Tom Brady is under scrutiny after the New England Patriots returned to the Super Bowl without him. Sports commentator Skip Bayless claims the seven-time champion may feel his legacy is slightly diminished.
The Patriots toppled the Denver Broncos 10-7 in Sunday’s AFC Championship, reaching Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, just a few years after Brady’s departure.
Tom Brady shows true greatness with fans
The low-scoring contest highlighted New England’s defensive dominance and resilience and has sparked talk of a third Patriots dynasty since the turn of the century.
“Yes, like I said, the history and everything about it, it’s a new team, it’s a new era,” Maye said. “I respect and appreciate what the Patriots dynasty did.
“And unfortunately, they didn’t come out with some wins here, but we changed that narrative and look forward to bringing our best football to Santa Clara. That’ll be pretty special.”
Drake Maye, in just his second NFL season, led the team to victory and yet, Bayless suggests Brady‘s reaction may not be entirely celebratory as he suggests the veteran may feel his legacy is compromised.
“I don’t think Tom Brady loves this,” Bayless said. “I don’t think Brady’s going to love it for his legacy that some second-year starter as he was, flipped the switch right back and got the Patriots right back to the Super Bowl.
“I think it’ll in Tom‘s eyes diminish his legacy a little bit.”
Brady has not publicly commented on the matter but considering his past successes and assuredness in those successes, it’s unlikely he will feel threatened by the Patriots making the final game of the season some seven years after he left.
Brady stuns fans with Jaxon Smith-Njigba insight
Brady, as Fox’s top color commentator, praised Seattle WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, whose 10 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown powered the Seahawks past the Rams in the NFC Championship.
All season, JSN has exploited defenses with his smooth route running, athleticism, and reliable hands, including a remarkable one-handed grab during the title game. Brady emphasized his rare combination of skill and technique that makes him nearly impossible to cover.
“His shoulder plane is essentially perfect,” Brady said. “Most receivers give away their route based on shoulder alignment, but Smith-Njigba doesn’t.
“It’s one less way for defenders to predict him.”
Oddsmakers reflect his impact: QB Sam Darnold is +130 for Super Bowl LX MVP, Drake Maye at +240, Smith-Njigba +500, and RB Kenneth Walker III +650. No other player holds single-digit odds, with Rashid Shaheed next at 25-1.
As the Patriots and Seahawks prepare for February 8, Brady‘s analysis underscores the high-stakes matchups, even as conversations swirl around how he may feel seeing his former team thrive without him.