Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dwight Freeney may have thought he had rid himself of his nemesis when he left the AFC for the NFC.
However, the New England Patriots once again stand in his path toward a second Super Bowl title when the Falcons face the Patriots Sunday in Super Bowl 51.
“It’s like I keep seeing you guys and you’re not going away. Leave me alone,” Freeney told reporters Tuesday. “It’s been a great journey to this point. And they have been a thorn in my side for the majority of it.”
The 36-year-old Freeney might have competed in – and won – at least one more Super Bowl as a member of the Indianapolis Colts if not for the Patriots. Freeney was 1-4 against the Patriots in playoff games since 2002, his rookie season. Two of those losses occurred in the AFC Championship game.
Freeney was arguably the best pass rusher of his era and he has posted 122 sacks in his 15-year career. Just four of sacks have come against Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
“I’ve chased him a long time, he’s been beating me for a long time,” Freeney said.
Freeney will get another chance – and what could be his last – to win that elusive second Super Bowl title, but a familiar foe stands between him and the win.
“I still have to worry about Tom Brady,” Freeney said. “It’s kind of like, haven’t we had enough battles over the years?”
— Geoffrey C. Arnold | @geoffreyCarnold
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