On the third play of the game, Tom Brady threw a flawless deep ball to a wide-open Mike Evans that would have been a 64-yard touchdown pass if the star receiver hadn’t dropped it.
Is that all right? This year, no.
Evans’ gaffe set the tone for the Buccaneers’ 21-3 loss to the struggling Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
“No one player is the single factor you lose, but it was unquestionably the most significant reason,” Evans said. “I’d seen the life drain from us, and it took me some time to get back into the game.” We were taught to just play the next play, however it was difficult. I’ve got to catch that wide open, one of the best in the game. I have to get that. That is what i wanted.”
Aaron Rodgers could totally empathize with Brady’s plight.
Rodgers was visibly upset and cursed on his way to the sideline after rookie receiver Romeo Doubs dropped a low pass that would’ve extended a Green Bay drive. The Packers were only down by a field goal, and there was still time to rally. In the end, inferior Washington prevailed 23-21.
“I believe it requires everyone. “It takes everyone around him to get him back to his two-time reigning MVP form,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “You must have safeguards in front of you in order to hold up.” You also need the guys to make plays.”
Dropped passes are a common occurrence in football. Brady and Rodgers have overcome numerous mistakes, including many of their own, to win 434 games in the regular season as well as playoffs.
However, the star player quarterbacks have yet to find their magical touch in 2022.
Each has gotten off to a 3-4 start. Their consolidated 6-8 record is the pair’s worst since Rodgers became the starter in 2008.
Brady and Rodgers’ main issue is a lack of assistance from coaches and teammates.
Injuries have drained Tampa Bay’s offensive line, the Buccaneers have had the league’s worst rushing offense, and tight end Rob Gronkowski isn’t available to assist Brady when he requires it the most.
Observable playcalling from offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich has also been a source of concern. Carolina’s defense seemed to anticipate what was going to happen quite frequently.
The Buccaneers will undoubtedly miss Bruce Arians’ leadership.
When questioned about Leftwich’s status, Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said, “I would not consider making a shift in coaching, but we need to alter some of the things we’re doing.” “We must unquestionably alter some of the things we’re doing, and we’ve talked about it.” It won’t happen overnight, but we need to improve on what we’ve been doing overall.”
Brady does have a losing record after seven games for the first time since 2002, his first full season as a starting player and the year after leading New England to its first of seven Super Bowl victories.
Naysayers are questioning Brady’s dedication because he took 11 days off during training camp as well as skipped a walkthrough practice before last week’s loss to Pittsburgh to attend Robert Kraft’s wedding.
Brady had some misfires against the Panthers and was out of sync with his receivers. Nonetheless, the team’s difficulties are not his fault.
