"They're too complacent" - Mike Florio has had enough of Tom Brady's 'infuriating' Buccaneers
Historically, Tom Brady's played at his best in December and wins have followed suit. In 2022, however, his team is humming along at the same speed, if not slower than when the year started. At this point, pundits are getting frustrated with watching the 6-8 team.
Speaking on Pro Football Talk, NFL analyst Mike Florio expressed a desire for any of the other teams in the NFC South to reach the postseason:
"There were four turnovers from Tom Brady, and I had been feeling for a while that I can forget how they got there as long as they get there and they still may get there. But once they get to the playoffs, it could be different. [Assuming] Tom Brady slips into postseason mode, it will be his 48th playoff game..."
He continued, explaining his disappointment:
"I'm getting to the point now where I just don't want to see it. I'd rather see the Panthers. I'd rather see the Falcons. I'd rather see the Saints... I think the Buccaneers are just too disappointing. They're too infuriating. They're too complacent."
Tom Brady hitting a wall delivers a blow for Buccaneers' playoff prospects.
Lastly, he blamed the entire squad, including the quarterback:
"I don't know who to blame here, so I'll just blame everybody. But it's just a mess. It's a mess. And I don't want to see them on my TV screen in the playoffs at this point."
Buccaneers QB Tom Brady starts hot, implodes against Cincinnati Bengals
Heading into the game, many braced for No. 12 to chase Joe Burrow in a similar fashion to how he chased Patrick Mahomes earlier in the season. However, after the first half, it was clear that Burrow was chasing him.
The #Bengals locker room thanking Tom Brady for that bulletin board material this week...
@EliApple - "He was fairly okay, but not good enough to win." https://t.co/k34zEBxefL
In the end, Brady slowed down and Burrow sped up. After a 17-3 lead at the half, the veteran quarterback helped the Bucs offense score just six more points in the contest. In the third quarter, the Bengals scored 17 points. In the fourth quarter, they scored 14 points.
Tom Brady lost a 17-point lead for the first time ever to lose an 8th regular season game for the first-season ever and Bill Belichick’s team now owns perhaps the most situationally bone-headed play of all-time.
The NFL Earth is off its axis.
By the end of the game, the quarterback had thrown for three touchdowns and two interceptions. There were also two fumbles en route to the Bengals winning the game by a score of 34-23.
The Buccaneers will look to rebound on Christmas Day against the Arizona Cardinals.
If any of the above quotes are used, please credit Pro Football Talk and H/T Sportskeeda.