NFL power rankings: Where 49ers stand among 2022 playoff teams
By Peter Panacy
NFL power rankings, Wild Card weekend: No. 3 (Buccaneers)
. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 3. team. 48. . 13-4
It’s the age-old lesson that’s been with us for almost the entire century: Never count Tom Brady out until he’s officially out.
And once more, Brady has out-touchdowned his age, currently sitting at 45 (43 passing and two rushing), which is quite the feat for the 44 year old who isn’t showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Yes, the Buccaneers had a distraction with former wide receiver Antonio Brown, but that didn’t put too much of a dent in the Bucs finishing with the league’s No. 2 scoring offense this season.
True, losing fellow wideout Chris Godwin for the rest of the year with an ACL tear will hurt. But that’s offset by the still-standout play from fellow receiver Mike Evans and tight end Rob Gronkowski, and it’s likely we’ll see plenty of “Playoff Lenny” running back Leonard Fournette this postseason, too.
Sure, Tampa Bay’s defense might have leaked some oil this season, particularly within the secondary. But it wouldn’t be a bad bet to assume the Buccaneers are going to be right back in the NFC Championship game in a few weeks.
That’s just what Brady does.