This matchup might not feel animated on the surface, but all it takes is one key component that has a problem, and there it is. Brady is that component after coach Shanahan and the 49ers decided to do it happen on his services after Tom’s departure from New England.
Growing up in the Bay Area, Tom was a fan of the Niners. So naturally he wanted to go home and play for the organization he had championed as a kid. One thing that drives Brady and has done throughout his career is proving people wrong. Being drafted 199th overall can have this effect on a person.
Recently, another example of Brady holding a grudge became clearer. After winning the Super Bowl in his freshman year in Tampa, Tom appeared on “The Shop” with LeBron James and made some snide comments about an unnamed team sticking to a certain “M-for” above him at QB.
At the time, it was thought that Tom was referring to Jimmy Garoppolo and the Niners since their history stretches back to New England. Now we know it was the Raiders and they decided to stay with Derek Carr because of Brady. Although the Niners are off the hook for it, they didn’t sign Tom when they had the opportunity, which should lead to quite a fight when the Bucs visit the Bay Area in Week 14.
Dishonorable mention week 13: Deshaun Watson vs. Houston
Deshaun Watson will not touch the field this regular season until December 4th. Watson will serve an 11-game suspension for the 24 civil sexual misconduct charges filed against him. Sure, leaving Watson for 11 games (after the NFL’s appeal) is better than the first six completed by former judge Sue L. Robinson.
However, it’s interesting how the league and Watson’s team/NFLPA have agreed that he can return just in time to play the Texans in Houston. You’d think the NFL would want to avoid having Watson in Houston so soon. Ratings and talent count for the NFL.
Browns owner Jim Haslam Spelt the end after the 11-game suspension was announced by the league.
This is not “technically” a revenge game, but it will be noted on the NFL calendar. Honestly, I think the NFL could find a way to stop Watson from appearing in this game. Somehow, somehow. Part of Watson’s suspension is to complete a counseling program before he can be fully reinstated.
With the lack of remorse he has shown for the women so far he is negatively impacted if his attitude hasn’t changed by November it could be enough for the league to keep him out for at least an extra game.