The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the lucky winners in the Tom Brady sweepstakes during the 2020 NFL offseason. The long-time New England Patriots quarterback decided to join the Buccaneers as a free agent and it was a perfect match.
While there were some naysayers early on, Brady once again proved why he is the greatest to ever do it at the quarterback position. He helped lead the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, proving he was a lot more than a system quarterback benefitting from Bill Belichick as some believed.
Tampa Bay is poised for another great season, as they are bringing the band back together for another season. This is the first time in NFL history that all 11 starters on offense and defense will be returning to a Super Bowl-winning team.
What can we expect from Tom Brady and the Buccaneers in his second year with the team? Here are three super early predictions for Brady in his 22nd season in the NFL.
3. Brady Wins Double-Digit Games, Again
Tom Brady has accomplished numerous incredible feats in his career. What he has accomplished will probably never be seen again. One of the most impressive things he has done is win double-digit games in 19 of the 20 years he has started at least 10 games in the season. That is a number he will add to this year.
Spearheading a loaded offense and with a dominant defense also backing them, the Buccaneers will once again win double-digit games with Brady leading the way. This feat speaks to not only his skill as a quarterback, but to his durability.
He has suffered only one significant injury in his career. That was in 2008 when he missed 15 games. Other than his suspension in 2016 that cost him four games, Brady has started every other game since the beginning of the 2002 season. In 2001, he appeared in 15 games, starting 14 of them.
Given how talented this roster is, Brady will at least match last season’s 11 wins, adding another double-digit win season to his resume.
2. Five Players Have At Least 600 Receiving Yards
The Buccaneers have one of the most incredible skill position groups ever put together. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are both legitimate No. 1 receivers and Brady has the luxury of throwing to both. If they bring back Antonio Brown, he has three players that would be No. 1 targets on most teams. Scotty Miller stepped up when injuries arose as well.
At tight end, his old Patriots teammate Rob Gronkowski can still get it done and Cameron Brate is an underrated receiver at the position as well. Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette have shortcomings in the passing game, but are a solid one-two punch in the backfield and showed progress as pass catchers.
With so many mouths to feed, there might not be one player Brady funnels attempts to. However, that will make the Buccaneers even more difficult to defend and Brady will take full advantage.
This season, at least five different players will break the 600-yard plateau for receiving yards. Brady will take what the defense gives. He won’t force-feed anyone and everyone’s stats will reflect that.
1. Brady Wins His Fourth MVP
Tom Brady is entering his 22nd season in the NFL and age 44 season. People are waiting for Father Time to catch up to him, but he has shown no signs of slowing down and keeps producing at an incredible place. So, why not go bold and predict that Brady does one more incredible thing, taking home an MVP award at 44 years old?
The pieces are in place for Brady to have another great season. The chemistry he will have is nothing we would have seen previously, as all 22 starters are back for Tampa Bay. He has an abundance of riches to throw the ball to.
Tampa Bay took a bit of a risk signing a 43-year-old quarterback that has only known Belichick and the Patriots in his career. The risk was worthwhile, as Brady helped lead them to a Super Bowl in his first season. In his second season, things will look even better with a regular season MVP award for Brady and another Super Bowl run following.