Tom Brady is more confident throwing the football

Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) prepares to make a pass during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

How can a man, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who has won 3 Super Bowls, played in 5 and thrown more touchdowns in a season than any other player in NFL history get more confident throwing the football?

I don’t know, but apparently he can.

“Going into my 14th year, I have never had more confidence in how I am throwing the football,” Brady told Peter King of Sports Illustrated. “I’ve never felt better throwing the football.”

Tom Brady’s mentor Tom Martinez passed away last year, so he has had to find a new coach. He has been working with former MLB pitcher Tom House.

“I owe so much to Tom Martinez,” Brady said. “He taught me so much about how to play the game and throw the football. He was so committed to me for so many years. I miss him every time I step on the field. I found Tom House, and really developed a rapport with him quickly. I’ve learned, and to me, the learning process is fun. The same way Tom Martinez was always there to watch and give me corrections, Tom House has told me why certain corrections need to be made.”

And at 35 years old (36 in August), believes he is a better quarterback now than in the 2012 season.

“When you’ve got to fit it into the tightest windows, mechanics are crucial,” Brady said. “And to me, the offseason is crucial. If you make a throw within four feet, that’s not going to be good enough. You have to make the throw within four inches of your target. That’s good enough. And that’s why the mechanics you adjust and learn in the offseason are important. You’re going to keep them during the season. Tom House, pretty soon after the season, said basically, ‘All right, Tommy. Get to work.’ That’s the one thing that helps me move forward. There’s nothing we can do about losing the championship game to the Ravens. It sucks. You move on. But, with Tom, I think I’ve learned some things this offseason that are really going to help me.”

If Brady is indeed better, does that make the Patriots Super Bowl favorites?