New England Patriots fans were not prepared for a season without quarterback Tom Brady. After losing so many players in the offseason, with Brady still in the fold the Patriots are still in line for a playoff spot. However, that nightmare was almost a reality when the quarterback fell to field, clutching "that" knee. Patriots fans know "that" knee, the one that Brady suffered the torn ACL with and was forced to sit out almost an entire year. While everything appears to be fine, the player that put the hit on the quarterback is now at the top of the hate list.
The Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been teaming up this week for a joint practice session before their preseason game against one another. During practice, Buccaneers defensive end Adrian Clayborn pushed tackle Nate Solder into Brady causing him to get caught in the pile and clutch his knee.
"I bull rushed the tackle and apparently he tripped on Brady and fell on him," Clayborn said. "You always have to stay away from the quarterback, but if you get a guy on his heels, my instinct is to keep going. And that's what I did."
The Tampa Bay star is making no excuses for the hit and making no apologies for it either. After the incident both Bill Belichick and Greg Schiano agreed that defenders should rush hard, but let up when they get close to the quarterback. Naturally, both teams want to protect their investments. However, it is hard to ask a defensive player to let up, leading many to believe players should not be rushing at all during training camp.
Solder told media after practice that the real person at fault was himself.
"We're always working to protect...you know, I screwed some things here and there. We'll work to improve it," Solder said.
For now it looks like Brady will survive to see another day. The quarterback underwent an MRI and all checked out fine. He is listed as day-to-day but is expected to be playing in preseason game this week. The Patriots are smart to be careful with the minor injury and make sure there is no swelling. Brady had surgery to repair a torn ACL in the same left knee back in 2008 after getting hit by safety Bernard Pollard. He now wears a sleeve, but not a protective brace.
New England fans naturally took to Twitter after th injury was reported. Clayborn better watch his back according to these Patriot faithfuls.
