Antonio Brown Just Got a Blessing in Disguise From the Buccaneers
Following a long path back to the NFL, star wide receiver Antonio Brown has secured his comeback attempt with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brown has a golden opportunity ahead to rekindle his career while helping push the Buccaneers to the Super Bowl. His quest back to NFL stardom may have just taken another promising turn in his direction.
Antonio Brown signs with the Buccaneers
Since the NFL placed an eight-game suspension to begin the 2020 season on Antonio Brown, it was a matter of time before he got his next NFL shot.
The Seattle Seahawks remained prominently in the picture over the last few weeks, but the Buccaneers swiftly stepped forward to work out a deal. The effort was internally pushed by Tom Brady’s strong desire to add the former All-Pro wideout to the mix.
Brown inked a one-year deal worth up to $2.5 million if he reaches his various incentives. His strong connection to Brady was crucial in making the process smooth and quick. The 32-year-old could have the chance to make his debut in Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints.
Things may now have taken a more promising turn for Brown’s redemption attempt with Tampa Bay.
Chris Godwin’s injury could increase Antonio Brown’s role
The Buccaneers have continued to chug forward this season, demonstrating why they could be a serious Super Bowl contender.
However, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Tampa Bay just received a minor setback with Pro Bowl wide receiver Chris Godwin suffering a broken left index finger in the Week 7 win against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The injury puts the Buccaneers without one of their premier offensive weapons for potentially the next couple of weeks. The situation could be a blessing in disguise for Antonio Brown to find his spot in the offense. He will first have to go through a transition period of learning the Buccaneers’ playbook, but the injury may quickly thrust him into a significant offensive role.
Brown already possesses solid on-the-field chemistry with Tom Brady during their brief time together with the New England Patriots. That situation alone could fast track building the trust factor. The entire matter will center on the star wideout quickly adjusting to his new surrounding, but it may be the bridge he needs to establish his role within the game plan.
Buccaneers are in a promising spot
With each passing week, the Buccaneers look more and more like a dominant force in the NFC.
There have been expected bumps along the way due to the transition period for Tom Brady, but the offense has continued to look like a promising juggernaut. Brady has progressively picked up his play, ranking sixth with 1,910 passing yards, second with 18 touchdown passes, and holds a 102.7 passer rating.
The 43-year-old has posted north of a 100 passer rating in four out of his last five games, including recording at least three touchdown passes three times in that stretch. Star wide receiver Mike Evans is currently on pace for a career-high 14 touchdown passes while Rob Gronkowski has posted back-to-back games with at least 60 receiving yards and a touchdown.
The addition of Antonio Brown can only help that effort with another potential elite talent in the fold. The Buccaneers will undoubtedly have their hurdles ahead in the rest of the 2020 season, but the team is on pace to put forth a deep playoff run.
