Cory's Corner: Desperation Is A Risky Opponent
Tom Brady is out to prove that he still belongs.
One of the most unpredictable human elements is desperation.
I really like the Packers tomorrow afternoon. Aaron Rodgers is having fun orchestrating the best offense and arguably best team in the NFL.
But Tom Brady is desperate. The 43-year-old needs this win exponentially more than Rodgers. He needs it to prove that he can win without Bill Belichick, to prove that he still has gas left in the tank and to prove that he still has the ability to lead men.
I mean when was the last time Brady was a home underdog? Granted, the Packers are only favored by one, but nobody expects much out of Brady. The Bucs have both of their starting receivers less than 100 percent and his offensive line has been Swiss cheese.
Brady is tied for fifth in the league by absorbing 17 hits this year, while Rodgers only has six. In 2018, Brady suffered 39 hits and last year he had 37. He is on pace to take 54 hits this year. Now, age aside, that's a lot of 260-pound plus men throwing you to the turf.
In Tampa, which is a laid-back town, they are still talking about how Brady verbally dressed down his teammates, even though the Bucs appear to still be mired in preseason mode after leading the league in penalties.
Brady knows that he's in the twilight of his career, he just doesn't want the sun to set just yet. That's why Brady has the sense of urgency to prove that he can still play. He sees that Rodgers is having an MVP season in Year 2 of Matt LaFleur's system and he wants to taste championships again.
"Barring major injury, I think these guys can play until they're 45, as long as their arm holds up," said Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians to the Tampa Bay Times. "With sports science adn all the stuff that these guys are doing to stay in shape and keeping their arms strong, I don't see — unless their legs go — why they couldn't play until they're 45."
With the amount of hits that Brady has suffered so far combined with Tampa Bay's 3-2 record, he has turned into a desperate man. The Packers are the more complete team with two capabale running backs, a dynamic wide receiver and tight end solid pass rushers.
Yet, this game is going to be very close because Brady wants the sun to keep shining on his his career.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (19)
ricky
October 17, 2020 at 07:03 am
The game should be close, but not because Brady will somehow pull off a return to his glory years. Instead, the Tampa Bay defense is ranked second in the league, and is especially strong against the run. And if their front four can put pressure on Rodgers, and keep him from moving laterally out of the pocket, this could make for a long day for the Packers offense. Meanwhile, Ronald Jones last week averaged over six YPC against a very tough Bears defense. The problem was the passing game, Brady going 25 of 41 for about 250 yards. If this turns into a defensive struggle, Tampa has the edge, and Brady will be an afterthought.
PackfanNY
October 17, 2020 at 07:50 am
Ricky, don’t forget that Vita Vea was having a good season but he is now on IR. His loss will certainly hurt their run defense. Much like the Packers would be without Kenny Clark, I think we need to test the middle of that defense that is now without Vea.
Thegreatreynoldo
October 18, 2020 at 02:51 am
Eddie Goldman of the Bears opted out. It is no secret that the Bear run defense isn't close to the same without him. Chicago is 16th in the league against the run in terms of yards allowed per game. CHI gives up 4.4 yds per carry. GB allows 4.8.
Chicago still has a good defense, though.
arthurl
October 17, 2020 at 07:12 am
I doubt there is any defense that can dominate GBs offensive line, especially the left side. With few fans to contend with noise, Rodgers will probably control the line of scrimmage. With all the motion and deception GB is doing, the Bucs defense will be on their guard. Now Brady might light up GBs defense. Close game if Brady does that. GB will score points, probably just enough for the win.
Lphill
October 17, 2020 at 07:21 am
Gary needs to have a big game aside from the Smiths , the Packers have to score early and often to take away the Buc 's running game if they let the Buc's establish the running game and keep Rodgers on the bench that will be a problem.
JohnnyLogan
October 17, 2020 at 09:15 am
Gary is not likely one of the major keys to this game. He's a long way from a difference-maker. He occasionally gets near the QB, like dozens of other rushers in the league, but as of yet, he's proven nothing. He has one pass rush move, is useless when playing inside because he's too small, and useless when Pettine drops him into coverage because he's too stiff. My hope is that he plays very little and Pettine lets P. Smith rush more and give Keke more of the inside play. As you can tell I'm not a Gary fan... yet. Hope I become one but so far I don't see what all the excitement is about.
Spock
October 17, 2020 at 12:23 pm
JL, Disagree that Gary only has one move as last year, yes, he only had the bull rush but he is reported to have worked on other moves in the off-season. I recall one of his big plays this year was using Reggie Whites "club" move successfully. That said, I don't see Gary as being a needed factor in this upcoming game.
blacke00
October 17, 2020 at 07:44 am
IMHO, for this game the Packers "have to pass to set up the run" not the other way around. They should do it early in order to keep the Buc's LBs out of the "box".
The Bears scored 20 points on the Buc's defense and the Bear's offense is no great shakes. The Packers can win this game if they play their cards right
mnbadger
October 17, 2020 at 07:53 am
Cory, one more thought about desperation. It leads to bad decisions. Our secondary needs to catch the balls they get their hands on. Packers 37-27. GPG
JonathanSpader
October 17, 2020 at 11:15 am
Look at Atlanta's desperation and starting Julio who got reinjured.
TarynsEyes
October 17, 2020 at 10:18 am
If you allow the actions of the desperate to alter how you act, then you have already lost to the desperation you've created for yourself.
PeteK
October 17, 2020 at 06:25 pm
Where were you during my first marriage. LOL
GatorJason
October 18, 2020 at 01:22 am
Taryn, agree. Not sure why all the thumbs down. Probably because the concept was a little too deep and you did not mansplain it clear enough. Go Pack Go!
Leatherhead
October 17, 2020 at 10:29 am
Tampa defense has faced two good offensive teams and given up 30+ both times. San Diego did it with a rookie QB. Nick Foles and the Bears got 20. I’m not entirely sold on Tampa’s defense. IF the Packers score 30, and we win, then Tampa will be 3-3 and will have given up 30+ points in half their games. Hardly a juggernaut . Tampa’s wins have come against teams with a combined 5-9 record.
HighPlainsDrifter
October 17, 2020 at 10:53 am
Cory - This article is a splendid example of your outstanding ability to recognize things outside of the normal sports writing realm. I consistently enjoy your perspective and the wordsmithing you use to express it. Thank you for yet another outstanding column.
Ferrari-Driver
October 17, 2020 at 11:23 am
So many people expect the Packers to struggle against the Bucs, but I simply don't see that happening. Our offensive line is not only solid, but dominating against defensive pass rushes and you can expect to see the Packers offense moving the ball and scoring often. I also see another big edge for the Packers in time of possession. Look for a final score in the neighborhood of 31-17 with the Packers winning with ease by a two touchdown margin.
Packers0808
October 17, 2020 at 11:45 am
Packers by 17!
Starrbrite
October 17, 2020 at 02:04 pm
Outstanding article!!
PeteK
October 17, 2020 at 06:23 pm
Brady will see plenty of sun as he's lying on his arse.