Tom Brady quickly impressed new coach Bruce Arians in his first Buccaneers scrimmage.
The 43-year-old quarterback didn't need long to show his class, leading a 16-play, 98-yard touchdown drive on his first possession as a Bucs player at Raymond James Stadium.
Arians delighted in Brady's strong start, telling reporters: "I thought Tom was very, very efficient and did a good job of leadership.
"When you get the first long drive of the year, guys start dragging. He got them in the huddle and he got it rolling, you know? Keeping under the 25-second and 40-second clock pretty good. We weren't close at all, but he was commanding that pretty good. Overall, I thought he had a hell of a day. Overall, I was pretty pleased."
TB in @RJStadium pic.twitter.com/o7lAdfA68s
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) August 28, 2020
Brady acknowledged he is still adapting as he prepares for his first NFL season since leaving the Patriots, with whom he won six Super Bowls. He was not helped by the absence of a preseason schedule due to the coronavirus pandemic. Tampa Bay is limited to intrasquad scrimmages.
"It's very different with no preseason games and learning against our own team constantly, not traveling at all," Brady said, turning his focus toward the Sept. 13 opener against the Saints.
"We've got to take advantage of the time we have because we still have time to practice, but it is coming fast and I think today was a good day for all of us to see it's right around the corner," Brady added. "We need to tighten some things up so we will be ready to go against a great football team in a couple weeks."