Tom Brady has carved up Del-Rio defenses

Need a reason to get excited for this weekend's game? If so, you might be dead, but here's a reason anyway: Tom Brady going against a Jack Del Rio coached defense.

Brady has simply owned Del Rio since the former linebacker became the head coach of Jacksonville Jaguars in 2003. Brady played the Del Rio's Jaguars 5 times in that span, including twice in the playoffs. He went 5-0 in that span, completing 114 of his 154 passes (74%) while throwing for 1,199 yards (239.8 per game) and 13 touchdowns.

That span also included arguably the best statistical performance of Brady's storied career, as the quarterback went 26-28 (92.86%!) with 262 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 31-20 playoff win over the Jags in 2007.

After getting fired from Jacksonville in 2011, Del Rio joined Denver the following season to become their defensive coordinator. Despite the new surroundings, Del Rio has still had his issues against Brady. Last season, Brady completed 23 of his 31 passes (74%) for 223 yards and a touchdown as the Pats unveiled their fast break offense in a 31-21 win.

Finally, Del Rio seemed poised to finally get a win over Brady this season when Patriot fumbles gifted the Broncos an early 24-0 lead. However, Brady was surgical in leading a stunning Patriots comeback, completing 34 of 50 (68%) for 344 yards and 3 touchdowns in the 34-31 OT nailbiter.

So, to recap: Brady has yet to lose to Del Rio in 7 games. He's yet to throw a pick against one of his defenses. He completed 88% of his passes once against Del Rio's defense (in 09) and that wasn't even his best game against him. For his career, he's 171/235 (72.76%) for 1,766 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Hopefully for the Patriots, history repeats itself once more on Sunday.