Tuesday, 4 a.m.
5 Thoughts
- Some suggest the first thing to go is the legs. Others say it is the arm. But Tom Brady's season so far suggests the first ebb in his game is the ability to forgive the mistakes around him.
2. Truth be told, the Atlanta Falcons got shortchanged on Tom Brady's sack by Grady Jarrett Sunday. On the other hand, the Falcons mauled Scotty Miller on pass interference earlier in the drive. Miller could have someone arrested for assault.
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3. The Bucs' run defense is so bad fans are getting louder in their calls for Ndamukong Suh. Frankly, at this point, Sue Grafton would help.
4. Heck, even the Bucs could run on the Bucs. Unless it was short-yardage.
5. I'm starting to think Vita Vea hits like a Tampa Bay Ray.
5 Comments
(From Todd Bowles' day-after press conference)
(On the team taking the conservative approach to Julio Jones' injury): "Yeah, I think we are. Again, just like Jason [Licht] said, we want him fully healthy and not coming out for a week and then missing another couple [of] weeks. We think we've got enough guys right now to weather that storm."
(On if he thought Miller was interfered with on his fourth-quarter deep route): "They didn't throw the flag. My opinion doesn't really matter because I don't wear a striped shirt."
(On if he worries if penalties on plays involving the quarterback will lead to two-hand touch style of football): "Well hopefully I won't be in the league that long when they do come up with that decision, if they come up with that decision. You try to play it the right way. You try to do all the things the right way, and some things can't be helped. Some things – a lot of things – can be helped. You don't worry about it that much as long as you're teaching it the right way and making sure they're playing it the right way."
On his assessment of rookie G Luke Goedeke and if Goedeke struggled on Sunday): "Well, he struggled a little bit with Grady [Jarrett]; I don't know too many people that don't – he's a heck of a player over there. But overall, I think his first five games have been very well taken care of, as far as him playing and doing his job and playing with a mean streak. Some things he needs to clean up, we understand that, but he's trending in the right direction. We're happy with him and he can only get better."
On how the Falcons got two late scoring drives to get back into the game): "There were some missed tackles, there was some fatigue there. We've got to play better team ball. We went three-and-out a couple times which put them out there faster, and a lot of those guys are on [special] teams. We've got to be better as a team completely – offensively converting, defensively getting off the field and special teams not letting the ball go past midfield."
Game Balls
Offense: Leonard Fournette had a good day. Cade Otton had a good day. But let's face it: the essential Buc remains Tom Brady.
Defense: Antonio Winfield had a great day for the Bucs, leading the team with eight tackles. He also had a sack, two tackles for losses, a pass defensed and a forced fumble.
Special teams: Jake Camarda averaged 49.3 yards on four punts.
Grades
Quarterback: Brady was especially effective as the Bucs built a 21-0 lead. He finished with 351 yards passing. His biggest play, however, might have been getting roughed. Grade: B+.
Running back: Leonard Fournette's 56 yards doesn't sound like much until you add 10 receptions for 87 yard touchdowns. Grade: B+.
Offensive line: Short yardage continues to flummox the Bucs. Grade: C.
Defensive line: There is daylight all around us. Grade: F.
Secondary: After facing Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes, you'd think the team would have had more success against Marcus Mariota. Winfield was superb. Grade: C.
Special teams: Solid, if not spectacular. Grade: B.
Power Rankings
- Buffalo
2. Kansas City
3. Philadelphia
4. Dallas
5 Minnesota
12. Tampa Bay
Bottom 5
- Detroit
2. Carolina
3. Washington
4. Houston
5. Pittsburgh
Brady After 5 Games
2021. 2022
148 Completions 141
1707 Yards 1409
15. Touchdowns 7
1 Interceptions 1
108.5 $ating 96.5
NFL Rankings
Category Player Rank
Passing Yards Tom Brady 3
Rushing Yards Leonard Fournette 21
Receiving Yards Leonard Fournette 23
Tackles Devin White 22
Field Goals Ryan Succop 6
5 Best Bucs' Rookies
1, Jake Camarda
2. Luke Goedeke
3. Rachaad White
4. Cade Otton
5. Logan Hall
5 Most Disappointing Signings
- Cole Beasley
2. Julio Jones
3. Kyle Rudolph
4. Akiem Hicks
5. Keanu Neal
