Is The Top Seed Worth Risking Brady's Health?
The Patriots conclude their regular season schedule on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. The Pats are looking to clinch home field throughout the playoffs with a win over a team that was one of three to beat them this season.
Ryan Johnston and Mike Flynn, filling in for Toucher & Rich, talked with Comcast SportsNet's Mike Giardi about the upcoming Patriots playoff picture, Tom Brady's shoulder and offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien.
Read: Report: Patriots Offensive Coordinator Bill O'Brien To Get Offers
After Saturday's win over the Miami Dolphins, Tom Brady had his left shoulder looked at and x-rayed after he hurt it on a run during the game. Brady missed practice on Wednesday and was limited on Thursday.
What's the issue with Brady's shoulder, is it injured or not?
"It's definitely injured," said Giardi. "Tom Curran reported that first several days ago with that hit he took from Kevin Burnett because he was trying to slide to the ground.
"It's an issue," he continued. "I mean it's not something that's going to keep him out. I suppose they could choose to keep him out and rest and get ready for the playoff game a couple of weeks from now, but it's something he could play with if he had to and I assume he will because you know Belichick doesn't like to take his foot off the gas pedal to often."
Read: Levan Reid's Patriots Blog
The Patriots are playing for that number one seed, but with the health of the offensive line and now their quarterback in question, does the plan change? Is it worth risking the health of Brady and others to possible clinch the top seed?
"If you think you could do more damage, no it's not worth it. I mean that's the big issue. If he takes another hit in that shoulder, and you're telling me that it's going to be dislocated or hanging from a thread, then no it's not worth it," said Giardi.
There was a report that came out Thursday night from the NFL Network that offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien could get consideration for head coaching jobs. Was Giardi surprised with these reports?
"No I'm not. I've kind of had a feeling this going to happen for Bill. He's in the last year of his contract, Brady's putting up sick numbers again and the offense is very diverse," he said.
Looking ahead to the playoffs and possible matchups for the Patriots, what's the ideal team for them right now?
"I just think this team needs to be home. I think they need that break and I think the potential of having to go on the road for the AFC Championship game is not something they want to do," he said.
Listen:
Tune in to the Patriots final regular season game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday at 1pm on WBZ-TV and 98.5 The Sports Hub. Pregame coverage begins on 98.5 at 10am, with Patriots Gameday on WBZ-TV at 11:30am. After the game, tune in to The Postgame Show on 98.5, and Patriots Fifth Quarter on MyTV38.
