Even his most skeptical of critics can't help but acknowledge that Tom Brady has still got one hell-of-an arm.
The six-time Super Bowl champion impressed in his first pads session with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, throwing what was described as '60-yard dimes' to his star-studded receiving core.
And no one is happier with the 43-year-old newcomer's arrival than Bruce Arians.
This is today’s deep ball I mentioned from Tom Brady to Rob Gronkowski. Brady shouted, “F—- yeah!” after the play. Safety Mike Edwards is the one who pops Gronk at the end.
Despite Brady's unparalleled NFL credentials, question marks still remained as to whether the ageing quarterback had it in him to to take the Bucks on a Super Bowl charge.
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But having seen him complete deep touchdown passes during his first practise in pads, Tampa Bay head coach Arians has confessed his undying faith in his big-name recruit.
"I think he was dropping 60-yard dimes," Arians told ESPN.
"Our job is to make sure he maintains that strength and not overwork it because he's an over-worker.
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"[His first padded practice was] everything I expected. He's still learning some guys. He was a little bit hesitant on a throw with a young receiver - they got their hands on it. He's throwing to the right guy all the time.
"The 7-on-7 is what it's supposed to look like - completion after completion. In the blitz drills, he's seeing how we call it, how we protect it.
"He's doing a real good job with his hots and sights. He's right where he needs to be. I'm not worried about him."
I’m used to it! 🤣
Bruce Arians isn't taking it easy on Tom 😅
And it's not just Brady's head coach who is overly-impressed with his transition into the Buccaneers' aggressive offence.
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Star wide receiver Mike Evans is counting down the days until he and Brady can officially take the field together for an NFL season game after the duo bonded at practise.
During his 20-year stint with the New England Patriots, Brady struck up countless relationships with his receivers including the likes of Randy Moss, Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski (who joined his trusted friend in Florida).
But it appears three-time Pro Bowler Evans is the latest man to discover that telepathic spark with his quarterback - even claiming that TB12 is quickly becoming one of his favourite teammates.
"He's the GOAT, on and off the field," Evans told ESPN.
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"It's crazy. He's a superstar -- the most accomplished player in our game in history, and he's just like everybody else."
"He just works extremely hard, he's always taking care of his body. He loves his family. He loves family time. He's just cool. He's a real down-to-earth guy. He's already up there as one of my favourite teammates, and we've only had a few practices together. So that says a lot. I'm learning a lot from him and hopefully, we can tear it up this year."
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