Why Bill Belichick Chose This Touchdown As Favorite Tom Brady Patriots Play

Tom Brady and Bill Belichick turned in thousands of memorable moments during the six Super Bowl championships they won with the New England Patriots.

Somehow, the legendary coach found a way to narrow one play that stood out to him from his quarterback. Belichick chose the first touchdown of Super Bowl XXXIX for the Patriots when Brady found David Givens for a four-yard touchdown that got New England on the board against the Philadelphia Eagles.

“Tom, one of your greatest plays ever was in the Super Bowl against the Eagles,” Belichick shared on SiriusXM’s “Let’s Go” with Jim Gray. “This comes down to fundamental execution that’s just so critical. … We gotta go to the third guy and make it a back-shoulder throw. That’s what great execution is under pressure in the most critical moments of the game. That’s how you win.”

Belichick detailed the consequential decision-making Brady had to find on a play that broke down early. Patriots tight end Christian Fauria fell on his route while Deion Branch, the game’s MVP, got covered well by the Eagles secondary. Instead, the Patriots quarterback brought Givens off a fade route to come back to the ball for the score.

“Tom, you had a lot of great plays, but I’ll put that one up there, maybe after your scramble against (Brian) Urlacher,” Belichick added.

Givens kept a remarkable streak going with the grab. The Patriots receiver scored a touchdown in seven consecutive playoff games. That deserves more attention in the story of New England’s dynasty.