There are few things that are certain in this world, but one thing that is: Cam Jordan always has something to say.
And when it comes to his fellow NFC South opponents, it's almost certain there will be a burn living in there somewhere. That was true this week in Las Vegas, where Jordan was participating in his 8th Pro Bowl and was asked about the Tampa Bucs' prospects after the second -- and apparently final -- retirement of Tom Brady.
“We’re glad that [Brady's] out of the division" Jordan said. "Tampa Bay will probably go back to where Tampa Bay has been."
The comment was followed by a hearty laugh, but it's not exactly unfair. Prior to Brady's arrival in the 2020 season, which ended in a Wild Card berth and Super Bowl title, the Bucs hadn't won the NFC South a dozen years. They finished 4th in the division eight times and had an overall record of 71-121. The Saints never failed to win fewer than seven games in that span and won the NFC South six times.
Jokes aside, Jordan did have kind things to say about Brady, who did manage to get the last laugh against New Orleans this season after starting 0-4 in his first two seasons with Tampa. He also led the Bucs to a Divisional Round victory in 2020, which doubled as the final game of Drew Brees' career. The Bucs beat the Saints 20-10 in Week 2 of this past season, and then engineered a wild comeback for a 17-16 victory in Week 13, a result that ultimately prevented the Saints from a real shot at a backdoor division title. The Bucs qualified for the playoffs at 8-9, but were blown out 31-14 by the Cowboys in the Wild Card Round.
Brady announced he was retiring, "for good," last week in a social media video. It was one year removed from his prior "retirement" that was pre-empted by reporting in the media. He ultimately came back for one final season.
“This time he was able to say he was putting it up for good, right? Last time there was too many leaks that happened, it was tainted," Jordan said. "Let the man retire. We salute him and we wish him the best, in whatever next endeavor that is.”
In reality, all four of the NFC South teams find themselves in a similar scenario: No established quarterback and no dominant teams to stand in the way of a quick turnaround. Whichever team finds the right signal-caller first could rise to the top. Jordan and the Saints are hoping that's the story about New Orleans by this time next season.
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