Old Timers - How did you talk about Tom Brady in the 2nd round of the playoffs in 2001 season? (1 Viewer)

[Joe Bryant]

I'm fascinated by the people who think the most Brock Purdy should be given is just the chance to compete for the job next year.

No, I don't think Purdy is Tom Brady.

And we remember Brady differently as he went on to win the Super Bowl once he took over. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Brady

But was everyone acting in the 2nd round of the playoffs like he was still a scrub?

 

[BoltNlava]

I really thought the system made Tom Brady not the other way around. Now after the Tampa Bay Super Bowl, not so much. I didn't think any more of him than say Cassel when he went 11-5.

 

[zed2283]

No one talked about Tom Brady in the 2nd round of the playoffs in his rookie year.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

The 49ers have a QB who was taken recently with a top 5 pick. He’s going to get another chance imo

And Purdy hasn’t faced Doomsday yet

 

[menobrown]

But was everyone acting in the 2nd round of the playoffs like he was still a scrub?

Not me. The thing that really impressed me about him from the beginning was his composure. Never seemed rushed, skittish. His ability to keep his play clock on schedule, make accurate throws and good decisions really stood out to me plus he had great size.

I never saw the career he had coming of course, not the winning , stats or longevity but I'll say this. The year after they won the SB they opened on MNF against the Steelers. I was in Vegas for a WCOFF draft and remember watching that game with a buddy of mine who like me grew up in SEC country. Now this would become one of the biggest sports debates in history but we were ahead of our time because we spent a few hours after that game arguing with each other who was better, Brady or Manning. I was of course arguing for Brady.

 

[IHEARTFF]

“Good thing we have this amazing defense, automatic kicker, and got the worst tuck rule call ever. This kid knows how to win.”

2001 Pats fans probably

 

[ChiefD]

There was no internet when Tom Brady was in his rookie year.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

There was no internet when Tom Brady was in his rookie year.

I used to get my USA Today via carrier pigeon. Stupid bird was always a day late.

 

[zed2283]

There was no internet when Tom Brady was in his rookie year.

Nor did they go to the playoffs, let alone 2nd round or Super Bowl.

 

[eighsse2]

All I can add is, if you were writing a fictional parody of Tom Brady, I can't think of a better name to use than Brock Purdy. I mean, something like Tim Bradley, sure, but that seems too contrived. Brock Purdy is perfect.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

I'm fascinated by the people who think the most Brock Purdy should be given is just the chance to compete for the job next year.

No, I don't think Purdy is Tom Brady.

And we remember Brady differently as he went on to win the Super Bowl that first year. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Brady

But was everyone acting in the 2nd round of the playoffs like he was still a scrub?

All I talked about leading into his 2nd round game was that he didn’t really win the 1st game, and that the refs / NFL were crooked. That’s still my only reaction to that season.

 

[bostonfred]

The Patriots were 0-2 when Brady took over and he brought them to 11-5. But the story was still The Team. Remember that the Patriots came out of the tunnel as a team in the superbowl against the Greatest Show on Turf. It wasn't Tom saving the day it was all of these unlikely contributions from no name guys that made the team.

When Bledsoe got healthy they kept riding the hot hand and that included the Raiders playoff game, commonly known as the snow bowl or the Vinatieri game. I believe there was a controversial call but I can't remember the details. When the pats won that game it didn't feel like destiny, it felt like they were playing with house money. Brady running in a touchdown, the snow getting thrown in the air, a high motor fan favorite named brewski sliding in the snow in celebration... it was just surreal.

At that point nobody was thinking about next year. We were all shocked there was a next week.

Then they played Kordell Stewart and the Steelers, and Brady injured his ankle. At that point Drew Bledsoe came in and won the game in relief and everything was right in the world. We didn't know that would be Bledsoe's last snap as a Patriot. We just knew that we were going to the Superbowl.

