For the 321st time, Tom Brady will step onto an NFL gridiron on Sunday. The New England Patriots quarterback will face the Houston Texans for the 12th time — an opponent he historically does well against (10-1).
There is no denying, on the Texans’ end, that playing against Brady is special. The 42-year-old is widely considered to be the greatest of all time, and continues to play at a high level.
Texans outside linebacker Brennan Scarlett knows the mystique Brady brings to the field, and that the Houston defense will have to work against it.
“I think everybody in the league respects Tom Brady as a great quarterback,” Scarlett said. “As one of the greatest players to play this game. So, you know, it just puts that much more pressure on us to prepare this week and go out there and execute.”
On the season, Brady has passed for 2,942 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions on a 62.2% completion rate, good for an 88.5 passer rating. His Patriots stand at an AFC-best 10-1.
What makes Brady so good, despite his age?
“In order to be that great of a quarterback, you have to be cerebral and you got to know what’s going on the field pre-snap and post-snap,” said Scarlett. “And, I think he’s probably one of the best doing it or that has done it.”
The Texans are no stranger to Brady’s abilities. Two years ago, he led a last-minute comeback to give Deshaun Watson his first defeat as a starter. The next season, his Patriots cruised to a win in the regular season opener.
Brady has Houston’s number.
If the Texans want to extract revenge, Scarlett and the rest of the pass-rush will need to step-up. With Brady playing behind a subpar offensive line, he is susceptible to pressure. Romeo Crennel’s defense must dial-up the pressure.
