Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms has labelled Tom Brady ‘not very good anymore’ amid the NFL legend’s struggles in 2022.
During last week’s win over the Los Angeles Rams, Brady became the first player in NFL history to throw for over 100,000 career passing yards. The 16-13 victory ensured Brady avoided his first four-game losing streak since 2002 and while it was a sloppy performance, the win could prove to be a huge confidence boost for the 45-year-old and the 4-5 Bucs.
There has been plenty of speculation regarding the future of Brady beyond this season. He has been linked with retirement but could also hold off for another season and enter free agency, as the seven-time Super Bowl champion’s contract with Tampa Bay expires.
Last month, Simms - who played for the Buccaneers between 2003 and 2007 - suggested Brady’s off-field troubles would lead to his season being cut short through an early retirement. However, Brady has suffered a divorce and continues leading the Bucs offence.
On Pro Football Talk Live, Simms took issue with Brady’s performances as the Bucs struggle in 2022 - despite the epic last-gasp win over the Rams. He said: “It sucks to watch them.
“They're not good on offence, and he's not very good anymore. His game is average quarterback, but damn, if you leave people open or stuff like that, he's going to hit it.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Brady has often leant on a stable and effective run game, and the Bucs are currently ranked as the NFL’s 32nd-best rushing offence in the league. They average just 60.7 yards per game.
The Bucs are currently facing the Seattle Seahawks in Munich as the first International Series clash in Germany takes place on Sunday. Even if they lose, the Bucs would retain the NFC South lead due to the Atlanta Falcons' loss to the Carolina Panthers on Thursday.
However, the Bucs will be desperate to improve their record to .500 and increase their lead over the Falcons to a game and a half. The team will then enjoy a much-needed bye week, but Brady believes the hard work begins soon after as championship contenders find form around Thanksgiving - which is on November 24.
“The best teams start playing well around Thanksgiving,” Brady said on his Let's Go! podcast recently. “That's because you've basically figured out what you are and what you need to do, and there's definitely some things we do well, but there's a lot of things we don't do well.”
