The NFL released its schedule for 2021 on Wednesday night. Like every year, however, some of the season’s biggest matchups leaked well before that.
When it comes to the New England Patriots, it was already spoiled that they’ll lock horns against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
That matchup will transpire in primetime in Week 4 on Sunday Night Football, and it’ll be significant for a multitude of reasons.
Of course, it’ll mark Brady’s initial return to Foxborough since he departed in free agency last offseason. Assuming stadiums are at or near full capacity by then, we can only imagine the reaction from the Gillette crowd.
While it goes without saying most Patriots fans will welcome Brady back with open arms, they’ll probably hate knowing he could make NFL history in that game. As long as the 43-year-old quarterback enjoys a hot start to the year, he could set the all-time passing yards record.
In fact, per Michael Hurley of WBZ-TV, Brady needs to average 285 yards across the first three games to be in that position. If he manages that, he’ll need just 300 yards to break the record against the Patriots.
Good point by SCOTT. Brady is 1,155 yards away from passing Drew Brees. If he can average 285 yards in his first three games, he can set the all-time record with 300 yards vs. the Patriots. Far from a sure thing, but INTERESTING. https://t.co/lswCd9W7LF
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) May 12, 2021
Tom Brady could make NFL history against the Patriots next season.
The NFL just had to know this storyline was going to be pertinent, no? Why else would they schedule the Patriots against the Buccaneers so early into the season?
Unfortunately for Patriots fans, the Bucs look poised to play the Cowboys to kick off the campaign. That game figures to be an absolute barn burner and Brady figures to pad the stat sheet, as Dallas’ defense couldn’t stop a nosebleed last season.
For context, the Cowboys ranked 28th in total points allowed (29.6) and 23rd in yards allowed (386.4) per game. While they spent the offseason revamping their defense, you have to think Brady has a realistic chance of going off that day.
Brady making history vs the Patriots obviously isn’t a sure thing. However, if it does happen, we can’t help but wonder how fans will feel about it. Though the now-seven-time champ setting the record in a different uniform will be difficult to swallow, won’t it be at least a little comforting knowing he did so in his former home?
The announcements have been made: It’s #Bucs at home against the #Cowboys on Thursday, Sept. 9 to open the season. Dak back on the field as Tom Brady and his team go for 2. I believe people will watch. 📺
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 12, 2021
We suppose it depends on how fans view Brady’s departure. Those who are still unable to understand that the Patriots had zero chance of competing for a championship if he stayed and still have a gripe with him spurning them in free agency probably won’t love it.
On the flip side, however, those open-minded fans who recognize why Brady felt compelled to pursue rings elsewhere will likely give him a deserved standing ovation.
Either way, it would be a bizarre turn of events. At least Patriots fans have a couple months to process their emotions and decide how they’ll react.
Patriots: Tom Brady sends heartfelt message to Julian Edelman after his retirement
Former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady sent a heartfelt message to Julian Edelman after the wide receiver announced his retirement.