By WILLIAM HEATLEY
Staff Writer
Week three of the 2018-19 NFL season is soon to get underway, accompanied by the various storylines, roster changes, injury reports and predictions. The sports news cycle runs so fast these days that it doesn’t take people long to forget the top stories of the previous weeks.
That is why it is important to focus on two of the best quarterbacks in the league right now and discuss what their respective performances in Week one symbolized for their respective season, clubs, and careers. I’m referring of course, to Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers.
Brady, now 41, has continued to show no signs of slowing down whilst keeping the undefeated father time at bay. The New England Patriots quarterback performed as he does almost every week; putting up high numbers and extending records.
Against the Houston Texans, Brady threw for 277 yards with three touchdowns and one interception with a 66.7% completion rate, and an overall quarterback rating of 102.2. It’s astonishing to see a player of his age and position still performing at an elite level. No other quarterback in history has achieved it. Brady’s disciplined training regimen, diet, and dedication to the sport are what are keeping him going. He says he wants to play for four more years, and barring any significant injury (knock on wood), he may just do it, which means the league, let alone the AFC will still worry about playing against him.
Aaron Rodgers, quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, has time after time saved his club from near disaster.
There is no question he is the most athletic and versatile quarterback in the NFL right now, although his season looked to be over before it began near the end of the first half of Green Bay’s game against Chicago. The Bears were already up 10-0 when the unthinkable happened. While sacked by Chicago Defensive Line Roy Robertson Harris, Rodgers appeared to suffered a knee related injury.
Backup and former second round draft pick DeShone Kizer made some critical errors, a strip sack and throwing a pick-six to the benefit of newly acquired Bears linebacker Khalil Mack. Rodgers made a surprising return to the field midway through the third quarter however, and went under center.
This time needing to overcome a fourth quarter 17 point deficit, he does what he always does; come in with some clutch plays. He threw for 286 yards and three touchdowns as the Packers rallied to win 24-23. The best play of the day was the 70 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Randall Cobb. The Packers are grateful to have Rodgers. He has shown his value numerous times and has etched his name in the 100 year history of Green Bay.
Brady and Rodgers are two of the all time greats. As a football fan, you have to respect and admire the greatness shown by these two men. The ultimate showdown would be to see these two square off on the NFL’s biggest stage, the Super Bowl. If it ever happens, it will one of the best games to see. For now though, both Brady and Rodgers will look to continue their respective wins going. The future should look bright in both New England and Green Bay. Fans of both football clubs should feel happy and sleep well, knowing that the GOAT and the Baaaad Man Gunslinger are leading the way.
