Much was made about Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Tom Brady attending Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s wedding on Friday night before a Sunday afternoon game.
At this point in his career, it’s a surprise if Brady hits the practice field more than three times a week. He’s earned that right, no doubt, but when the 45-year-old quarterback looks lackluster less than 48 hours after attending a wedding in New York City, it’s bound to raise some questions.
Brady finished Sunday’s game 25-of-40 for 243 yards and a lone touchdown against one of the more shorthanded secondaries in the league. It was a valiant effort from Pittsburgh, but it never should have happened.
“Honestly, everything was a challenge today,” Brady said after the game. “There was nothing that was not challenging to our offense. We have to do a lot better job in every area.”
Bucs coach Todd Bowles backed up his quarterback and insisted his absence on Friday had nothing to do with the end result.
“Absolutely not,” Bowles said. “No, he didn’t miss anything. He had a full week of practice.”
What is Bowles supposed to do in that case, anyway? He can’t question the best quarterback of all time. Perhaps this can serve as a warning.
Tom Brady went to Kraft wedding, Bill Belichick did not
On the other side of the coin, Bill Belichick did not go to Kraft’s wedding on Friday, as he had a game to prepare for. When asked about the event on his weekly radio appearance, Belichick expressed happiness for the couple but admitted he wasn’t tuned in for it.
“Sorry I missed it. I’m very happy for him,” Belichick said.
Belichick’s Patriots, meanwhile, defeated the Browns easily on Sunday, 38-15. It’s a stark difference from the Buccaneers’ struggles with Brady under center just two days removed from a trip to New York.
Brady can quite clearly do what he wants. No one is going to call him out at this juncture. Yet, I am not employed by the Brady brand, nor do I have any connection, so I’ll say it.
Are we sure he’s fully committed to football at this juncture? Understandably, he has a lot going on. But Brady chose to come back to the NFL this offseason shortly after announcing his retirement. Why go through all that trouble and not be all-in?
It’s an important question, and not one I have the answer to. Kraft and Brady are great friends. I don’t doubt that. The difference in opinion of Brady and Belichick is obvious, though, and in this case it may have directly correlated to the NFL standings.