New York tabloid goes after Tom Brady

The New York Daily News takes a shot at Tom Brady following Antonio Smith’s comments.

It is well known that Tom Brady and Peyton Manning have an extensive shared history in the NFL post season. Their rivalry is often the primary narrative of the playoffs. They have met each other four times in the post season, and have split those game, both having won a pair.

This Sunday, they will meet again, in the AFC Championship game. And it may more heated than ever, as Manning’s teammate, defensive end Antonio Smith, recently made some inflammatory comments about Brady whining to referees after taking hits. The New York Daily News’ cover reflects this sentiment.

Antonio Smith’s perception of Brady was seconded by Malik Jackson, a Broncos defensive lineman. Jackson was quoted in an interview with NBC Sports Pro Football Talk Live saying,

"“I mean, when we played him, he definitely threw some temper tantrums. It’s one of those things that you know. He definitely [says], ‘What’s going on? Why?’ Definitely one of those whiners that whines, but it’s a competitive game. I know I wouldn’t be whining like that, but some people do. So he’s definitely a whiner but he’s actually a big-time player, competitor, too.”"

While both Broncos players likely know that Brady has won a lot of games and has a lot of Super Bowl rings, their comments stoke the flames of the recent wringer that Brady’s reputation has gone through. In the aftermath of the Deflategate scandal, he has become a punchbag of sorts. However, beating the Broncos, and subsequently winning the Super Bowl, would do more than anything to put the criticisms to rest.

Antonio Smith and Malik Jackson have questioned Brady’s toughness. They have created an image of him as a “whiner,” a player who referees pander to. He has been likened to a baby in a diaper.

Brady isn’t the type of player to shy away from the big stage. These critiques of his character will more than likely fuel him on Sunday, when the Patriots take on the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game. With rumors of Manning’s retirement after this season, this rivalry could take its last form this weekend. The stakes will be high. And that’s the way it should be.