“We’re More Alike Than Anything Ever”
April 3rd, 2022
There was a long phone call Wednesday between new Bucs head coach Todd Bowles and Tom Brady.
So what exactly was discussed?
Joe has no clue, obviously, but Bowles told SiriusXM NFL Radio that the long discussion left him believing that he and his quarterback a bonded pair.
“Believe it or not, we are more alike than we are different,” Bowles said, emphasizing they share the same goals at a deep level. “We both are very detailed. We both very driven. So we’re more alike than anything ever. He’s an accomplished guy over 20-something years and the perspective he has on the game is outstanding and I look forward to working with him.”
Joe loves how Brady gets so much respect at One Buc Palace. He learned of Bucco Bruce Arians stepping down before Bowles is made aware, and then he’s on the phone with Bowles diving into all things Bucs before Bowles is formally introduced as head coach.
Hopefully, as Bowles puts his stamp on the Bucs, he’s also doing a simultaneous sales job of impressing Brady. Bowles and every other Bucs lover know how critical it is for Brady to want to keep playing in Tampa in 2023, if he’s playing in 2023.
April 3rd, 2022 at 10:49 am
“Both very detailed” I hope we see sharp play to begin season and little to no penalties that would be nice.
April 3rd, 2022 at 11:05 am
Most relationships start out optimistically where we think it is going to be nothing but sunshine and rainbows. I’m sure Tom & Bruce initially had a similar liking and respect for each other with just as much optimism. Over time tension builds between two strong willed people. I believe this happened between Tom & Bruce. I think they still have a mutual respect for each other but it became hard to work with each other as both wanted control. Hopefully this won’t happen to Tom and Todd. The advantage this relationship has is Todd being a defensive minded coach he can stay in his lane and direct his attention to the defense while staying out of Tom’s lane with the offense. Unfortunately Bruce and Tom drive in the same lane – Offense. The only hope we have of Tom returning in 2023 is if he is happy with the way Todd runs things 🤞
April 3rd, 2022 at 11:11 am
lol it’s like he’s trying to convince Tom not to send him packin too
April 3rd, 2022 at 11:17 am
Brady is going to make defensive calls in the playoffs!
April 3rd, 2022 at 11:18 am
Maybe BA was holding Bowles back. I like the driven part. Thank God maybe finally a full work week.
April 3rd, 2022 at 11:31 am
I don’t know what to believe anymore, I am just ready for some Football, and the Draft!
The Boston Media said that Arians had a terrible work ethic, and this, among other things, really got on Brady’s nerves.
Brady is an ultra perfectionist workaholic, and did not feel Tampa could win with Arians, and refused to play here anymore, unless he was gone.
The truth will come out someday ….
April 3rd, 2022 at 11:39 am
This is Todd Bowles 4th year with the Bucs, and Tom Brady’s 3rd year with the Bucs. Got a feeling that they’ve gotten to know each other quite well by this point.
No one, not even Tom Brady, knows if Brady will be playing football in 2023 season. He owns every record there is to own already, so all he’s doing now is piling it on. No question he loves the game, but there will come a point where ‘No mas’ will end the story (as it did for Roberto Duran?).
All we’ve got is the here & now as Bucs’ fans; 2022 SB or bust. No doubt that ‘Clean up on aisle 2023’ is in the cards, but that’s tomorrow’s problem. ‘Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!
April 3rd, 2022 at 11:44 am
Finally saw some of Arians retirement and Bowles introduction videos and came away that these two men are very close friends and family. Arians truly cares about his guys but Todd has a special place. There was no prepared clichéd speech but both speaking from their hearts. Coach Arians spent a long time putting together this program and like any smart business man would do he groomed his replacement and another to quite possibly become a head coach in the near future. I was one of the first to call him coach Arrogance because of his stubbornness of sticking to his no riskit no biskit and refusing to use certain weapons at his disposal and partially blame his play calling on SOME of the turnovers committed by our last 2 qbs which also led to pick6s, however his offense also led to the greatest offensive output that we as Bucs fans have ever witness from the Bucs. The fact that he finally changed it because of Tom Brady is why we have a 2nd title and back to back playoff appearances. Any other qb this never happens. Tom Brady has earned the respect and pull he has in this organization even though he’s only played for us two seasons because he helped cement change to even more the culture Arians brought. Coach Bowles is definitely the alter ego of coach Arians but unlike Lovie Smith doesn’t speak out of both sides of his mouth. Someone up here said Bowles was given this opening but he has earned it. He has a roster that can compete now but also have a qb of the future he can build for future success. Arians and Brady(when he retires for good) deserve to be in the ROH even though they’re here for only three years. Hopefully Bowles earns a spot there too.
