A month in the past, I liked the thought of waiting for Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl odds (+800) to lengthen. The recommendation was easy: The early schedule is a rugged gauntlet, however by October the crew would spherical into kind and the books would provide a a lot better value sooner or later within the interim.
Granted, the identical holds true every week into the preseason, however I’m rather less bullish on the Bucs. Injuries are mounting on the offensive line and there’s not a lot room for error. In reality, I imagine Tampa Bay’s management of the NFC South may very well be in jeopardy.
Do you suppose I’m overreacting?
The solely place within the pocket Tom Brady doesn’t like strain is up the center. The seven-time Super Bowl champ has effortlessly dealt with edge rushers for 20 years, shortly unloading to fit receivers and tight ends. But when pressured up the center, his QB ranking has traditionally been at its lowest.
Now, take into account this.
Last yr, the Bucs had three Pro Bowl offensive linemen; at this second, they’ll have three new starters on the offensive line going into week one — all of whom play within the center.
Uh Oh.
Tom Brady regarded ‘depressing’ in Bucs observe per Ben Volin | THE HERD
NFL author Ben Volin joins Colin Cowherd on The Herd to speak the newest information popping out of Tampa Bay. Volin has been on the sidelines of the Buccaneers’ coaching camp, and he tells Colin Tom Brady appears depressing, and he isn’t stunned the quarterback shall be stepping away from observe. Plus the 2 focus on Brady’s dalliance with the Miami Dolphins, and what saved him from sticking with retirement and his likelihood at scoring possession over an NFL crew.
How will Brady deal with taking part in with out injured star middle Ryan Jensen? His backup, Robert Hainsey, a second-year professional out of Notre Dame, is transitioning to middle from sort out and has not began an NFL sport.
Replacing retired left guard Ali Market could be Aaron Stinnie, a fifth-year undrafted professional out of James Madison who has began one sport in his profession.
The third new starter, Shaq Mason, is aware of Brady from their time in New England. Reuniting with Mason is nice, however with two newbies alongside him, Tom should be very involved.
The Bucs open up in opposition to Dallas, which should be a win, however their subsequent three opponents are loaded on the defensive position and Tampa goes to get pushed round within the trenches.
Week 2 brings the Saints, who’ve dominated Tom Brady the final two years, pressuring him en path to 4 wins in 5 video games.
The Packers, their Week 3 opponent, boast arguably one of the best entrance seven in soccer, and, on paper, could be one of the best protection within the NFL.
In Week 4, the Chiefs come to city with a beefed-up go rush that finds All-Pro DT Chris Jones again at his pure place.
After a Week 5 breather in opposition to Atlanta, the Tampa offensive line will face Pittsburgh’s loaded defensive entrance.
Those first six weeks are brutal!
Compounding the offensive line woes, Brady’s receiving corps is diluted. Antonio Brown walked off the sector and onto the stage at Rolling Loud to do his dance. Chris Godwin is coming off surgical procedure and doubtless received’t be accessible till late September. Newly-signed Russell Gage already has a leg damage, which has restricted reps with Brady. Star Mike Evans has one other hamstring damage.
Seriously, Brady may begin the season working with receivers like Cyril Grayson and Scotty Miller within the slot. No disrespect to the G.O.A.T., however it’s powerful to make a greenback out of 15 cents.
A 2-4 begin heading right into a must-win sport at Carolina is a really actual chance. Why would a divisional sport in opposition to a crew Brady has crushed the final two years matter a lot? Because in Weeks 8 and 9, the Ravens and Rams take journeys to Florida, they usually received’t be there for the sunshine.
So to wrap it up, you have a brand new head coach, a 45-year-old QB taking private depart after already retiring for a month, a slew of questions on the offensive line and a hobbled receiving corps. If you nonetheless suppose Tampa can win the Super Bowl, maintain off on putting these bets for now. Let the chances lengthen a little bit as a result of Tampa’s obtained some work to do.
Jason McIntyre is a FOX Sports betting analyst, and he additionally writes in regards to the NFL and NBA Draft. He joined FS1 in 2016 and has appeared on each present on the community. In 2017, McIntyre started producing playing content material on the NFL, school soccer and NBA for FOX Sports. He had a playing podcast for FOX, “Coming Up Winners,” in 2018 and 2019. Before arriving at FOX, he created the web site The Big Lead, which he bought in 2010.
