Without question, Drew Brees is an impressive, accomplished NFL QB. But Tom Brady is relentless, hell-bent on not wanting any player or team to stand in his way of winning. Brady’s intent is clear–to shape modern NFL football in his image. The G.O.A.T. is he.
Here (in the now), Tom Brady seeks an unheard of (and honestly never considered by anyone other than myself) 10th Super Bowl appearance. After all, he is Tom Brady. But this time, he’s not playing in the AFC East and he won’t have a gentle walk to the Championship game.
One reason is that another football great and legendary quarterback, Drew Brees, stands in his way. Brees has beaten Brady at times when it seemed as if no one dared oppose Brady’s God-given right to clasp the Lombardi Trophy. But Brees stepped out and gently jogged a few steps farther and few steps faster than Brady.
Now the two meet again on Sunday. And, this time, I believe the Saints have a better team. A better and probably slightly rested team stands in the way of coronating Brady again.
In NFL terms, this is a classic contest. Two, Big Ten-produced iconic talents who have taken snaps for a similar length of time. The only difference this time is that Brady won’t be under center for the Patriots. Images remain the same: Brady is the NFL poster boy and Brees is the NFL altar boy.
And the penchant among the media and fans to fawn over Brady means they undervalue Brees–both in talent and his ability to lead his team to victory. And Brees isn’t the first time, great New Orleans signal-caller. Archie Manning comes to mind.
That said, Brady’s adulation is more than what he brings to a team. It’s very much about him.
So, to be sure, THIS game is worth watching.
Yes, I know. It’s the NFL playoffs, and all games are worth watching. But this one is double-deserving of attention. It’s Tom Brady v. Drew Brees, after all.
‘Nuff said.
