crisis and the hysteria it has brought is the fact that this move, and Tom Brady’s season last year, are rife with misconceptions.
First off, for Bills fans this looks like the year that it all is going to come together with the additions of wide receiver Stefon Diggs, cornerback Josh Norman and edge defender Mario Addison. The Bills Mafia shouldn’t circle the wagons just yet, however, as the Patriots number-one-rated defense from last year is still intact with likely the best coach of all-time still at the helm.
Jarrett Stidham is not an inspiring name at the quarterback position and most people would be unable to name most of the players on the Patriots’ offense. But again, this is Bill Belichick—a man who has pulled together much worse teams over and over again as part of the Patriots’ fourteen-year winning record streak. Belichick is also the man who has defeated Bills quarterback Josh Allen all four times he has coached against him.
The Bills will field an improved roster this year and Sean McDermott has proven himself to be a great coach, but Bills fans should be cautious with their hopefulness just as always. Hopefully this is the year, but don’t be surprised if the Patriots are sneakily good again.
The second Brady misconception is the idea that Tampa Bay will bring the 42-year-old quarterback down with the ship as the Saints loom large in the NFC south. Bruce Arians and the dynamic receiver duo of Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, however, stand to give Tampa Bay one of the league’s best offenses, even without taking Brady into account. When two minds as experienced with football as Brady and Arians come together, along with this much talent on the offensive side of the ball, it should terrify every team in the NFL.
On defense, the Buccaneers have a young roster rife with potential, led by one of the league’s best linebackers, Lavonte David. Beyond that, most people assume the Buccaneers are sub-par, but in reality, the team has received improved play from several young players. Nose tackle Vita Vea, cornerback Carlton Davis and breakout star edge defender Shaquil Barrett all contributed far more in 2019 than previous years. Look out for Tampa Bay next season as they have all the tools to reach the Super Bowl even with the challenge of being in the same division as the New Orleans Saints.
Lastly is the idea that Tom Brady has lost his mojo, which would be thrilling to see as a longtime Bills fan. This too will likely be a misconception, however, as a quick look at Brady’s supporting cast last year shows. Outside of wide receiver Julian Edelman, who was either suspended or hurt most of the year, and running back James White, the Patriots fielded an offense of either rookies or cast-offs and the late addition of wide receiver Mohamed Sanu Jr.
Compared to an offense made up of two one thousand-yard receivers and an up-and-coming young tight end in O.J. Howard, the situation in Tampa Bay seems to be a bit of an upgrade. If anyone thinks Tom Brady is going to let his final years in the NFL be a laughingstock they are seriously mistaken because there is no way Brady, as much as it hurts to say, will ever be the terrible quarterback everyone wants him to be.