Three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Alex Smith has joined the conversation surrounding Tom Brady's recent critical assessment of today's NFL. Smith countered Brady's description of the product on the field, pointing out the success Brady himself had enjoyed in the game.

During an appearance on ESPN with colleagues Randy Moss, Tedy Bruschi, and Rex Ryan, Smith questioned Brady's comments, stating, "First off, he hasn't been retired that long. He was just playing. He just won a Super Bowl in the current game - is he discounting that one?"

Smith went on to highlight what he believed was a significant factor in Brady's success, citing the less competitive nature of the AFC East division when Brady played for the New England Patriots. Describing the division as a "cupcake division," Smith argued that it provided an easier path to the playoffs, suggesting that this could contribute to Brady's perceived lack of mediocrity in today's NFL.

"My biggest complaint with this… he played in the most uncompetitive division, I think, in NFL history," Smith asserted. "You got a ticket to the playoffs right away, talk about mediocre."

While acknowledging the rule changes over the middle of the receiver that Brady alluded to, Smith disagreed with the notion that today's NFL has become mediocre. He expressed his belief that the game has actually improved in many aspects.

"I completely disagree with this. I know he's referencing the rule changes over the middle of the receiver, but in my opinion, I think that game has gotten better," Smith stated.

Brady had made his critical comments about the NFL's current state during an appearance on "The Stephen A. Show." He expressed his view that the league has become more mediocre over time, citing issues with coaching, player development, and the impact of certain rule changes.

"I think there's a lot of mediocrity in today's NFL. I don't see the excellence that I saw in the past," Brady remarked. "I think the coaching isn't as good as it was. I don't think the development of young players is as good as it was. The rules have allowed a lot of bad habits to get into the actual performance of the game. So, I just think the product in my opinion is less than what it's been."

Brady pointed out how defensive players' actions are now being strictly regulated, claiming that hits that legends like Ray Lewis and Rodney Harrison would have made in his playing days would now be penalized. He argued that offensive players should be responsible for their own protection and that defensive players should focus on protecting themselves.

Despite these differences in opinion, both Smith and Brady have encouraged a discussion on the state of the modern NFL. Their contrasting views shed light on the debates surrounding the game's evolution and the impact of rule changes on player performance and safety.

As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen how other players, coaches, and commentators will weigh in on the topic of mediocrity in today's NFL.