This article is a rejoinder to Les Bonneau’s March 28 TSC piece, Thoughts from a Clear-Minded Patriots Fan.
If Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft had not committed to building the team centered around Tom Brady, we don’t know what success that team would have had. Tom Brady owns more championships than any other quarterback and has been to more Super bowls than any other quarterback. Those are clear criteria and evidence for the distinguishing honor of Greatest Player of All Time.
Yes, with Bill Belichick’s commitment to helping the team through the seasons and playoffs to Super Bowl victories, he added to the franchise’s success. Each player’s work and dedication were also contributing factors to the team’s overall success. That said, ninety percent of Tom Brady’s accomplishments rest on his own shoulders. He was the one who got the ball where it needed to get.
If Kraft had decided to overrule any of the team’s moves or Brady’s freedom of play, either move would have greatly hindered the Patriots’ success. If Belichick had over-coached or was heavy-handed or forced the squad’s play, their growth would have been stifled. Kraft gave them the pieces they needed, and Belichick got them ready for the game every week. The players put in the work, and, without a doubt, the defense’s play kept the Patriots in the win column.
But Brady was the straw that stirred the drink. Brady guided the team to win after win, frequently with come-from-behind efforts. There is no doubt that he is the main reason for their victories. The ball starts in his hands. Each center got the ball securely to Brady. Then the linemen kept Brady from being sacked a high percentage of the time, successfully protecting their quarterback and giving him time to get the football to every other player. The coaches made sure players are ready, which is a lot of work and definitely deserves accolades, but the players play the game. After the week of practice, the responsibility is then transferred to the players to win the game.
But nobody was more responsible and successful than Tom Brady, and his personal accomplishments are why he is the greatest player in pro football history. He’s #1, and other players are chasing him.
Tom Brady, G.O.A.T.
Thank you for your response. You made my case that without the best coaching staff ever and great players around him Brady’s career would have been over long ago minus SB’s. Imagine Brady playing for the Jets or the old Bills, Even Miami or the Lions?? Sure he was above average but he was provided the best possible chance for success. Our paths have followed much the same and I an seventy six and have been a NE fan for 66 years. all sports Bobby Orr, Phil Espisito,Old Boston Garden, Fenway ,seats right behind home plate,Yastremski, Patriots old stadium, etc etc
Go back and check the record book and research how many games were won by a field goal, kick off return,punt return, intercepted pass, the SB against Seahawks perfect example.Yet Brady got the credit.Over 19 seasons Brady had some bad games as well as great games. sorry but my article speaks the truth
I apologize but I still don’t hear you give the proper respect to Tom Brady and Tom Brady’s accomplishments. Tom Brady made the coaching staff look brilliant. Don’t get me wrong they are great coaches but he brought them the entire the way and the farthest distance. And Les, yes, the team came together but as quarterback he did have to get them within field goal range for a field goal to be kicked. The other players had to do their part as well but number one in countless records and statistical categories all mean something.