April 3rd, 2022 at 11:48 am
DR, I agree, sell out now like the Rams are. Rebuild after the Bucs get their 3rd Lombardi. Sign Mathieu and Calais Campbell, Suh, Gronk and JPP if healthy then game on. Oh and please replace Darden on returns.
April 3rd, 2022 at 11:48 am
DR very well said! Even with the schedule we have this year even some of our most pessimistic fans have to have belief we can win it all this year. Even trolls who come here have to have some fear in the pit of their stomachs that we have a chance.
April 3rd, 2022 at 11:51 am
Your momma raised a fool
April 3rd, 2022 at 12:02 pm
1. Arians was done next year, we all knew that.
2. Bucs had to show Brady that Bowles can be a winning HC before they could talk about resigning.
3. Bucs need to watch Bowles and set up a plan sooner than later.
4. Think of the Bucs coaching staff in flaming baby diaper years. We have a great staff that has a long history. Arians, Bowles, BL left next year, we would likely lose more than less good position coaches.
April 3rd, 2022 at 12:04 pm
the donald trump coin add on the side is hilarious. Only person with worse hair in america is raiders owner mark davis….lololol
April 3rd, 2022 at 12:07 pm
Listnfrmafar … I see the Rams as our primary competition to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. They’re pulling out all the stops just like we are. My guess is that the team that stays the healthiest (in terms of key players especially) will be the one making it to the Big Dance.
In comparing the 2022 schedules for both teams, Bucs MIGHT actually have a little easier schedule (not that ours is easy mind you). Rams play 3 teams that we don’t: Broncos, Raiders & Bills. Bucs play 3 teams that they don’t: Browns, Steelers, Bengals. Both of us play: Chargers, Cardinals, Falcons, Saints, Panthers, 49ers, Seahawks, Cowboys, Chiefs & Packers (plus each other … but we play them here). Both teams have tough schedules, but if pressed, I’d take ours.
April 3rd, 2022 at 12:17 pm
The idea that Brady is some sociopath that bullied Arians and pushed him out is laughable. It goes against all readily available facts about Brady. He’s been in the league 22 years, and not one teammate, former or current, has anything negative to say about the guy. AB even walked back his criticism of him. They speak in reverence of him. Matter of fact, LeSean McCoy in his one year with us spoke so highly of him as this mythical figure. James Harrison once his bitter rival who played for the Steelers joined the Patriots and said he really wanted to hate Brady, but he couldn’t because he was such a nice guy. He also spoke of how Brady was so very detailed and his extensive football knowledge. I’m not buying that Brady called a “code red” on Bruce.
As far as Brady being some sort of snowflake who couldn’t handle BA’s so-called toughness, that’s also BS and flies in the face of all readily available facts. First of all, the relationship between coaches and QBs often have some tension. Montana/Walsh, Marino/Johnson/, Elway/Reeves/, Rodgers/McCarthy. I could go on. Brady’s and BA’s relationship was nowhere as bad as those listed. Also, Brady wants to be coached hard. Josh Mcdaniels is on record saying so. Bill O’Brien even said if you don’t coach Brady hard you have no chance with him. Finally, Brady last 20 years with Belichick. I submit to you that NO player current or former would last 20 years playing for that guy. Bledsoe didn’t like him and that was prior to Brady taking his job. During his time in Cleveland, he damn near ran Bernie Kosar out of town!
April 3rd, 2022 at 12:19 pm
DR, I would rather face Watson, Burroughs and Trubinksy over Wilson, Allen & Carr with Adam’s and Wallace any day. Go Bucs!
April 3rd, 2022 at 12:30 pm
Off topic and I know this is irrelevant. The NFL keeps playing the Bucs/Dallas game. Off field or I guess on field applies as well AB is amazing. The way he can make a defender twist & turn, how he changes speed, head movement, ball protection and yards after the catch are second to none. Bad person or not, I have played many years primarily defense and if you have a child or grandchildren that play as a receiver have them watch his films and immulate his playing style. Again not his off field stuff or the games you’ll be watching are the prisoners against the guards.
April 3rd, 2022 at 12:37 pm
List
Good to see you adding to relevant football discussions…..sometimes your football acumen gets lost in the compulsive negative BA posts.
