Tom Brady’s 2013 season was his worst, statistically, in 10 years.
Blame can be placed on inexperienced receivers, injuries to the offense and a swollen hand, but something else appeared off, especially for a three-week stretch when the New England Patriots lost two out of three games in the middle of the season. That trend doesn’t have to continue in 2014, according to the quarterback.
“You know, you don’t have to suck when you get older,” Brady told themmqb.com’s Peter King.
Brady threw for 4,343 yards with 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing 60.5 percent of his passes — down from 63 percent in 2012 and 65.6 percent in 2011.
The Patriots signal-caller told King that he feels better now, at 36 years old, than he did when he was 25. The future Hall of Famer said he works all offseason to stay durable, which has worked, save for the 2008 season when he missed nearly the entire season with a torn ACL.
“It’s all very well-researched,” Brady said. “But that’s for the other guys to figure out. I’m not going to give away any state secrets. I’m not here to be king of the weight room. I do things to make me a better quarterback, whatever they are. Does it work? You be the one to judge. Watch me play. Then draw your own conclusions.”
Brady was at his best in 2013 when Rob Gronkowski and Shane Vereen were on the field with him. Their durability, as well as the development of the Patriots’ young receivers, will have a substantial effect on the success of New England’s offense in 2014.
Brady also will be pushed by another young quarterback, second-round draft pick Jimmy Garoppolo, though he doesn’t appear to be bothered by the selection.
