Bucs reporter slams talk of rift between Tom Brady, Bruce Arians

Former NFL offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger is not backing down from his claim that there were significant issues between Tom Brady and Bruce Arians this past season, but one longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneers reporter says the information is totally fabricated.

Ohrnberger, who was drafted by the New England Patriots and played for three different teams from 2009-2014, tweeted this week that Arians had irritated Brady by undermining the offensive gameplans Brady and offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich put together. Arians bashed the rumor on Saturday and called it “so far-fetched.” You can read the coach’s full comments here.

Rather than backing down, Ohrnberger doubled down. He followed up by saying he has “impregnable sources” who told him Arians worked a lot less in 2021 while recovering from his Achilles injury. He also reiterated that Arians often took a figurative red pen to the work Brady and Leftwich had done. Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times then took a red pen to Ohrnberger’s reporting.

…the two years Brady played here. He led the NFL in passing and TDs. If it’s news to you Arians relies on his coaching staff at age 69 and doesn’t game plan you’re late to the party. They worked out some things during the bye week a YEAR ago. WON a Super Bowl.

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) February 20, 2022

The “much lighter work schedule” is by design. He’s not getting in at 3:30 AM to do practice scripts. That’s the job of Leftwich and Todd Bowles. 29 wins in two season, 5-1 playoff record, SB, NFC South title. Hard to imagine a better run for Brady.

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) February 20, 2022

That’s yet another reason not to believe Ohrnberger’s information, no matter how adamant he has been. If something were amiss in Tampa this past season, Stroud would almost certainly know about it.

Of course, the Brady-Arians rumor may not even be the most noteworthy one Ohrnberger started this week.

Photo: Sep 9, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts after defeating the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports