National Football League

Bill Belichick on Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady similarities: 'They both wear No. 12'

Published Nov. 26, 2014 4:03 p.m. ET

foxsports

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick wasn't about to break out a Venn diagram to explain the similarities and differences between quarterbacks Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Belichick simplified it Wednesday for the New England media.

"They both wear No. 12," Belichick said before walking off the podium, signifying the end of his news conference. Rodgers has thrown for 2,957 yards and 30 touchdowns with three interceptions for the Green Bay Packers (8-3) this season.

He has completed 66.7 percent of his passes for 8.6 yards per attempt. He also has 28 rushing attempts for 178 yards and one touchdown. Brady has thrown for 2,998 yards and 26 touchdowns with six interceptions for the Patriots (9-2).

He has completed 65 percent of his passes with 7.2 yards per attempt. He has rushed for just 14 yards on 19 attempts. Belichick was a lot more elaborate when asked about the challenges that Rodgers will present for New England on Sunday.

"He's a great player," Belichick said. "He does a tremendous job, really at everything. He's got no weak points, makes every throw, handles the team very well at the line -- checks and adjustments. He certainly sees the defense well, uses all his weapons, makes great throws from the short ones (to) intermediate, down the field, sidelines, back shoulders, deep routes, and then he has a great ability to extend plays, either sliding in the pocket or at times scrambling outside the pocket.

"They've made a lot of plays this year on things like that, where he either buys extra time or just flat-out gets away from the rush and lets the receivers uncover. He's a hard guy to tackle, hard guy to get and a very good thrower, very accurate thrower and has great vision. He's really good." Belichick clammed back up when asked to comment on this being Rodgers' first start against the Patriots.

"I mean, it is what it is," Belichick said. "Whatever hasn't happened hasn't happened. I'm not really worried about it."

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