Retired NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson played one season with quarterback Tom Brady with the New England Patriots in 2011. Johnson, known back then as “Chad Ochocinco”, caught just 15 passes for 276 yards and one touchdown from Brady in the regular season and had one catch for 21 yards in Super Bowl XLVI where they lost to the New York Giants, 21-17. Following that season, the Patriots released Johnson, who was then signed by the Miami Dolphins. However, Johnson did not play any down for the Dolphins after he was released due to personal issues.

Johnson says Brady had no time to jell

Johnson on Saturday spoke with Rich Eisen on the Rich Eisen Show and discussed Brady’s situation in his new team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he signed a two-year deal worth $50 million in the offseason. “It’s early and people need to understand this is Brady’s first year,” Johnson said, referring to the Buccaneers’ inconsistency this season. “Off-season, pandemic, not having the time to jell, build that chemistry with receivers and offensive linemen. That stuff takes time,” said Johnson, per a transcription of the show’s YouTube video.

Johnson added that Brady’s success in New England, where he won six Super Bowl rings, is built “over time and time and time”, spent with different players and coaching staff knowing each other , knowing what he does well, knowing his strengths and his weaknesses.

“I think with a year under their belt and an offseason under their belt as far as next year is concerned, we’ll get to see the same old Brady,” said Johnson.

Johnson compares Bucs, Brady to a new relationship

This season, Johnson said fans have seen flashes of greatness from Brady and some of the bad side, comparing it to getting into a new relationship with someone.

“Why are we seeing some of the bad side? It’s like getting in a new relationship with someone. At times, things don’t go how they should because you don’t know each other that well yet,” said Johnson. The former wide receiver said there’s no level of comfort because Brady and the Buccaneers are still getting to know each other.

“I guarantee you next year, things will be different. Why? Because of the time they’ve been able to put in, not only this season, but in the offseason and preparing for 2021,” Johnson said, adding that Brady’s age won’t be an issue.

Experts pick Buccaneers over Falcons

On Sunday, the Buccaneers will put their playoff hopes on the line when they go up against NFC South rival Atlanta Falcons. The Buccaneers have entered the week as a four-point favorite, but as of Saturday, they are now 5.5-point favorite over the Falcons on BetMGM, per Esten McLaren of USA Today. Majority of experts also favored the Buccaneers to win over the Falcons, per the Falcons’ official website. Ten out of the 11 analysts and experts have picked the Buccaneers to win, except for Will Brinson of CBS Sports. The Buccaneers are 8-5 this season while the Falcons are out of postseason contention with a 4-9 mark.
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