Tom Brady
Chalk up yet another accomplishment for the Hall of Fame resume of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
One day after they chose the year’s best defensive performer, the Associated Press has selected Brady as the 2010 Offensive Player of the Year. Tom Terrific edged out Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick and Houston Texans running back Arian Foster to secure this award for the second time in his career.
In an NFL Network interview, he spoke about what this honor, and the season, meant to him.
“I appreciate it. I think obviously we had a great regular season as a team, but we just didn’t really take advantage of our opportunity there in the month of January. The two teams that are there playing this week certainly have earned it. They should be very proud. It’s going to be a great game.”
Brady previously won OPOY in 2007 when the Pats made history on their way to a now infamous 18-1 season. That year, Brady threw for 4,806 yards, a ridiculous 50 touchdowns and ended with a 117.2 passer rating. He climbed up the NFL record books with the passing yards (third all-time), touchdowns (first all-time), and rating (second all-time).
Fast forward to 2010, and it seemed like Brady didn’t miss a beat at all. He completed 324 passes, good for 3,900 yards and 36 touchdowns, compared to only four interceptions. He also led the league in passer rating (111.0) and shattered Bernie Kosar’s NFL record for consecutive passes without an interception. Although New England had somewhat of a letdown in the playoffs, the team still finished with a league-best 14-2 record.
Knowing Brady, it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see him equal or better these numbers in 2011.
