Tom Brady reached another career milestone in Week 18, but it’s not one he wants to be remembered for.
For the first time in his 23-year career, Brady finished the regular season with a losing record when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell to the Atlanta Falcons, 30-17, on Sunday.
The Buccaneers finished the season 8-9, which is Brady’s worst record as a starting quarterback since the 2002 season when the New England Patriots finished 9-7.
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Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drops back to pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
When you think about it, the fact that it took so long for a Brady-led team to come up with a losing record is pretty impressive. And Tampa is still headed for the playoffs after winning the AFC South last week despite their record.
Regardless, Brady didn’t play much in this contest as the Buccaneers were cautious with their starters. Some wondered if Brady would play since his No. 4 seed was already locked up for next week’s wild-card matchup.
TOM BRADY SHARES A MESSAGE OF SUPPORT FOR DAMAR HAMLIN, MAKES A DONATION TO HER CHARITY
Brady got the Bucs’ first five drives before being taken out of the game, and started the game with a strong touchdown drive that ended with an 8-yard pass to tight end Kyle Rudolph to go up 7–0.
The only other drive he scored came on a methodical 14-play, 52-yard drive down the field that ended with a Ryan Succop field goal to tie the game at 10 apiece.
Brady finished the game 13 of 17 for 84 yards with his lone touchdown, and will focus on facing the No. 5 seed, either the Philadelphia Eagles or the Dallas Cowboys.
Drake London #5 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Blaine Gabbert replaced Brady and orchestrated a five-play touchdown drive after the Bucs clinched a sack fumble on rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder. Gabbert found Russell Gage Jr. for three yards to go up 17-10.
But those are the only points Tampa could get since they went scoreless in the second half as the Falcons went to work.
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Ridder was able to find MyCole Pruitt in the first quarter for six points, but was unable to sustain a drive until the second half began. He made nine plays for 69 yards that ended with a Younghoe Koo field goal, and after a Bucs three-and-out, Ridder had an impressive 14-play drive that saw a touchdown run to Olamide Zaccheaus to take the lead.
The Falcons would score on every second half drive before running out on the clock late in the fourth quarter. Cordarrelle Patterson found the end zone on a 2-yard run after Zaccheaus’ touchdown, and Koo added a 51-yard field goal to make it 30-17.
Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers jumps onto the field before kickoff against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
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Ridder finished his final game of his rookie season 19 of 30 for 224 yards with two touchdowns. Rookie running back Tyler Allgeier had 135 rushing yards on 24 carries. Drake London also surpassed 100.