ATLANTA — A lot has been made of Tom Brady’s quick release being one of the reasons behind the fact the Patriots’ quarterback hasn’t been sacked this postseason.
In the divisional win over the Chargers, Los Angeles defensive end Joey Bosa was caught by NFL Films telling Brady to “stop getting rid of the ball so quickly.”
Brady’s response? “If you stop getting here so fast, I won’t have to throw it so fast.”
Come Sunday, I’m not entirely sure things will be that civil between Brady and Aaron Donald.
The Rams defensive lineman, who led the league this season with 20.5 sacks, is likely the best and most complete defensive lineman the Patriots will face this season. The Defensive Player of the Year candidate chuckled Tuesday when someone asked about single blocking him, and for good reason — while he just missed out on the single-season sack record, he did set the record for the most sack yards by a player in a single season with 183.5, breaking the previous mark of 178 sack yards.
Add in the fact he led the lead with 25 tackles for loss and 41 quarterback hits, and you have a guy who is the biggest challenge of the year for the Patriots’ offensive line.
“He’s an elite player,” said New England's Joe Thuney. “He’s in the MVP considerations as a defensive lineman, which is really almost unheard of. You see teams trying to prevent him from making big plays, and he still manages to have remarkable numbers. It’s going to take a team effort — a lot of communication, lot of technique.”
“He’s never blocked. You might think you have him at the next thing you know he’s past you,” said David Andrews. “He’s quick, quick off the ball, he’s powerful. He’s a great player and he’s at the top of his game right now. He’s the best defensive player in football. We’re a good unit (and have) played a lot of football together, but it will be a big challenge this weekend -- we’re going to have our hands full.”
