The Monday Night Football contest on Dec. 5 between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints was the latest edition of Tom Brady‘s clutch antics.
Trailing 16-3 with 5:21 left in the fourth quarter, Brady started a touchdown drive, and after Tampa Bay’s defense forced a quick three-and-out, he threw the game-winning touchdown pass with just three seconds left.
TOM BRADY. RACHAAD WHITE. TIE GAME.
📺: #NOvsTB on ESPN
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/61o9pQEjou pic.twitter.com/Y2zmpm8Jvy— NFL (@NFL) December 6, 2022
It was perhaps the first time this season that Brady shined brightly.
Brady Came Through In The Clutch
Most fans and observers, begrudgingly or not, consider Brady the greatest football player of all time, and a big reason why is his calm leadership and potent production in crunch time.
Through three quarters, he wasn’t exactly playing well, and he wore the look of frustration that had become a common sight from him this season.
His overall numbers – 36 of 54 completed passes, two touchdown passes, one interception and an 84.0 passer rating – weren’t great, but he was great when his team needed him to be.
That’s part of the definition of greatness – one can play poorly through three quarters, only to get off the mat and look like his vintage self when it matters most.
Julio Jones Stepped Up Down The Stretch
Jones isn’t exactly the speed demon he was not too long ago as a member of the Atlanta Falcons, but with the Bucs up against it, he showed some spark.
He had an eight-yard reception on their first touchdown drive, and on their subsequent possession, he had two more catches, one for five yards and another for 15 yards.
The 33-year-old may not be an every-down wide receiver like he used to be, but he proved he can still be effective in the right situations.
NEXT: Fans React To Buccaneers' Win On Monday Night Football