New England Patriots: Tom Brady vows to be ready vs New York Jets
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady vowed he will be on the field for Sunday’s matchup against the New York Jets.
The New England Patriots injury report is always something of an adventure. They use it to play some games with their opponent, giving away as little information as possible. However, when you see big names on it, it will raise an eyebrow.
This week, arguably the two biggest names on the Patriots, quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski, appeared on the injury report. Gronkowski is dealing with a thigh injury that occurred in practice before their Week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He looks good to go against the New York Jets this week.
Brady, he looked like more of a question mark. In Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers, Brady suffered an injury to his left shoulder. He was able to play against the Buccaneers but reaggravated the injury.
Brady has been hit a lot this season. He has already been sacked more times in five games than he was in 12 last season. At 40-years old, that is not what the Patriots want to see. But, it will take more than a few hits to get Brady out of the lineup.
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Despite dealing with an AC Joint sprain in his left, non-throwing shoulder, Brady is confident he will be under center for the Patriots in Week 6 against the Jets.
"“I’ll be there Sunday, don’t worry about that,” he said Wednesday in his weekly news conference after practice. “I’ll be there.”"
Brady has not yet participated in practice this week. He sat out Tuesday’s practice to visit the doctor and missed Wednesday as well. Usually, that would put a player’s status for the game in jeopardy, but Brady will be out there.
Thus far this season Brady has been hit 32 times, absorbing 16 sacks. Some of the hits from the Panthers and Buccaneers the past two games were tough to watch, but Brady will keep chugging along.
Brady discussed the toll the heavy hits could take on him on Wednesday.
"“It’s a physical sport, so I think everyone is dealing with something. It’s just part of the sport. Everyone’s running around and they’re big and fast and they hit hard. You have bumps and bruises, but you just deal with them the best you can and try to get ready for the next week.”"
Football is a physical sport, and playing through some pain is almost a weekly ordeal for players. The Patriots have to be happy to hear that Brady is doing well and will play Sunday. However, they have to start giving him better protection.
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The offensive line isn’t the sole reason for all of the hits, but they are a big reason for it. Getting back to the cohesion and production they had last season would go a long way in limiting the hits and punishment that Brady takes on the field.