NEWSLETTER
There are times when we dive deep into matchups to unearth the most fascinating angle.
But there are other times it pops up right in our face.
And in terms of this upcoming Bears-Buccaneers matchup, it’s the spry, youthful face of Justin Fields and the aging one belonging to Tom Brady that grabs our attention.
In Sunday's Buccaneers-Bears game, Tom Brady vs. Justin Fields will set a new NFL record for the largest age gap between starting quarterbacks.
The previous record was Tom Brady vs. Mac Jones three weeks ago.
Before that it was Tom Brady vs. Justin Herbert last year.— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) October 20, 2021
It’s a battle old as time — youth vs. experience. And Brady would know, as he was around back when time was invented.
As Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk points out, Brady-Fields I features a new record for largest age gap between starting quarterbacks. Naturally, Brady is one part of the equation in two prior record holders, too. When Brady squared off against Mac Jones, it pit the 44-year-old Brady against a 23-year-old rookie. And last year, it was Brady (playing in his age 43 season) against Justin Herbert at age 22.
And when Sunday comes, it will be Brady (at 44 years and 82 days old) against Fields (22 years, 233 days) in a game showcasing a sizable age gap (almost exactly double!). Sure, it’s a remarkable testament to Brady’s longevity. But it wouldn’t be in the works if not for Fields joining the fray.
Admittedly, getting a chance to see history on Sunday would be neat. But part of me still thinks starting Nick Foles would be the most fun troll job the Bears could ever be a part of in franchise history. And that should count for something — right?
