When we talk about the greatest quarterbacks of all-time, Tom Brady will be mentioned. He came out of nowhere and won three Super Bowls in a four year period ... becoming the MVP in two. He has an NFL MVP award (may get a second one this year) and once threw a record 50 TD passes in a season.
He's legit.
But over the last several years, his postseason performances leave something to be desired.
In 2008, the undefeated Patriots beat the Jaguars and Chargers to get to the Super Bowl. Brady looked great against the Jags, but threw for just 209 yds, 2 TDs and 3 INTs against San Diego. In the Super Bowl, his Pats were upset by the Giants ... ending hopes of an undefeated season. Brady threw for 266 yds and 1 TD.
In 2009, Brady was injured and the Patriots missed the playoffs.
In 2010, his Patriots lost at home to the Ravens in the Wildcard Round. Brady had a meager 154 yds, 2 TDs and 3 INTs. All that despite throwing 42 passes.
In 2011, his Patriots lost at home to the Jets in the Divisional Round. Brady had 299 yds, 2 TDs and a pick.
If you count a loss to the Colts in the 2007 AFC Championship game, that means Tom Brady is just 2-4 in his last six postseason games. Two of those losses were at home and one in the Super Bowl.
From 2002 to 2006, Tom Brady won the first 10 playoff games he started. That included three Super Bowl wins. Since then, he's just 4-5. In those 9 games, Brady threw 19 TD passes and 13 interceptions. Brady threw 11 TDs and just 3 INTs in his first 10 postseason starts.
This isn't to say that Brady sucks. He most certainly doesn't. Joe Montana spent the years between Super Bowls XIX and XXIII losing all three playoff games he played in. Montana's stats in those games? Zero TDs and four interceptions. In those three games, Montana threw for just 503 yds ... total (a 167 yd-per-game average). It happens.
There is a happy medium. Brady is still among the greats, but he isn't perfect. And right now, he's in a bit of a playoff funk.
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