New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will play against the Baltimore Ravens this weekend with injuries to his ribs and finger.
Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis doesn’t feel much sympathy.
Lewis said on a call with reporters today that he thinks all the talk of Brady’s injuries is just setting Brady up to have a heroic performance in which he’ll be praised for playing at less than 100 percent. And Lewis would prefer not to hear anything about Brady’s heroism.
“I think sometimes, that’s the biggest set-up ever,” Lewis said. “Look at all the great ones, man. All the great ones, man, every time you say they’re hurt, they come out and have their best games. So, forget all that! Who’s hurt and who’s not. If you have your uniform on, we understand that you’re playing full throttle. You’re playing just like who you are.”
According to Ian R. Rapoport of the Boston Herald, Lewis used a high, shrill voice while mocking the idea that anyone should think Brady’s injuries are affecting him.
“Oh Tom has this! Let’s try and do this, let’s try and do that,” Lewis said. “As soon as you try to do that, it leaves people man-on-man, then he hurts you. . . . Then he’s [celebrated] because he’s done it with three broke ribs and a finger.”
In Lewis’s view, if Brady is on the field, that means the Ravens are playing against Tom Brady at 100 percent.
“Bottom line, is if he suits up, he’s ready to play,” Lewis said. “Let’s play.”