Top performers from Week 13
A threesome stood out above all others yesterday.
Another chaotic Sunday has come and gone in the NFL. Like every other before it, there was upsets, blowouts and of course, nail-biting finishes. With just four weeks remaining, the consequences from 60 minutes of football grow immeasurably.
Without further ado here are just some of the men who dragged their team toward victory. In most cases they walked away with a W, but there were a select few stars who fought valiantly in the face of defeat.
TOM BRADY
Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady led the Bucs to a thrilling 33-27 overtime win vs. Buffalo, passing for 363 yards and two touchdowns. Crucially, the seven-time Super Bowl winner threw no interceptions, amassing a 105.6 rating. In a rare feat, Brady added a rushing touchdown in as the Bucs soared to 10-3.
Brady — already the league's all-time leader in passing yards (83,338) and passing touchdowns (617) — surpassed Drew Brees (7,142) for the most completions in NFL history, adding another record to a list longer than St. Nicholas’
TB12 has 4,134 passing yards through 13 weeks, his 13th career season with at least 4,000 passing yards, surpassing Brees (12 seasons) and Philip Rivers (12) for the second-most 4,000-yardage seasons all-time.
PATRICK MAHOMES
Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes shone brightly in Kansas City’s 48-9 demolition of AFC West rival Las Vegas. The Raiders never stood a chance as Mahomes completed 20 of 24 pass attempts — 83.3% completion rate — for 258 yards and two touchdowns. Mahomes’ zero turnovers will please Andy Reid to no end, as the Chiefs claimed their sixth win in a row.
Kansas City is the first defense since Seattle’s 2014 legion of boom to allow fewer than 10 points four times across a five-game stretch. Including yesterday’s victory, the Chiefs have held their opponents to nine points in three straight games (Cowboys, Broncos & Raiders) from Weeks 11-13. Their defensive hot streak began with a blanketing of an Aaron Rodgers-less Green Bay Packers back in Week 9.
Mahomes has 10 career games with a passer rating of 130-or-higher (minimum 20 attempts), taking the mantle from former Ram & Hall of Famer Kurt Warner and current quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson for the most during their first five seasons.
JUSTIN HERBERT
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert put on a show during his team’s 37-21 blitzing of the lowly New York Giants. The sophomore passed for 275 yards and three touchdowns for a 133.1 quarterback rating.
The 23-year-old is the fourth-youngest player to reach 8,000 passing yards in NFL history. Only the Saints’ Jameis Winston (22 years, 361 days), Panthers’ Sam Darnold (23 years, 212 days) and former Patriot Drew Bledsoe (23 years, 236 days) reached the mark at a younger age.
The Oregon product is the second-youngest player to reach 60 career touchdown passes in NFL history. Only Hall of Famer Dan Marino (23 years, 78 days) reached the mark at a younger age.
Herbert is the first player ever in the National Football League to throw for 30 touchdowns in each of his first two seasons.
Vic Fangio reveals Teddy Bridgewater’s Status For Pittsburgh Clash
The Broncos’ head coach kept things interesting ahead of Sunday.
The Denver Broncos are on the comeback trail, looking to redeem themselves in Pittsburgh after an energy-zapping loss to AFC rivals, the Baltimore Ravens.
Broncos Country are sweating on the health of starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who exited the ballgame at half during the Week 4 loss at home to Lamar Jackson and co. The former Saints signal-caller has since entered the NFL's concussion protocol and remains an even chance to participate in practice later this week.
Teddy Closing in on Return to Practice
Denver head coach Vic Fangio updated local media on his star quarterback's progress, revealing No.5 would not practice Wednesday. Though he was able to move around and complete other means of physical activity.
"He’s getting better," Fangio said during his October 6 press conference. "He was able to lift today with the group and attend meetings.”
Fangio admitted it was "possible" Bridgewater could participate, albeit in a limited capacity, during Thursday's practice. He remained typically tight-lipped otherwise, and it is a possibility that Bridgewater remains on the sidelines.
The 28-year-old quarterback didn't participate in film study or meetings on Monday but in a welcomed sign, was back engaging in those activities with teammates on Wednesday.
