Tom Brady struggled in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ win over the Arizona Cardinals with former NFL player and commentator Chris Collinsworth likening the quarterback’s performance to NBA icon LeBron James ‘missing a layup’.
The Buccaneers agonised to a 19-16 win over the Cardinals in Arizona on Sunday, with kicker Ryan Succop making three field goals - including the winning kick. In the clash on Christmas Day, Brady completed 32-of-48 passes for 281 yards and a touchdown to go with a pair of interceptions as he struggled once again.
Brady is used to winning and reaching the playoffs easily, but the 2022 season has seen the seven-time Super Bowl champion falter on a regular basis. Regardless, the Bucs moved to 7-8 thanks to the result and remarkably sit atop a poor NFC South division.
Earlier this offseason, Brady originally retired but sensationally reversed his decision just 40 days later amid much fanfare. The 45-year-old instead returned for a 23rd season in the NFL - and it has appeared to be an ill-advised decision.
Against the Cardinals, Brady appeared to be out of sync with his offensive weapons. His throwing mechanics were off while he missed targets with unsettling frequency, so former Cincinnati Bengals player and current commentator Collinsworth made a rather harsh comment on Brady’s festive performance.
“I got nothing,” Collinsworth said after watching a Brady pass go awry. “I mean, this is a layup. This is like watching LeBron James miss a layup right here? I don't know what I'm watching.”
Brady eventually heated up in the third quarter after a mediocre first half - but the Buccaneers remain atop their division after collecting their seventh win of the season. If Tampa Bay win against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Brady and co. will book their ticket in the postseason.
As for Brady, he will be a free agent in the upcoming offseason for just the second time in his iconic career and there is no guarantee he will return for 2023 with the Buccaneers, particularly after their abject performances this season.
Brady will be one of the most coveted free agents available - particularly for quarterback-needy teams amid rumours he could return to the New England Patriots or move back home to his boyhood San Francisco 49ers.
The Buccaneers will secure the NFC South title and book their place in the playoffs if they defeat the 6-9 Panthers on Sunday before they wrap up the regular season against the Falcons in Atlanta on January 8.
