49ers quarterback in similar situation to Brady in 2001

FOXBORO, Mass. (WHDH) -- The Patriots are getting ready for a Sunday night showdown against the San Francisco 49ers and all eyes are on the quarterbacks.

The 49ers new starter might want to look to Tom Brady for some mentoring. It was back in 2001 when a young Brady took the helm from injured veteran Drew Bledsoe -- and that was the beginning of an era. A similar scene is playing out in San Francisco.

49ers Colin Kaepernick is now the starting quarterback after subbing for then-injured Alex Smith; a situation Tom Brady knows well.

“When you’re on a team, you’re supposed to support the team whatever way the coach needs you to support the team so when you’re not playing, you support the guys that are playing, help out in practice. And when you get your opportunity you try to go in there and support the team by playing,” said Tom Brady, Patriots quarterback.

There is no room for feelings in this business, although according to Brady, there weren’t any bad ones when he took over for Drew Bledsoe in 2001.

“There was nothing like that on our team. I had great support from the quarterbacks, especially Drew at the time. I don’t really know what’s going on in San Francisco,” Brady said.

In New England, it’s all about doing your job -- whatever it is -- to help the team.

“If your role’s to play quarterback, your role is to play quarterback. Do as best you can. If your role is to play scout team running back, do what your role is and until that role changes you just do it the best you can do,” Brady said.