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Posted 2 years ago

NFL General

What it means to play Tom Brady

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Tom Brady has had a career spanning 22 seasons of the NFL so far. He is widely viewed as the greatest quarterback, and by many as the greatest player, of all time. His achievements include the highest number of appearances and wins at the Super Bowl, highest number of games started and won, highest number of passing yards and passing touchdowns, highest number of Super Bowl MVPs and the highest number of game-winning drives. Among the opponents that he has dominated against, include the fathers of players he is currently playing against.

However, all fairy tales come to an end, and is the 45-year-old finally nearing retirement? After spending 20 seasons with the New England Patriots, and 2 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brady announced his retirement during the off-season, but reversed his decision a mere 40 days later.

While he is expected to play through this season, there are hints about the curtains coming down on his career soon and as the countdown begins, many players and coaches get ready for a final possibility to play against the legend and leave a mark.

Anthony Walker, linebacker in the Cleveland Browns is getting ready for the match against the Buccaneers on Nov 27. According to him, Tom Brady is at the top of the list of players that everyone wants to perform well against.

Moreover, it is a custom at the NFL to not dedicate more than 24 hours to reflect on a game, before moving ahead. However, this is a challenge for games involving Brady, according to Cam Heyward of the Pittsburgh Steelers, as given the quarterback’s ability to target his opponents’ vulnerabilities, a game against him typically signals a complete triumph or a failure of the defense.

Another aspect of Brady’s game is his astute analysis of opponents as individuals, and as a team. According to ESPN analist Ryan Clark, playing against Brady is akin to competing with multiple individuals, considering the vast experience he has already garnered and the lessons he has learnt from all his successes.

Raheem Morris, ex-coach of Atlanta Falcons, recalls when Brady was able to make a comeback of 24 points, when the prevailing record for a comeback was 10 points, to win the game. According to him, playing Brady requires two game plans, one for each half, to keep Brady – with his unending ability to adapt – on his toes. Morris also recalls how Brady dominated from his very first season in 2005, and has been going strong ever since, making the prospect of playing against him in his final years, extra special for all.

Brady’s potential farewell tour offers an opportunity to players and coaches alike, to script history. John Johnson of the Cleveland Browns, who faced Brady 21 months ago is looking forward to playing Brady a final time and framing the match ball.

Similarly, Patrick Peterson, of the Vikings,already has a ball he played against Brady in his trophy case. As Brady steps up his game, for his final games in the sport, players and coaches gear up for a final chance to play and outplay Tom Brady.