New England Patriots 2016 Player Grade: Tom Brady
By Nick Ziegler
The New England Patriots had an outstanding 2016 season, and their quarterback Tom Brady was the reason why. What grade does he deserve in 2016?
To start the 2016 season, the New England Patriots were without starting quarterback Tom Brady for the first four games. Due to a suspension, the Patriots were forced to play without arguably the greatest quarterback of all-time.
Despite the odds being stacked against them, the Patriots were able to have a 3-1 record during this time. When Brady returned, he was clearly a man on the mission.
In his first game of the season, Brady totaled 406 passing yards and three touchdowns. For a player that missed so much time, it was incredible to see Brady show no rust, even against the Browns.
Brady continued to play really well up until Sunday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. In what ended up being his worst game of the season, Brady didn’t throw a touchdown pass, and he threw one of his two interceptions of the season that night.
Protecting the ball was a theme for Brady all season. He was able to set the single-season record for touchdown to interception ratio, as he totaled 28 touchdown passes and just two interceptions. This broke the record previously held by Nick Foles.
At 39-years-old, Brady had a remarkable season. Even though he didn’t win the MVP, he was certainly deserving, and very well could have if he wasn’t suspended. The 112.2 quarterback rating for the season was the second-highest of his career, coming just behind the 117.2 mark in 2007.
With his eye on a fifth Super Bowl ring, Brady wasn’t perfect in the postseason. He threw more interceptions in three playoff games than he did all season, but he was still very good. After throwing for 466 passing yards in the Super Bowl win against the Atlanta Falcons, Brady was named Super Bowl MVP.
Next: Breaking down the quarterback position in 2017
For a nearly 40-year-old quarterback to have one of the best seasons of his career is truly remarkable. As the Patriots head into 2017, Brady will be seeking his sixth Super Bowl ring. After the great season in 2016, there’s no reason to think Brady won’t be able to succeed in 2017.