By Alastair Talbot via Dailymail.com
Updated at 21:00 on September 1, 2023, 22:09 on September 1, 2023
- Smith, 51, doesn’t believe Tampa Bay chose to bring in Baker Mayfield at quarterback
- Led by Tom Brady, the Buccaneers won a Super Bowl and two NFC South titles in three years
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Stephen A. Smith predicts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be the NFL’s worst team next season and says Tom Brady’s departure from the 2020 Super Bowl champion will impact this year’s team.
The American sports analyst began a lengthy monologue during an interview with ESPN’s daily television program “First Take” on the tennis court at the U.S. Open in Queens, New York, reviewing the Buccaneers’ performance last season. This is Brady’s last year before retirement.
“I want to remind everyone that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went into the playoffs last year with an 8-9 record. An 8-9 record,” the 55-year-old said. “That’s when Tom Brady throws the football.”
Smith then provided a reality check to Buccaneers fans hoping to start the post-Brady era with some new quarterback…
“(The Buccaneers) now have Baker Mayfield…I mean stop the media! I don’t know if y’all heard this…stop the media…I mean should we believe it in Tampa Are the Bay Buccaneers about to enter better times now that Baker Mayfield is taking over for Tom Brady?’ Smith added.
‘Are you kidding me? One winning record in five years… One… One winning record in five years…
“(…) Baker Mayfield…not trying to say he’s a scrub…I know he can play…but come on y’all…that’s one perspective on this decline… .
“Not to mention their rushing attack last year was one of the worst in football…why should they be better this year?” Averaged about 3.4 yards per rush…I don’t like them…I don’t at all love them…
“To me … I love Todd Bowles … I respect him deeply … elite coordinators, still have something to prove as a head coach … but when you see Baker Mayfield take over When Tom Brady… I’m sorry… I thought about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and I said “Oh come on, you’re not going anywhere even if Mike Evans is your global receiver. “”
Brady retired in April, but the seven-time NFL champion’s departure hasn’t left the Buccaneers lacking talent.
Bowles said there are plenty of ways to win games in the preseason and the Buccaneers are confident they can remain competitive after winning a Super Bowl and two NFC South titles in Brady’s three years at quarterback.
Mayfield takes over Brady’s old role and relishes the opportunity to start his career under new offensive coordinator Dave Canales.
Evans and Chris Godwin lead a group of capable playmakers around Mayfield.
Bowles is also counting on the veteran defense to return to top-10 form as the Buccaneers aim for a third straight division title.