The sports world will be tuned in for what we all hope will be an epic matchup between the Buccaneers and the Patriots come Sunday Night. The Xs & Os will take a back seat in this one. This matchup is about Brady vs. Belichick, who was right and who was wrong in the decision for the dynamic dual (quarterback/coach) to split. Even though Brady has already won a ring in his first year with the Bucs, he still has something to prove against his old team. 

This game marks the first time in Brady’s career that he’s played in Gilette Stadium as an opponent of the Patriots. Big games like this always get a lot of attention, much like their predecessors. 

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning greets Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013, in Indianapolis. The Colts won 39-33. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

In 2013, Peyton Manning returned to Indy a year after being released by the franchise that he led to two super bowls – winning one in the process. Manning’s homecoming was spoiled after losing to the colts 39-33. As much as Manning achieved in Indy, the Colts’ win against the Broncos seemed to validate their decision to draft his replacement (Andrew Luck) as the number 1 overall pick the previous year.

In 2009, Brett Favre returned to Lambeau Field as a Viking to take on the Green Bay Packers. Unlike Manning, who was greeted with cheers, Favre was met with a mixed reaction – mainly boos. The mixed reaction didn’t bother Favre much as he led the Vikings to a 38-26 win over the Packers. 

With Brady winning more titles than the two Hall of Fame quarterbacks (mentioned above) combined, you can expect the Patriots’ franchise and fans to go above and beyond to show their appreciation for everything he accomplished during his tenure in Foxborough. Then again, with Belichick as the head coach – there may be no tribute at all. Just a simple head nod and handshake. 

Bold Prediction

The Tampa Bay offense is tied for first place in offensive points per game and ranked second in the NFL in passing yards per game. The offense runs through Tom Brady. And nothing will change about that in this game. On the other hand, the Patriots rank 4th in the NFL in total defense and 2nd in Pass defense. The Bucs’ offense vs. The Pats’ defense should be a good one to watch. 

The Patriots will find a way to slow Brady and the passing game down. But with so much emphasis on slowing Brady down, the Bucs’ running game should open up. Even though the Bucs’ rushing attack is amongst the last in the NFL, the backs are still very capable of taking over and putting up some big numbers against New England’s vulnerable run defense. Look for Brady to make some big plays, but the Bucs will win this game on the backs of Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones. 

Final Score: 35 – 21