With temperature in the mid- to high 80s and a semi-break in the heat on Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offense and defense worked against each other in the morning and the competition was crisp.
Bringing in a six-time Super Bowl winner in Tom Brady pushes the envelope on competition. He is the ultimate professional, always brings himself every day at a high level and this, in turn, has an influence on his teammates on both sides of the football.
“As you guys know, we were working out, trying to get on the same page because we didn’t have the chance to do OTAs and stuff like that,” said wide receiver Scotty Miller, who was three-years old when Brady came into the league. “I think we meshed well together right away and I’m just trying to learn as much as I can from him.”
Brady’s quickness in getting the ball out of his hand off the snap is legendary. This could be an adjustment for the Buccaneers’ receivers and backs, they have to adjust their mindset to look immediately in their routes because if Brady sees a window, he lets the ball go.
Both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin had over 1,000 yards receiving last season and Brady’s presence means as much this year, assuming they stay healthy. It also means more productivity and efficiency, not to mention potentially more touchdown catches.
“He was making plays today – making really good throws,” said Evans. “He gets fired up just like everybody else. When it comes to routes, he’s very detailed in how he wants us to run certain routes to protect the throw.”
Evans caught a 40-yard pass down the middle from Brady as he used his 6-5 frame to help to shield defenders and make the play.
Miller and 6-7 Justin Watson are two players who are going to provide that needed depth beside of Evans and Godwin. Miller has nifty feet as a slot receiver, while Watson can also use his size to make plays.
“J-Wat – he improves every single year – like the quickness at the line of scrimmage, his routes; he’s more physical; he’s running faster; he catches the ball better,” noted Evans.
Miller caught 13 balls last season for 200 yards. In averaging 15.4 yards per catch, he showed staying power with his quickness and speed. Miller increased his muscle strength during the offseason, as this was a variable that he knew would be paramount for him to take the next step.
“I really tried to focus on that this offseason and now I just have to try and maintain what I built and not lose it with running so much in camp and everything like that,” he said.
As offense went against defense in 11-on-11, there was competition and briskness which ensued with some good natured trash talk. This is what a training camp looks like and it gave Tuesday morning a vibe of excitement that hasn’t been in Tampa Bay since the mid-2Ks.
“There’s a lot of trash talk going on during practice, too,” said head coach Bruce Arians. “I love it – they’re very feisty.”