There were two weeks leading up to the Superbowl, which gave Brady time to heal. Nobody really knew how serious the injury was. We debated a healthy Bledsoe vs a hobbled Brady and it was mildly shocking that it was even a debate.

Remember that the pre Parcells, pre Bledsoe Patriots were terrible forever. Then Drew got the Pats to a superbowl against Favre. Otherwise this was uncharted territory for Patriots fans. So it was nutty thinking that they might go with anyone but Drew. And yet there's Tom taking the first snap- and leading that memorable final drive.

And yet, even after all that, it was still debated whether they should start Tom or Drew. And the decision to trade Drew seemed like the best thing to do. But the team showing the most interest was a division rival in Buffalo. They had the fourth pick in the draft and fans in New England were arguing about whether it was enough. The pats clearly wanted that pick. And the bills said no in the clearest way possible- they selected Mike Williams at 1.4. Then they traded their 2003 first round draft pick to the pats instead. It would turn into Ty Warren. And a lot of us felt like we had lost our quarterback.

I remember I wanted Drew. I actually went on a road trip to Buffalo that year and bought a white Bledsoe jersey while watching them beat the Jets. But watching Tom that year he was just so humble and likable and good. It was one of the very few seasons Brady didn't make the playoffs because the run defense was terrible. I think that's when everyone realized he was good enough to be great in spite of the team as he led the league in touchdowns trying to catch up against those Ricky Williams and Priest Holmes teams. And that's really when the last doubts were erased.

I don't think the same applies to Purdy.
There's some similarity, where nobody can really tell if Purdy is really this good or if he's just got a great team and a great coaching scheme.

But they're also not replacing the greatest player in team history while he's still playing well. It's a lot easier for a fan base to want to replace their second year quarterback with zero wins and the bridge qb who was supposed to be gone already. And Purdy isn't just winning, he's putting up stats.

Brady didn't have even one guy like McCaffrey deebo kittle or aiyuk
He was considered more of a game manager but also he was working with Antowain Smith, Jermaine Wiggins, Troy brown and David Patten (RIP).

So it's not really surprising that fans are already ready to call Purdy their long term starter. They've been looking for a guy for a long time and they've found one in an unlikely way.

 

[Anarchy99]

Brady had started 14 games. But by Round 2 of the playoffs, he hadn’t played in the postseason yet. NE went on to win three games and the SB. If Purdy can do that, then we can revisit his standing for next year. He could also have a meltdown in the playoffs and look like Zach Wilson. Too soon to tell, IMO.

 

[cockroach]

But was everyone acting in the 2nd round of the playoffs like he was still a scrub?

Pretty much, yea. He was a game manager that needed to protect the ball and allow the defense to win. I remember him not even being that great of a fantasy QB until that wild year with Moss.

 

[ratbast]

His arm strength was questioned early in his career. I was still on Bledsoe’s team at this point. Lol still have all his rookie cards!

 

[FairWarning]

I really thought the system made Tom Brady not the other way around. Now after the Tampa Bay Super Bowl, not so much. I didn't think any more of him than say Cassel when he went 11-5.

Very similar to Purdy now. It’s the ideal situation as Purdy can grow into the position. The one thing Purdy really excels at is his decision-making, rare for a inexperienced qb.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I don't think the same applies to Purdy.
There's some similarity, where nobody can really tell if Purdy is really this good or if he's just got a great team and a great coaching scheme.

But they're also not replacing the greatest player in team history while he's still playing well. It's a lot easier for a fan base to want to replace their second year quarterback with zero wins and the bridge qb who was supposed to be gone already. And Purdy isn't just winning, he's putting up stats.

Agreed Fred. That's what I find fascinating.

It's one thing to think Brady couldn't take the mantle from a star like Bledsoe.

But we're talking about Trey Lance here. A guy with little college film and what we saw in the NFL was not good.

I get the sunk costs with draft capital thing, but wow.

