So we have been mostly focusing on the defensive play, and rightfully so. Ideally, we should win games when we score 30. Brady clearly still has an elite skills at reading the defense, a quick release, a deep understanding of our offensive system, and the clutch “it” factor ability make plays when they are needed most. All of this is evidenced by the late comeback that was later squandered by poor defense and ticky tack penalties. I am not one of those to argue that Brady will magically fall off a cliff at 40 because of “athletic processing” or some other hocus-pocus. As I watched the game, I was not only shocked by our lousy defense; I was also shocked to see Brady missing some throws that he normally does not. This post is not intended to be a doom and gloom Brady’s career is over post. I am simply pointing out something I noticed and will be looking out for in following weeks.
So while Brady’s eventual decline most likely won’t be a a cliff, barring major injury. Instead it will the wear and tear of the many QB hits as he delivers the throw right before being smashed in the collapsing pocket. Just as a pitcher can gradually lose fastball command and placement as the season runs on, the wear and tear of Brady’s career might slowly catch up to him. The fact that we kept Garoppolo this offseason indicates that the FO is at least considering the possibility that this might happen sooner rather than later.
So here are plays:
1. We missed a first and goal opportunity on this one.
2. This one is borderline. It looks like it was thrown behind the Hogan, but he probably should have still made the catch. Perhaps the coaches’ film will have better angles.
3. I don’t think this was an intentional throw away, but it is debatable. Perhaps the coverage was too tight for this play to work anyway.
4. This one could have ended in a pick. It would have needed a very good throw since Gronk was bracketed by both safeties. Both the throw and the decision are suspect.
5. Perhaps this is a throw away, but I doubt it. If Hogan catches it, we either make it a closer field goal, or maybe he runs through a tackle and gets the first. Debatable.
6. We need another angle on this one. It looks like that Brady did not lead Hogan enough with allowed the DB to make a play on the ball.
7. This was a pretty bad throw considering how open Allen was. Perhaps Allen should have still caught it, but Brady should also hit the receiver better.
8. This play might not have been worth including. Amendola still makes the catch, but he has to stretch out for it. This allows Kuechly to tee him up. Luckily for us it looks like Luke hurt himself more than he hurt Amendola.
9. Overthrow, high interception potential.
10. White is a very good receiving back, but this would have been a hard catch for anyone. The pass rush clearly effected the throw on this one. I still think Brady expects himself to make this play.