Brady: This Team Is Different
BOSTON (CBS) - Tom Brady has been hesitant to talk about this season but he did say, when comparing this playoff team to last year's, this team is different.
"I think we've really bought into what our coach has been really preaching all year," he said. "Last year was tough, losing the way we did. At the same time, we didn't deserve it, we didn't earn it. This team is really -- everything that we set for earlier in the year, we've earned.
"Just really the attitude of all the guys. I know earlier in the year everyone said, 'How can you guys be better? You guys really didn't add anybody.' Well, we did. Coach [Bill] Belichick, he knows what he's looking for. And he certainly found it. It's been a hell of a year. Now, as he said after the game, we're 0-0. Now, we've got to really see what we're made of."
Brady talked about the different additions to this year's squad and how players have stepped up and taken in their roles. Brian Hoyer was one of them. Brady said Brian got extended time on Sunday and made the most of it.
"He's everything you're looking for in a player," Brady said. "He's a perfect Patriot. He works his tail off, loves the game, is a student of the game. And he really performed well when he gets the opportunity, since the day that he's gotten here. And I think he's earned it. He's going to be a great player in this league."
Brady also mentioned that Danny Woodhead has come in and provided a huge spark. The team never lost a beat.
"To lose Kevin, who's been the most consistent, durable player on our team over the course of the entire decade, who has been a leader and captain, one of the most clutch players I've ever played with, to lose him for the season and then to have someone who really no one would have thought that Danny could step in and play the way that he has played this year, that's been a huge boost to the offense," Brady said.
So now Tom has his sights set on the ultimate goal. One game at a time until they get to Dallas.
"The Super Bowl is a motivator for all of us. The reason why we play this game is to win a championship. There's a lot of steps long the way. We had a lot of success here earlier, in '01 and '03 and '04. That was really the last time we accomplished a goal. We had a great year in '07, but you know what? When it came down to it, we couldn't close the deal. So, I think I realize when you have a really good team and you have a great opportunity, you've got to seize it and you've got to take advantage of it, because you know what? It's really hard to come by every year."
