Perhaps Brandon LaFell’s toe injury was worse than the New England Patriots were letting on.
The wide receiver didn’t let the ailment affect him Saturday while catching five passes for 62 yards and the go-ahead touchdown in the Patriots’ 35-31 divisional-round playoff win over the Baltimore Ravens. LaFell was limited last week in practice with toe and shoulder injuries, and he was listed as probable to play.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady praised LaFell during his weekly appearance on WEEI’s “Dennis & Callahan.”
“I thought it was a better catch than it was a throw,” Brady said Monday about LaFell’s fourth-quarter touchdown grab. “He had one hand on it. The guy kind of had his right arm and he made a great catch. To see what Jo (LaFell) did and the way he contributed, just an incredible performance by him, just to be able to contribute the way that he did.
“He’s one of the toughest guys I’ve ever played with. He’s just a phenomenal player and adds so much toughness to our team. It’s just great to see.”
Brady wasn’t the only member of the Patriots to recognize LaFell’s toughness. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels also lauded the fifth-year pro.
“I have great respect for Jo Jo’s toughness and work ethic,” McDaniels said Monday during a conference call. “I’ve mentioned that before. His attitude, the way he’s embraced what we do here and his role in our offense, he’s a great fit for us. He’s brought an element of leadership, experience, toughness.
“He plays big in big games, and his overall professional approach to our locker room and our meeting room has only enhanced our room. He’s a great example for younger guys in terms of how to approach your job. Like I said, it’s been great having him here, and I was excited he was able to make, obviously, a big play the other night at the end.”
The Patriots have had a difficult time finding quality free-agent wide receivers in the past, but they have a winner in LaFell, who caught 74 passes for 953 yards with seven touchdowns during the regular season.
LaFell’s toe injury was bad enough to keep him out of the Patriots’ two bye-week practices. He declared himself ready to play Thursday, however, and came through on his promise.
Thumbnail photo via Tom Lynn/Associated Press
