Tom Brady wrapped up another fabulous season by passing for a career-high 5,325 yards, the second-highest single-season total in NFL history. The Saints’ Drew Brees now leads the list, previously headed by Dan Marino, with 5,476 yards.
Later yesterday, the Lions Matthew Stafford became the fourth quarterback in NFL history to throw for more than 5,000 yards in a season (5,038). Brady finished the year 401-611, with 39 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions (one yesterday).
“Our passing game has been obviously a big strongpoint of this team,” Brady said. “The pass catchers, the blockers have been great, and we’ve run the ball great, too, at times. That’s what it takes, a complementary offense.”
Brady was limited in practice this week because of a left shoulder injury, but was 23-35 for 338 yards, his 11th 300-yard game of the season, and three touchdown passes, including the 300th of his career.
“I play this game for one reason and it’s to win,” Brady said. “There’s nothing more important to me than that. When your number is called upon to go out and execute certain plays, that’s what you’re expected to do. It’s not something I think about. It’s not something I ever think, ‘Man, I love throwing touchdowns,’ or ‘I love to throw for yards.’ I love winning and that helps me sleep at night.”
McCourty a safety net
Devin McCourty started at his usual cornerback position, but saw considerable time paired with Patrick Chung at safety.
“I’m just trying to be a defensive back,” McCourty said. “Whatever the team needs. I’m just trying to makes plays on the opportunity, wherever I’m at.”McCourty was a Pro Bowl selection at cornerback last year as a rookie, but has slumped badly at that spot this year. He had his first interception of the year last week against the Dolphins, but otherwise struggled against Miami’s receivers.
McCourty came up with his second pick of the year in the fourth quarter against the Bills, pulling in a ball that tipped off the fingertips of running back C.J. Spiller. “I just remembered my college coach always used to say when you’re in the middle of the field you can make a lot of interceptions just on tipped balls,” McCourty said, “so when it got tipped I was just trying to track it down.”
McCourty was slow to get up after hitting Bills receiver Ruvell Martin late in the fourth quarter. He was testing his right leg, but afterward said he was fine.
Two picks for Moore
Speaking of interceptions, rookie defensive back Sterling Moore, who has been an on-again, off-again, on-again member of the Patriots and the team’s practice squad this year, came up with the first and second interceptions of his career.
“It’s great,” Moore said. “All the preparation and everything I’ve gone through, it was great just getting out there and getting the opportunity to make a play.”
Moore returned his second pick 21 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. “I tried to disguise coverage,” said Moore, who got in front of intended receiver David Nelson, “walk down into something and jump in the route. I was just praying I didn’t drop it because that one was definitely easier than the first one.”
In the third quarter, Moore made a nice play to pick off a pass intended for Martin. The interception led to the Patriots’ go-ahead TD. “I turned my head back around and I saw the ball coming,” Moore said, “so I tried to dive in front of it and get my hands on it.”
Moore was most recently signed to the active roster from the practice squad Dec. 23. Antwaun Molden had the other interception for the Patriots, who once again won the turnover battle (plus-3). The Bills went 1-8 in their final nine games and had a negative-8 turnover ratio in those games.
O’Brien to Penn State?
Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien is reportedly the lead candidate for the Penn State head coaching vacancy. “I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Brady said. “I hope he’s here for a long time and I told him that, too.”
The 42-year-old O’Brien has been with the Patriots for four seasons. He previously was an assistant on the college level, at Duke, Maryland, Georgia Tech and Brown. “He’s been a great coach and friend,” Brady said. “We have a great relationship. I always enjoy working with him and he’s done an incredible job with this team and this offense.”