"I don't believe we'll ever see the best of Tom Brady again" - Stephen A. Smith believes Father Time has finally got the better of TB12
When Tom Brady made the decision to return to the NFL after just a 40-day retirement, he clearly thought he still had a lot left in the tank. While the 45-year-old quarterback will be seen as one of the best to ever play the game, this season has left a lot to be desired.
After he and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a 17-point lead in the first half of Sunday's matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, they ended up losing 34-23. It was the first time in his career that he lost after having a 17-point lead. It's also the first time that he has had eight regular-season losses in his career.
On Monday, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith was on First Take talking about Brady and how his age is seemingly catching up with him. Smith acknowledged that the quarterback isn't the worst quarterback and that his successes will always outshine anything else. But he said it's clear that it is time to retire:
"We know his greatness. He's the GOAT. We understand that. But there are moments where you just and all you need are moments where you just see, 'Yo bro, it's time. It's time, just so we don't look at you any differently.' Now we're not going to, because he's a seven-time champion."
At this rate, Tom Brady may retire by Christmas.
Stephen A. Smith then went on to say that he doesn't believe there is any bounce back for Brady. He said that the best part of his career is behind him:
"But I'm gonna say this to you playmaker Ryan Clark. I don't believe we'll ever see the best of Tom Brady again."
"He's a really good quarterback" Tom Brady didn't have much to say about QB Joe Burrow after loss
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers imploded in the second half of Sunday's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals were able to create four turnovers and the Buccaneers were unable to move the ball down the field as they had done in the first half. While both the offense and defense are to blame for the loss, quarterback Tom Brady didn't want to talk about it after the game.
After taking just a few questions from the media, he excused himself from the podium and went back to the locker room. He was asked what he thought about Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow's ability to rally his team back from the deficit. The 45-year-old quarterback simply said that the 25-year-old was a good quarterback:
"He's a really good quarterback."
Tom Brady’s postgame thoughts on Joe Burrow. https://t.co/imemQZk2od
Burrow threw for four touchdowns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was 27 for 39 with 200 passing yards and just one interception early in the game. The Bengals now have sole possession of the AFC North division.
If the above quotes are used, please credit First Take, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and H/T Sportskeeda