Tom Brady Sep 9, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates after a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

If the NFL wanted to reward the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for getting Tom Brady back in 2022, they sure have a funny way of showing it.

As the league’s 2022-2023 schedule was released on Thursday, it became clear very quickly that the Buccaneers were not done any favors with the way their schedule shakes out in the first month.

Tampa begins the season on the road against Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys, followed by a road test against the New Orleans Saints, and then returning home to host Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers before a showdown with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

The NFL’s schedule-maker recently admitted that Tom Brady’s un-retirement forced them to start from scratch, which means that they can thank Tom for causing this tough start to happen.

In fact, starting the season with back-to-back road games isn’t exactly a common thing for NFL teams.

Of course, the Buccaneers could also start 3-1 for all we know, given the way the league has been shaken up this off-season. Still, that’s a tough road to walk to start an NFL season and could make a difference as Tampa hopes to get back to the playoffs in what could be Brady’s actual final season before he heads to the TV booth.

For now, the NFL world certainly had some strong thoughts on the way Tampa’s schedule starts out in September.

Good luck, Todd Bowles!

[Jeremy Fowler]

About Sean Keeley

Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Editorial Strategy Director for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.