Tedy Bruschi Says Matthew Stafford ‘Not Tough Enough’ To Play For Patriots

Prior to being traded to the Los Angeles Rams, quarterback Matthew Stafford was the subject of multiple conversations explored by the Detroit Lions, his former team. But word was, Stafford did not want to be dealt to the New England Patriots.

There’s a reason for that, according to former Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi.

“He’s not tough enough to play here,” Bruschi said on WEEI radio, via ProFootballTalk. “He’s just not tough enough. I don’t think he’s tough enough to be coached hard. “

While Stafford is getting a fresh start and Tampa Bay’s Tom Brady is another Super Bowl with a new team, the Patriots are looking for an answer at QB. It may or may not be Cam Newton, who struggled in New England’s 7-9 season.

.@TedyBruschi on @OMFonWEEI gives blunt assessment of Matthew Stafford: Not tough enough to play in New England https://t.co/gxqa7yIIsQ

— WEEI (@WEEI) February 4, 2021

Whatever the case, Bruschi continued to insist the Patriots’ solution was never Stafford.

“Do you realize the mental toughness that Tom Brady had to have for 20 years to deal with Bill Belichick and that type of coaching? I mean, constant pressure every single day,” Bruschi said. “Does Stafford sort of grab you as a guy who could handle that? I just don’t think so.”

Bruschi added that at least Stafford got what he wanted, and that’s good for Stafford and good for the Patriots.

“He went to (Rams coach) Sean McVay and his little best friend relationship and go have fun over there,” Bruschi said. “That’s fine.”