TAMPA, Florida. – If there was more speculation about a possible break between Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady and coach Bruce Arians — speculation largely derived from outside Tampa Bay — Brady seemed to end it Thursday.
He and Arians were supposed to go golfing together during their dismissal week, but were unable to do so because the NFL considered it would violate COVID-19 protocols, which do not allow rallying of personnel. equipment outside the installation.
Asked about his plans and what it’s been like to meet Arians on a more personal level, Brady said, “I think we have a great relationship. From the moment I got here, we’ve had a fantastic dialogue and I certainly appreciate the whole view. that it offers me and the way to train and direct “.
Brady acknowledged the obstacles to trying to build genuine relationships in Tampa during the COVID-19 era. He got to spend time with teammates during private practice at Berkeley Prep this summer, but coaches were not allowed in those workouts nor were they allowed to meet face-to-face with players until they showed up. on the training ground and relegated their interaction. especially in video chats.
“It’s been a different year for all of us dealing with these kinds of circumstances where you would normally have opportunities to get to know us in a different way,” Brady said. “One thing that’s hard for everyone around the facility is that you don’t get one-on-one with anyone [and] you don’t get any personal time where you would be sitting talking and eating together. There is no close contact, so each conversation is very different from what has been done in the past. We are making the most of it. “
As for Arians specifically, Brady emphasized that the two communicate well and is pleased with his agreement, which he says is based on honesty.
“It is very open [and] honest dialogue about how we think [and] certainly, how can I be more effective, “Brady said.” Whatever question you have, we always have a great open line of communication. I really like meeting him and I have a great admiration for him as a coach, as a man, for what he is off the field and for how he commands and directs the team. “