Lions legend throws playful shade at seven-time champ

Unlike Tom Brady, Barry Sanders thinks that the NFL is in good shape. The Hall of Fame running back and Detroit Lions legend was recently asked about Brady saying that “there’s a lot of mediocrity” in today’s NFL.

Sanders, who earlier this fall received a statue from the Lions, acknowledged that a major portion of his viewpoint is derived from his old team’s current success. Detroit is 8-3 and leads the NFC North division despite Thursday’s loss to the Packers.

Saying of Brady on Robert Griffin III’s podcast, “Well, maybe he’s talking about the teams that he played for,” Sanders thought. “Not the team I was a member of. It’s far from average. Perhaps I’m just a blind Lions fan because of the way we’re dominating the division.

I still think the product is excellent. Continue to witness outstanding teams. extremely well-liked game. Though, as Lions fans, I believe this to be the best product we have ever seen, I would still listen to everything he has to say. Thus, I’m going to relish this for a little.”

Brady’s previous teams haven’t seen the same kind of success this season as the Lions, as Sanders hinted at. After a 3-1 start, the Buccaneers are now 4-6. With a 2-8 record, the Patriots have the 31st-ranked scoring offense in the NFL right now.

When asked about the NFL’s present situation, Brady replied, “I don’t think the coaching is as good as it was,” on “The Stephen A. Smith Show.” I don’t think the development of the young players is as good as it was. The rules have allowed a lot of bad habits to get into the actual performance of the game. I just think the product, in my opinion, is less than what it’s been.”

Sanders disagrees with Brady, but Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback for the Jets and a previous league MVP, does. In particular, Rodgers believes that playing defense in the modern game is nearly impossible.

“If I’m looking at this from a real big picture, there’s a softening of society that has definitely caused things like this,” Rodgers stated on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “There is no longer an enforcer position in hockey. Why? Since hockey needs to be free of fighting. It is excessively violent.

“I believe that many want football to be a contact sport. Not to the point where they like the huge hits but still get shredded on the field. There’s certain players who you just knew were big hitters and pushed the line of what’s a cheap shot and what’s a legit hit.”