Brady magic rescues Patriots on day of protest
NEW YORK: Tom Brady conjured a last-gasp Houdini act to save the New England Patriots in a thrilling win over the Houston Texans on Sunday as the Atlanta Falcons preserved their unbeaten record.
With events off the field dominating a dramatic day that saw widespread player protests, Brady once again laid on a masterclass to throw for five touchdowns in a 36-33 victory at Gillette Stadium.
The crowning moment of a 378yard passing display by the 40-yearold Brady came with the Patriots trailing 28-33 with just over two minutes remaining.
An eight-play 75-yard drive ended with Brady hitting receiver Brandin Cooks with a 25-yard pass into the end zone for the game-winning score.
The nerve-jangling finale capped an extraordinary game which had seen sections of the Patriots crowd boo several of the team’s own players after they opted to kneel during the playing of the national anthem before kick-off.
Brady had stood with his arms interlocked in solidarity with his team-mates during the solemn anthem rendition.
It was just one of several large protests by players across the league on Sunday following remarks by US President Donald Trump. Trump had enraged NFL stars and team owners on Friday by describing players who protest during the anthem as “sons of bitches” who should be fired.
Around 130 players across the league took a knee on Sunday during the anthem, easily the largest mass demonstration of its kind since former San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick began the protests in 2016.
“We felt like President Trump’s speech was an assault on our most cherished right — freedom of speech,” Denver star Von Miller explained after kneeling before his team’s game against Buffalo.
The Patriots win helped New England move to 2-1 in the AFC East, putting them level with the Buffalo Bills who lead on points difference.
The Bills pulled off an upset win over the unbeaten Denver Broncos, winning 26-16. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor threw for two touchdowns and 213 yards to spark the Bills.
But it was an unhappy afternoon for Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian, who failed to throw for any touchdowns and was twice picked off for costly interceptions.