Lawrence Taylor: Tom Brady not better than Joe Montana

New York Giants legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor is widely viewed as the greatest defensive player in NFL history and is expected to be in the building at MetLife Stadium for the "Monday Night Football" clash between the 2-0 Giants and 1-1 Dallas Cowboys that will feature Cowboys star linebacker and 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year Micah Parsons, who has recently been compared to Taylor. 

Ahead of that showdown, Taylor completed a lengthy conversation with Steve Serby of the New York Post regarding a handful of topics. During the discussion, the 1986 NFL Most Valuable Player admitted that he wishes he could've had an opportunity to chase none other than Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady during his playing days. 

"You would like to sack a guy like Brady, but that’s not in my era. If I was in my prime, I can probably strike fear into any quarterback," Taylor said. 

Like Taylor, Brady is respected among fans and peers as the G.O.A.T., largely for his record of seven Super Bowl rings that the 45-year-old has earned across his generational career. However, Taylor noted he has a certain San Francisco 49ers icon above Brady in his all-time NFL quarterback power rankings. 

"Do I think he can? Yeah. Absolutely," Taylor answered when asked if he believes current New England Patriots head coach and former Giants defensive coordinator Bill Belichick can win a Super Bowl without Brady serving as his starting signal-caller. "It’ll be easier with him, but yes, he can win without Brady. Simply because of football knowledge. … They want to say he’s the greatest quarterback of all time — not in my era. No. He’s not better than Joe Montana. No. As far as being who’s the best in my era? I was the best. " 

Montana hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy on four occasions and, unlike Brady, never lost on a Super Bowl Sunday. Even still, Taylor's take will probably be viewed as a scorching one among those in the NFL community who are convinced Brady will eventually ride off into the sunset of retirement as the top-overall player in league history, let alone the NFL's best-ever quarterback.