Whither Tom Brady?
The Patriots are 2-1, but it might not be too soon to start asking some questions about their franchise quarterback after yet another mediocre performance from Brady in Sunday’s wholly uninspiring 16-9 home win over the Raiders.
Oakland cornerback Charles Woodson was in such despair last week, he openly said the winless Raiders “suck” and he was “embarrassed” by their play, but Brady didn’t exactly carve them up in Week 3.
Brady’s numbers were pedestrian (234 yards and one TD), and he looked both harried and uncertain most of the day. It was a far cry from the Brady of even last season, and it’s not as if 2013 was a banner year for the Patriots star.
Not only did Brady fail to carve up the woeful Raiders, but he hasn’t carved up anyone so far. He’s completing just 59 percent of his passes for 635 yards and three TDs, shockingly low numbers for Brady.
Julian Edelman and the Patriots offense have been upside down through three games.Getty ImagesPart of Brady’s problems don’t appear to be of his doing.
Though he has yet to throw an interception, he has been sacked an uncharacteristically high seven times. The retooled offensive line has been one of the team’s biggest weak spots, and New England’s receiving corps remains injury-prone, inconsistent and lacking in explosiveness.
Brady really needs Rob Gronkowski to round into form and stay healthy (the big tight end had a TD catch Sunday, though he also dropped a sure score), but the quarterback’s woes might run deeper than that.
Brady, after all, is 37 years old, and the combination of that shaky offensive line and his knee surgery six years ago could finally be catching up with one of the all-time greats.
Considering Brady’s struggles, maybe it’s no longer a surprise that Bill Belichick drafted a quarterback — Jimmy Garoppolo — in the second round in May. It was the highest pick Belichick had used on a passer in the Brady era, and Garoppolo’s quick ascension was further assured last month when Ryan Mallett was traded to Houston.
Could we be seeing the beginning of the end for Brady in New England? Belichick is famous for jettisoning key veterans without even thinking twice. So it’s no longer heresy to ask that question.
