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For the first time since Randy Moss was a member of the New England Patriots, Tom Brady is going to have a complete arsenal of offensive weapons at his disposal when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers kick things off in the 2020 NFL season.
Not that having players like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Ronald Jones, O.J. Howard, Cameron Brate, and Rob Gronkowski is going to make it easy for Brady. At least according to the newly retired Eli Manning.
During an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio this week, Manning said about Tompa Brady, “I think it’s gonna be tough for him, just the fact he can’t be doing everything he wants to be doing with the team and getting ready. Obviously they have some playmakers at receiver there, when you got talented receivers it makes it a little bit easier to get on the same page with ’em.
“It will be interesting how it all plays out and how quickly he can just adjust to a new organization and new players and new offense, all those new things, especially with the limited timing he’s gonna have being with them.”
Manning does, however, have high hopes for second year Giants quarterback Daniel Jones.
“I think it will be easier this year for him to kinda step up as that leader,” said Manning. “Last year was probably awkward for him, me being there, me being in meeting rooms and just kinda the whole dynamic. Me being gone and hey, he is the quarterback, he is the guy, for him to have that control and the authority over receivers and offensive line.
“I think he’s proven to be tough and works hard, he’s done all the right things, he has gone in with that approach of keeping his head down and not saying more than he has to, working hard and earning the respect from the teammates. Now he can elevate that where now he’s in charge. The questions are coming to him from the coordinator, he’s gonna have to give his voice and his opinion on things.”
Manning also says he like the Giants’ hire of former Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett.
“I have competed against Coach Garrett and his teams most of my career and have a great respect for him and as an offensive mind and a Jersey guy,” said Manning. “I think he’ll do a wonderful job. And Coach Judge will get the team going back in the right direction. I think they’re headed in the right way.”
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As for what his plans are now that he’s unemployed, Eli said, “I’ve never had a fall off, whether it’s fall golf or travel or see some Ole Miss football games or travel around with the Giants and see some of their games. Be around the kids a little bit more on weekends and be involved in some of the fall sports, which I’ve kinda missed. Been blessed to be in this situation and try to take advantage of it for a year.”