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Does Tom Brady get special 'roughing' treatment?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback gets all the plaudits for his throwing arm and decision making on the field, but the haters love to hate.

Tom Brady says he doesn't get special 'roughing' treatment
Kevin C. CoxAFP

Tom Brady, the living and still playing quarterback legend. There is no doubt about his name going down in the annuls of NFL history and admiration for what he has done envelops the gridiron-loving globe.

Then again, let’s not forget the haters.

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Does Tom Brady get favourable treatment?

As we gear up to Sunday’s playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the LA Rams - one that you can of course follow live here on AS USA - questions have been raised once again to the suspicion that Brady gets some rather kind decisions from the referees. Calls that help his numbers and team’s success rates.

For any of you who joined us, or another reputable outlet, for Wild Card Weekend, you’ll know all about the questionable call made against the Eagles for roughing the passer. Speaking to Jim Gray, Brady responded to the accusation that he is protected more than other quarterbacks.

“I always hear that to different degrees about getting penalties, and so forth, roughing the passers.

“I don’t remember the last time I got a roughing the passer. I don’t feel like I get them as much as people might think that I get them.”

Posting the clip to social media, Brady also cried out for help to his followers, asking specifically for ProFootballFocus to back him up with the stats… although only if they back up his point.

Fans were quick to reply to him, with most sharing the comparison numbers that do indeed suggest he is not getting special treatment. That said, statistics in isolation can be dangerous, and only by assessing each individual case can we determine whether or not they were valid calls. Don’t miss Sunday’s game, where our Jen will be keeping a close eye on Brady and the officials.

In other Brady news: is retirement imminent?

There have already been nine episodes of Tom Brady’s documentary series “Man In The Arena” and we now know, thanks the the announcement from director Gotham Chopra, that the 10th and “final” episode will not be released until springtime.

Suggestions are that Brady may be planning his farewell given the delay. Our Reem has a look.

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