NFL Fantastic 5: Green Bay Packers, others head offense-heavy Week 4
By Shaun Church
Tom Brady outclassed by Alex Smith
Stat: 84.5 passer rating differential
It’s not often Tom Brady and the New England Patriots are thoroughly embarrassed on national television. The 41-14 drubbing at the hands of Alex Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs was the worst prime-time loss of Brady’s career.
We didn’t see the signs of trouble when the Pats eked by the Oakland Raiders by a touchdown at home despite the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins beating Oakland by an average of 20 points.
We see the signs now.
Brady threw multiple interceptions for the first time since a 23-16 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 23, 2012. It is the 33rd time he has thrown at least two picks in a regular-season game in his career. He had a 59.9 passer rating. Brady also lost a fumble and was “benched” in favor of rookie Jimmy Garoppolo.
On the opposite sideline, Smith was masterful, completing 20 of 26 passes (76.92 percent) for 248 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions for a 144.4 rating. He was quick to get the ball out, and his line protected him well.
In two games since starting 0-2, Smith has completed 39 of 51 passes (76.47 percent) for 434 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions for a 140.5 rating. The Chiefs are 2-0 in those games.