Tom Brady’s retirement means Bucs will struggle, claims Stephen A. Smith, as Tampa Bay begins its season with Baker Mayfield at quarterback
- Smith, 51, is not convinced by Tampa Bay’s choice to bring in Baker Mayfield at QB
- The Bucs won a Super Bowl and two NFC South titles in three years with Tom Brady
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Stephen A. Smith has predicted that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be the NFL team with the biggest drop this coming season, stating that Tom Brady’s departure from the 2020 Super Bowl champions will affect the franchise this year.
During his daily “First Take” TV show on ESPN, from the US Open tennis courts in New York’s Queens neighborhood, the American sports analyst began a lengthy monologue reflecting on the Bucs’ difficult season. last year, which was Brady’s last before retiring.
“I just want to remind everyone that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went to the playoffs last year with an 8-9 record. 8-9 record,” said the 55-year-old. “And that’s when Tom Brady threw the football.”
Smith then offered a reality check to Bucs fans hoping to start the post-Brady era off right with a certain new quarterback…
“(The Bucs) now have Baker Mayfield… I mean, just stop the press! I don’t know if you all heard the news… just stop the press… I mean, are we just supposed to believe that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the horizon going into better times because Baker Mayfield succeeds Tom Brady? Smith added.
Stephen A. Smith has not been sold as the Bucs are improving rapidly since Tom Brady’s retirement
Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, 28, has big shoes to fill next season in Tampa Bay
NFL legend Tom Brady won a Super Bowl and two NFC South titles with Tampa Bay in three years
‘Are you joking? One winning record in five years… one… one winning record in five years…
“(…) Baker Mayfield… I’m not trying to say he’s a dork… I know he can play… but come on… it’s a perception of this drop-off… .
“Not to mention they had one of the worst rushing attacks in football last year…why should they be better this year? Averages about 12 feet per rush…I’m not sold on it…I’m not sold on it at all…
“And so for me… I love Todd Bowles… I respect him deeply… elite coordinator, still has some things to prove as head coach… but if you look at Baker Mayfield succeeding Tom Brady …’ I’m sorry… I think of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and I say, ‘Oh please, you’re not going anywhere, not even with Mike Evans as your all-world receiver.”
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles has insisted his team can still be competitive without Brady
Brady retired in April, but the seven-time NFL champion’s departure did not leave the Buccaneers without talent.
Bowles says there are many ways to win games this preseason, and the Bucs are confident they can stay competitive after winning a Super Bowl and two NFC South titles in three years with Brady at quarterback.
Mayfield steps into Brady’s old job and jumps at the chance to jump-start his career in an offense installed by new offensive coordinator Dave Canales.
Evans and Chris Godwin lead a group of skilled playmakers around Mayfield.
Bowles is counting on an experienced defense to return to Top 10 form as well as the Bucs aim for a third-straight division.