Brady eager to see more action
FOXBORO — Tom Brady is ready to reclaim command of the Patriots offense.
Brady expects to play an extended stretch when the Pats visit the Detroit Lions tomorrow night in their third preseason game.
Brady was content to allow the battle of the backups to play out between Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett in most of the first two preseason contests, which resulted in losses to Jacksonville and Houston.
Brady now wants a bigger piece of the action.
“For me, it is just feeling the rhythm of the game, and it is different than practice,” Brady said yesterday. “The rhythm of practice is very different, and the only way to simulate the game is to play. I can draw on a lot of experience, but it is nice to get out there and actually do it. It was fun being out there last week, and it will obviously be fun being out there this week.”
Brady didn’t disclose how many snaps he will take but said he needs the work. The quarterback cited a list of deficiencies that require rectification before the Pats’ season opener against the Chiefs on Sept. 7 at Gillette Stadium.
The third game of the preseason usually is considered the dress rehearsal for the season opener, and Brady wants some quality playing time to get lined up with the guys who will share the huddle against the Chiefs.
“There are a lot of guys based on the position we are in fighting for spots and fighting for roles and guys that don’t know how to fit,” Brady said. “But at the same time, the season is right around the corner. You’ve really got to focus in.
“It’s like working hard after practice on things that have come into really clear view. You (have) the things you are good at and the things you are not good at. Now is the time to put emphasis on the things you have not been solid at over the course of a lot of practices and meetings.”
Brady participated in the team’s opening two drives against the Texans on Saturday, and the results were positive. He completed 6-of-9 passes for 67 yards, included a 22-yard touchdown pass to newly acquired running back Rex Burkhead that tied the game at 7 in the second quarter. Burkhead grabbed three receptions for 50 yards on the scoring drive.
“The snaps you are taking with new players are really important,” Brady said. “And it was nice to get Rex a touchdown pass and just for him to feel what it’s like for all us to look at another guy’s eyes in the huddle during the course of a game and saying, ‘Look, this is where we’re at. This is football. This is exactly what we’re going to be doing when the season kicks off.’”