MINNEAPOLIS —Â The New England Patriots’ defense was all smiles after Sunday’s game, but Tom Brady didn’t act like a quarterback who had just won by 23 points.
Brady met with the media for under three minutes and appeared despondent, despite the 30-7 win over the Minnesota Vikings.
“I am happy we won. I just wish we went out there and played like we’re capable,” Brady said. “It’s just the way it is. I am glad we won; it was a great team win, a lot of guys contributed, a lot of great plays were made. Hopefully, offensively, we can do a better job next week.”
The Patriots totaled 292 yards on offense, and Brady threw for 149 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions. The Patriots scored two touchdowns on offense, with one coming after Devin McCourty returned an interception to the Vikings’ 1-yard line.
Brady was sacked just once and hit three times by the Minnesota defense — down from four sacks last week against the Miami Dolphins.
“Yeah, I think we had pretty good control out there,” Brady said about not being hit as often. “We did a good job in the run game, took advantage of some opportunities, but hopefully we can do a lot better.”
Brady made some big throws to wide receiver Julian Edelman, including his lone touchdown toss — a 9-yard completion. If Brady’s stats seem down, it’s because he attempted just two passes in the fourth quarter, letting running back Stevan Ridley shoulder the load. Ridley finished with 25 carries for 101 yards and one touchdown.
It’s probably a good thing that Brady seemed so down. That means he has higher expectations for the Patriots’ offense than what it showed against the Vikings. It will have a chance to get back on track next Sunday at home against the Oakland Raiders.
