EXCLUSIVE: "Don't count Brady out" - Ex NFL HC Mike Smith reveals the big reason why Buccaneers could end up being contenders in the postseason

Tom Brady is back in the playoffs with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, just as he has been for the last 20 years. He has missed the postseason only once in his career, so this development should not have been surprising. However, the way they made it through definitely was.

The Bucs have an 8-8, record and the only reason they are already through is because they had an incredibly weak division in which to contend. The NFC South was desperately poor, but Tampa Bay could only play what was in front of the Bucs and Brady and he has now made it to the postseason.

Despite Tampa Bay's less-than-impressive performances, former Falcons coach Mike Smith believes that the Buccaneers and their quarterback have a great chance of making it all the way in the playoffs and will be definitive contenders. He said his biggest reason is the return of Tom Brady’s Mike Evans connection, which got going in their last game. On Sportskeeda's "The BallFather Podcast," he said:

"It was a big win for Tampa Bay. ... You know, they clinched the worst division in the NFL, but we gotta keep them in context. But I can say this, you know, the Brady-to-Evans connection is back."

He pointed out the ridiculous stats that saw the quarterback go over 400 yards in passing and the receiver having more than 200 receiving yards.

"I mean, you know, Mike went crazy," Smith said. "He went, I think he had 10 for 207 yards and three touchdowns. And Brady had another 400-yard game to, you know, to his resume with I think it was 435 yards and three touchdowns."

He also added another big factor that could help the Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

"And guess what? Reg, these guys get to, you know, they get to host the home game. You know, even with the record that they have, they are division champs. And I can tell you what everybody's thinking: Don't count Brady out."

Mike Smith under no illusion of Tom Brady's prowess and importance to the Buccaneers

This is not the first time the former NFL coach has highlighted the Buccaneers quarterback's clutch playing ability. He recently highlighted his unbelievable record where he went for 20 years and over 200 games without a loss in the last two minutes of the final quarter when leading a game.