 

[Joe Bryant]

So it's not really surprising that fans are already ready to call Purdy their long term starter. They've been looking for a guy for a long time and they've found one in an unlikely way.

I'm seeing more of the "Lance is the guy" talk from people I talk to.

 

[belljr]

When did Bledsoe come off the bench to beat Pittsburgh?

 

[zed2283]

When did Bledsoe come off the bench to beat Pittsburgh?

In Brady's 2nd year. You know, the year they actually went to the playoffs and Super Bowl.

 

[DocHolliday]

I'm fascinated by the people who think the most Brock Purdy should be given is just the chance to compete for the job next year.

No, I don't think Purdy is Tom Brady.

And we remember Brady differently as he went on to win the Super Bowl that first year. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Brady

But was everyone acting in the 2nd round of the playoffs like he was still a scrub?

All I talked about leading into his 2nd round game was that he didn’t really win the 1st game, and that the refs / NFL were crooked. That’s still my only reaction to that season.

The Tuck rule was the beginning of the end of the NFL for me. I have never looked at the NFL the same and doubt all games are officiated fairly. Feels like officials are trying to determine the outcome of many games. I used to live for the NFL watching every game possible on TV and attending at least 2 games every season. I have been to one live game in the last 20 years and will never go to another game. I watch a few minutes of the NFL most weeks and really don’t care about it. I know there are playoff games going on now but when I’m finished with my workout on the bike I will play guitar. Watching the NFL is doubtful today.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I'm fascinated by the people who think the most Brock Purdy should be given is just the chance to compete for the job next year.

No, I don't think Purdy is Tom Brady.

And we remember Brady differently as he went on to win the Super Bowl once he took over. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Brady

But was everyone acting in the 2nd round of the playoffs like he was still a scrub?

Back in the day I was shocked to be able to get Brady in the mid 7th round after the run he went on after replacing Bledsoe.

I’m a firm believer that Purdy has already earned the job for ‘23. It would take something horrific off the field, or an injury on field for Lance (or a free agent, TBNL)to have a shot at being the 49ers starter at this point.

Of course, if he came out next year and stunk up the place for a few weeks, I could see pulling him… But based on the body of work so far, I’m skeptical that happens.

 

[-OZ-]

I don’t remember what I said about Brady but I remember sitting on the computer, dial up Internet, in my house in Manhattan Kansas, dropping him in a dynasty league for a bye week filler RB.

 

[Joe Bryant]

In Brady's 2nd year. You know, the year they actually went to the playoffs and Super Bowl.

Yes. The 2001 season. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Brady

 

[Joe Bryant]

The Tuck rule was the beginning of the end of the NFL for me. I have never looked at the NFL the same and doubt all games are officiated fairly. Feels like officials are trying to determine the outcome of many games. I used to live for the NFL watching every game possible on TV and attending at least 2 games every season. I have been to one live game in the last 20 years and will never go to another game. I watch a few minutes of the NFL most weeks and really don’t care about it. I know there are playoff games going on now but when I’m finished with my workout on the bike I will play guitar. Watching the NFL is doubtful today.

Really? Wow. The officiating is far from perfect. But I love the game now more than ever.

 

[belljr]

So the argument is a rookie QB with 6 games vs a second year QB with 10 games?

 

[Anarchy99]

So the argument is a rookie QB with 6 games vs a second year QB with 10 games?

Brady by the end of the season had played in 17 games and won the SB. Purdy so far has played in 6 games and still would need to win 3 games to win the SB. Another difference is BB was never in Bledsoe’s corner, and he was looking for a way to move away from him.

 

[belljr]

So the argument is a rookie QB with 6 games vs a second year QB with 10 games?

Brady by the end of the season had played in 17 games and won the SB. Purdy so far has played in 6 games and still would need to win 3 games to win the SB. Another difference is BB was never in Bledsoe’s corner, and he was looking for a way to move away from him.

