Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady was outspoken earlier in the offseason about the NFL rule change allowing defensive players to wear single-digit numbers. The rule applies for offensive players not on the line as well.
With the season opener between the Buccaneers and the Cowboys set for Thursday, Brady spoke out again, ripping into the rule via the Tampa Bay Times.
“The number rule is crazy,” Brady said. “Literally, guys changed their numbers today. I’m playing two guys who had different numbers in the preseason. So, yeah you’ve got to watch film and know who you’re studying but so do running backs. They’ve got to know who to block. So does the offensive line. So does the receivers who are adjusting their routes based on blitzes.”
It's an interesting point from the Buccaneers' signal caller, and he does bring up some valid points. He continued, comparing it to offensive linemen if they got to change their numbers.
“It would be like saying, ‘What if I let the offensive linemen wear 82 and No. 9?’ They wouldn’t know who was eligible. Well that’s not fair. You’ll get your tail kicked. At least identify who the D-line, the linebackers and the safeties are. You’re going to have a lot of matchups where guys are blocking the wrong guys. I don’t know why that should be.”
Not many quarterbacks have been outspoken at all about the rule change, but it has clearly struck a chord with the Buccaneers' QB1. He believes the Cowboys' defense has the advantage going into their matchup.
“So one guys has got a 6, one guy has 11, one guy has got a 9. And they change every play when you break your routes and get to your spot. It’s going to be a very challenging thing. It’s a good advantage for the defense, which that’s what it is.”
The Buccaneers and Cowboys will kick off the NFL season on Thursday night.
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