As for the article…..sounds like Bowles & Brady are “On the same page”…oh how i dislike that cliche.
Get ready for a bombardment of cliche-ridden pressers from BL & Bowles….at least with BA we’d get a memorable quote now & then. Even if you disliked BA, you’d have to agree that he was interesting to listen to.
BL….”What I want to do is put players in a position to succeed”
Bowles “Well, it’s the game of football & anything can happen”
Those sorts of comments coming to Bucs’ pressers again soon.
April 3rd, 2022 at 1:01 pm
AB was/is spectacular……but as with so many super-talented people, he’s self-destructive……….others come to mind……Jim Morrison, John Bellushi, Elvis, Aaron Hernandez…..Chris Farley….the list goes on and on.
I just hope things end well for AB……probably won’t.
April 3rd, 2022 at 1:19 pm
True that TBBF, Tyson, Rodman, Ray Rice, John Jones, Peterson, Kamara etc the list is endless. It’s hard to teach self control.
April 3rd, 2022 at 1:33 pm
Definitely feel with the emphasis on “disciplined” that Brady felt there was some focus missing under Arians. I truly feel they got along and were and are friends, perhaps close friends. But the smoke about Brady being dissatisfied with Arians laid back approach and the emphasis on how Bowles is driven and disciplined makes me think there is truth to the rumors. I think Brady wanted a tighter ship in order to come back.
April 3rd, 2022 at 1:39 pm
Total agreement! LFG!!!!
April 3rd, 2022 at 1:50 pm
SOEbuc – “flaming baby diaper years” — LOL! Nice.
April 3rd, 2022 at 1:51 pm
This thread actually has more than the average share of reasonable takes. Golf clap.
April 3rd, 2022 at 2:20 pm
Still think that leftwich is a better option i have 0 faith in bowles
April 3rd, 2022 at 2:42 pm
Ashton, I agree except the BL part. A guy like Flores would have been a nice fit, he has a strong defensive background. The cards you’re dealt. Maybe this whole Brady/Bowles thing could be a winning combination. Let’s face it there were no real role models while at the Jets and he’s not the only coach that’s failed there.
April 3rd, 2022 at 2:56 pm
Bowles is the right person for the Buccaneers. He with his exceptional knowledge of the defense he will add his own ideas in on the offense. Leftwich and Brady will together come up with a game plan for each game. They will present it to the head coach of which he will be presenting his own ideas as he feels needed. He is a very intelligent coach and it will be interesting to watch how and where his leadership leads this team.
April 3rd, 2022 at 2:58 pm
Flores???
Isn’t he the one suing about the entire NFL because his color guarantees him a job?
April 3rd, 2022 at 3:02 pm
I think it’s gonna be a lot like last year.
Another good year.
April 3rd, 2022 at 3:07 pm
One of the huge upsides to Arians’ style of leadership (delegating) is that when he’s absent things can continue to function well without him. (yes…..I’m hearing the “good riddances”)
A manager who relies on this style usually has strong subordinates to delegate responsibilities….not sycophants.
I suspect that the offense & defense will run very well in 2022….
April 3rd, 2022 at 3:09 pm
They’ve battled each other enough in the afc and in training camp to know each other well enough for this to be a no story. It was more about how Todd Bowles will differ in approach from BA being a defensive minded head coach. One more month of his looking back at the past and we can finally move on to who we drafted and talking about the actual season as it seems like local media is having a hard time doing it this time around compared to other head coach changes. Too many people sniffing Tom Brady’s jock strap
April 3rd, 2022 at 3:17 pm
Defense wins championships. Todd needs to get the performance of the D back to end of 2020 standards. They were too often a sieve even when Todd wasn’t calling the defense like a psilocybin-laden nut job. TB can and will be very candid – do not waste another of my comebacks. More importantly, don’t put us in the position to need a comeback.
April 3rd, 2022 at 3:21 pm
Bucsfan13 if you really believe BA did this on his own, then answer me this. Why did bucco Bruce tell the world that he was calling plays next year, and coaching until he couldn’t? Was it all an elaborate ploy to make sure bowles got the job? Now that’s laughable. Why is this so hard for many of you here to understand? Arians had ever intention of coaching this year and into the future. He told you so. Is BA a big fat red faced fib teller? Maybe. I’m sure you think Brady flew to Europe to tell the owner he was coming back. That makes perfect sense. It could’ve been done with a simple phone call, while reducing Brady’s carbon footprint. You only fly to Europe and meet face to face, when the discussion merits it. I’m sure it was a coincidence that Brady announced his return the same day Arians decided his fate.
