Last week, in this very column I said that if the New England Patriots were to have any sustained success this season, the play of quarterback Tom Brady would have to pick up. I think after Sunday afternoon’s 55-31 drubbing of the Pittsburgh Steelers it’s safe to say that he did, and in a big way. Brady played at the highest level we’ve seen all season, and possibly even in years, constantly displaying accuracy and poise while compiling insane video-game numbers. “Tom Terrific” completed a season-high 69.7% of his passes to the tune of 432 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions good for a quarterback rating of 151.8 and a ridiculous yards-per-attempt average of 13.1.
So what happened? How did the former Michigan Wolverine turn from a frog to a handsome prince again overnight? Simply put, Brady’s supporting cast is starting to get healthy and experienced, forming a cohesive offensive attack for the first time all season.
In his third game back from multiple injuries, All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski looked like the beast we always knew he was on Sunday, catching nine passes for 143 yards and the first “Gronk-Spike” touchdown of the season. He’s healthy again folks, and a match-up nightmare.
Danny Amendola finally flashed the ability that led the Pats to sign him as a Wes Welker replacement this offseason, catching four passes for 122 yards and a touchdown of his own, and rookie wide out Aaron Dobson is starting to hit his stride with five grabs for 150 yards and the other two Brady touchdowns.
On top of that, the Patriots’ running game is starting to take off as well. Stevan Ridley rushed for 115 yards and two scores of his own. Ridley, believe it or not (get it?), has found the end zone in four consecutive games with six total touchdowns over that span. Adding to the surplus is the fact that Shane Vereen is returning from a wrist injury in a couple of weeks to play a Darren Sproles-esque role in the offense, and all of a sudden things are looking up for this club.
It says a lot that the Pats have been able to start the season 7-2 in spite of up-an-down quarterback play and injuries to key players like Gronkowski, Amendola, Vereen, Vince Wilfork (out for the season), Jerod Mayo (also on IR), and in recent weeks, star cornerback Aqib Talib.
The Pats are a team that inspires emotional extremes. It’s very likely that you either love them or hate them, but one thing that remains true is that Bill Belichick’s bunch always seems to find a way to win. Heading into their bye week with a healthy lead in the AFC East and a fairly generous schedule on the horizon, this team is a legit contender for the top seed in the AFC Playoffs, and no one would have thought that a week ago.
Other Quick Notes from Week Nine:
-Nick Foles tied an NFL record with seven touchdown passes in Sunday’s game against the Raiders. The scary thing is that had Chip Kelly left Foles in the game in the fourth quarter, the youngster had a legitimate chance to hold the record all on his own. No one saw that coming, and I think it’s safe to say that Foles has “Wally Pipp-ed” the injured Michael Vick as the starting quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles.
-I want to wish a speedy recovery to head coaches John Fox and Gary Kubiak for their respective medical issues this past week. Head coaching in the NFL is one of the most stressful jobs in the world and sometimes fans and journalists alike are way too hard on these guys. Get well soon, fellas.
-In what seemed like déjà vu of week four, the Seahawks pulled off a come-from-behind overtime win, this time spoiling a 21 point Tampa Bay Buccaneer lead. The Seahawks have had some close calls this year, but sit atop the NFC West as 8-1, with the San Francisco 49ers nipping at their heels. It’s amazing how fast this division has gone from being constantly disrespected to possessing two legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
-The Kansas City Chiefs remain undefeated and once again, they did it with great coaching and defense. At 9-0 heading into their bye week, the Chiefs haven’t allowed more than 17 points in a game all season. I expect that number to be challenged when they return to action for a Sunday Night tilt with their divisional rival Denver Broncos. The best offense in the league versus the best defense in the league. The unstoppable force versus the immovable object. This stuff writes itself. You’ve gotta love football.
That’s all for this week, everybody. Enjoy next week’s slate of games!
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