Stephen A. Smith believes Tom Brady needs to step up to save Buccaneers' season

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tom Brady are off to their worst start in the last three years after six games of the ongoing NFL season. This has been the most disappointing start to the season for the Bucs since Brady took over at quarterback position.

Following Sunday's upset loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Buccaneers now sit at 3-3 on the season. In Brady's first season with the team, they were 4-2 through six games, and last season, they were 5-1.

Brady has been going through a reported breakdown in his married life and has a new head coach. On top of that, the team has been plagued with injuries, primarily at the wide receiver and offensive line positions.

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith spoke about the Buccaneers' woes on First Take and put the blame partially on Brady.

"I'm disagreeing with your overall take as it pertains to Brady not being the blame, because Brady's not usually putting you in a position where you can get exposed like that, because he's handling his business. That's what I'm saying.

"It's not about the defense, the defense, and Todd Bowles, the head coaches, defensive coordinator, when you want to support championship, it's been, according to the defense coordinator for the last couple of years, he's definitely got to clean that up."

Smith added that Brady can't be absolved from accountability and he needs to step up as the leader of the team.

"And he can't be absolved from accountability. We understand all of that. Nobody is challenging that one bit. But what we do get to look at when we talk about Tom Brady, is the position he's prevented you from being in because of his exceptionalism, not just as a player, but as a leader."

Tom Brady has put up solid numbers this season for Buccaneers while they have worst-ranked rush offense

Tom Brady in action in Atlanta Falcons v Tampa Bay Buccaneers game

The Buccaneers haven't been a bad team this season, they just haven't exceeded expectations. Since they aren't one of the top teams in the league currently, they're going to get criticized.

Some are placing the blame on quarterback Tom Brady, but he's played exceptional given his circumstances as their rushing offense is ranked last in the league.

Brady has thrown for 1,652 yards, eight touchdowns, and just one interception. He has also been without his top receivers for multiple games while also shuffling through an injured offensive line.

The quarterback is the leader of the team and regardless of how Brady plays, if the Bucs don't continue to win, he'll get a large share of blame of their lack of success.

If you use any of the above quotes, please credit ESPN First Take, and H/T Sportskeeda