There's no doubt Bridgewater is making strides toward a full return yet the Broncos have a contingency plan there in case. His name is Drew Lock.
Lock and Loaded
The one-time starter turned backup quarterback has taken first-team reps in both practices in the lead up to the Week 5 clash at Pittsburgh. Coach Fangio shed some light on why Lock struggled at home to the Ravens, and just how difficult it can be to adjust from sidekick to starter.
“It’s difficult in that he doesn’t get the reps when you’re thrown in there cold, but I still think his below-average play was just a part of our whole offense that day," Fangio said. "We just weren’t very good offensively last Sunday.”
After a week of practice firmly in the driver's seat, Lock and Broncos Country should be confident of a return to his preseason form. Fangio has no doubts it is possible.
“He views himself — and I view him — as a starting quarterback in the NFL," Fangio said. "He doesn’t view himself as a career backup but he’s doing good in his role right now.”
It must have been difficult for Lock to accept and transition from being the face of the franchise, alongside Von Miller, to a backup for the first time in his life. In spite of the setback, Lock has adjusted well according to his coach.
“He’s dealt with it very well," Fangio told reporters. "I don’t say that to mean he’s accepted it and thinks he’s a backup. That’s not it at all. He just has a lot of respect for Teddy — what Teddy has done for him personally and what Teddy has done for the team. He’s all on board.”
Von Miller Explains Why He Can’t Hate Tom Brady
Despite their on-field battles, Miller has deep respect for the man widely considered the greatest of all time.
The Denver Broncos franchise pass rusher Von Miller has seen and done it all. Fresh off his fourth AFC Defensive Player of the Month title, the 32-year-old was in a reflective mood, speaking in-depth about some of the greatest quarterbacks of his time.
With Tom Brady heading back home to Foxboro in a Sunday Night Football game for the ages, Miller revealed to Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd his experiences on and off the gridiron with whom many consider the G.O.A.T.
Miller: Brady Is 'Such a Great Guy'
“He just has just such a handle on what’s going on and what’s about to happen," Miller said on the Colin Cowherd Podcast, September 29. "It’s kind of like he can predict what’s about to happen from the quarterback position, he can kind of predict where wide receivers are going, what coverages is about to happen and once you really learn [about] Tom Brady, he puts so much work in.
"Throughout my career, I’ve been able to play against Tom Brady but I’ve been able to get to know him off the field as well. There’s really no reason to not like Tom Brady other than he wins football games. He does everything right, he’s such a role model, he’s such a great guy."
Miller himself has been a role model for the Broncos ever since his Super Bowl 50 heroics, toppling Cam Newton and the vaunted Carolina offense of 2015. Despite starting his season off in stellar fashion with eight tackles, four sacks and six tackles-for-loss, Miller remains full of praise for his entire team. “This offensive line is the best since I’ve been with the Denver Broncos," Miller told Cowherd.
No. 58 cited the lack of weapons available to current Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater when he was in Carolina as a major factor for his uninspiring record with the Panthers. Now, the former Louisville signal-caller has a loaded arsenal to call upon in the pass and run game, which in Miller's belief, is why the Broncos are where they are after three weeks.
"When you give Teddy a team like [ours], things like this happen, we played three teams that haven’t been winning a lot but I feel like the way we beat them is the way that good teams should play teams like that," Miller told Cowherd.
"We got a real test coming this week, we’ve got a playoff team coming up this week. We’re playing a playoff game in September! That’s been the vibe around here. To get where we’re going we gotta go through the Baltimore Ravens."
Patrick Mahomes & Lamar Jackson Are Incomparable
Another fearsome AFC quarterback Miller knows well is Chiefs signal-caller Patrick Mahomes. Miller noted there was an instant awareness Kansas City's No. 15 was completely different to anything he'd ever seen.
“Patrick Mahomes he was just fearless," Miller said, recounting his memories of then-rookie Mahomes. "He just got it, he was just confident. You face other rookie quarterbacks, they’re struggling with their reads, they’re scrambling out of the pocket, struggling trying to push the ball downfield.
