NFL analysts call out Tom Brady in response to “dumbed the game down” comments
Tom Brady, just roughly a fortnight away from his first commentary of the season, has caused a stir. On the Stephen A. Smith show this week, the most accomplished quarterback in NFL history called today's game "dumbed down" for rookies.
Speaking on Tuesday's edition of "Pro Football Talk," analysts Tim Hasselbeck and Jeff Darlington turned the spotlight on Brady's rookie season with the New England Patriots.
Tim Hasselbeck: [00:01:46] "If you look back to when Tom first started playing like they were a run-first football team, it was not a very sophisticated passing game."
Jeff Darlington: [00:02:20] "I don't know man. It just says 'get off my lawn.' ... Honestly, even Tom Brady himself, he would have started his rookie year if not for the fact that he was fourth on the depth chart and worked his way up and Drew Bledsoe was playing really good football. It's all situational."
Brady's initial comments came on the Stephen A. Smith show on Monday.
Tom Brady's controversial comments land in the shadow of official commentary debut
With the comments landing so close to the start of the regular season, fans are unlikely to forget them as the new Fox commentator delivers his first remarks on air. As such, it presents somewhat of a zero-sum decision for Brady.
Will Brady lean into the arguably grumpier commentary style in line with Jon Gruden or Troy Aikman? On the other hand, will he keep his true feelings to himself to be expressed away from his gig with Fox?
At this point, his commentary style remains unknown by all, perhaps even including Brady himself. Until he watches and reacts live on the broadcasts, no one can guarantee how steady he will keep his analysis. Even if he plans to be more reserved on the air, it might be easier said than done in the heat of the moment.
Brady's broadcasting debut will be on Sunday, Sep. 8. He will be commentating over the Dallas Cowboys' showdown against the Cleveland Browns.
If any of the above quotes are used, credit the "Stephen A. Smith Show," "Get Up" and H/T Sportskeeda.