Broncos' Smith says Brady cries to refs but is 'a great competitor'

Denver Broncos defensive lineman Antonio Smith is the latest to join the chorus attacking New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's on-field demeanor.

Ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship Game, Smith said it would be fair to label the Patriots superstar as a "crybaby," claiming Brady lobbies for penalties at an unusually high rate.

"That would be an accurate statement. I've never seen any quarterback look to the referee right after he gets sacked more than Brady," Smith said, according to Paul Klee of the Colorado Springs Gazette. "Every time he gets sacked he looks at the ref like, 'You see him sack me? Was that supposed to happen? He did it a little hard. Please throw a 15-yard penalty on him. Get him fined.'"

The Broncos-Patriots rivalry is one of the NFL's most contentious, with the two teams squaring off in the AFC Championship Game two years ago.

Although Smith was quick to deride Brady for his perceived showmanship, the Broncos veteran complimented him for his relentlessness.

"With Brady, he's a great competitor. You know it's coming. He's going to cry about getting hit, but he's going to take the hit and keep going."

Smith and the rest of the Broncos' front seven will be tasked with getting to the quarterback early and often, so it's possible both players will engage in a series of heated discussions Sunday.

- With h/t to ESPN