Bucs' Carlton Davis confident even without Tom Brady, says NFL is in for 'rude awakening'

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Future Hall of Famer Tom Brady spent the final three seasons of his storied NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

In February 2022, he revealed his plans to retire, only to reverse his decision just 40 days later. He returned to the Bucs this past season, but this past February he revealed that he was retiring "for good." 

Brady's arrival in Tampa Bay instantly changed the Bucs' fortunes, and he led the franchise to a Super Bowl victory in his first year with the team. But Brady's latest departure has resulted in much-tempered expectations for the team's 2023 season.

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Carlton Davis III, #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, celebrates an interception during the first quarter in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Raymond James Stadium on December 18, 2022, in Tampa, Florida. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask are competing to take over the starting quarterback duties for the upcoming season. 

Despite the loss of several key players this offseason and the uncertainty at the quarterback position, inside the Bucs building the team still expects to compete at a high level this year.

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"We're about to do it to 'em," Buccaneers corner Carlton Davis told GoLongTD.com. 

"Anybody who feels we've lost Tom, and lost something, is going to be in for a rude awakening. A rude awakening. Tom was a great addition for us, but obviously it's a team sport. Obviously, you need components to be successful. We still have those components. And I'm only getting better."

The NFC South was one of the worst