Tom Brady's NFL Analysis Called Out by Insider: 'Seems Reticent to Criticize Coaches'

Tom Brady's second regular season in the broadcast booth during the New Orleans Saints blowout against the Dallas Cowboys was an improvement from his shaky debut the week prior. But there are still kinks to be ironed out.

The Athletic's media reporter, Richard Deitsch, had more positives than negatives to say regarding Brady's second broadcast. But he did note that Brady "is still coming to the replays a little late, he seems reticent to criticize coaches, and we still don't get second-level analysis, which for my definition is teaching me something new about the game that I didn't see if I was following the ball. For me, that's the separator between being a good NFL analyst and a great one."

There's no doubt that Brady is an incredible resource as an analyst, given his incredible career. But relaying that knowledge quickly to viewers, in digestible and easily understood bites, remains a work in progress. That should come with time.

The reluctance to criticize coaches, however, could be a unique concern for Brady, especially given his well-publicized push to become a part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. In general, the conflicting interests between having a direct stake in the NFL and serving as a media member are a concern, though the NFL has reportedly taken steps to address them.

But if Brady were to become a part-owner, he wouldn't be permitted to criticize game officials or other teams and would be subject to a fine or suspension for doing so. That doesn't mean he wouldn't be able to disagree with a call or point out a mistake made by players, but he would be walking a tightrope that other color commentators aren't required to traverse.