Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady? Who finishes stronger?

Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady, who finishes stronger? Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers are forever attached and compared to each other in some way, for eternity.

The Brady/Rodgers conversation picking up where the Manning/Brady debate left off. The debate has raged on for years of who is the greatest quarterback of their generation. For now, we are not debating who the better quarterback is. The reason I have gathered you here today: to discuss mid-season projections for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Green Bay Packers.

Tom Brady: Terrific Tom has all his weapons. Only twice this season has Brady had Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and Julio Jones healthy. Starting Running Back, Leonard Fournette suffered a hip pointer injury in the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks. Rookie, Rachaad White was highly effective, before and after Fournette’s injury, rushing for 105 yards on 22 carries.

Tom is 2-0 since the announcement of his divorce. Make of that what you will, but it is safe to assume Tom was not fully focused on the football season. The rumors were swirling well before the season started. When he made an abrupt about-face and rescinded his retirement, the headlines were ripe with trouble on the home front. The rumors continued throughout the season. Naturally, whatever was happening in his personal life had a substantial impact on his play. Even the perfect Tom Brady is human.

Tom Brady is still the best quarterback in the history of the NFL

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs currently sit atop the NFC South at 5-5. Tampa has their bye week next, allowing them time to rest, and Leonard Fournette to heal. This is big. If we remember, Tampa won the Super Bowl on the strength of a two-headed running attack in Fournette and Ronald Jones. A healthy Bucs team behind a rejuvenated Tom Brady is dangerous for opponents. Tampa has the following schedule.

^{Remaining strength of schedule rank: 30th}         

Season’s end prediction: 11 – 6

Aaron Rodgers: Who would have predicted that Tom Brady would have more relationship drama than Aaron Rodgers? The answer – no one? But here we are. Per the script, Aaron was not without public relationship scrutiny. After splitting with actress, Shailene Woodley, the two were seen together and were said to still be friends. Not long after, Aaron was said to be dating a witch. Yes, an actual witch. We have not heard much about that since, and we all went on with our lives.

The Packers season started off well, with many asking does Green Bay need the departed Davante Adams? Weeks later, it was abundantly clear Rodgers missed and needed his most trusted wide receiver. His go-to options were the hobbled and less-reliable Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb. Throw in a handful of inexperienced receivers and Robert Tonyan, and the packers found themselves on the losing end of five straight games. Aaron’s most effective wide receiver was running back, Aaron Jones. Jones may be good, but he’s not get thirty yards down the field good. Something the Packers have missed all season.

Add to this, Aaron Rodgers showing signs of declining. Something we have never seen from the back-to-back MVP. Whether it be the aging process or a bruised thumb, Aaron was not himself. Throughout it all, Aaron seemed confident during the losing streak when asked about his own and the team’s performance. His body language and visible frustration said otherwise.

Green Bay Packers: Fast forward to week 10. The Packers rallied late to beat the Dallas Cowboys. The defense was big, turning Dallas over, and giving the offense a chance to win the game. The coming-out party for Christian Watson was a banger. After Watson’s start to the season, and the now infamous drop against the Minnesota Vikings in week one, followed up by a series of injuries, few saw this coming. Behind his three touchdowns, Green Bay kept their season alive in a must-win game. This was also a re-introduction to the reigning MVP.

The Packers defense is very good. They have underperformed at times, but this is in part due to the lopsided time of possession. Green Bay’s inability to move the chains on offense has exhausted the Packers’ defense. A fresher Packers’ defense made some big plays, allowing Rodgers and the team to make some magic. The running game is a non-issue. This is the most secure part of the team.

Aaron Rodgers is the only thing that can fix Green Bay

Head Coach, Matt LaFleur confirmed that punt returner, Amari Rodgers is out. Addressing the Special Teams issue. This is about fourteen games overdue, but better late than never. The last piece, the passing game. If this is in fact resolved, as it may be, the Packers could be in for a run. The Packers currently sit at 4-6, good enough for second in the NFC North.

  Remaining strength of schedule rank: 5th         

Season’s end prediction: 9 – 8