Carlton Davis shares bold warning about post-Tom Brady Buccaneers

Cornerback Carlton Davis certainly isn't lacking confidence regarding the 2023 Tampa Bay Buccaneers following the retirement of quarterback Tom Brady. 

"We’re about to do it to ‘em," Davis told Tyler Dunne of Go Long. "Anybody who feels we’ve lost Tom — and lost something — is going to be in for a rude awakening. A rude awakening. Tom was a great addition for us, but obviously, it’s a team sport. Obviously, you need components to be successful. We still have those components. And I’m only getting better." 

Brady famously closed his first season with the Buccaneers by guiding them to a Super Bowl title in February 2021 but visibly wasn't the same player last fall as he dealt with his divorce from Gisele Bündchen after 13 years of marriage. Tampa Bay signed 2018 first-overall draft pick Baker Mayfield early this offseason, and Mayfield is on track to start over 2021 second-round choice Kyle Trask when the Buccaneers open the upcoming campaign at the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 10. 

"We’re going to wreck s---," Davis continued. "Like, wreck s---. Interceptions. Turnovers. Plays will be made. I will say. Plays. Will. Be. Made." 

In January 2021, the Brady-led Buccaneers earned road wins at the now-Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers before they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV. This past January, Tampa Bay won the NFC South title with a lackluster 8-9 record. 

"And our f------ division is worse than what it was before," Davis remarked. "So, we run through the division. Get to the playoffs. Run through the playoffs and it’s the Super Bowl." 

As of Thursday afternoon, OddsChecker listed the Buccaneers as overwhelming betting underdogs at +850 odds to claim the division crown for the upcoming season. Davis clearly views such takes as bulletin-board material ahead of training camp, but it remains to be seen if his faith will help Tampa Bay stun many in the NFL community with Brady seemingly retired for good.