For the 14th time in his career, Tom Brady is on his way to a conference championship game.
The 43-year-old led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers past the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night in a difficult 30-20 victory. Brady threw 18-of-33 for 199 yards and two touchdowns, while his opponent Drew Brees had a tough day, throwing for 134 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions.
Brady did what he was supposed to do. Take his veteran leadership and guide an extremely talented team into a deep playoff run. Head coach Bruce Arians expected this and relayed that sentiment while speaking to reporters after the game.
“Consummate leader,” Arians said, via NBC Sports’ Peter King. “Has been all year. Got the air of confidence that permeates through our team every day. I allow him to be himself. Like, New England didn’t allow him to coach. I allow him to coach. I just sit back sometimes and watch.”
In New England, Brady appeared to be a product of Bill Belichick and Josh McDaniels’ offense, while using his freedom in pre-snap reads. While this seems to be effective for Brady, it works both ways — at the end of the day, he’s the greatest quarterback in league history.
Brady and the Buccaneers will head to Lambeau Field next Sunday to take on Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers — the playoff matchup everyone’s been waiting for.
