The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 last night, putting the cap on an amazing postseason run. The Buccaneers dominated this game from the jump, and they imposed their will on the Chiefs. The Buccaneers coaching staff put together an all-time gameplan that reminded me of the Patriots’ 2018 gameplan in the AFC Championship. The Buccaneers were able to get pressure on Patrick Mahomes without blitzing, and the pass rush had a great day. They also took away the sideline on the Chiefs, and they kept everything in the middle of the field. The Chiefs were unable to get their playmakers in space, and the Buccaneers were able to gang tackle in the middle of the field.
The Buccaneer’s defense was the most important part of this game because they shut down an all-time great offense. I was blown away watching the Chiefs’ offense struggle because they have been virtually unstoppable the last two years. Todd Bowles deserves credit because he had a great gameplan for this game. This defensive performance is on the same level as the 2001 Patriots stopping the greatest show on turf and the 2007 Giants stopping the undefeated Patriots.
Now to get to Tom Brady, he had an excellent game, and I think it was his third-best performance in his 7 Super Bowl victories. Brady was locked in, and he had that offense ready to go. The Brady effect was in full force this game because you could feel the confidence the Buccaneers were playing with. Brady put together a vintage performance as he utilized his strengths in this game. Brady took advantage of the Chiefs’ weak linebackers and safeties by utilizing Rob Gronkowski and the running backs. Brady completed 10 total passes to Rob Gronkowski and Leonard Fournette for 113 yards and 2 touchdowns. That was the key to the game for the Buccaneers because they dominated the middle of the field, and the Chiefs had no answer.
Brady finished 21/29 for 201 yards with 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. He also finished with a 125.8 passer rating, his highest ever in a Super Bowl. I think this was his third-best performance in his 7 Super Bowls because he was efficient and he played mistake-free. The last time Brady didn’t have a turnover in a Super Bowl victory was 2004. Brady completed the best postseason run in NFL history as he won four straight road games against two top 5 defenses, and three MVP’s in Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, and Patrick Mahomes, at age 43! He also put up historic numbers as the Buccaneers were the first team to score 30 or more points in four consecutive games in one postseason.
Brady has solidified himself as the greatest athlete of all time, and it’s not even close. Brady’s 7-3 Super Bowl record and 5 Super Bowl MVPs are unprecedented, and we will never see anything like this again. The longevity also gives him the edge because he essentially has three Hall Of Fame careers. Brady is not slowing down as he has finished this season 2nd in quarterback grade, according to Pro Football Focus. The Buccaneers are built to repeat and with the greatest athlete of all time, anything is possible.
Thompson's Takes 