Tom Brady Explained Why He’s Throwing Ball Away At Higher Rate This Season

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is doing an incredible job on the field. He is experienced enough to get rid of the ball before a negative play. When it comes to sacks, TB12 only has been sacked 18 times in the regular season despite the offensive struggles, numerous injuries injuries and an unstable receiving unit. The quarterback’s 3.9 percent sack rate ranks sixth-lowest in 18 seasons despite the offensive limitations limitations.

However, TB12 has already thrown the ball away 33 times in 11 regular-season games. Pro Football Focus started tracking the stat in 2006, and they say that this is his highest mark since. The GOAT is throwing the ball away on 7.5 percent of passing attempts which is also a high mark since 2006. He started throwing the ball away more often later in his career with the Pats.

2019: 33/439 = 7.5%

2018: 30/570 = 5.3%

2017: 22/581 = 3.8%

2016: 30/432 = 6.9%

2015: 29/624 = 4.6%

2014: 21/582 = 3.6%

2013: 13/628 = 2.1%

2012: 19/637 = 3%

2011: 11/611 = 1.8%

2010: 10/492 = 2%

2009: 12/565 = 2.1%

2007: 19/578 = 3.3%

2006: 16/516 = 3.1%

Throw the ball away

According to him, it has nothing to do with self-preservation.

“I don’t think I’m throwing it away for that,” Brady said Friday. “I’m throwing it away because I don’t want to take a sack. I think part of it is just you feel like you have an opportunity on the play, and if you don’t have that, then I think negative plays actually have a big impact on the game. Turnovers and negative plays I think really keep you from winning games.

“So, if you’re a dropback passer — because I’m not really a scrambler. I mean, I have scrambled in the past. It’s not like I’ve never scrambled. I’m not really much a scrambler. But if I’m going to hold it back there, then usually good things aren’t going to happen. So, try to throw the ball away to a safe place and live for the next down.”

The Patriots quarterback has a completion percentage of 62.2 percent in the regular season. Many would agree that this is his lowest rate since the 2013 season. But if Brady had eaten 20 more sacks rather than throwing the ball away on these dropbacks, then his completion numbers would jump above his career average. Throwing the ball away may not give Brady some good numbers, but it’s allowed his team to win 10 games this season.

The Patriots are now playing the Houston Texans. It will be a hard game for Brady and his teammates, but they have already defeated the Dallas Cowboys. In other words, they will win this game a lot easier. Hopefully, injured players will get better, and the same applies to those dealing with flu. Two players missed Friday’s practice. Should you be worried? Of course not. Head coach Bill Belichick has everything under control, including the flu bug.