And they didn't spend a top 3 pick on Bledsoe the year before

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Another difference is BB was never in Bledsoe’s corner, and he was looking for a way to move away from him.

A solid point.

I remembered hearing that BB wasn’t a Bledsoe guy, and was puzzled because the dude was playing at a very high level at the time of the injury.

It’s crazy to think that had Mo Lewis not speared Bledsoe, it’s likely that none of us would ever know who Brady was.

 

[Insomniac]

I don't think the same applies to Purdy.
There's some similarity, where nobody can really tell if Purdy is really this good or if he's just got a great team and a great coaching scheme.

But they're also not replacing the greatest player in team history while he's still playing well. It's a lot easier for a fan base to want to replace their second year quarterback with zero wins and the bridge qb who was supposed to be gone already. And Purdy isn't just winning, he's putting up stats.

Agreed Fred. That's what I find fascinating.

It's one thing to think Brady couldn't take the mantle from a star like Bledsoe.

But we're talking about Trey Lance here. A guy with little college film and what we saw in the NFL was not good.

I get the sunk costs with draft capital thing, but wow.

How many coaches in NFL history would have stuck with Brady after the doctors cleared Bledsoe to play? My guess is just about none, Former #1 overall vs pick #199?

 

[Chaka]

I spoke about him like he was a scrub being protected by great coaching and that defenses would catch up with him.

Looks like I was right.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Did Joe just call me old?

 

[bostonfred]

Did Joe just call me old?

I SAID ARE YOU HAVING TROUBLE HEARING?

 

[Rubi]

I was going to answer the thread question then I realized I'm answering because I'm an "Old Timer". It shook me up so much
I yelled at some imaginary kids to get off my lawn,poured a shot of Jack Daniels,covered myself up with my shawl,watched The Jags/Chiefs game and only yelled at the t.v.
27 times.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Did Joe just call me old?

I SAID ARE YOU HAVING TROUBLE HEARING?

I'm not having any trouble steering at all, what makes you ask?

 

[bostonfred]

I don't think the same applies to Purdy.
There's some similarity, where nobody can really tell if Purdy is really this good or if he's just got a great team and a great coaching scheme.

But they're also not replacing the greatest player in team history while he's still playing well. It's a lot easier for a fan base to want to replace their second year quarterback with zero wins and the bridge qb who was supposed to be gone already. And Purdy isn't just winning, he's putting up stats.

Agreed Fred. That's what I find fascinating.

It's one thing to think Brady couldn't take the mantle from a star like Bledsoe.

But we're talking about Trey Lance here. A guy with little college film and what we saw in the NFL was not good.

I get the sunk costs with draft capital thing, but wow.

I'm in the camp that says if Purdy wins a title he's the starter. Otherwise let them play it out in camp. Jimmy brought them to a superbowl and they were like yeah but I can spend 3 firsts to move up to get someone better. Shanahan clearly has a vision for what he wants at the position. If they don't win it all and Shanahan thinks Lance gives them a better chance then who am I to argue.

But if Purdy wins a title i can't imagine him backing up an unproven third year rookie and the locker room being cool with it. Maybe it works out. Maybe he's foles. But he'd have earned a chance to keep going.

 

[FairWarning]

I don't think the same applies to Purdy.
There's some similarity, where nobody can really tell if Purdy is really this good or if he's just got a great team and a great coaching scheme.

But they're also not replacing the greatest player in team history while he's still playing well. It's a lot easier for a fan base to want to replace their second year quarterback with zero wins and the bridge qb who was supposed to be gone already. And Purdy isn't just winning, he's putting up stats.

Agreed Fred. That's what I find fascinating.

It's one thing to think Brady couldn't take the mantle from a star like Bledsoe.

But we're talking about Trey Lance here. A guy with little college film and what we saw in the NFL was not good.

I get the sunk costs with draft capital thing, but wow.

