It was only one year ago that New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady went down with a torn ACL and MCL in the Patriots opener. Last night, he performed in dramatic fashion.
The injury cost him the entire 2008-2009 season and had the Patriots miss the playoffs for the first time in six seasons.
On the 40th anniversary of Monday Night Football and the 50th anniversary of the New England Patriots, in a game that some thought would be a Patriots romp, the Bills led by Trent Edwards almost pulled out a victory as they led 24-13 with just over five minutes remaining in the game.
That’s when Brady took over.
In just over three minutes, Brady drove the Patriots down to the Bills 18 yard line and threw a zinger to open receiver Benjamin Watson in the back of the end zone.
A missed two-point conversion put the score at 24-19 Bills, and meant the Patriots needed the ball back and a touchdown to give them a chance to win.
It was shortly after that when Bills kick returner, Leodis McKelvin, fumbled the kick off giving the Patriots the ball back on the Bills 31 yard line. With under two minutes left, Brady had another opportunity to harness a victory.
Brady capitalized, hitting Benjamin Watson again over the middle with 50 seconds left giving the Pats a 25-24 lead.
And the Bills inability to put together a quick offensive drive and get into field goal range gave the Patriots a big opening victory.
Although Brady’s numbers were solid, throwing for 378 yards and two touchdown passes, his game was far from perfect as he failed to throw the deep ball.
But when it counted Brady performed at an MVP caliber.
In other notes:
Trent Edwards looked solid for Buffalo throwing for 212 yards and two touchdowns.
Wes Welker proved to be one of Brady’s favorite targets making 12 catches for 93 yards.
In the battle of #81, Randy Moss proved to be the better receiver last night, making 12 catches for 141 yards compared to Terrell Owens one catch for 27 yards.
Dammit Terrell... I had my popcorn ready.
