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Brian Billick on D&C: Tom Brady deserves MVP 12.23.10 at 7:53 am ET
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Brian Billick

Fox Sports NFL analyst Brian Billick made his weekly appearance on the Dennis & Callahan show Thursday morning, joining guest hosts Bob Ryan and Chris Mannix to talk about the Patriots and news from around the league. To hear the interview, go to the Dennis & Callahan audio on demand page.

Billick, who formerly coached the Ravens, was asked about Baltimore linebacker Terrell Suggs‘ proclamation that he was leaving Tom Brady off his Pro Bowl ballot. Said Billick: “I hate it when the players use something like this, because I think it discredits the rest of those that are deservingly, obviously. in the Pro Bowl. You understand the back and forth; they’ve been battling each other all year long and it’s kind of amusing. But I really do hate to see it come out in this way, because that is something that is important to players.”

Billick said Brady is his MVP pick, because of how critical he is to the Patriots. “I’m not sure New England without Tom Brady is a playoff-caliber team,” he said. “That’s the difference-maker for me.”

Turning to the Jets and their recent struggles, Billick said oft-criticized quarterback Mark Sanchez isn’t the key reason for the drop-off. Rather, it’s the defense not being as dominant as it was through the first half of the season.

“I think the surprise is defensively,” he said. “They’re still very good, make no mistake. They seem to be having trouble putting pressure on the quarterback with a standard four-man front. Now, Rex [Ryan] has a remedy for that now. He’s going to bring guys in a very creative way. They’re going to bring pressure. And they’ve got the back end that can write those checks and match up man for man. But their lack of ability to put pressure on you with just a four-man front I think is probably the biggest Achilles’ heel I see right now.”

Looking at Ryan’s issues with foot-fetish videos apparently featuring his wife that surfaced this week, Billick said it could be a big problem for the team. Said Billick: “Particularly this time of year, every second, every minute you’re not focused on your opponent, you leave yourself vulnerable. … For Rex and [wife] Mickey to have to deal with this, it’s unfortunate. It is an invasion of privacy, in my opinion. But that’s the world we live in right now. They’ll rally around it and they’ll hold it at arm’s length and say it’s not something that’s going to affect them. But as I said, every second you’re not focused on your opponent is an advantage for your opponent.”

Read More: Brian Billick, Rex Ryan, Terrell Suggs, Tom Brady Print  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
  • http://www.fanshots.com Brad

    Dear Brian Billick,

    Remember when Tom Brady was injured and Matt Cassel won they won 11 games? Not a playoff caliber team without Brady.. Get off his jock bud. Patriots without Brady, still very good and making the playoffs. Eagles without Mike Vick… Not winning the NFC east, no chance. Maybe that’s why you have no coaching job. Thanks.

  • KDman

    Dear Brad,

    You are so right, we are now in the year 2008. Brady clearly is not MVP material, the Patriots should have shipped his *ss off and kept Matt Cassell. Wait, what? We’re not in 2008 anymore??? It’s 2010? Wait, what? The Patriots do not have Vrabel, Seymour and Green anymore? Tedy Bruschi and and Rodney Harrison are retired? Ty Warren, Nick Kaczur and Stephen Gostkowski are injured? Wait, what? Is it true that because we are in 2010 and not 2008, the team is different? That just my mind, and here I was agreeing with you that the team was exactly the same and Brady is no better than Cassell. Fortunately, I did look at a calendar to keep my foot from entering my mouth. Thanks

  • gary jones

    Dear Brian,

    I agree that Tom Brady Is the heart of the Offense and probably the whole team.His leadership skills is what makes him the MVP. Since their loss at Cleveland,Brady has rallied the offense with his fire and determination.He is a total team player by letting all his recievers get in the action.As for Matt Cassel,He is an elite quarterback who will continue to get better.Coach Bellicheck is also a reason Tom Brady puts up the numbers that he does.How can anyone criticize a quarterback that continually puts up the numbers he does.Peyton Manning may be a better quarterback some seasons,but not this one.As for Michael Vick,great young quarterback.He needs to work on his leadership skills and hope he doesn’t get hurt because of his great running capabilities.He may certainly win the MVP,but not this year.Tom Brady,without a question.

  • Zack heywood

    Dear Brian,

    Tom Brady is the heart of that franchise. And KDman, you know nothing about football! Anyone who watches football knows Brady is great and awesome. People who say he sucks are either haters or are tired of the pats and Brady kicking their A holes every year. Seriously get a life. Who are you some colts fan ‘cough Peyton threw three picks cough’? Or are you one of those Jets fans. Loss to Dolphins anyone. 45-3 pats anyone. Come on!!!! Brad you suck. Billick won a superbowl with great defense. Thats it. Dilfer really. Worst QB to win a superbowl. Your a jerk! Don’t say that to a successful coach! Your probably some hobo who steals your sisters weed. Cassel won 11 games with Moss and Welker at peak of career. Brady won 16 games. Shut up. Brady was coming off knee surgery in 2009. Look at this year. MVP. Gary Jones you are awesome and know your football. Final conclusion. Brady has 3 superbowls, an MVP, 5th highest career passer rating of all time, most td’s in a season, 2 superbowl MVPs, the list goes on. Besides Cassel got a little lucky and is a pretty good qb.The point is Brady is an amazing QB and first round ballot HOF. Notice how on top 100 greatest players of all time Brady was 21. DURRRRRRRRRR. Stupid haters you guys disgust me.

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