Tom Brady Explains Emphatic First-Down Signal In Patriots’ Win Over Browns

CLEVELAND — Tom Brady didn’t show it after New England’s 33-13 win over the Cleveland Browns, but the Patriots quarterback was fired up Sunday in his return from a four-game suspension.

Brady’s enthusiasm was most evident after a 5-yard first-down run late in the third quarter, when he was shoved to the ground out of bounds, tossed the ball aside, stood up and emphatically motioned for a first down.

So, why so theatrical?

“Well, I don’t run much, so when I do it’s — obviously I was a little excited,” Brady said sheepishly. “Glad we got the first down.”

It would be fun to see Brady’s post-run celebrations get more and more flamboyant as the season goes along, culminating with a Week 17 dab after a first-down QB sneak.

Brady obviously had extra motivation Sunday as he returned from his four-game Deflategate suspension. He claimed he was rusty in his return, though it certainly didn’t appear that way.

Thumbnail photo via Scott R. Galvin/USA TODAY Sports Images