NFL legend Tom Brady is believed to be be unhappy and frustrated with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers amid an underwhelming 2022 season with the franchise.
It’s remarkable that Brady even returned in 2022 for a 23rd season in the NFL. Earlier this year, FOX Sports announced Brady would join the network as a lead analyst following his retirement, signing a 10-year contract worth $375 million (£306m), which is surprisingly more than his annual salary as the quarterback of the Buccaneers.
However, Brady’s Buccaneers have struggled in 2022 and possess a 6-6 record. They sit atop the NFC South - ahead of the 5-8 Atlanta Falcons - which means the team are still on track for a playoff berth despite their struggles.
On Monday, Brady rolled back the years by throwing a pair of touchdowns in the final three minutes to inspire the Bucs to a dramatic last-gasp victory over the New Orleans Saints. The 45-year-old completed 36 of 54 passes for 281 yards and two touchdowns, as well as an interception, in the crucial 17-16 win.
While the Bucs are buoyed by their epic win, Brady has ultimately endured a disappointing season. The seven-time Super Bowl champion has been captured yelling at his teammates and coaching staff throughout the season - and Jason Bell believes Brady is simply frustrated with his Buccaneers offence.
“The man’s not happy,” Bell said of Brady. “Let's just be honest. When he's not protected, and we know what type of quarterback he is. He wants to step up in the pocket and deliver. He's had issues on his interior offensive line. They can't run the ball well. That is why that man looks like that on the sideline. Things are just not clicking for him.”
The Bucs have had to deal with injuries all season, with star offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs out with ankle and knee issues. They are somehow still on course for the postseason and even host a Wild Card team at Raymond James stadium, despite their publicised struggles.
With Brady and the Bucs potentially set for a home playoff game, many are clamouring that they could go all the way and win Super Bowl LVII due to their iconic quarterback’s heralded success in the playoffs throughout his illustrious career. However, they have been incredibly inconsistent in 2022.
Brady’s 6-6 Buccaneers will look to secure another win and move to a positive record when they face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night.
