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History repeated itself on Super Bowl Sunday.
In 2002, Tom Brady did just enough to lead the New England Patriots to a title over the Rams. He completed 16-of-27 passes for just 145 yards and a touchdown — 53 of them coming on the last-minute drive for the win.
The real hero was head coach Bill Belichick, who schemed for his defense to shut down St. Louis quarterback Kurt Warner and the league’s top-rated offense, also known as “The Greatest Show on Turf.”
Brady’s sixth ring came much the same way, except no two-minute drill. The 41-year old vet led the Patriots to a 13-3 victory over the now Los Angeles Rams in Atlanta.
The former Michigan Wolverine finished 21-of-35 for 262 yards and an interception. It was the first time he failed to throw a touchdown in a Super Bowl.
Instead, he relied on a stingy defense and a powerful running game. Quarterback Jared Goff and the Rams entered with the league’s second-best offense in points and yards (behind Kansas City), but could never get going against Belichick’s defense.
Goff connected on just half of his 38 throws for just 229 yards. Late in the fourth quarter, the former No. 1 pick blew a chance to tie the game with a red zone interception.
Sony Michel and the running backs combined for 32 carries for 154 yards.
Despite the spotty performance, Brady exited Mercedes-Benz Stadium with intentions to sleep with the Lombardi Trophy.
"How did I end up with this? I'm sleeping with this thing tonight!"
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) February 4, 2019
Tom Brady exits Mercedes-Benz Stadium with Lombardi No. 6. pic.twitter.com/Q9NbebuGC8
Gisele Bundchen has yet to comment on her husband’s new bedfellow.
Brady has made a career out of smashing Super Bowl records. He has the most appearances (nine), most wins by a quarterback, most career touchdown passes (18), most career passing yards (2,838) and most career completions (256).
He also holds several single-game records, including most yards (505), most passes without an interception (48, twice) and most completions (43).
He passed Peyton Manning for oldest quarterback to win the Super Bowl, as well.
2018 was a productive year for Brady. He earned the NFL record for most passing yards in the regular season and playoffs combined — a whopping 81,693. He also reached the 500-touchdown club, currently sitting at 517.
He needs 23 to pass Manning’s 539, but likely more to hold off Drew Brees. The Saints quarterback’s MVP-caliber season has pushed him up to second place all-time with 520.
Social media had a fun time with Brady’s sixth championship.
Tom Brady now has all 6 Infinity Stones (Rings) GOAT! #SuperBowlLlll #TomBrady #InfinityGaunlet #6Rings pic.twitter.com/z0SBa5CHyB
— Chris Rodriguez (@C_Rodriguez76) February 4, 2019
Tom Brady joins the 6 rings club! pic.twitter.com/ZH1aHXOVcO
— Basketball Daily Highlights (@BasketballDail5) February 4, 2019
As for all the stampeding through Twitter? Talk to Tom Brady. https://t.co/oV0qhgpSrW pic.twitter.com/Txv9CzrK5w
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) February 4, 2019
Lastly, Brady and the Patriots still have a host of haters. This one got particularly roasted.
Here we are, three rings later.. nice one @RobParkerFS1 @OldTakesExposed pic.twitter.com/ecC1W55rjI
— ᗩᑎT ᗯᖇIGᕼT (@ItsAntWright) February 4, 2019
Brady confirmed he will return for his 20th season next fall.