Julio Jones is set to face the Atlanta Falcons for the first time since leaving the franchise and he does so as a member of the NFC South rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
For Falcons fans it could be a tough pill to swallow because despite being limited in practice this week, the odds are pretty good that Julio will score a touchdown on Sunday.
While Julio has yet to catch a touchdown through 2 games played this season, he did have a big showing in the Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys with 3 catches for 69 yards and Tom brady has a history of understanding storylines and making sure certain players get their due.
In the final week of the 2020-2021 season Bucs WR Antonio Brown needed 11 catches (against the Atlanta Falcons) to receive a $250,000 bonus and Tom Brady made sure it happened, including throwing him the ball 3 times on the final drive of a 44-27 win instead of kneeling. The final catch was a one-foot shovel pass for the incentive.
Brady also did the same in 2021 for Rob Gronkowski netting him $500,000.
Tom Brady understands scenarios and this is one built around pettiness, but Julio Jones certainly has a point to prove in this game and expect Brady to make certain he's able to prove it.
Julio has been a limited participant this week in practice, listed on the injury report as dealing with a knee issue, so it's possible he doesn't even play on Sunday, but most do expect him to suit up.