Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3 players outperforming expectations

Carlton Davis interception, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers, missed 2021 Pro Bowl (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Carlton Davis interception, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers, missed 2021 Pro Bowl (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Tom Brady

It’s hard to imagine that the greatest player of all time would still be exceeding expectations at 43 years old, but Tom Brady defies common logic. In a year with everything, including his legacy, on the line, Brady has shown that a decline is still further off in the distance.

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After a somewhat shaky start growing familiar with the offense, Brady has been one of the best quarterbacks in the league over the past six weeks. Brady is playing at a level that rivals any of the best in his career, and he is doing all of this in a new offense, with a new head coach, and with a brand-new team.

Jameis Winston‘s departure left a schism in Tampa Bay. Winston’s fervent supports believed that Brady had no shot of topping the success Winston brought to the table, and the Bucs were seen as sell-outs for going with the option that was only guaranteed to sell tickets.

This doubt was also evident across much of the media. “The end is here for Tom Brady’s career” was a popular topic for blogs and articles during the summer. Brady was average during the end of his time in New England, but clearly, it was no fault of his own.

Brady has been the best player on the Buccaneer offense most weeks. His consistency with the ball and rare turnovers have revolutionized the passing game, with no drop-off on the deep ball as was expected.

While Brady was a question mark to some when he signed with Tampa Bay, it’s clear to everyone that he is still the greatest of all time.