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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not fare well against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. A 20-18 loss may look like a small margin on paper, but it does not nearly describe the difference in performance and motivation between the two teams. And as the Buccaneers try to forget this day, it will be a difficult task for the offensive linemen to forget the berating they received from their captain and NFL legend, Tom Brady.

Brady’s meltdown came in the second quarter, with 45 seconds left on the clock. Trailing the Steelers 9-10, the offense did not put up a fight at all. All their points came through field goals, and the Steelers’ defense constantly ground their rush plays to a halt. On top of that, Brady had just been sacked, causing a fumble that ultimately came back to the Bucs.

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But he was furious beyond consolation, and he did not shy away from letting his linemen know how angry he was either. “You’re so much better than the way you’re ‘f***ing playing,” said Brady, as the linesmen sat in front of him, looking at him in an apologetic state. The Twitter community was quick to have their say on the issue.

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The Buccaneers were anything but impressive against the Steelers on Sunday. The Steelers’ injury-ridden defense showed dominant character as they essentially halted the Buccaneers’ offense in almost every play. Brady failed to connect with any of his receivers, and his offensive line failed to protect him from the Steelers’ blitzing defenders.

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USA Today via Reuters

Sunday’s game means the Bucs are 3-3 this season, which casts a heavy shadow of doubt on their playoff chances. And with tight end Cameron Brate suffering an injury and out for the foreseeable future, things can get even more problematic for the already struggling offense. The Buccaneers will be hoping for a turn in fortunes as they face the Carolina Panthers next Sunday.

As for the Steelers, the victory will be a bittersweet moment for many, as quarterback Kenny Pickett suffers from a concussion injury during the game. With backup Mitch Trubisky putting up a good show, the Steelers may not have to be too worried. But Trubisky has only won one game in which he’s played, and Pickett is 2-0 for games started this season.

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So the Steelers will definitely benefit, both in terms of performance and morale, if Pickett makes a quick recovery and returns to the team. Their opponents next Monday are the Miami Dolphins, who are on a 3 game-losing streak. Such a boost will definitely be necessary, given how a similar situation has affected the Dolphins. Will the Steelers be able to build their own winning streak?

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