New England Patriots: 5 observations from the AFC East clincher

FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 23: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots communicates at the line of scrimmage during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 23: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots communicates at the line of scrimmage during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots
New England Patriots Tom Brady (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Pedestrian Tom Brady

It is not often that the New England Patriots win a football game without Tom Brady playing a solid game, but Sunday’s 24-12 victory was just that.

Brady was simply not on his game and simply did not look like himself in this game. Now part of that was the team’s success with the running game, but even when he did have opportunities to make plays in the air, he either rushed throws or was not on the same page with his receivers.

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Those misconnections did lead to two interceptions in the game as Brady didn’t even reach 50 yards passing by halftime.  In fact, the 41-year-old quarterback only passed for a total of 126 yards in the game with one touchdown.

Is there a reason for concern with Tom Brady’s play on Sunday?

According to the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback, there is nothing to worry about concerning his health.

"“I feel great,” Brady said when asked how he is feeling physically.  “I feel 100 percent.”"

While it is obvious something is not right with Tom Brady, it is possible the New England Patriots are holding something back offensively.  Julian Edelman did make a couple big plays, but Rob Gronkowski did not catch a pass and both Chris Hogan and Phillip Dorsett were basically invisible.

While the running game will be important in the playoffs, Brady’s arm is still very important in leading this team to the promise land.