Monday Morning Brady: Tom, Tedy, Pats Good Enough

While Tom Brady was hardly the focus of Sunday night's contest, the Patriots were able to overcome a 16-7 4th quarter deficit and rally to overcome the visiting Buffalo Bills 21-16.

The minions of "the Krafty one" were able to pull of an inspiring comeback that began with a meager 10:37 remaining in the contest. After a penalty-filled lackluster contest in the first half that ended 3-0 in favor of the visiting Bills, the Pats offense clicked coming right out of the locker room as Tom Terrific drove the boys 70 yards in 2:22 to a 7-3 lead capped off with a 37 yard bomb to Deion Branch.

Buffalo answered almost immediately with a touchdown of their own. In just under 90 seconds, Buffalo completed an 83-yard drive, capped by a 55-yard completion from Bills QB Kelly Holcomb to Eric Moulds making the score 10-7. Buffalo subsequently squandered some great field position late in the third quarter and early in the fourth, able to only come up with 2 field goals, which would eventually be their undoing, as the defending champs scored two Corey Dillon touchdowns in the fourth quarter to put the contest on ice.

Tom, who was far from "terrific" in the first half, finished with 199 yards passing on 14 completions against 21 attempts and one touchdown. Deion Branch and David Givens were the main receiving threats, with 3 catches for 92 yards and 7 for 58, respectively.

But, this game, from box to wire, was all about Tedy Bruschi. From the opening introductions of the Patriots defense (obviously) with Tedy being the last one introduced (double obviously), Gillette Stadium was electric. Chants of "Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuschi" were heard all night long, especially when the Patriots captain and defensive heart and soul made one of his 7 tackles

Tedy, who 8 months ago suffered a mild stroke, looked to be in midseason form right from the starting gun. Bruschi played in 64 of 77 defensive snaps (so much for easing him in) and his fire, intensity, and overall football knowledge were assistance to a defense that BADLY needed it. And, for one of the few times this season, the Pats actually were able to get stops from their defense when they needed them in the fourth quarter, especially the brilliant sack-fumble-and recovery by Rosie Colvin which setup the Pats go-ahead score with 5:32 left in the game.

The Pats are back on top of their division with a 4-3 record, and will be hosting the undefeated Indianapolis Colts (7-0) next Monday night at 9pm.

Image of Bruschi courtesy of the Boston Globe