The New Orleans Saints just secured their playoff position for the 2021 NFL post-season. The Saints defeated the Philadelphia Eagles to secure their berth this year.
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If they can continue their run, they will secure the 1st seed in the NFC. However, their win complicates matters for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 25, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (left) celebrates after tight end Rob Gronkowski (center) scored a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Buccs have the 5th seed currently in the NFC with a 7-4 record. However, they have been poor in recent games. If they go on to lose the remaining games, they do run the risk of missing the Playoffs.
They play the Minnesota Vikings in their next game. If they end up losing to the Vikings, then there could be a situation where they have to play in some sort of play-in game.
As of now, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on track to make the Playoffs as either the 5th or 6th seed in the NFC. As the 6th seed, they could likely play either the Seattle Seahawks or the Los Angeles Rams, if things stay the same.
Where will the Tampa Bay Buccaneers end up?
However, the relationship between Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Head Coach Bruce Arians and star quarterback Tom Brady has deteriorated.
Even though Brady has not had a bad season, Arians has taken every opportunity to criticize the veteran quarterback. His approach to coaching Brady has been wildly different from that of his former Head Coach, Bill Belichick.
The Buccaneers cannot afford to miss the Playoffs this year. Brady is 43 and has a very limited window to bring success in to a struggling Buccaneers franchise.
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 29, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians speaks with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Losing their playoff spot could spell disaster for the Buccaneers, and could effectively see Bruce Arians ousted from the helm. The Buccaneers and Brady must do everything in their power in order to reach the playoffs.
Arians and Brady must set their differences aside and work together to craft an offensive plan that works for the team, and maximizes Brady’s strengths. Right now, Arians is extremely obstinate about the style of quarterback he wants Brady to be.
It will be interesting to see if Brady and the Buccaneers can make the Playoffs. They have 5 games remaining in the regular season left to secure their playoff berth.