Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other after the Green Bay Packers beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Leading up to the “Battle of the Bays,” there was a lot of hype surrounding the quarterbacks that would be featured: Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. 

Rodgers and Brady competed against each other for the fifth time in their storied careers Sunday afternoon in Tampa Bay. It was the first time in NFL history that two 3-time+ MVPs faced off in a game. 

Surprisingly, it was the defenses that showed up and showed out all afternoon. The Packers scored touchdowns on their opening two drives but didn’t score the rest of the game. However, Brady and the Buccaneers’ offense weren’t able to get much going, either.

Rodgers completed 27 of 35 pass attempts for 255 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Brady threw for 271 yards and a TD.

Eventually, Rodgers and the Packers emerged victorious, 14-12. 

In his post-game press conference, Rodgers was asked about what it meant to beat Brady.

“I have a ton of respect for him,” Rodgers said. He’s been a trailblazer at the position for a long time. I’m thankful to be in the conversation with some all-time greats in this generation… 

With a smirk on his face, Rodgers added: “It’s been a lot of fun competing against Tom over the years, and it’s always nice coming out on top because it hasn’t happened that many times.”

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