Mike Reiss, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

QB snapshot: Tom Brady

A quick observation of quarterback Tom Brady and how he played in the Patriots' 34-9 win over the Lions in Week 12:

 If an opponent rushes the standard four defenders against Brady and plays mostly zone coverage behind it, that usually proves to be a tough formula to win unless the pass rush can get there quickly. The Lions' rush couldn't get there because Brady got the ball out so fast.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, Brady was 33-of-45 for 301 yards, two touchdowns and an interception against Detroit’s four-man rush. The Lions' defense had entered the game with the best Total QBR allowed in the league when using four or fewer rushers (39.2).

Looking ahead, Brady now faces a Packers defense that has been vulnerable at times. It's a unit that has been protected, however, because Green Bay's offense has jumped out to quick leads at home in its past four games (opening a 66-0 lead in the first quarter of those games), quickly making it a one-dimensional game.

That's the first key for Brady and the Patriots' offense Sunday -- sustain drives and stay in the fight early.

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