SNF Preview: The Game of Greatness (Brady/Brees Part II)

SNF Preview: The Game of Greatness: Brady v.s. Brees Part II

By Michael Foulks, Sports O'Clock Writing Team Member

Brees and Brady embrace after the Week 1 meeting between the Buccaneers and Saints (photo credits: Butch Dill, AP)

For the second time this season, the division leader Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face the New Orleans Saints, who are just one game behind in the standings.

This is also another matchup of the two oldest quarterbacks in the league in Tom Brady (43) and Drew Brees (41). Both have had first ballot Hall of Fame careers, and both have their eyes set on another Super Bowl before riding off into the sunset. This is where they stand in two major QB statistics all-time.

Tom Brady: 76,760 Passing yards 2nd All-time

561 Touchdowns 1st All-time

Drew Brees: 79,314 Passing yards 1st All-time

560 Touchdowns 2nd All-Time

So who will be leading in touchdowns after tonight's game? My guess is they will be all tied after this matchup.

Key things to watch for tonight:

Michael Thomas (WR): Thomas is finally suiting up again after being sidelined for what seemed like a decade (or at least to his fantasy owners). He will be a big factor if the Saints want to dethrone the Bucs for the division lead, as Brees has recently struggled offensively without his favorite weapon.

Tom Brady (QB): He is off to one of the best starts in his career, throwing 20 TDs through the first 8 games to silence all the haters that labeled him a system quarterback with the New England Patriots and attributed his success to head coach Bill Belichick. Watch for him to throw it down field and connect with his best friend Rob Gronkowski for 2 TDs late in the game.

Bucs Defense: Take away Thomas and running back Alvin Kamara and Brees will be in for a long, rough night. Brees has struggled as of late and I do not expect that to change if he does not have his best weapons available. They must stop the run and force the Saints to throw the ball. It may not always be the best option, but with Brees playing the way he is, this is the best way to victory.

Saints Defense: Pressure and pressure all night long. That is how you stop Brady and prevent him from utilizing his preferred check-down throws and short slants. If they can slow him down and rough him up a bit, that will throw him off and they will have a chance to steal the game.

Prediction: Final 43 Buccaneers, 31 Saints

(All photos are properly cited. No copyright infringement intended.)