So, I'm browsing and just came across
a nice pre-game article about Den @ NE. This paragraph is pretty relevant to the convo:
Brady’s "it" is his incredible ability to gather his mechanics while making throws from a congested pocket. True, he doesn’t like to be hit. Most quarterbacks don’t. But instead of avoiding hits by ducking or running, Brady avoids them by stepping up in the pocket or sidestepping the rush. In performing these pocket motions, Brady does a better job at keeping his eyes downfield and reclaiming his readiness to throw than anyone in the game. He’s incredibly quick in his fundamentals. It’s subtle-but-significant traits like this that turn sixth-round picks into Hall of Famers.
I agree wholeheartedly with that assessment, too. Brady has been utterly
phenomenal for the majority of his career in this regard. Just that, well, that skill has fallen off considerably this season. It's mental, not physical. I suspect it's lack of trust.
Ducking? Off-balance throwing? Yup. That's Brady under pressure right now....