'Not human': Sporting world reacts to record-breaking Tom Brady feat
Tom Brady has cemented his status as the greatest quarterback in NFL history after an incredible record-breaking display for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In his 300th NFL game, Brady threw four touchdown passes in the only half he needed to play as the Buccaneers routed the Detroit Lions 47-7 to seal a a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2007.
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The Bucs (10-5) set a franchise record with 588 yards and snapped the NFL's second-longest post-season drought - behind Cleveland's 18-year run that can end on Sunday.
On Saturday in the United States, Brady completed 22 of 27 passes for 348 yards - the most for a first half in his illustrious career - despite sitting out the entire second half, as the Bucs led 34-0 at the long break.
The six-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback threw touchdown passes to Rob Gronkowski, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, who made a one-handed catch, and Antonio Brown from 33, 27, 7 and 12 yards.
Brady has now thrown a franchise-record 36 touchdowns this season while Tampa Bay set team records in points (34) and yards (410) in the first half.
The 43-year-old's extraordinary achievement lit up social media, with NBA legend LeBron James among those to hail the veteran quarterback.
Brady feat lights up social media
.@TomBrady now holds our franchise record for most passing TDs in a season with 34 👏 pic.twitter.com/JQupfjyv7H
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 26, 2020
Helluva pitch and catch right there! @TomBrady to @RobGronkowski! SHEESH!!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 26, 2020
TOM BRADY IS NOT HUMAN 🤖
🔻 4 TD
🔻 348 Yards
🔻 Subbed out at half
Doing this in his 20th season 👏 @TomBrady pic.twitter.com/GRJSROF3jU— ESPN (@espn) December 26, 2020
Tom Brady sets a new Bucs record for most TD passes in a season 😤 @brgridiron
That’s 34 and counting
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/r8v5xMtgqi— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 26, 2020
Tom Brady is unbelievably great - greater than ever at age 43.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) December 26, 2020
He's a winner, plain and simple #TomBrady #GOAT https://t.co/gs4McJ1c55
— Kit McIntosh (@KitMcIntoshSJ) December 26, 2020
The 🐐 only needed one half 👀@TomBrady | @Buccaneers pic.twitter.com/IvDMiRTql8
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) December 26, 2020
@TomBrady adds to his legacy. Incredible. #nfl #TomBrady #Buccaneers pic.twitter.com/0PFSVaP6Fe
— The Place for Debate (@SpittinCap) December 27, 2020
Brady also became the 12th player in NFL history to appear in 300 regular-season games and just the fourth non kicker or punter - joining Hall of Fame trio - quarterback George Blanda (340 games), wide receiver Jerry Rice (303) and quarterback Brett Favre (302).
The all-time record is 382 games by placekicker Morten Andersen from 1982-2007.
Brady played his first 285 regular-season games - plus 41 play-off games - with the New England Patriots from 2000-19, winning a record six Super Bowl titles in that span.
The Lions (5-10) started Saturday's game without interim coach Darrell Bevell along with assistants on the defensive staff because of COVID-19 contact tracing.
And they played much of the game without quarterback Matthew Stafford - who was questionable to play with hip and thumb injuries and then hurt his right ankle on the opening drive and did not return.
with Yahoo Sport staff
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