Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis played down the absence of Tom Brady as he insisted the NFL is in for a ‘rude awakening’.
Back in February, Brady announced he was retiring from the NFL ‘for good’ after a 23-year career with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His decision came following a torrid 2022 campaign in which the seven-time Super Bowl champion struggled with issues in his personal life.
Brady’s Bucs struggled on the field too as they finished with a losing record of 8-9 in 2022, although they somehow emerged victorious in the NFC South. His postseason journey was swiftly ended at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
While his final campaign was somewhat forgettable, Brady ultimately altered franchise history since his 2020 signing as he led the Bucs to Super Bowl LVII glory in his first season with the team. Despite his tough 2022 season, the 45-year-old’s absence combined with the team’s poor form means Tampa Bay are slated to struggle.
Former first overall pick Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask are competing to earn the honour of succeeding Brady. Mayfield struggled for the Carolina Panthers last season while Trask has had little first-team experience as he enters the third campaign of his career - but Davis believes the Bucs are going to impress in 2023.
“We're about to do it to 'em,” Buccaneers corner Carlton Davis told GoLongTD.com. “Anybody who feels we've lost Tom, and lost something, is going to be in for a rude awakening. A rude awakening.
“Tom was a great addition for us, but obviously it's a team sport. Obviously, you need components to be successful. We still have those components. And I'm only getting better.”
The NFC South was perhaps the worst division in football last year, as the Bucs claimed their second successive division title with their losing record. Davis said: “And our f***** division is worse than what it was before. So, we run through the division. Get to the playoffs. Run through the playoffs, and it's the Super Bowl.”
It’s perhaps wishful thinking to believe the NFC South has got worse. The Panthers selected exciting rookie quarterback Bryce Young with the first overall pick, while the New Orleans Saints signed veteran star Derek Carr after his unceremonious release from the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Bucs remain loaded with talent despite Brady’s retirement, with two-time All-Pro offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs and receiver Mike Evans starring on offense. Tampa Bay also retained Antoine Winfield Jr., Lavonte David, Devin White and Shaquil Barrett all set to suit up for the Bucs defense.
Davis re-signed with the franchise earlier this offseason, and is confident the defensive unit will be dominant this upcoming season adding: “We're going to wreck s***. Like, wreck s***. Interceptions. Turnovers. Plays will be made. I will say. Plays. Will. Be. Made.”