"When I really think about it, young guys with success, Patrick Mahomes there’s not been a young guy that had the type of success like Patrick Mahomes. Right off the bat, nobody’s like Patrick Mahomes. Lamar Jackson right off the bat, he was athletic, he did wonderful things but true quarterback nobody’s done it like Patrick Mahomes right off the bat in my eleven year career.
"Lamar Jackson, he does a lot of things well, he can throw the ball, he can run the ball, he can create separation, he’s a once-in-a-lifetime player just like Patrick Mahomes. But they’re two totally different players, you can’t compare Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, they’re just two elite players."
Miller and the stout Broncos' defense will face their first elite quarterback when Jackson rolls into Mile High on Sunday. If they are the team Miller and many others believe they are, Denver will come out victorious.
Tom Brady ready for another Super Bowl tilt
Tom Brady is treating campaign No. 22 no differently to the Super Bowl-laden previous. The chip is still there and so too is his passion and drive.
Tom Brady, is treating campaign No. 22 no differently to the Super Bowl-laden previous. The chip is still there and so too is his passion and drive.
“I love playing football,” Brady told Peter King in his latest Football Morning in America column. [Offensive coordinator] Byron Leftwich said something really good the other day: It’s a very simple game that’s so hard to execute. It’s a totally imperfect game that you’re trying to do as perfectly as possible. Every day I come out trying to do it. I’m hoping this is my best year.”
Could it be? Well, Brady’s weaponry and offensive have hardly been better across his two-decade career and let’s not forget, despite a slow start last season was one of his best.
Let’s reflect for a moment. New team, new coaches, new system, new lifestyle, a torn MCL, all amidst a global pandemic.
Brady’s healthier now and certainly feels more at home with the offense if Bucs head coach Bruce Arians is to be believed.
“When he calls a play this year, he knows the picture in his brain. Last year, it was just words,” Arians said.
Brady has two years remaining on his three-year deal with Tampa and assured NFL defenses in the offseason that he’ll see them out. Could he play beyond then, taking him to the ripe old age of 46.
“I’ll know when the time’s right,” Brady told King regarding the inevitability of retirement.
“If I can’t . . . if I’m not a championship-level quarterback, then I’m not gonna play. If I’m a liability to the team, I mean, no way. But if I think I can win a championship, then I’ll play.”
For every year which Brady sticks around, he believes his squad will be a bonafide Super Bowl threat. With Tampa’s roster, it could be years.
When prodded on whether 2021 will be better than any before, Brady illuminated the formulaic approach he is renowned for.
“That’s a prediction and I’m not for that,” Brady said. “I’m into doing the work. Is the process gonna be right? I’m gonna work my ass off to get it right.”
The Bucs are every chance to put themselves in a position to go back-to-back, a feat rarely achieved in the National Football League. I mean, can you even remember the last QB to do it? You might’ve heard of him.
Thomas Patrick Edward Brady.
Zach Wilson: Aaron Rodgers is my guy but Brady is the GOAT
Jets fans will be praying Zach Wilson shares more than a birthday with the GOAT once his NFL career gets underway.
Jets fans will be praying Zach Wilson shares more than a birthday with the GOAT once his NFL career gets underway.
Both Wilson and Brady blow out the candles tomorrow (August 3), turning 22 and 44 respectively. The BYU product admitted it’s a “pretty dang cool” coincidence before going on to reveal his admiration for the seven-time Super Bowl winner.
“I’d say one of the craziest parts is I think I was one in his first year in the NFL,” Wilson told New York media, via Al Iannazzone of Newsday. “It’s crazy to think about it.”
“Brady, in my opinion, is the greatest of all time,” Wilson said. “I don’t think you can argue that. Wherever he’s at, he’s winning.”
Despite rating the frenzied work-ethic and accomplishments of TB12, Wilson has long admired an NFC quarterback, a man who nearly left Titletown this offseason, none other than Aaron Rodgers.
“I’ve always been a Rodgers guy because of the flashiness, but the thing that’s important in the game is winning,” Wilson said.
