Getting to know the Tom Brady Examiner

October 30, 12:51 AMNew England Patriots ExaminerSean Crowe

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New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates after the Patriots scored a touchdown.
(AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

You didn't think I was the only one here covering the New England Patriots, did you? Angie Marie does a fantastic job covering the Patriots, or more specifically Tom Brady, as the Tom Brady Examiner.

Given that it's the bye week and the Patriots just sent everyone home for the weekend, I figured it was a good time to introduce you guys to Angie, via the interview below.

You went to Michigan at the same time as Tom Brady. Did you see anything in college that would have led you to believe he’d be the hall of fame quarterback he is today?

While it was obvious that Brady had something special, I don't think I saw then that he would be the stud he is now. Despite his undeniable good looks [you knew that was coming] and success at Michigan, I wondered how his size and style would translate to the NFL.

Why in the world did Lloyd Carr play Brian Griese over Tom Brady for two years?

I love Lloyd Carr, don't get me wrong, but he's no Bo Schembechler. Too often he stuck with the status quo which I think was part of his end at Michigan. [On a side note, despite the horrible 3-9 season last year, I really like where RichRod is going with the team now.] Brady did a lot of growing sitting on that bench and somewhere along the way something clicked. If I was in Carr's shoes I'm not sure I would have started Brady during that time, but in the end that decision has made Brady work harder and be the person he is today.

OK, here’s the real question: were you among the Michigan faithful who demanded Drew Henson start over Tom Brady?

No, but I consider myself pretty partial to all things Brady, so it was hard to talk me into any nonsense like that.

What was your most memorable Tom Brady moment in college?

Hands down the Michigan-Alabama Orange Bowl. To go in as the underdog, facing the strong Bama run game with Shaun Alexander just blowing up and come out with the win was amazing. Brady's chemistry with David Terrell was perfect that day and I see a some of that in the Brady-Moss connection now.

In 2000, the Patriots actually considered taking Tim Rattay instead of Tom Brady in the draft. At one point, they considered releasing Brady and trying to sneak him onto the practice squad so they could hang on to both John Friesz and Michael Bishop (yes, I know, this is the longest question ever). Brady was a big time quarterback at a big time college. Why wasn’t he highly regarded in NFL circles?

I was really surprised he was selected so late. I think there were doubts about his size and ability to fit with the offense on many teams. Despite his performance at Michigan, he didn't fit the mold of a typical quarterback and I think that's what teams were looking for at the time. Overall, his draft class was pretty slim pickings for quarterbacks, which also hurt him I think

I was sitting in the 6th row, on the 50 yard line when Mo Lewis knocked Drew Bledsoe out of the 2001 season. Had Bledsoe not gone down with that injury, where would Tom Brady be today? Or Bill Belichick, for that matter?

As much as I would like to think something would come along in the form of an injury or trade, it could have been years before he got his chance to step up and shine. I think he would have reached a starting role, but likely without the Patriots. Yeah he would have done alright, but without the total package that is the Pats, I don't see any championships on his record. It's the same thing with Cassel, who did well on a great team, but send him to KC and that success does not translate.

In another scenario, had he stayed in Boston as a backup with that strong team behind him, I think he would have been promoted to starter eventually. In that option I think he would be near the legend he is today, just starting a bit later. Same thing with Belichick. You have to have the complete package to see the success the Patriots have had over the past several years. Bledsoe would have been great, but not near the caliber of performance that Brady bought.

Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, and why?

I have to stick to Brady on this one. I think their both phenomenal players and great leaders, but in different ways. Brady obviously has a couple more Super Bowl Rings, where as Manning has done a few too many Oreo commercials.

Tom Brady or Joe Montana, and why?

Montana without a doubt. Without Joe I think there would be no Tom. I really think meeting Montana and watching watching him in the '81 NFC Championship Game instilled something in his head as a young child, gave him a goal as a player.

Tell us something about Tom Brady that we probably don’t already know.

Oooh, that's a tough one. I think the best I have is Brady's appreciation of practical jokes. If I remember correctly years ago he put something in the shoes or socks of Drew Beldsoe, turning his feet purple.

He also gets a nice paycheck each time he uses the word "execute" in public, double in pre- and post-game pressers. [OK, I completely made that up, but it kills me to hear the word over and over again.]

For more from the Tom Brady Examiner, check out her Examiner page: http://www.examiner.com/x-22939-Tom-Brady-Examiner