Tom Brady: ‘Continuity' an important part of Patriots' success

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Another year, another Super Bowl appearance for the New England Patriots.

It's to the point where even quarterback Tom Brady, who will play in his ninth Super Bowl on Feb. 3, expresses his own disbelief with everything the team has accomplished.

“It’s hard for me to imagine," Brady told NBC Sports' Peter King after New England's 37-31 win over the Chiefs for the AFC title. "Nine Super Bowls. I know. It’s ridiculous.”

So when Brady reflects on those nine Super Bowl berths, what comes to mind? One quality the 41-year-old emphasized when offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' playcalling (which included new plays specifically to use against Kansas City) was brought up is "continuity." 

"You know, Josh, what he’s formulated for us is huge. He puts in endless hours just to find little scheme things for us. Like those plays we put in this morning. You know, the continuity here has been so important. Dante Scarnecchia, on the offensive line; Ivan Fears, with the running backs; Josh, making it all work. And then coach Belichick finds guys he likes—Gronk, Julian—and he says, ‘All right, you’re going to be here a while.’ “

Speaking of continuity, King told ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio that he fully expects Brady to continue his football career even if the Patriots are victorious in Super Bowl LIII.

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“I just can’t see [Brady retiring after the Super Bowl],” King said. “Again, I don’t know anything. I don’t really know Brady that well, I know him pretty well, but he’s never even hinted at that to me and I’ve never heard him hint that to anybody. The fact is, he loves — Mike, you would say there’s no better way to walk off. Do a Jermone Bettis. Do a John Elway. But he just isn’t really wired like that. He likes every part of his job. He’s going to love going to see Tom House in the spring in Los Angeles to work on throwing mechanics. He just absolutely loves it. He’s told me five times over the years that, ‘there’s nothing that I like doing better than playing football.’

“He told me this a couple of years ago: “Why would I voluntarily leave the game if I’m still able to play?’ So, I just don’t see him walking away.”

You can watch King talk about his interview with Brady in the video below:

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