Tom Brady checked out of Patriots’ offense after 2018 loss to Steelers?

There are a number of reasons why Tom Brady ended up leaving New England this offseason, and both sides are to blame for different issues. Brady probably wanted more love and respect shown by the Patriots and didn’t get the contract offer he sought. The Patriots always gave Brady less than his market value in order to win, didn’t give him great weapons, and probably low-balled him to start their contract negotiations.

Boston Sports Journal’s Greg Bedard wrote a recent article on Brady’s departure from the Patriots, comparing it to how many other great quarterbacks left their teams.

In the article, Bedard says Brady was intent on making sure he orchestrated his separation from the Patriots rather than letting Bill Belichick dictate it. Bedard also said that Brady “largely checked out in 2018 after the loss to Pittsburgh and hated how the offense pivoted to a more run-based attack.”

That infamous loss to the Steelers came after a loss to the Dolphins on a miracle play the previous week. The game effectively ended after Brady threw four straight incompletions in Steelers territory down 17-10. Three of the incompletions were intended for Rob Gronkowski.

The Patriots ended up winning the Super Bowl, but Brady was hearing it from the doubters then. He only threw for two touchdowns and three interceptions in the three playoff wins.

There has also been some recent talk that Brady had issues with Josh McDaniels, though Brady disputed that.

Brady probably had been thinking about his exit as he got later and later in his Patriots career. His camp even made it public last year that the quarterback wasn’t set on returning to New England.

Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski have teamed up yet again! Treat yourself or a friend with this great Tampa Fiesta shirt. You can buy it here.

H/T Barstool Sports