Fansided

One thing every NFL team can be thankful for in 2016

By John Buhler

Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) and center Travis Frederick (72) celebrate with running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) after he scored a touchdown in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) and center Travis Frederick (72) celebrate with running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) after he scored a touchdown in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) passes the football against San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) during the third quarter at Levi
November 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) passes the football against San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) during the third quarter at Levi /

New England Patriots: Tom Brady is playing like an MVP at age 39

The New England Patriots are 8-2 on the season despite missing four games from their future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady because of that whole Deflategate thing. Since returning in Week 5, Brady has played like an NFL MVP at age 39.

While the Patriots were able to go 3-1 in Brady’s extended absence, his return has galvanized an otherwise so-so Patriots team. New England has major issues defensively and its skill position players are dropping like flies to injuries.

Could the Patriots be leading the AFC East with Jimmy Garoppolo at the helm over Brady? Maybe, but the Dolphins are playing great ball now and the Buffalo Bills are a tough get every week.

What Brady is doing for the 2016 Patriots is acting as this club’s panacea in a season that they may not otherwise have it. Because Brady has come back to play like an NFL MVP, it would be shocking to not see the Patriots play in their sixth straight AFC Championship Game in January.

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