The Patriots typically say nothing in advance of a game, no matter how big. As the Broncos prepare to face New England in the AFC title game, defensive end Malik Jackson is saying plenty.
On Tuesday’s PFT Live, Jackson echoed the comments from defensive end Antonio Smith regarding Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and his “crybaby” tendencies after being hit.
“I mean when we played him he definitely threw some temper tantrums,” Jackson said. “It’s one of those things that you know. He definitely [says], ‘What’s going on? Why?’ Definitely one of those whiners that whines but it’s a competitive game. I know I wouldn’t be whining like that, but some people do. So he’s definitely a whiner but he’s actually a big time player, competitor, too.”
Jackson said he never says anything to Brady after hitting him, and that Jackson reserves his trash talk to the offensive lineman. But he added that he’s not creative like John Randle was, researching opponents and working wives and girlfriends into the chatter.
Jackson said he’s concerned that, with everything else he has to worry about, he may forget the wives’ names.
The Broncos won’t be forgetting Brady’s name on Sunday, and they’ll be trying to make him cry and whine as much as possible, by hitting him early and often. It’s usually the only way to beat him, and with a Super Bowl on the line the Broncos will surely pull out all the stops.
To hear the entire Malik Jackson interview, check out the podcast of Tuesday’s show, which also has an interview with Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart.