Tension is building ahead of the American Football Conference (AFC) Championship Game this Sunday, and Denver Broncos defensive end Antonio Smith had some thoughts regarding New England Patriots franchise quarterback Tom Brady.
Smith believes Brady is a "crybaby" and said, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette last Monday, "That would be an accurate statement. I've never seen any quarterback look to the referee right after he gets sacked more than Brady.
"Every time he gets sacked he looks at the ref like, 'You see him sack me? Was that supposed to happen? He did it a little hard. Please throw a 15-yard penalty on him. Get him fined," the 34-year-old quarterback added.
Despite the harsh criticism, Smith had a compliment for Brady calling the Pats quarterback a "great competitor" and once hit will "cry" about it, but takes that hit and keeps going.
Smith's statement was backed up by teammate defensive tackle Malik Jackson in an interview with NBC Sports' Pro Football Talk Live Tuesday.
Jackson said when they faced the Super Bowl-winning quarterback, he had "some temper tantrums."
"It's one of those things that you know. He definitely [says], 'What's going on? Why?' Definitely one of those whiners that whines but it's a competitive game. I know I wouldn't be whining like that, but some people do," the 26-year-old defensive tackle also said.
But like Smith, Jackson also praised Brady and labeled him as a big time player and competitor.
Both Smith and Jackson will have their hands full this Sunday when they host Brady and the Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High for the AFC Championship Game.
The Patriots are entering the game as the defending AFC and Super Bowl champions, while the Broncos are looking forward to dethrone Sunday's visitors.
Denver has the mental advantage heading to the matchup since it defeated the Pats in the regular season (Week 12) and also won against them when they last met for the AFC Championship in the 2013 season.
