Two storied quarterbacks are slated to add another chapter to their esteemed NFL careers in Week 3.
The late afternoon showdown between Aaron Rodgers' Packers and Tom Brady's Bucs will be the first time ever that two three-time MVPs play one another. And, despite a collective 38 years in the league, the two future Hall of Famers will go head-to-head for just the fifth time in their careers.
We all remember how the pair of 2020 meetings ended for Packers fans: disgust during the Week 6 game and heartbreak in the NFC Championship Game. Rodgers has beaten Brady just once: the first time that he faced Tom as starter in Green Bay.
Have a look at the history between these passers and you'll notice a clear trend.
That's right - in Rodgers' four total losses to Brady (three coming in games that he started), his defense has straight-up failed him, allowing 31 or more points in each of those games.
Where this becomes interesting heading into Sunday's game is the health of both teams' offensive supporting casts. The Bucs will be without star receiver Mike Evans, due to a one-game suspension, while the Packers won't have veteran WR Sammy Watkins and potentially several other pass catchers.
It's no secret that Brady has increasingly leaned on premier receiving talent in his older age. Evans' absence should make it easier for the Packers' defense to key in on the Tampa run game and, at very minimum, prevent quick scoring drives. At the same time, if the lack of a passing attack on the Packers' side leads to frequent three-and-outs, it could result in early-game fatigue for Joe Barry's defense and comfy pass protection for Brady.
It's worth mentioning that this game will be the earliest in a season that Rodgers has faced Brady, a time when Tampa temperatures should be well over 80 degrees by kickoff. Rodgers is 3-5 in the state of Florida during the regular season...can he buck that trend in Week 3? An unusually-strong Packers' defense could help make that happen.
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