“Not A Great Fit”- Former NFL Player Labels the Partnership Between Tom Brady and Bruce Arians at Buccaneers

The fall out from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ loss to the Los Angeles Rams endures. Head Coach Bruce Arians chose to publically criticize his star quarterback Tom Brady yet again.

Arians suggested that Brady may be getting confused by coverages that result in inaccurate passes. This is just an example of the many times that Arians has admonished Brady.

Arians’ approach is a stark contrast to that of Bill Belichick, who never criticized Brady publically during their time together in New England.

Former NFL player Emmanuel Acho spoke about the clash between Arians and Brady. Acho believes that Arians’ demands for Brady simply do not work.

He said, “Bruce Arians, head coach for eight years. Seven out of those eight years, top two in the air yards. The one year he wasn’t top two, he was number six.

“Tom Brady, in passes 10 yards or more is third in the NFL in interceptions. What Bruce Arians wants to do, Tom Brady literally does terribly.” 

Acho pointed out that Brady just simply cannot do what is demanded of him. “The only quarterbacks worse than Tom Brady in interceptions – passes 10 yards or more; Drew Locke, a quarterback on a second year that suffered as a shoulder injury, and Carson Wentz, a quarterback having a historically bad season.

“So what Bruce Arians annually does; passing the ball down the field, Tom Brady does terribly.”

Tom Brady – Bruce Arians relationship not good

However, Acho pointed out that Brady does lead the NFL in passing below 10 yards. “What does Tom Brady do well? A lot of things obviously. What does Brady do best? Lead the league in Touchdown passes 10 yards or shorter.” 

He used the statistic to point out that Brady’s strengths and Arians’ demands are wildly contradictory. “So what Brady really wants to do, Bruce Arians despises doing. What Bruce Arians wants to do Tom Brady is terrible at doing.” 

Acho believes that Brady is not a good fit for the Buccs and for what Arians wants the team to do. “When I talk about fit, I’m not saying there are several fits that are better than Tom Brady.

“But if you’re asking me ‘Is Tom Brady a bad fit?’, Brady is clearly, statistically, and there is empirical data that backs up, that he is not a great fit for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.” 

It will be interesting to see if the criticism Arians hurled Brady’s way will result in an improvement to his game. The two have been butting heads quite often lately, not a good sign between a quarterback and the Head Coach.

There must be some sacrifice between either side if the Buccs are to find some success in the Playoffs this year.