Ranking the Best: Tom Brady’s Buccaneers Season Among the All-Time Greats

Former Buccaneers and Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady’s legendary status is undeniable. His achievements speak for themselves, and his standing as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history is universally acknowledged. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, Brady’s excellence is widely recognized.

For many, especially outside of Tampa, Tom Brady’s legacy is often defined by his dominant years with the New England Patriots, where he won six of his seven Super Bowls. It’s a fair association, given the magnitude of his success during that period.

Still, Brady’s tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was remarkable in its own right. In fact, FOX Sports recently ranked the greatest quarterback seasons in NFL history, and Brady’s Bucs performance earned a spot on the list, alongside his 2007 Patriots season, which claimed the top spot.

Via FOX Sports,

“Brady’s second season with Tampa Bay, which came at the age of 44, was one of the best of the seven-time Super Bowl-champion’s career. Throwing for an NFL-high (and career-high) 5,316 yards and 43 touchdowns, Brady led the Buccaneers to a 13-4 record and their first NFC South division title in 14 years. Of course, this came one year after Brady & Co. won Super Bowl LV.”

In a notable snub, Tom Brady’s incredible 2021 season with the Buccaneers – ranked as the sixth-best quarterback season in NFL history – didn’t earn him the MVP award. Despite his impressive stats (43 TDs, 12 INTs, 5,316 yards, 102.1 passer rating), Aaron Rodgers won the award for the second consecutive year, after a strong season with 37 TDs and 4 INTs, in a year where both teams finished with identical 13-4 records.

Brady’s 2021 season with the Buccaneers was remarkable, as he continued to set a winning standard in Tampa Bay, building on the momentum of a Super Bowl win the previous year. Although the Buccaneers fell short of repeating as champions, losing a heartbreaker to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round Playoffs, 30-27. The Rams ultimately went on to win the Super Bowl, while the Green Bay Packers’ season also ended in disappointment with a loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs.