As we are one day away from all 32 NFL teams having only one preseason game remaining prior to the start of the highly anticipated regular season, several stories are being written around the on-field performance of all involved, however, the two stories that have generated the most interest have not occurred on the field and involve two quarterbacks, Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns.
Tom Brady and his absence from Buccaneers training camp
Tom Brady takes the field as Buccaneers training camp opens
First and foremost is all the drama generated by the absence of Tom Brady, who prior to the Bucs' preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins left training camp in Tampa Bay for personal issues related to his family that, according to multiple reports, are not an emergency, nor does it have to do with the health status of any of his loved ones.
The Buccaneers have already played are first two preseason games and while Brady is expected, also according to reports, to return early this week, his absence has sparked controversy over the privileges he receives from head coach Todd Bowles, starting with his former teammate, Antonio Brown, who complained about the issue last week via his social media.
Bowles has already said that there is no specific date for Brady's return and that he expects, but does not assure that he is ready for the team's opener against the Dallas Cowboys in the regular season opener on Sept. 11.
Deshaun Watson's 11-game suspension
The absence of Deshaun Watson was neither planned, nor much less desired, after multiple lawsuits of sexual misconduct by dozens of female masseuses, it was decided at the beginning of training camp to suspend him for the first six games of the regular season.
Goodell: NFL appeal of Watson suspension 'right thing to do'
However, the NFL was dissatisfied with the decision by outside consultant Sue L. Robinson and appealed the decision and eventually negotiated with Watson to increase the suspension to 11 games and a $5 million fine.
As touchdown passes, interceptions, injuries and other issues have been left out of these two stories, since September, it is expected that what happens inside the gridiron will regain the relevance it usually has.
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