Tom Brady. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Bill Simmons offers critique of Tom Brady's broadcast debut

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated Sep 9, 2024 2:56 PM ET

Suffice it to say, Tom Brady's broadcasting debut was rough. But Bill Simmons knows exactly what he wants to hear the next time No. 12 is on the call.

The Ringer CEO and Massachusetts native addressed Brady's inaugural appearance on Fox Sports during the Cleveland Browns vs. Dallas Cowboys game. The biggest thing missing from the big TV debut, in Simmons' opinion? Brady's expertise.

"The thing I care most about from Brady is the quarterback's perspective," Simmons said. "Deshaun [Watson] was an absolute nightmare in that game. And it's like, 'walk us through what you're seeing. What's wrong with Deshaun? Why is he not the same guy he was four years ago?'"

"It was a rough debut, to say the least."@BillSimmons and @TheCousinSal react to Tom Brady's debut in the broadcast booth. pic.twitter.com/I1qSIks8lh
— The Ringer (@ringer) September 9, 2024

Brady's appearance has been widely criticized for showcasing his lack of on-camera chops, particularly when it came to long pauses in the commentary. Simmons, like others who have discussed Brady's debut, thinks it may be a case of the seven-time Super Bowl champ being a bit over zealous.

"I think he was trying to do so many things and he was so over-prepared that he forgot the part... 'we're supposed to be hanging out watching a football game with Tom Brady,'" Simmons said.

BREAKING: Tom Brady has arrived in SoFi stadium as he is making his BROADCASTING DEBUT TODAY, calling #Rams, #Cowboys.

THIS SHOULD BE A LOT OF FUN to hear TB12 in the booth calling an NFL game.

pic.twitter.com/DE9wemrPgH
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) August 11, 2024

Brady still didn't have as rough of a season-opener as Watson, who only completed 24-of-45 pass attempts and threw two interceptions in a 33-17 loss to the Cowboys.

Watson will get a chance to right the ship when the Browns visit the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. Brady will also be back in action, taking the booth in the Lone Star State when the Cowboys host the New Orleans Saints.

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