The Buffalo Bills know the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback very well.
Tom Brady needs no introduction considering his long tenure in the AFC East with the New England Patriots.
The numbers from that time that stand out the most? His record vs. Buffalo: 32-3.
The current roster the Bills (7-5) includes many players who are part of a game or two of that record. But all of Buffalo’s locker room will be well aware of Brady’s history against the Bills, regardless.
Despite that, some are looking forward to the opportunity to faceoff against one of the greatest of all-time again.
“I love playing against Tom Brady, I really do,” defensive tackle Harrison Phillips said via video conference. “I think that it’s incredible to have a chance to go against somebody who’s that amazing of a football player and the things that he’s done in his career. And so, I’m excited that this is the opponent that we’re facing this week.”
Obviously Phillips is amongst the faction of Bills players who have taken on Brady before. One who has more times is safety Jordan Poyer.
Considering their different positions on the field, Poyer will be a potential difference maker in a bigger way if Buffalo is to slow down Brady and the Bucs (9-3).
That’s not fazing Poyer at all, though. He’s looking forward to it as well.
“Played Tom quite a few times. Even when you watch his games on TV, it really is a chess match throughout the game. He really sees everything,” Poyer said via video conference. “It’s always a fun challenge when you’re going up against Tom Brady.”
But the most interesting comment on Brady came from a second-hand perspective.
Poyer referenced a conversation some players from Buffalo’s secondary were having this week. It centered around cornerback Dane Jackson.
According to Poyer, fellow corner Levi Wallace gave Jackson, who will be starting for the rest of 2021 for Tre’Davious White, some advice.
Wallace referenced the first time he faced Brady.
He recalled he was tested early and often.
“You’re definitely going to know really early how their game plan is going to go,” Poyer said. “I remember Levi came in, we was talking about a story a couple of days ago, Levi’s first time playing Tom Brady. He knew really early what the game plan was going to be because he got the first six out of eight targets of the game.”
The Bills absolutely must have Jackson ready for such a scenario.
Considering the amount of playmakers the Bucs have, like wideout Mike Evans, tight end Rob Gronkowski, and running back Leonard Fournette… Buffalo might not be able to help Jackson out much. He has to still hold his own.
Poyer said that’s fine.
He has faith.
“Dane’s ready, he’s been prepared. We trust him back there to do what he’s got to do,” Poyer said.
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