The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baltimore Ravens face off on Thursday Night Football to open Week 8 of the NFL in what could be the last time quarterbacks Tom Brady and Lamar Jackson see eye-to-eye on a gridiron, perhaps no two passers are more different in their style of play, yet they are much closer than we think.

This past offseason, Brady announced his retirement from the NFL after 22 seasons and at that time he took to Jackson’s Instagram account and said a phrase that must be the ultimate honor for the young star, writing "[You’re] next."

Why does Tom Brady consider Lamar Jackson his successor?

That Brady considers Jackson his successor definitely speaks to the high value the seven-time Super Bowl winner places on the Ravens quarterback, TB12 pregame quote was more specific, though not overly so, about what he was referring to after writing the aforementioned phrase.

"He’s an amazing player and he challenges defense. He has a really unique skill set," Brady said. "His ability to improvise, make plays with his legs, extending plays. And they do a good job with that offense."

While Brady is known for his leadership and accuracy with his arm, Jackson has what his veteran colleague lacks - great mobility, elusiveness and leg quickness - but for the player who is only 25 years old, the interpretation of TB12’s words is peculiar.

Lamar Jackson’s take on being Tom Brady’s successor

"I would say, hopefully, I’m next to win the Super Bowl," Jackson said. "He’s got seven of them, so, hopefully, that’s what I’m next to - that’s what I was hoping."

The Ravens currently lead the AFC North with a 4-3 record tied with the Cincinnati Bengals, while the Buccaneers also command the NFC South tied with the Atlanta Falcons with a 3-4 record.