Tom Brady After Chargers: “No Margin For Errors, Have To Be Good In All Phases”

Philip Rivers once again got schooled against the Patriots. The dynasty from Foxborough eliminated the Chargers today, after a pretty much one-sided beating at Gillette Stadium, 41-28.

Though the result isn’t showing the proper amount of Patriots’ domination, this was one of the toughest games for Rivers in the past two or three years.

The Chargers QB was simply tortured all the time. Whether that was by the pass rush defenders or the inability of his teammates to create a decent running game and ease some pressure off his back, Rivers felt frustrated throughout most of the game.

He finished the contest with 331 yards, three touchdowns, one interception, and a poor completion percentage, 25 of 51. We saw him hurried at least 10 times in the opening two quarters.

After the game, he spoke about the fact that Chargers’ offense totally failed when it comes to their part of the job, and concluded the discussion with a straightforward answer on why his team lost.

“They were just better than us,” Rivers said.

Tom Brady didn’t have the slightest problems in this match. The three-time MVP threw 343 yards for only one touchdown, but with only ten incomplete passes in his 44 tries. On the other hand, he had running backs very inspired today, which allowed him to have multiple options in attack.

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One of the reporters mentioned that Brady talked a while ago about the need for the Pats to play complementary football. The player agreed on his claim that this was one of the best games in that aspect in quite some time.

“You can’t get one-dimensional in these types of games… You get to this point, there’s a very little margin for error, and you are going to have to be good in all phases, running it throwing it, kicking it, playing defense, everything.” Brady told.

And when looking at the team stats, you could see that he had a point on that one. The hosts had 343 passing yards, rushed for 155, while holding the opponent to only 19! Also, the 41-year old was well protected and he didn’t suffer a single sack in this game.

Running backs scored four touchdowns this Sunday, three of them were posted by the rookie from Georgia, Sony Michel. He had 129 yards in 24 carries, becoming the third person since 1993 with three rushing TDs in the first half of the first career playoff game. Brady had nothing but kind words for the 23-year old.

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“He had a great game, and he’s just had a great year. He’s just battled and fought hard,” said quarterback Tom Brady. “I really love Sony as a person and his commitment to the team.”

Speaking of great year, the Patriots didn’t do anything special this season. With 11 wins and 5 losses, they won the AFC East division and will now participate in the AFC championship game for the 13th time (8th straight) since Brady took over the wheel in Massachusetts.

It appears that even this didn’t silence the critics, who were making comments all year that New England isn’t looking that good as they used to be, and that the end of their rule is near. That only motivated them, especially Brady, who didn’t miss a chance to mention that.

“It’s going to be a good game,” the player said. “They’re a good team. We played them earlier this year. I know everybody thinks we suck and, you know, we can’t win any games, so we’ll see. It’ll be fun.”

Tom Brady's been listening. #Patriots https://t.co/1369j2dddJ

— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) January 13, 2019

Now, Kansas City did have a crazy year, winning the top seed in the AFC, and revealing Patrick Mahomes to the whole world. Will that be enough to stop the Patriots, we’ll see.

The first match ended in Pats’ favor 43-40. The rematch will be played at the Arrowhead Stadium, one of the loudest in the world.

It will be another chance for Tom Brady to show that he still has a lot to give, and to prolong the “end” of his reign.