“Just not good enough” – Tom Brady delivers damning indictment of Buccaneers after shock Panthers loss 

Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell in shocking fashion last week to the Carolina Panthers, 21-3. It was their second loss in a row to teams that could be fighting to get the number one draft pick next spring. For a Super Bowl contender, that kind of play is not inspiring. A 3-4 record through seven weeks isn't what anyone was expecting.

On the Let's Go! podcast, Brady opened up about his team's struggles:

"You don't run from it; you own it. If you don't own it and you don't have awareness of it, then it'll never get better. You have to understand that what we're doing just is not good enough."

The Buccaneers remain in first place, but only due to poor play by the rest of the division. The Panthers' win moved them to one game out of first place at a dispiriting 2-5.

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What can Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers do to improve?

Tom Brady - Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Carolina Panthers

Things have been shockingly difficult for Brady and the Buccaneers this season. Following a 13-4 season last year and a trip to the divisional round, the team has already matched last season's loss totals.

They're fortunate not to have more, as well. The Atlanta Falcons nearly beat them, which would have them at a startling 2-5 right now. The offense is the reason they've struggled so much, which is a surprise given the talent they have. Despite all of that, they need more in several positions.

They have loads of talent at wide receiver, but the offense has still struggled. Perhaps a trade for D.J. Moore, Jerry Jeudy or K.J. Hamler could help. Odell Beckham Jr. isn't healthy yet, but he would make a difference down the stretch.

New York Jets v Denver Broncos

Disgruntled Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers could be another target, too. The Buccaneers defense has been fine this year, as they have been for the past few seasons.

They are certainly missing Rob Gronkowski following his retirement, but he's not coming back any time soon. Denver Broncos tight end Albert Okwuegbunam could be an interesting option if they pursue help there, too.

The Buccaneers have a good team. Fortunately, their divisional opponents are struggling too, which has allowed them to lose without dipping in the standings. But that won't last forever and they have to do something to change their fortunes. It will be interesting to see if Tampa Bay dip into the trade market before as the deadline creeps closer.