MF: "I've been saying for weeks, Tony, that the Pats have a legit shot at another SB. It would put BB and TB in the pantheon..."
(Claiming credit for a no-lose observation ... if he's right, he's astute ... if he's wrong and they flamed out, it provided another opportunity to crush the Pats).
continuing ...
... "BUT (there is always a "but") ... TB has to play much better if they're going to get this done, Tony, much better ... Brady hasn't been that good recently, when it counts ... Look at that Jets game last year ... he threw that early pick that was pivotal ... 1st seed, and they're out in the first round ... and he didn't distinguish himself against the Ravens the year before either ..."
TM: "Yep, Mike, you're right ..."
MF: "And people talk about that Denver game ... Well Denver sucks ... They gave up 40+ points 4 times this season ..."
(needs to be careful, cause that defense was on the field all game for obvious reasons -- but that doesn't deter Tony)
TM: "Well Tebow didn't help either ..."
MF: "But still Tony, who would you want right now in the clutch, Brady or Eli ... I'd take Eli, cause he's proved it, recently ... He's unflappable ... He wouldn't have thrown awful 4th qtr Interception after Flacco turned it over ... He's won more road playoff games than any QB in the history of the NFL, and he's had an excellent season ... "
TM "Yep ..."
MF: "Eli's grown, while Brady has stagnated or worse ... You're not going to hear that in this town though ... They're stuck in the past and will close ranks ... but that's the reality..."
TM: "You're right Mike ... It's a what-have-you-done-for-me- lately-League ... and recently, Eli's been the better big-game QB ..."