In the build up to this weekend’s divisional round, the major narrative has been Drew Brees versus Tom Brady: a battle between 2 veteran QBs.
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Brees and Brady, both legends of the game and future hall of famers, have played each other 7 times. Despite Brady’s clear dominance in terms of Super Bowl wins, Brees actually has the upper hand in head-to-head matchups.
He is 5-2 against Brady, including 2 wins this year after the pair became division rivals. The Saints have home field advantage on Sunday and are the favorites to win but of course in the playoffs anything can happen.
It may well be the last time the duo battle it out, but interestingly, it will be their first playoff matchup. When the stakes are high, it’ll be exciting to see who comes out on top.
Also read: Deshaun Watson Furious With Texans, Could Consider Trade To Miami Dolphins
Drew Brees Reacts to Brady’s “History Channel” Joke
On Tuesday, Brady hilariously posted a photoshopped picture of himself and Brees on Twitter, with the History Channel logo in the background. Brees, unsurprisingly, took the joke like a champ and responded “This is good!”
Although the joke was simply intended to be a reference to Nickelodeon broadcasting a playoff game, it definitely has some truth to it. With Brady sitting at 43 and Brees turning 42 before the game, their combined 85 years of age is the oldest for starting QBs playing against each other in NFL history.
When asked about the tweet, Brees joked, “Unfortunately, they made me look like the dad from Family Ties. I didn’t like the hairline. I’ll be honest. I would’ve liked a little thicker head of hair. I know I’m getting older and probably losing a little bit.”
“I’ve never been able to grow a beard, so that’s what I’ve got later on my future. Maybe I’ll get a nice, good, thick beard going. But I thought it was hilarious.”
A Gentle Reminder for Football Fans
Amidst the buildup to the game, Brees gave an interesting insight to his relationship with the Bucs QB yesterday. “Tom and I have a friendship and a mutual respect,” he said.
“We were texting back and forth on Monday, just kind of chuckling at this whole scenario, right. He’s 43. I turn 42 on Friday, so that’s 85 years and a lot of football experience that’s going to be on the field on Sunday.”
“When Tom Brady signed with the Bucs, and I knew that he was coming to our division, I envisioned this game. What was that, nine months ago? Eight months ago?”
“I envisioned this game happening, because I knew our aspirations as a team, to be in the playoffs and beyond, and I certainly knew what he was bringing to the Bucs and that talented roster. And so, I think this is probably where we all envisioned being at this point in the season.”
The respect that the pair show to each other serves as a good reminder to us fans that sometimes we should stop comparing players and simply enjoy their greatness.
If Sunday is indeed the last time they play each other, it would be a fitting end to their rivalry. Regardless of the outcome, we should consider ourselves lucky to have had the opportunity to witness the excellence of Brees and Brady for 20+ years.