Let’s go even further. What front office experience does BA have? Zero is the answer. He’s a coach, and has never been given any GM responsibilities. Did they maybe ask his opinion on certain draft picks, maybe. But that’s a far cry from an actual front office job. The bucs have a very competent GM. If you think BA will have any real power in his new found front office position, then you should also believe in the tooth fairy
April 3rd, 2022 at 3:23 pm
This team likely needed to hear a new voice and fresh take to avoid complacency as a whole for such a large group of veteran players, with the benefits of an established, intact coaching staff. Wishing Coach Bowles the best of luck.
April 3rd, 2022 at 3:40 pm
Antonio Brown very possibly cost the Bucs another Lombardi trophy. He can rot in prison somewhere for all I care. Only the most desperate of teams would even consider giving him another chance to play football again. Some people learn from their mistakes. He never does. No respect and no appreciation for the people who went out on a limb for him.
April 3rd, 2022 at 3:50 pm
The new head coach looks forward to working with the greatest quarterback of all time. Stunning.
April 3rd, 2022 at 4:00 pm
1sparkybucs agreed. Just a question. Does BA have any responsibility for how it ended? I’m certainly not defending AB or his actions, but they ate poop from him all year long. How hard would it have been to keep eating for another month? I do think this soured Brady on BA far more than the “red pen” crap. Remember Brady never forgave the pats for cutting AB after one game. The reason the pats cut him was a civil matter settled out of court, and looked more like a disagreement among friends, than anything. Would like to hear your opinion.
April 3rd, 2022 at 4:06 pm
GOB. Get your facts straight if you are going to rant half-crazily. The owners were NOT at the London game. Since they were not there, how could your scenario take place? Arians has also made it VERY clear. He was looking forward to coaching one more year and getting a new QB and reloading the team. When Brady decided to come back and many starters re-signed, he felt like it was a great time to quit. I can see how he changed his mind. Your mind is stuck.
April 3rd, 2022 at 4:11 pm
GOB
There was a big change from when BA made those comments about calling plays etc.
BL stayed in Tampa & Brady came back.
Now, you can certainly question BA’s motivation by retiring….but if his primary motivation at this point in his long career is to leave a legacy for his coaches….he oversaw the promotion of Todd Bowles (minority) to HC & his exit will pave the way for BL to make big strides on his own as an OC…..
If legacy motivated him the timing and the outcome was certainly a success from that standpoint.
April 3rd, 2022 at 4:13 pm
As far as AB & his behavior…….you can’t have it both ways…..
BA is responsible and ran him off (unwarranted)
AB is a complete nutcase that didn’t deserve the second(fifth) chance he got with the Bucs…
Nope….it’s one or the other.
April 3rd, 2022 at 4:30 pm
TB bucfan, I certainly am not defending AB, nor am I defending BAs reaction. My point is if Arians was willing to take this crap all year, why wasn’t he willing to do it a little longer, especially with the stakes. Many here believe, and I’m one of them, that suggests ABs presence would’ve resulted in a different outcome in the divisional loss to the Rams. AB is a cretin, but the NFL is full of guys that have done far worse. Alleged child abuse, and beating up females come to mind.
As far as bowles, he did interview with other teams. Either you believe those interviews were a farce to satisfy the Rooney rule, or those teams didn’t believe he was worthy of a HC gig. Same holds true for BL.
April 3rd, 2022 at 4:34 pm
@GOB. Brady flew to the game with his two sons who are avid soccer fans. Glazers weren’t even there. You watch entirely too much TV.
April 3rd, 2022 at 4:49 pm
Bowles isn’t like Brady at all. More word salad coach speak. Just resign SUH, JPP, honey badger and draft a DL. Oh and bring back Gronk.
April 3rd, 2022 at 4:53 pm
GOB
Whether or not BL & Bowles we granted interviews because of the Rooney rule & were still deemed not worthy of a HC job elsewhere is irrelevant to BA’s decision to leave a legacy…..actually, if Bowles had left..perhaps BA would have stayed….and certainly if BL left, BA would see the need to stay.
As far as AB…..perhaps it was one thing for BA to swallow his $hit all year but it became a red line for him when he was outright insubordinate during a game.
We will likely not know.
Certainly, AB’s presence for the Rams could have changed the outcome….so could several other things…..Wirfs, Godwin….a healthy JPP…..an inch or two from Suh on the last play…..no argument about AB’s value….
