At 43 years old, in his first season with his new team — a season unlike any we have seen before, with no preseason to prepare and gain chemistry and improve one’s fitness — Tom Brady is proving he still isn’t washed.
GOAT status cemented… but what about now?
There’s no doubt that Tom Brady has as strong of a case as anyone when discussing who is the best quarterback of all time. But what about right now? The 43-year-old is off to a good start this season, putting up a fight against the always undefeated father time.
Brady may no longer have the arm strength he had in his prime, but he is still effective due to his knowledge of the game and years of experience.
Through four games this season, Brady’s thrown 11 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Those 11 touchdowns are tied for third-most by any quarterback this year.
Brady’s move to Tampa Bay after 20 seasons with New England has been relatively smooth considering it is the first time in his career he is playing with a new head coach in a new environment.
The Buccaneers enter Week 5 at 3-1 and in first place of the NFC South division, which is unfamiliar territory for the franchise.
Revitalizing a dead franchise
The Buccaneers haven’t made the Playoffs since 2007, but the addition of Brady and some other key vets like Rob Gronkowski and Leonard Fournette have made the playoffs not just a reality, but an expectation.
Brady also has a lot to prove, as doubters have always tried to tie his success to the strong culture in New England and his former coach Bill Belichick.
There was major concern after Week 1 that maybe Brady was just washed at this point. He looked uncharacteristically lost, throwing two interceptions and only completing 63 percent of his passes.
He’s also thrown multiple pick-6s in the first few games. Since then, he’s bounced back strong and looks more like his old self.
In Week 4, Brady became the oldest QB in NFL history to throw for five touchdowns. This could be a sign of Brady getting more comfortable in his new system.
The Buccaneers have a ton of talent and were considered to be big winners of this past offseason. Brady is a huge reason for that.
Brady is still among the league’s best
Brady may no longer be the best quarterback in the league like he has been in years past, but he is still up there. Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Russell Wilson all have strong cases as the best quarterbacks in the league, but it’s hard not to at least mention Brady’s name in the conversation.
Even if you disagree, it’s hard to see what he’s done so far this season and think Tom Brady is washed.
At age 43, Brady may be going through his most challenging season just yet. He is getting older, on a new team, with new coaching and fan base that is starving for success. If any quarterback in NFL history is up to the task, it’s definitely Brady.