Let Tom Brady's First Ever Drive Take You Into Preseason Game 1

Tom Brady has sat out the last couple of practices in Michigan, meaning that there’s no chance he plays tonight’s Fauxball game against the Lions. The good news is that means we get to see the start of the Jarrett Stidham Era. The even better news is it means that Brady can’t get hurt on a meaningless rep of a pretend game.

So to fill the void, enjoy this ancient artifact, his first preseason drive, from July 31st, 2000. It’s just insane to see these clips and realize how long he’s been playing. The low def picture, shot in the 4:3 aspect ratio. Al Michaels working with Dan Fouts. Brady playing behind Drew Bledsoe and Michael Bishop. Completing passes to long-forgotten Patriots like Sean Morey, Chris Floyd and member of the All Time Name Team, Shockmain Davis. It’s like an exhibit in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History more than it is a Twitter video.

I have a specific memory of watching this live, turning to whoever I was with and saying “This guy is not only special, he’s going to be the best there ever was.” I can’t remember who I said it to and I can’t prove it. But you’ll just have to trust me I said it. And I’ll probably say it about Stidham because why not? It’s what preseason football is all about. And if I’m right, I’ll look like a genius. Dammit all I’m ready for some Fauxball.