Tom Brady loves Dashon Goldson and Darrelle Revis
Tom Brady certainly notices both. It's going to be a stiff challenge for Brady and his young receiver core, who've already struggled mightily against the likes of the Bills and Jets. The Tampa secondary is another step up.
The Patriots future hall of fame quarterback had nothing but effusive praise for the two players.
He faced Goldson last year in a 41-34 loss.
Boston Herald:
'If I was a safety, I'd try to play like him. He's a great player,'' Brady said. ''(We) played against him last year. I've always kind of watched him as a 49er. He got an opportunity after a few years in San Francisco, took advantage of his opportunity. He's a big part of the reason why that defense was so good last year. Now he's playing for Tampa. So, he's already made a big impact. Practicing against them, you can see why.''
His battles with Revis are famous. Brady went so far as to say he's never played against anyone as good as him. How's that feel Jets fans?
''I don't think there's been many balls caught on him in these two weeks. He looks like the same guy to me,'' Brady said. ''There's nothing negative about his playing style. There's nothing negative about his skill-set. he can really do it all. He's fast, he's quick. he matches up against small guys, matches up against big guys, he's really long, he's really strong. he's patient. Some guys you really guess all the time, and sometimes they guess wrong. He never guesses wrong. He's smart, he sees the whole field. I've never played against anyone as good as him. He's as good as there is. You just have to be careful when you throw his way. You know he's going to be close. No one's going to be wide open.''
Of course, it's funny to think the Patriots had a chance at both players, of course Revis being more unrealistic.
Goldson came in for a visit with the Pats a few years ago before electing to stay with San Francisco. Revis was made available by the Jets this offseason, ultimately Tampa Bay won his services but if he had stayed and let his contract expire, many believed that the Patriots would be a suitor.
The Tampa defense will by far be the biggest challenge for New England's struggling offense thus far. The rookies have a lot of growing up to do, and they'll have to do it fast against this group.
