Tom Brady was credited with a tackle after throwing an interception against the Houston Texans in Week 13. But the play looked nothing like an NFL tackle. The New England Patriots quarterback expended the least amount of energy possible in bringing down cornerback Bradley Roby.
Brady’s pass was intended for rookie receiver N’Keal Harry, who fell over as Roby drove toward the ball and picked off the throw in the first quarter of Sunday Night Football at NRG Stadium. Roby then seemed to have a lot of field to use for a potential pick-six — he had just Brady to beat. But Brady grazed Roby with his right hand. Somehow, the matador-like move tripped Roby, and sent him to the turf.
great effort Tom pic.twitter.com/iB2LZj3kUW
— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) December 2, 2019
Picked off and returned inside the red zone! @BradRoby_1 #WeAreTexans
📺: #NEvsHOU on NBC
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Watch free on mobile: https://t.co/cH1BAKocj5 pic.twitter.com/cWVdQrtJU1— NFL (@NFL) December 2, 2019
Brady was clearly acting in self preservation by pulling away on the tackle. When Roby crossed over, the quarterback had no interest in using his right shoulder (his throwing shoulder) to stop a cornerback at full speed. Still, fans and NFL media members gave Brady a hard time for the play.
Remember when Steve Young would risk life and limb trying to tackle the guy who intercepted his passes? Tom Brady just did the opposite.
— Bay Area Sports Guy (@BASportsGuy) December 2, 2019
Tom Brady looked more likely to shake his hand than tackle him lmao
— Jeañña (@jeannathomas) December 2, 2019
I think that’s gonna go down as a tackle for Tom Brady. He kinda whiffed but I think he caused the stumble. pic.twitter.com/A4M9IIVIoJ
— Mitch Goldich (@mitchgoldich) December 2, 2019
Hey Tom Brady…Nice tackle on the int 😂
— MarkJonesESPN (@MarkJonesESPN) December 2, 2019
Tom Brady, you need to learn how to pretend to tackle better. #NEvsHOU
— souch (@Mlsouch) December 2, 2019
Dude, how you gonna let Tom Brady tackle you like that?
— The Ringer (@ringer) December 2, 2019
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