I'm in the camp that says if Purdy wins a title he's the starter. Otherwise let them play it out in camp. Jimmy brought them to a superbowl and they were like yeah but I can spend 3 firsts to move up to get someone better. Shanahan clearly has a vision for what he wants at the position. If they don't win it all and Shanahan thinks Lance gives them a better chance then who am I to argue.

But if Purdy wins a title i can't imagine him backing up an unproven third year rookie and the locker room being cool with it. Maybe it works out. Maybe he's foles. But he'd have earned a chance to keep going.

someone will be moved before camp, there will be a sell high on one before the draft,

 

[brun]

At the time I was a Bledsoe guy.
Brady seemed effective and efficient and poised, but didn't have physical gifts that impressed. Seemed like a very reliable back up who would probably give the starting role back to Bledsoe.

 

[Ghost Rider]

The 49ers have yet to trail in the 4th quarter of any game Purdy has played, so how he does when trailing with the ball with 2 minutes left is still a complete unknown.

While Brady seemed like a game manager for his first few years as a starter, he had ice in his veins at the end of games, which was obvious pretty quickly. I don't think anyone, even the biggest Patriots fans, could have predicted Brady would become the QB GOAT, even after 3 Super Bowl wins, but that is the fun of sports.

 

[BobbyLayne]

I'm fascinated by the people who think the most Brock Purdy should be given is just the chance to compete for the job next year.

No, I don't think Purdy is Tom Brady.

And we remember Brady differently as he went on to win the Super Bowl once he took over. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Brady

But was everyone acting in the 2nd round of the playoffs like he was still a scrub?

I distinctly remember we used to joke "the guy who struggled to beat out Drew Henson?"

Brady's name would come occasionally before he was drafted as I had a couple female colleagues who had classes with him at U of M. He was dreamy. None of the football guys on my work team thought he'd amount to much in the pros, we figured he'd be a starter on the Jim Harbaugh level. Had the size and arm strength to play in the league for a long time.

But IIRC Brady and the Pats weren't the focal point, at all. The powerhouse of the league was the St Louis Rams and nobody was going to beat them. Most of the power in the league was in the NFC. Steelers seemed the likely AFC representative. Pats had a nice year and all, Brady was a nice story, but when had New England ever won anything?

 

[JohnnyU]

There was no internet when Tom Brady was in his rookie year.

I was too young to remember Brady his rookie year

 

[Todem]

I don't think the same applies to Purdy.
There's some similarity, where nobody can really tell if Purdy is really this good or if he's just got a great team and a great coaching scheme.

But they're also not replacing the greatest player in team history while he's still playing well. It's a lot easier for a fan base to want to replace their second year quarterback with zero wins and the bridge qb who was supposed to be gone already. And Purdy isn't just winning, he's putting up stats.

Agreed Fred. That's what I find fascinating.

It's one thing to think Brady couldn't take the mantle from a star like Bledsoe.

But we're talking about Trey Lance here. A guy with little college film and what we saw in the NFL was not good.

I get the sunk costs with draft capital thing, but wow.

I'm in the camp that says if Purdy wins a title he's the starter. Otherwise let them play it out in camp. Jimmy brought them to a superbowl and they were like yeah but I can spend 3 firsts to move up to get someone better. Shanahan clearly has a vision for what he wants at the position. If they don't win it all and Shanahan thinks Lance gives them a better chance then who am I to argue.

But if Purdy wins a title i can't imagine him backing up an unproven third year rookie and the locker room being cool with it. Maybe it works out. Maybe he's foles. But he'd have earned a chance to keep going.

If the kid takes em all the way and looks really solid doing it….how can he not enter camp as QB1.

It has been a fascinating story.

I remember Brady quite well in 2001. I was 31 years young and I thought not chance in hell they beat Kurt Warner and the Greatest Show on Turf. And then they went out and did it.

The similarities I see between Brady and Purdy are not physical at all.

