On Sunday, February 4th, Tom Brady will step on the field at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota for Super Bowl LII. The game marks the eighth appearance all-time for Brady, an NFL record. There have been ups and downs in the championship game for Brady, who currently holds a 5-2 Super Bowl record. In preparation for Super Bowl LII, take a look back at the best and worst of Brady’s Super Bowl-filled career.
Ranking Tom Brady’s Super Bowl Performances
Disclaimer: When compiling these rankings, there were many things taken into account. A Super Bowl performance comes down to more than a passer rating or amount of yards thrown. To win the championship, you must be able to overcome odds. Persevere in the harshest climates and dimmest situations. Put your team in a situation to win. Most importantly, block out all outside noise and focus on the task at hand.
#7: Super Bowl XLII : Patriots 14, Giants 17
Brady’s stats: 29/48, 266 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 82.5 Passer Rating, 1 Fumble Lost
The New England Patriots were 12.5 point favorites heading into the match up. However, Brady and the offense were only able to muster 14 points in the entire game. The team saw their hopes of a 19-0 season come to a startling halt thanks to a late drive by Eli Manning capped off by the infamous David Tyree helmet catch. Plagued by the dominating defensive line of the New York Giants, which tallied five sacks, Brady struggled to find time to make reads. While Brady did throw for 266 yards, he was inaccurate in the game and couldn’t finish off their possessions with points regularly enough to come out victorious.
#6: Super Bowl XLVI: Patriots 17, Giants 21
Brady’s stats: 27/41, 276 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, 91.1 Passer Rating
In 2012, Brady had a chance to get redemption against Manning and the New York Giants. After going up 17-9 early in the third quarter, the Patriots floundered on offense. Their next two drives resulted in a three-and-out and a Brady interception. After a stalled drive highlighted by an overthrown ball subsequently dropped by Wes Welker, the Giants drove 88 yards for the game-winning TD. As the clock ran out, the Patriots suffered their second Super Bowl loss to the Giants in four years.
#5: Super Bowl XXXIX: Patriots 24, Eagles 21
Brady’s stats: 25/33, 236 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 110.2 Passer Rating, 1 Fumble Lost
The Patriots, led by a defense that forced four turnovers, won their third Super Bowl championship in four years against the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite the victory, the Patriots offense went four of 12 on third down conversions. In addition, Brady and company had six drives result in a three-and-out. The passing offense ran through Deion Branch, who finished the game with 11 receptions for 133 yards and earned Super Bowl MVP honors. Despite the Patriots win, it was not an overly impressive performance from Brady.
#4: Super Bowl XXXVIII: Patriots 32, Panthers 29
Brady’s stats: 32/48, 354 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT, 100.5 Passer Rating
In the 2004 Super Bowl, Brady and the Patriots earned their second championship in three years, beating the Carolina Panthers with a last second field goal. Brady was impressive, becoming one of only four quarterbacks to throw for over 350 yards in a Super Bowl. In a back-and-forth battle, Brady kept his team in contention the entire game. On the final drive, he completed four of five passes for 47 yards, setting up Adam Vinatieri with a 41-yard field goal attempt. Vinatieri converted, and the Patriots won their second championship.
#3: Super Bowl XXXVI: Patriots 20, Rams 17
Brady’s stats: 16/27, 145 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 85.2 Passer Rating
Stat wise, this was the least impressive of Brady’s Super Bowl appearances on paper. With his lowest passer rating, completions, and yards of all his appearances, many would see this performance as his worst. However, combining all of the factors going into this game, this was truly one of his finest. The Patriots came into the game a heavy underdog, as the St. Louis Rams were favored by 14 points. Brady, a second-year backup, was forced into the starter role mid season following Drew Bledsoe‘s injury. With all odds against him, Brady preformed as a game manager and got his team the victory. The upset was the first time an underdog came out on top despite a double digit spread since 1970.
#2: Super Bowl XLIX: Patriots 28, Seahawks 24
Brady’s stats: 37/50, 328 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT, 101.1 Passer Rating
In one of the most exciting Super Bowls in recent years, Brady went up against the Seattle Seahawks Legion of Boom defense. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Patriots faced an uphill battle, trailing the Seahawks 24-14. Brady put on a performance for the ages in the final quarter. He completed 14 of 16 passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns to put the Patriots up 28-24. Following a game-defining interception by rookie defensive back Malcolm Butler, the Patriots came out on top, giving Brady his fourth championship.
#1: Super Bowl LI: Patriots 34, Falcons 28
Brady’s stats: 43/62, 466 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, 95.2 Passer Rating
The biggest test of excellence for an NFL quarterback is their ability to preform under pressure. For Brady, this game goes at the top of his resume. The Patriots sputtered on both sides of the ball for two and a half quarters. Halfway through the third frame, they found themselves down 28-3 to the Atlanta Falcons. The Patriots went on to score 25 points on their next four drives, tying the game with 2:33 left and forcing the first overtime in Superbowl history. In the fourth quarter alone, Brady completed 16 of 21 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown.
The rest, as they say, is history. After winning the coin toss, the Patriots marched down the field on a 75-yard scoring drive to win the Super Bowl. On the game-winning drive, Brady completed five straight passes for 50 yards. He finished the game with 466 passing yards, a Super Bowl record. The Patriots recorded the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. Brady, at 39 years old, earned his fifth Super Bowl ring.
The New England Patriots will face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII on Sunday, February 4th in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tom Brady has a chance to become the oldest QB ever to win a Super Bowl with a victory. As for where this years’ Super Bowl performance will fit in the rankings, we will have to wait and see. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 E.T. on NBC.
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