Super Bowl 50: Top 15 quarterback performances of all-time
By John Buhler
11. Tom Brady, New England Patriots, Super Bowl XXXVIII
Super Bowl XXXVIII was the second Super Bowl victory for the New England Patriots during the Tom Brady/Bill Belichick era, winning on an Adam Vinatieri field goal over the NFC Champion Carolina Panthers in Houston, 32-29.
Though the Patriots were still a dominant defensive team and had stellar play from their special teams, this was the title that put Tom Brady on the map as more than a game-managing quarterback.
While Brady did win Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl XXXVI over the then St. Louis Rams, his performance in Super Bowl XXXVIII over the Panthers was his best Super Bowl performance to date. Brady out-dueled Carolina’s Jake Delhomme, completing 32-of-48 passes for 354 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. He also ran the football 12 yards on two rushing attempts.
Brady’s favorite receiving target in Super Bowl XXXVIII was wide receiver Deion Branch, who had 10 receptions for 143 yards and a touchdown. Branch would go on to win Super Bowl MVP the following year in Super Bowl XXXIX against the Philadelphia Eagles.
With this victory over the Panthers, Brady officially staked his claim as a franchise quarterback. Keep in mind that the Patriots missed the AFC Playoffs in 2002 after winning their first Super Bowl in 2001. This was the game that pushed Brady to the forefront of NFL quarterbacks and he hasn’t relinquished it since.
Next: 10. Super Bowl XXXIV