NFL Hall of Famer Suggests Tom Brady is Struggling Without Belichick

Tom Brady signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier in the summer signaled the end of an era in the NFL, the end of the Brady-Belichick era. The duo broke all records imaginable and turned the New England Patriots into an NFL powerhouse.

While the two would’ve hoped to continue their dominance in the league, it’s been a tale of shortcomings ever since Brady’s departure.

As the Pats get accustomed to life in the pocket with Cam Newton, Brady’s offensive struggles, especially over the past few weeks, have been well documented.

NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, however, feels that it is Brady who’s struggling to cope with the absence of Belichick on the sidelines more than the other way around.

‘They were better together but wanted to be apart’

Sharpe, during a segment of FOX Sports’ Undisputed, said that while the Pats haven’t looked like their usual self over the season, it is Brady who is really struggling to cope with life in Tampa Bay.

“The two guys were better together but wanted to be apart. Coach Belichick is not a bad coach because his team lost last night… But if you look at Coach Belichick over the last 5 games, he was 4 and 1 heading into that ball game.

“Tom Brady had lost 3 of his last 4, and he was at 8 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 62% completion with a 38-3 loss in there to New Orleans.”

Buccs have the talent to shine, but can Tom Brady deliver?

Sharpe suggested that the lack of talent in the Pats roster was the reason behind Brady looking to Florida in search of greener pastures. While the Pats haven’t indulged in a major rejig this season, the same can’t be said about the Bucs.

Apart from bringing in superstars like former Patriots duo Rob Gronkowski and Antonio Brown, the Bucs also roped in former Jaguars Running Back Leonard Fournette to aid their rushing game.

With all the talent at his disposal, Sharpe was critical about Brady’s performances over the past few gameweeks. “This (Patriots) team was devoid of talent last year. That was one of the reasons why Tom Brady wanted to leave….

“So, I’m confused. I’m really confused by this Skip. I’m looking at it and Tom Brady has all this talent, and he’s throwing more interceptions with more talent than he has thrown over the last 2 or 3 years.

“So what does that say about him?” Sharpe remarked.

With the Brady-Belichick era coming to an unceremonious end who among the duo do you think has struggled more in the NFL this season?