When the NFL schedules were released on May 12, 2021, most fans and analysts raced to look immediately when Tom Brady and the Buccaneers would make his return to play against the Patriots. The storyline for this game is well-chronicled, Brady the greatest player in the franchise’s history leaves town and takes the 7-9 Buccaneers to a Superbowl victory the following season. Some extra spice was added to the matchup in the past two weeks by the Brady camp. His father, Brady Sr told Tom Curran that Belichick “wanted his son out the door”. Brady’s trainer, Alex Guerrero then stated to the Boston Herald that Belichick’s relationship with Tom “never evolved.” Belichick responded on the Greg Hill Radio Show on Monday by denying that Brady was forced out and that Tom “looked at his options and made his decision.” It is clear that both sides could not be telling the truth but it shows that both sides are hurt, and like any bad divorce there are tensions. It will culminate with the most anticipated football game of the year, and in this article, we preview the matchup on the field.
1. The Buccaneers-the reigning Champions head into the matchup after a tough road loss to the Rams. Brady had a good game completing 41 of 55 passes for 432 yards and one touchdown. The problem was that his running game was non-existent, and his defense had a torrid time stopping Matt Stafford and the Rams’ offense. Stafford feasted on the Bucs secondary and finished with 343 yards and four touchdowns. Brady will have the offense ready to strike in this game. However, the big question facing the team is whether the defense can find its spark. Jason Pierre Paul is doubtful for the game and his ability to put pressure on the quarterback will be missed by the defense. The defense has given up 300 yards per game and allowed nearly 30 points per game.
2. The Patriots-New England had a disastrous week three performance against the Saints. Mac Jones was under pressure all day, and he threw three interceptions in the game. He did not get help from his run game and lost veteran James White to a season-ending injury. The defense played well to keep them in the game but allowed a back-breaking 13 play, 6 minutes, and 45-second touchdown drive after the offense had pulled the game to one score. Looking at this matchup, the Patriots need to have Trent Brown return from injury to protect Mac. The offense is struggling because it ranks 26th in points per game and 22nd in yards per game. I think Josh McDaniels is on the hot-seat to deliver this week in his game plans and execution. This Buccaneers’ defense is vulnerable, and the offense should take advantage. It is McDaniel’s job to find ways to put up points on the board, and he has done a poor job this season. The defense will have a difficult task in containing Brady and his plethora of weapons. I believe Belichick will feel disrespected by all the noise surrounding Brady’s departure, and he will have his men ready to play. The defense has averaged three sacks per game, and I expect them to pressure Brady without blitzing.
3. Stats:
• Exclusive club-If Brady beats the Patriots this Sunday, he will join another exclusive quarterback club. He will become only the fourth quarterback in NFL history to beat all 32 teams. The only three quarterbacks to accomplish feet are Drew Brees, Brett Favre, and Peyton Manning.
• Run Games were absent-did you know that week 3 Mac Jones and Tom Brady led their teams in rushing with 28 and 14 yards respectively. It is not a coincidence then that both teams lost their respective games. The quarterback that gets more support from his run game this week will likely win the matchup.
4. Franchise head to head: the Patriots lead the head-to-head matchup against the Bucs with a 7-2 record. The Patriots have won the last four games in the series. The last matchup between the two teams occurred in October 2017 when the Pats won 19-14.
5. Bold Prediction-I must admit I got last week’s prediction horribly wrong but I find it hard to pick against Brady in this matchup. Many analysts and fans favor a lopsided win, and the Bucs will drop up to 50 points on the Patriots. However, I think Belichick’s defense will limit the damage early. Last season, when the Patriots played Kansas City on a Monday afternoon game without Cam Newton, many expected it to be a blowout. The Chiefs won the game but Belichick limited Maholmes to a 3-point and 10-point deficit at the half and after three quarters. I think Brady will catch fire in the 2nd half as the defense tires and get his revenge on Bill in a classic.
Final Score: Buccaneers 26-Patriots 22.