The Next Tom Brady

The Next Tom Brady

The Next Tom Brady

It did not seem long ago when 49er fans would be insulted by the notion that Tom Brady could in any way stack up to Joe Montana. Now in a flash, Montana defenders have already written their formal apologies, all they have to do is hit the “send” button.

I’m not sure if Brady is taking the “greatest quarterback ever” tag from Montana because it’s up for debate whether he owned it. What is being stolen is the Joe Montana mystique, which Brady has stolen and done what Montana did, better.

It’s the similarities in their playing styles, high grade teams and college backgrounds that draw the obvious comparisons. Montana was drafted in the third round, while Brady was taken in the sixth.

When looking at their greatest seasons, Brady’s 2007 and Montana’s 1989, Tom nearly double Joe in touchdowns (50 to 26).

Yeah, now it seems if you call Joe Montana an “old-school version of Brady” a 49er fan should be quick to say thank you.

Not so fast…

None of the above means jack if New England loses to New York in what would be a shocking upset. The ace in the hole for any Joe Montana lobbyist will point to Super Bowls; Montana 4, Brady 3.

Brady has never looked so vulnerable in his life, save his NFL Combine film when he looked like a future sixth round draft pick.  In the Patriots first playoff game, he played flawlessly, connecting 26 of 28 passes. It was perfection. Last week, San Diego’s defense got to Brady and sometimes when he had time he still made mistakes. 3 interceptions in all revealed that a swarming defense, like the one the Giants present, could cause a Brady collapse.

The New England offense that produced 50 touchdown passes has lost some mojo. The main issue is an injured foot for Brady, who sat out last week’s practice. He is good to play but how good he can perform may come into question. This is definitly a factor to be considered when figuring the NFL odds and lines for this game.

Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora present an amazing tandem that will be putting pressure on Brady and his tender foot all night.

New England is due for a Super Bowl thumping but judging from the past that day may never come. In Montana’s greatest season, he needed a last second drive against Cincinnati to gut out a tough victory. For anyone who watched, the Bengals looked just as good if not better.

This Super Bowl could present the same scenario. The Giants will probably look just as good. Eli Manning will look like a championship quarterback. Then we’ll see Tom Brady hoist the Lombardi trophy and we’ll all shake our heads and admit for sure; Brady’s not as good, he’s better.