Bucs ‘rift’ is a bunch of nothing

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AN WE all please cool our jets about any sort of rift between quarterback Tom Brady and coach Bruce Arians in Tampa Bay?

A mere week into the season, the sensitivity police were out in force after Arians had the audacity to publicly criticize his new QB after a sloppy performance in his Tampa Bay debut last Sunday.

“He knew he didn’t play very well,’’ Arians told reporters this past week. “He looked like Tom Brady in practice all the time, so it’s kind of unusual to see that in the ballgame, because they didn’t do the things that we didn’t get ready for. Everything they did, we thought we were ready for.”

Arians’ honesty was quickly criticized by former NFL quarterback Brett Favre, who took to SiriusXM Radio and warned: “I think the last person you want to call out after the first game of the year is Tom Brady. I think you are barking up the wrong tree. Dissension could easily enter quickly.’’ Can you spell o-v-e-r-r-e-a-c-t-i-o-n? “Tom and I are fine,’’ Arians said. “I don’t really care what other people think. It’s just what he and I think. We left the stadium fine. We showed up [at work] fine. There ain’t nothin’ to talk about.’’

During training camp, Arians told reporters of Brady: “He gets cussed out like everybody else.’’

When Brady was asked on Thursday about Arians’ comments, he offered only a terse answer, which left open speculation that his nose remained a little out of joint.

“He’s a coach and I’m a player,’’ Brady said. “Just trying to win a game.”

Despite his amazing list of accomplishments, Brady’s a big boy who should be able to take some criticism. It’s not like he hasn’t endured his share of the wrath of Bill Belichick in his 20 years in New England

Brady, too, has been caught on camera engaged in shouting matches with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels during games. Football is an emotional game. Tempers flare. Feelings are hurt. Move on. Get better. Get over it.