Simply put, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady played one of the worst games, not just during his current stint under Bruce Arians, but of his career in Sunday's night 38-3 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Brady tossed zero touchdowns and three interceptions — including a confounding duck over the middle in the third quarter that has to be among the most regrettable passes of his football life.

Despite the addition of WR Antonio Brown, Tom Brady completed 22-of-38 passes for 209 yards and had a passer rating of 40.2 against the Saints defense that consistently got pressure on Brady and blanketed his receivers all night.

Article Continues Below
More Buccaneers News
image thumbnail
1 obvious Tampa Bay Buccaneers trade candidate entering 2025 training campEnzo Flojo ·
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles looks on before a game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium.
Buccaneers reward Todd Bowles, Jason Licht with new contractsBen Strauss ·
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) works out at One Buc Place.
Baker Mayfield’s Emeka Egbuka endorsement will fire up Buccaneers fansBenjamin Adducchio ·
One mystery player in the middle, Baker Mayfield, Antoine Winfield Jr around him, Tampa Bay Buccaneers logo in the background
1 perfect Tampa Bay Buccaneers move to fill out roster before 2025 training campEnzo Flojo ·
Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Shilo Sanders (28) works out at One Buc Place.
Buccaneers’ Shilo Sanders roasts Shedeur Sanders over speeding ticketsBenjamin Adducchio ·
IMAGE: Blank player silhouette with nervous emoji face on head in center, Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Benjamin Morrison on left side, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka on right side, Raymond James Stadium (home field of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) in background
3 Buccaneers veterans whose roles will be pushed by rookies in 2025Jordan Llanes ·

Yet, Bruce Arians isn't placing all the blame for the “shocking” loss on Tom Brady. His team was abysmal across the board, one week after a shaky performance against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.

The running game led by Ronald Jones II and Leonard Fournette was nonexistent, as Tampa carried the ball just five times for eight yards.

“When you're down 28, you're not running the ball, the pressure is coming,” Arians said afterwards about his QB's performance. “Still no excuse for interceptions, but he was getting hit. It's definitely not on him.”

The Buccaneers' defense — which entered the game ranked no. 1 in defensive DVOA — was fully shredded by Drew Brees and the New Orleans offense. Brees was 26-for-32 and tossed four touchdowns against zero interceptions.

“They kicked our ass in every phase,” Arians succinctly acknowledged in his postgame remarks.

The Buccaneers have been thoroughly outplayed by New Orleans twice this season. Bruce Arians and Brady will have an opportunity to get back on track next Sunday against the frisky Carolina Panthers.