They are winning traits:

Poise
Processing
Leadership

Again truly fascinating.

 

[TwinTurbo]

I'm fascinated by the people who think the most Brock Purdy should be given is just the chance to compete for the job next year.

No, I don't think Purdy is Tom Brady.

And we remember Brady differently as he went on to win the Super Bowl once he took over. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Brady

But was everyone acting in the 2nd round of the playoffs like he was still a scrub?

Back in the day I was shocked to be able to get Brady in the mid 7th round after the run he went on after replacing Bledsoe.

I’m a firm believer that Purdy has already earned the job for ‘23. It would take something horrific off the field, or an injury on field for Lance (or a free agent, TBNL)to have a shot at being the 49ers starter at this point.

Of course, if he came out next year and stunk up the place for a few weeks, I could see pulling him… But based on the body of work so far, I’m skeptical that happens.

In the Not For Long league, all it would take is one bad practice or game and then Shenanigans activated. Look at Aiyuk. He was in the doghouse for most of last year even though it made little sense.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

I was at work on a cold snowy night following the game along with just about all of my coworkers during the 'tuck incident' in Fort Collins Colorado where almost everyone hated the Raiders.
To that point New England wasn't a dominating team and no one could possibly have seen what Tom Brady would turn into, but it seemed obvious that Bledsoe's era was over. I remember it feeling like we had a new star, but no one knew how long he'd last.
QBs of that era took MAJOR hits and he really didn't start producing 'Bradyeske' stats until a few years into his career. His numbers were 'good' not great for the first few years even though he won gritty games.
We basically spoke of how glad we were that the Raiders lost but it seemed like a Cinderella story where we didn't think he had a legit shot to win the Superbowl let alone multiple Superbowls.

 

[Chaka]

Did Joe just call me old?

I SAID ARE YOU HAVING TROUBLE HEARING?

My first thought (for the true old timers).

 

[Joe Bryant]

In the Not For Long league, all it would take is one bad practice or game and then Shenanigans activated. Look at Aiyuk. He was in the doghouse for most of last year even though it made little sense.

And that's a real thing. Right now, his track record is still light. If he is terrible today, that's bad news. If he were to be really good for the next couple of games, that matters a lot too.

The giant difference in my mind though is Brady had to battle a Patriot legend in Bledsoe.

Purdy is battling Trey Lance.

 

[bostonfred]

In the Not For Long league, all it would take is one bad practice or game and then Shenanigans activated. Look at Aiyuk. He was in the doghouse for most of last year even though it made little sense.

And that's a real thing. Right now, his track record is still light. If he is terrible today, that's bad news. If he were to be really good for the next couple of games, that matters a lot too.

The giant difference in my mind though is Brady had to battle a Patriot legend in Bledsoe.

Purdy is battling Trey Lance.

I think it's more about Shanahan battling the memory of two brutal Superbowl losses. He'll do whatever he thinks it takes to get this team over the hump.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I think it's more about Shanahan battling the memory of two brutal Superbowl losses. He'll do whatever he thinks it takes to get this team over the hump.

I think that's true of every coach though. I think they're all doing whatever they think it takes to get the SB trophy. Even to the point of mortgaging the future for now if need by like the Rams did.

 

[thecatch]

So it's not really surprising that fans are already ready to call Purdy their long term starter. They've been looking for a guy for a long time and they've found one in an unlikely way.

I'm seeing more of the "Lance is the guy" talk from people I talk to.

No one who is plugged in is saying that. Tim Kawakami (who is) had a couple of columns to the contrary in the Athletic this week.

 

[Joe Bryant]

No one who is plugged in is saying that. Tim Kawakami (who is) had a couple of columns to the contrary in the Athletic this week.

Sure. There are lots of people (like me and not "plugged in") saying the contrary. But I hear a good bit of talk from fellow not plugged in people I respect who think Lance should be the guy. At least today. A huge next few games from Purdy could change all that.