This game has been circled on NFL fans’ calendars ever since the league released the 2021 NFL schedule in May.
It is the battle of the GOATS.
Tom Brady, longtime quarterback of the New England Patriots, comes back to Foxborough after leaving in 2020.
20 years ago today, Tom Brady made his first career start in New England.
What a run it's been 🐐
(🎥 @nflthrowback) pic.twitter.com/kGJS8jaQzA
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 30, 2021
Bill Belichick, the coach who engineered those Super Bowl wins with Brady, is on the opposite sideline for the first time ever.
Both Brady and Belichick have downplayed the significance of this game.
It is significant for Patriots fans who are still torn about Brady leaving.
How To Watch Buccaneers Vs. Patriots
The game is nationally televised on NBC’s Sunday Night Football broadcast at 8:20 p.m. ET on October 3, 2021.
Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, and Michele Tafoya will cover the game for NBC.
How To Listen Buccaneers Vs. Patriots
Bucs fans can listen to the game on 98 ROCK.
Patriots fans will hear the game on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
How To Live Stream Buccaneers Vs. Patriots
Those interested in live streaming the game can access it on the following platforms:
Other Notes Of Interest For This Game
This game also marks the return of tight end Rob Gronkowski who retired as a Patriot following the 2018 season.
He unretired in 2020 and fled south to Tampa with Brady to win a Super Bowl.
Another former Patriot will be in the Bucs lineup also; he is Antonio Brown who was just released from the Bucs’ Reserve/COVID-19 list.
As if that is not enough drama, Brady needs only 68 passing yards to surpass Drew Brees (who now works for NBC) in all-time passing yardage.
Tom Brady has 80,291 career passing yards.
He needs 68 yards next week at Gillette Stadium to break Drew Brees' all-time record.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) September 26, 2021
Brees holds the record with 80,358 yards.
The active player closest to Brady is Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in seventh place with 61,149 yards.
Must Win For Both Teams
Tom Brady vs. Bill Belichick next week.
Both coming off embarrassing losses. Both with a ton to play for.
SB reigning Bucs don’t want to go 2-2.
Patriots CAN’T afford to go 1-3.Let the story lines begin!! 🍿🍿🍿
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) September 26, 2021
Aside from the pride factor, both teams are coming off losses in Week 3 and want to flip the page and score a victory.
The Bucs lost to the Los Angeles Rams; dropping this game to the Patriots would put them at 2-2.
The Patriots were routed by the New Orleans Saints; they would also drop to 1-3 with a loss to the Bucs.
NEXT: Bill Belichick Has No Reason To Dislike Tom Brady