After the heartbreaking loss to Rams by Buccaneers, Tom Brady leaves retirement rumors in limbo

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going home early after a stunning loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp delivered in crunch time after LA nearly blew the game with a series of miscues.

Tom Brady came roaring back from a 27-3 deficit to tie the game with under a minute left, but Matt Gay’s game-winner sent the Rams sideline into pandemonium — and the Tampa Bay sideline in disbelief. Before the game, reports swirled about Brady’s possible retirement lingering, and after the loss, the legendary quarterback didn’t confirm or deny those reports.

Instead, he left everybody in limbo as the entire NFL awaits the decision of #12.

Tom Brady doesn’t confirm or deny retirement plans after stunning loss to the Rams

Both Adam Schefter of ESPN and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that there is a very real possibility of Brady retiring. Yes, as hard as it is to believe, perhaps Brady’s long reign atop the NFL charts is over.

However, the man himself didn’t give away his decision after the loss (h/t Mike Giardi of NFL Network).

“I haven’t a put a lot of thought into it. So, we’ll just take it day by day and see where we’re at.”

Tom Brady on possible retirement

On the surface, these comments aren’t entirely surprising. Brady was expecting to win and was hoping to get back to the Super Bowl once again.

Instead, the Buccaneers’ offense fell flat out of the gate before a furious comeback almost sent the Rams home early. Still, Brady played all season at a high level and was just one of two quarterbacks to eclipse the 5,000-yard mark during the regular season — with Justin Herbert as the other.

There is no denying Brady can still perform, and it took a long list of Tampa Bay injuries and lack of pass-catchers to be eliminated from the NFL Playoffs.

Bruce Arians isn’t rushing Brady on making his decision, but the Buccaneers HC will be back in 2022

Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians was also non-committal on Brady returning for the 2022 season. Of course, he would love to have Brady under center, but he insisted that there is no rush.

While Brady’s decision remains in limbo, Arians will be back next season.

That’s a bit of reassurance for Tampa Bay, especially with so many key free-agent decisions coming for them — with Rob Gronkowski and Chris Godwin being others. Center Ryan Jensen is also eligible for free agency and Leonard Fournette.

Nonetheless, the decision by Brady will be one to watch all offseason long. If he does hang it up, the Buccaneers will need to rush to find another signal-caller that can bring them back to the playoffs and hopefully another Super Bowl appearance.

Once again, a lot hinges on Brady’s decision.

#12 can still produce at a high level and should run it back for at least one more season with Tampa Bay

Yes, 44 years old is unheard of for an NFL player — especially a quarterback. However, Brady is an exception. He didn’t skip a beat this season, instead setting more NFL records en route to an NFC South crown.

It was rough to begin the game against the Rams, but Brady put together another unbelievable season.

Could he play another season? There is no question about it.

The question is, does he want to play one more season?

For now, retirement is lurking for Brady, and the future Hall of Fame QB will take his time deciding what’s next. The entire Buccaneers fan base — and much of the NFL — will be holding its breath until he announces his intentions for the 2022 season.

Stats Courtesy of Pro Football Reference

RELATED: What the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Plan of Attack Must Be for the 2022 NFL Offseason

The post Tom Brady Leaves Retirement Rumors in Limbo After Buccaneers Heartbreaking Loss to Rams: ‘I Haven’t Put a Lot of Thought Into It’ appeared first on Sportscasting | Pure Sports.

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By: Matthew Wadleigh
Title: Tom Brady Leaves Retirement Rumors in Limbo After Buccaneers Heartbreaking Loss to Rams: ‘I Haven’t Put a Lot of Thought Into It’
Sourced From: www.sportscasting.com/tom-brady-leaves-retirement-rumors-in-limbo-after-buccaneers-heartbreaking-loss-to-rams-i-havent-put-a-lot-of-thought-into-it/
Published Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2022 17:41:05 +0000

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