Sparano’s comments, no doubt, referred to Brady’s reacclimation into the New England offense, a process that was hardly instantaneous, but one that is nearly unavoidable for quarterbacks coming off the kind of knee reconstruction he had.
Yet, through seven games, Brady is on pace to throw for more yards (4,645) and touch downs (34), and fewer interceptions (9) than in any of his previous eight years as a starter, with the exception of 2007. Even better, he’s on pace to take fewer sacks (18) than in any year, including 2007, a sure sign his mobility and pocket awareness have returned. Better still, Brady insists this is the best he’s ever felt.
“Why do I think I’m feeling better?’’ Brady repeated, as the question was asked yesterday. “I don’t think I’ve been hit a whole lot this year. It’s just been one of those seasons where there haven’t been many sacks. I understand how to take care of my body and the treatment I need. It’s been a good year.’’
And there’s reason to believe every last word of what Brady said is the truth.
Alex Guerrero, Brady’s Utah-based trainer who spent the winter months in Southern California directing the quarterback’s rehab, can vouch for him.
“What I really appreciate about Tom is he’s so disciplined and dedicated to every aspect of football, and it shows in his work,’’ Guerrero said. “If it takes two hours, it’s not going to get cut short. It’s going to be two hours, no excuses. And if it’s going to be two hours, three times a day, that’s what it’ll be.’’
Truth is, it normally wasn’t three times a day. It was four; twice in the morning, once in afternoon, and again in the early evening.
It really ratcheted up in late February, with Brady’s knee back at full strength - a pretty amazing feat in itself, given that he had the surgery in October, and got an infection drained shortly thereafter.
But perhaps most impressive was that Brady wasn’t solely focused on his knee.
