Behind Enemy Lines: 5 Questions with Chowder & Champions’ Frank O’Laughlin
By Evan Reller
Dec 29, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) signals his teammates at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
As the Indianapolis Colts gear up to face the New England Patriots in the Divisional round, we check in with our friends at Chowder & Champions. Editor Frank O’Laughlin has helped us answer questions about the Patriots.
Check out our answers here.
1. How has Tom Brady been able to overcome all the adversity on offense? Even with so many key components and big players gone or out, he’s maintained a level of play few QBs could manage.
First thing’s first: Tom Brady is a future first-ballot hall of famer. There’s nothing he can’t adapt to because he has seen it all during the course of his career. Brady’s offensive options may be limited, but he’s dealt with similar situations in years past and has always found ways to succeed nonetheless.
Brady has an uncanny ability to bring out the best in those of lesser talent. Despite the loss of Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez, the injury plagued Danny Amendola and the season-ending injury to Rob Gronkowski, Brady has exhibited unrivaled leadership qualities in making those around him believe in themselves.
Julian Edelman turned in a 100-catch campaign. Kenbrell Thompkins, Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce made an array of big plays. In addition to his receiving corps, Shane Vereen has progressed as a lethal weapon in the passing game, giving Brady another reliable option. When Brady speaks, his teammates listen. That’s apparent in the success of those around him who were doubted at the onset.
Turning a nightmare of a situation into a 12-4 season deserves a great deal of credit. Waters were not always smooth sailing, but Brady hung in there and knew such trying times would only make his team that much better in the long run. His work ethic is second to none and as a result the Patriots are motivated, confident and poised to make yet another Super Bowl run.