Brady was beyond sensational in
the Patriots' 45-10 statement win, in total command from the first snap of the game. Brady has become more and more like
Peyton Manning at the line of scrimmage, controlling the game, making sure the Pats never run a bad play. This ability to dictate the action on the field is spectacular, however his ability to execute is even better.
Leading up to the game, the Broncos believed they could pressure Brady inside, forcing him to get rid of the ball quickly and disrupting the Pats' offensive flow better than they did one month ago. In reviewing film from the first game, Broncos coaches felt they had great success each time they pressured Brady (besides the first third down of the game, when
Aaron Hernandez made a big play). But the minute this game started, Brady had the Broncos on their heels, not throwing a single incompletion in his first two drives and building a 14-0 lead. For most of the 2012 season, the Patriots offense has started slow, but not Saturday night -- they started fast, played fast and built a lead fast.
Having covered many Patriot games, I can tell from the body language how Brady will perform, which more often than not is superb. Yet there are times where you can see the weight of responsibility wearing him down, affecting his overall confidence -- particularly when he may not have complete faith in the game plan, or some of the players around him. However, when Brady has
that look, he's extremely difficult to beat. He won't settle for anything less than a Patriots win. Saturday night, he had that look. Even after an early interception, Brady's confidence never wavered. He immediately bounced back to make more great throws, more great calls and score more points.
What makes Brady and the Pats so dangerous is their ability to be game plan-specific. If the matchups favor the Patriots, they are very hard to beat. If opponents can win some of the matchups, they will create a lull in the Patriots' offensive attack. But with two multi-dimensional tight ends, New England can attack the middle of the field, exploiting safeties with marginal coverage ability. Putting a corner on
Rob Gronkowski or Aaron Hernandez isn't the answer either, as both are too physical for smaller men to handle. And they're too quick for a linebacker to cover. With these two players on the field at all times, Brady holds all the pre-snap cards. He can flex them out, forcing the defense to declare man or zone. If opponents choose to play split safety coverage, they're writing their own death certificate, as both tight ends can kill you down the middle. When Brady comes to the line, he instantly knows where to attack. It's like giving a Rhodes Scholar the test questions before he takes the exam. Brady will always ace this test.
It is no wonder that Brady only faced six third downs the entire game -- with just two in the second half. Brady was playing Canadian Football (piling up yardage on first- and second-down). You can't stop the Pats' offense if you can't force them into possession downs.
With
Aaron Rodgers and
Drew Brees dropping out of the tournament over the weekend, Brady and
Eli Manning are the brightest stars left in a quarterback-obsessed league. Can Ravens QB
Joe Flacco steal Brady's thunder next Sunday? Doubtful. The way Mr. Brady is playing right now, it'll be nearly impossible to strip him of top billing. Brady does not like playing second fiddle to anyone.
