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Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers slipped to 5-6 on Sunday after a shocking overtime loss to the Cleveland Browns. It's been a surprisingly poor year for both Brady and the team and they are searching for answers.
Following the latest loss, the quarterback admitted that he was losing sleep over the season and each agonizing Buccaneers loss. He mentioned the loss and the overall season on the Let's Go! podcast.
Brady said that he is responsible for the Buccaneers' losses:
"Well, I think it's consistency for so many positive plays and then undone by kind of untimely mistakes by our team. And it's not one player, it's not one position. Football's the ultimate team sport. I've always believed as a leader, you always take the blame and you always give the credit."
He admitted that he felt like he had a chance to win but came up short:
"I had a chance to hit Mike [Evans] down the sideline in overtime to win the game. And, you know, I didn't get it done."
He also added that he and the Buccaneers need more determination:
"We're going to have to keep fighting and keep working hard and the preparation leading up to the game. And it just takes more determination at this point. You can give in to the outside noise and everyone telling you, Oh, it's not your fault, it's someone else's fault."
Brady harshly admonished that way of thinking:
"I think that's B.S. It is your fault when you lose and you take it personally when you lose and you shouldn't sleep at night when you lose. And you should only think about what you need to do to help the team more. And, you know, that's what I lay in bed at night after games thinking about. And it's a tough situation to be in, have a losing record, but that's our reality and we haven't done anything to earn more than that."
The team is clinging to a half-game lead over the Atlanta Falcons. Both the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints are just one game behind the Falcons.
Will the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win the NFC South?
Even though they have struggled mightily, the NFC South is the worst division in football this season.
They're 5-6 and still in first place. None of the other three teams look like contenders and while the Bucs don't either, they're much closer to it. It will require better play from everyone, not just Brady, but they should still be expected to take the divisional crown this year.
With the final third of the regular season upon us, there is much work ahead if Tampa Bay are to avoid faltering. They have the ability, they just have to show it.
