After two seasons in the broadcast booth, Tom Brady is becoming more at ease with his role as a color commentator. However, according to NFL analyst Jimmy Traina, there is a specific area where Brady could improve: his analysis of situational strategy during games.
Brady excels at breaking down plays for viewers, yet he sometimes overlooks opportunities to discuss critical in-game decisions. Traina highlighted a moment late in the third quarter of the recent game between the Rams and Seahawks, where Los Angeles scored a touchdown, narrowing the score to 31–26 with just over two minutes remaining on the clock. Traina noted, “There was zero discussion of whether Los Angeles should go for two to cut the Seahawks” lead to 31–28.” He emphasized that while Brady did not need to insist that the Rams should go for two, it was essential to engage in that discussion.
The absence of this analysis became even more critical as the game progressed. Following the touchdown, the Rams opted for the extra point, bringing the score to 31–27. With less than five minutes left in the fourth quarter, they faced a fourth-and-4 situation from the Seahawks” 6-yard line. Traina remarked, “If the Rams had kicked a field goal earlier, they could have kicked one here to tie the game.” He also pointed out that one could argue that Los Angeles should have aimed for a field goal to make it 31–30, which would have set up the chance for a game-winning field goal on their next possession.
As Brady continues to grow in his broadcasting career, refining his situational strategy discussions could elevate his commentary and provide deeper insights for viewers.
