While no one can question Tom Brady's ability when it comes to throwing the ball, it appears any ambitions he has to do more running with it are being put to one side. Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians has made it clear he doesn't want to see his veteran quarterback running with the ball.
Tampa secured an overtime win over the Buffalo Bills, during which Brady ran with the ball seven times and left Arians furious; even though those runs led to first downs and a touchdown, they also resulted in the 44-year-old QB being battered around, something the Buccaneers don't need to see happening too often.
The Buccaneers are well placed to push for back-to-back Super Bowl wins with an excellent 10-3 record thus far, and you can see here just how that has made Tampa Bay the big favorites in the title chase. They stand at (+500), with the Kansas City Chiefs second favorites at (+550).Â
Clearly, Brady, especially if you are a big NFL Fantasy Football fan, is there to throw touchdown passes and pick up as much yardage as possible, not there to be smashed around while trying to run the ball.
Arians was very animated in his reaction to seeing Brady run with the ball, stating afterward;
"Yea, that's enough of that s---,"
Before adding that Brady's situation was okay;
"He's fine. We checked him a number of times."
And it's a situation that Brady understands, responding to the anguish of his coach;
"I think that's the first time I've ever heard him swear,"
"He's right. He's right. I agree with B.A. 'Get my ass on the ground.' That's what I deserve. That's where I should be. They're trying to put me on the ground pretty tough, and they took some good shots yesterday. I think my days of running, they'll be only if necessary at this point going forward."
Brady has, of course, defied his age in recent seasons, but one wonders how much longer he can keep up this level of form. His numbers in 2021 are hugely impressive; he leads in terms of passing yards and has more touchdowns than anyone, and is a good bet for another NFL MVP award, having won the award in 2007, 2010, and 2017.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are four games up on NFC South rivals the Atlanta Falcons and would be a solid bet to go long into the postseason, and we wouldn't bet against Brady picking up an eighth Super Bowl ring. When he left New England for Tampa, no one would have predicted he'd have such an immediate impact, but then Brady is known for proving his doubters wrong.
The win over the Buffalo Bills did leave Brady with a slight shoulder injury, and he has sat out practice since but doesn't look to be out for contention for upcoming games. Tampa finishes the season with games against the New Orleans Saints, the New York Jets, and two games against the Carolina Panthers in this extended season.