“This is a team sport, it’s all about winning. It’s not about how cool a throw looks or anything like that. He’s definitely been a favorite to watch growing up. That’s just because of the way he does it, the way he’s found a system, a process that works for him as far as his offseason conditioning.”
The Jets will be hoping Wilson’s study of Rodgers and Brady translates into his game during his rookie year, as he looks to breathe life into a rejuvenated Jets lineup alongside first-time head coach Robert Saleh.
‘They Know Who They Are’ - Tom Brady doubles down on teams who passed on him
You may not like it, but Tom Brady’s still carrying that chip…the dogged, competitively spiteful mentality…
You may not like it, but Tom Brady’s still carrying that chip — no, I don’t mean the Lombardi Trophy, though he is very much in possession of it heading into the NFL season.
Rather, the dogged, competitively spiteful mentality. Make no mistake Brady is the type who would want GMs and owners wincing each time they see him in a Bucs uniform. TB12 hasn’t forgotten who passed on his signature in free agency last year and is hellbent on inflicting further pain upon them.
“They know who they are. They know who they are . . . it’s fine. Everyone has a choice to choose. I think what you realize is, there’s not as many smart people as you think,” Brady said in an interview with Jim Gray on Sirius XM.
“That’s just the reality. I think it’d be a no-brainer if you said, hey, you’ve got a chance to get Wayne Gretzky on your team, or you got a chance to have Michael Jordan on your team . . . Oh, we don’t need him, no thanks. We’re good.”
This comes shortly on the heels of Brady mentioning his reaction to teams passing on him while starring on LeBron James'‘ television show, The Shop.
“I was thinking, you’re going with that motherfucker?” Brady’s quote understandably went viral and despite being pressed, refused to reveal to Gray which team he was specifically referring to.
“There’s private things for me that are going to remain motivational for me,” Brady said.
Lord help them if we ever find out which team Brady was talking about. What is certain however is Brady hasn’t lost an ounce of hunger and that grudge mentality remains.
Bring on week 4 in Foxboro.
Why Von Miller believes Peyton Manning - and not Tom Brady - is the GOAT
Hold up now, just wait a second.
Before the outcry, we must be fair to Von and point out his thoughts are from late October 2020 -- long before Brady and the Bucs got it together and dominated the Chiefs. Perhaps his opinion has since changed, but judging by his love for Peyton that’s as likely as a flying pig.
What’s perhaps most interesting about Von Miller’s GOAT take is the question was never raised about Manning or Brady was never raised. Von decided to take it upon himself to assert Peyton Manning as the greatest of all time.
Irrespective of who you side with, Von’s love and admiration for Peyton -- both as a player and as a human being -- is palpable.
“He is the real deal and he’s the GOAT,” Miller said of his former Super Bowl winning teammate.
“They have these discussions about Peyton and Tom Brady, and Tom Brady, he’s won a lot of Super Bowl’s and I’m a Tom Brady fan but Peyton Manning, he changed the position of quarterback from an audible position on the line to being a technician, going about his game, knowing the defense and that’s why Peyton Manning is the GOAT in my eyes.”
“Of course we’ve got Tom Brady and I’m a big Tom Brady fan and everything he does man, but I played with Peyton Manning man, and I got to experience what type of guy he was, what type of player he was and what type of leader he was. He’ll always get my vote on being the GOAT, ‘cause he truly was.”
As for what Peyton Manning was truly like, away from the public eye, Von took us into the Broncos locker room, detailing the tendencies and nuances of Denver’s favorite son.
“I’m just taken to the image that I have of Peyton Manning. Him being in the locker room, just being around Peyton Manning, he was just a true leader man, a true leader of men,” he said when asked about Peyton’s most memorable qualities.
“If he did mess up on anything, he went about his business, so professional man and he never made the same mistake twice. He handled adversity off the football field, on the football field, he was the same guy every single day.
“He knew the coaches, he knew the players, he knew the players’ kids, he knew the janitors by first name and had conversations with all these guys. He was a real superhero man, it’s not a facade, it’s not anything fake, it was just him.”
Does Peyton Manning really run around in Von Miller’s backyard?! To find out, along with more of Von Miller’s conversation with Patrick Djordjevic, click here.