April 3rd, 2022 at 6:40 pm
Go look at Brady’s Twitter. He publicly thanked the glazier’s for HOSTING HIM. Keep believing what you want if it makes you sleep better. BA could’ve retired immediately after the season and accomplished the same thing. Why all the disguise? If BA really feared his beloved DC would get a job, than why not retire immediately and secure the bucs HC job for him.
It’s nonsense. If you people really believe this all occurred by happenstance, then you can’t be helped. The reports are all in black and white. Brady would have stayed retired had Arians not been forced out. Of course they are going to deny it. Tell me about BAs big front office role next. I’m sure the quite competent GM they have will listen to a man who has had zero front office duties. Its hush money, pure and simple.
April 3rd, 2022 at 6:42 pm
While my completely innocuous comments await moderation, just in case they are deleted for zero reason, Brady publicly thanked the glazier’s for hosting him!!!!
“Hosting” doesn’t mean you’re there. If your company CEO invites you to sit in the company suite, they are hosting you. That doesn’t mean they are there. Jason Licht said on radio last week that the owners weren’t in the country. Joel Glazer said publicly that owners neither saw nor met with Brady in England. –Joe
April 3rd, 2022 at 7:07 pm
Wow this guy this GOB is worst than me. GOB you are making Proud Bucs Fan a proud fan.
April 3rd, 2022 at 7:56 pm
This is another reason why I can’t wait until Brady leaves . This oppcetion yall have Brady is crazy. Who cares what happened between Brady and BA . This is Brady last year with the bucs so either way he’s done after this season. It is crazy to see this fan base hit a all time low . Yall are talking about a 45 year old quarterback who needs a all-star team on offense to play good. What if Brady sucks this year because ain’t no AB on the roster or Gronk he haven’t signed yet. Yall need to start setting your minds on moving on from Brady because this is it and I can’t wait until Brady retire !!
April 3rd, 2022 at 9:51 pm
He’ll never retire. Brady is playing until Bill belichick is either dead or no longer coaching. It’s a race. Instead of cockroaches and used car salesman being left alive after the nuclear winter, it’ll be Tom and Bill, like Tom and Jerry but different.
April 4th, 2022 at 1:09 am
brady is the head coach on the low…
bowles is his secret assistant of some sort…
BA is refreshment coordinator of the sky box seats…
gronk slaps up anyone who gives coach brady trouble…
ryan griffin carries a cooler at all times with tequila and avocados inside it…
big red is tom’s bodyguard…
mike evans shakes his head like wtf is going in…
godwin says to his wife: “don’t worry babe, they will interview you too when they make the 2022 bucs into an espn 30 for 30”
suh’s like: “dang sh!t is crazy in bucsville, so maybe i should return and fugg around too”
jpp is like: “shiiii you know i’m built for this madness, i want in!!”
April 4th, 2022 at 1:12 am
Oneil — you have obviously been sniffing glue. And not watching Bucs games. But Jameis Winston plays for the Saints. Go to a Saints forum.
April 4th, 2022 at 6:51 am
Goatfarmer. When Brady leaves you can go back to New England. And this don’t have nothing to with Jamies I’m just stating facts!!
April 4th, 2022 at 9:21 am
Oneilbucyall, why would any fan want their 7 time SB winning QB, best of all time, 1st season SB winning QB promote his retirement? Is it because he’s white? It doesn’t make sense, all he does is help the Bucs win and you constantly belittle that fact. When Brady was retired you trashed every QB option other than Trask. Are you that clueless to think Bucs have a chance going to the SB with a rookie QB that hasn’t taken 1 regular season snap? Brady brings you hope and more importantly the Bucs tons of revenue. Get over your prejudices, jump on board and enjoy the ride. Don’t be a hater.
April 4th, 2022 at 11:46 am
Listnfrmafar . I’m all in with the whole team not just 1 player like a lot of yall. Brady is 45 and yall are afraid of moving on from Brady and that’s crazy to me . And yes I can’t wait until Brady leaves because right now he has a lot of the fan base and franchise held hostage. Yall give him all the credit why we win and none of the blame when we lose regardless how bad he played in the game.
April 4th, 2022 at 4:25 pm
patience people.our ships sails have been sown and repaired.our rudder has been replaced.our cannons have been bored,cleaned, refurbished and re-sighted. clear sailing and calm waters ahead.a.b.is an immature klown. and a large ginormous phallus. let brady,bowles cook. hey you matie,get up in the nest…….🏈🔥🔥🔥🔥