Tampa Bay Buccaneers are winning with more than just Tom Brady

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can thank Tom Brady for the belief. However, the team is now more than a team counting on their quarterback as they head into Super Bowl 55.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are headed to only the team’s second Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. When looking back to the end of last season, it would be hard to imagine where the team is now. This was an organization that had not made the playoffs since 2007.

The Buccaneers also ended last season with no quarterback. Even though Jameis Winston threw 33 touchdowns and for over 5,000 yards it was clear the Bucs would move on. Winston was turnover-prone and threw 30 interceptions. Many of his turnovers were backbreakers or momentum shifters.

Everything changed when Tom Brady was brought in to be the team’s starting quarterback. The belief that there was more for the team began to take shape on that day. We saw this come to fruition during the playoffs. The team had trust in Brady and in each other.

Tom Brady is one of the greatest winners of all time but he did not put the Buccaneers on his back and bring them to the Super Bowl on his own. He was impressive in the Wild Card Round against Washington. Brady was average against New Orleans, but he made the plays when the team needed it most. Against Green Bay, he threw interceptions in the second half that could have derailed the team.

Tom Brady isn’t the only reason for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ success.

However, this is a different Buccaneers team than it was last season. Despite inconsistent play in the regular season, the team has flipped a switch in the playoffs. The defense has been physical and opportunistic. Although not dominating, the defense had made big plays to help shift momentum. They have also been able to harass opposing quarterbacks during the team’s three-game playoff stretch.

Offensively, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers became a unit of more than just the quarterback. Leonard Fournette emerged in the playoffs. Combining Fournette with Ronald Jones has given the Buccaneers a damaging running attack.

The Buccaneers have been able to wear down defenses to keep games from getting out of hand and also to help them close games. Fournette has also given Brady a short-yardage outlet on passing plays.

Even though Tom Brady is getting all of the headlines, he would be the first to let everyone know he couldn’t do it alone. He definitely hasn’t. However, his influence should not be questioned. It is hard to imagine how this team would have played at New Orleans and Green Bay with another starting quarterback.

When Brady threw a horrible interception after a blitz on Sunday, the team did not hang their heads the same way it did last season. The belief in each other is now there. Now they get to play the Super Bowl at home.