tom brady-new england patriots NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 17: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NFLBy Alex Putterman on

Ok sure, no one really thought Tom Brady was washed up, but after his 40th birthday and his season-opening dud against the Chiefs last week, it was fair to begin to wonder, even if just a little, whether maybe Brady was about to hit the wall even the greatest players run into eventually. Like, the guy has to decline some time, and hey, maybe this is the time.

Well after Brady’s performance against the Saints on Sunday, it seems safe to say the Patriots’ quarterback is doing just fine, thank you very much.

Brady completed 30 of his 39 passes Sunday for 447 yards and three touchdowns (all in the first quarter), in a 36-20 New England win. It was third most yards he had ever thrown for in a game and the most ever by a 40-year-old quarterback.

By throwing three touchdowns without an interception, he also took over a record previously held by his old nemesis Peyton Manning.

As impressive as Brady’s stat line was how impressive he looked in compiling it.

Here’s a perfect under-pressure toss to Rex Burkhead for a touchdown:

Here’s a nice little fade to Chris Hogan for another score:

And here’s the masterpiece, an off-balance heave right into the arms of Rob Gronkowski:

Watching Brady’s performance Sunday, especially the first half, you would have thought he was 10 years younger. After 239 career games, it’s unclear if he’s lost a step at all.

It’s almost—almost—enough to make you believe in all that “TB12 nutritional philosophy” nonsense. OK, let’s not get carried away.

About Alex Putterman

Alex is a writer and editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. He has written for The Atlantic, VICE Sports, MLB.com, SI.com and more. He is a proud alum of Northwestern University and The Daily Northwestern. You can find him on Twitter @AlexPutterman.

View all posts by Alex Putterman