It’s no secret that a comfortable Tom Brady is much better than a Tom Brady under pressure. The numbers back that up, and the Buccaneers have seen it firsthand throughout the 2020 season.
Think back to some of the worst games Tampa Bay has played on this run to Super Bowl LV. That Thursday night loss to the Bears? Brady was sacked three times and hit eight times. The Sunday night debacle against the Saints? New Orleans tallied three sacks and nine quarterback hits. In many ways, the Buccaneer offensive line keeping Brady comfortable has been the key all year long, and the fact that it has done the job well week in and week out is why the team is still alive in the playoffs.