Jets Name Mo Lewis - Yes, That Mo Lewis - Honorary Captain For Sunday Vs. Patriots
By Matt Dolloff (@mattdolloff)
BOSTON (CBS) -- Where did the Legend of Tom Brady begin?
You could say that first drive to set up Adam Vinatieri's game-winning field goal in the Patriots' first Super Bowl win. You could say the "Tuck Rule" game, which resurrected the Patriots from certain death against the Oakland Raiders and made the entire first Super Bowl run possible in the first place.
But the real answer is the moment Brady stepped on the field as the Patriots' starting quarterback. And for that, Patriots Nation can "thank" former Jets linebacker Mo Lewis. It was he who barreled into Drew Bledsoe and caused critical injuries, forcing Brady to play most of the 2001 season as the starter, a position he would never relinquish without injury.
The Jets are fully aware of the impact - literally and figuratively - that Lewis' hit had on the Patriots' incredible run of success since the turn of the century. The Jets may be trying to make history repeat itself when the Patriots visit them on Sunday, inviting Lewis to be an honorary captain for the game, which he has reportedly accepted.
Brady may have eventually earned the starting job anyway, but it was Lewis' hit on Bledsoe that gave him his first real opportunity. And at this point, the Jets would rather take their chances with Jimmy Garroppolo. Luckily for New England, Mo Lewis isn't walking through that door - well, not in pads.
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read more from Matt here. Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
