Where Does Tom Brady Rank Among Best Super Bowl QB Performances This Century?
On Tuesday, The Ringer published its quarterback rankings from the last 25 Super Bowls. Steven Ruiz ranked every quarterback from those Super Bowls, 1-50.
Tom Brady appeared in 10 of those championship games, winning seven and earning five Super Bowl MVPs. Surprisingly, however, he did not rank No. 1.
Brady’s lowest ranking was No. 37 for his first Super Bowl loss against the New York Giants in early 2008, which spoiled the New England Patriots’ bid for an undefeated season. After a historic regular season that netted his first MVP award, Brady managed just 4.3 yards per dropback and one touchdown pass against the Giants’ stingy defense.
His other loss to New York ranks No. 34. Brady again struggled against the Giants’ defense, taking an early safety and throwing an interception. His receivers and defense ultimately let him down, however, preventing him from redeeming himself against Eli Manning.
Brady’s “worst” win was his final Patriots title against the Los Angeles Rams seven years ago. He didn’t throw a touchdown and New England managed just 13 points, but that was more than enough on a night where the Patriots’ defense held the Rams to just a field goal.
Brady’s first win against the Rams, who were from St. Louis at the time, ranks 23rd. He didn’t do much against their stifling defense until New England’s final drive, when he pushed the Patriots into field goal range to set up Adam Vinatieri’s game-winning kick.
Brady’s victory against the Philadelphia Eagles three years later ranks No. 19. He played a great game from start to finish, going 23 for 33 with 236 yards, two touchdowns and no picks in his third Super Bowl triumph.
His win over the Carolina Panthers the previous year ranks No. 15. He shredded the Panthers for 354 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in his first great Super Bowl performance.
Brady’s comeback win over the Seattle Seahawks ranks No. 12. He outdueled Russell Wilson and the defending champs with 328 yards and four touchdowns, although he did throw a pair of costly interceptions that put New England behind. It was his only Super Bowl with multiple interceptions.
After leaving the Patriots for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brady immediately won his seventh and final ring during the 2020 COVID season. He knocked out Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl, proving he didn’t need Bill Belichick anymore and becoming the oldest player to win a Super Bowl at 43.
Brady’s loss to the Eagles in early 2018, which ranks fifth, was bananas. He threw for 505 yards and three touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough as New England’s defense got torched by Nick Foles of all people.
Brady’s historic 28-3 comeback against the Atlanta Falcons ranks third. He may have ranked higher were it not for his brutal pick-six during the Patriots’ disastrous first half that contributed to their massive deficit.
Foles ranks second, while Mahomes’ win over Philadelphia in early 2023 tops the list.
With Drake Maye and Sam Darnold gearing up for their first Super Bowls, it will be interesting to see where they land on this list.