CHANDLER, Ariz. -- Tom Brady claimed not to have heard owner Robert Kraft's adamant defense of his coach and quarterback, but spoke with the assurance of a player who could prepare for the Super Bowl uninterrupted, free of a controversy that has enveloped his team for over the last week.
When he touched on the matter, he did so only briefly, and in the context of how the Patriots could respond to adversity.
"We've dealt with a lot of adversity this season and we've got to deal with some more," Brady said.
In a radio interview taped before the team left for Arizona, he admitted to taking some of the fallout personally and said that the process has taken its toll.
After he landed, though, he deflected any signs of vulnerability, likely a theme for the Patriots throughout the week. Vince Wilfork and Devin McCourty, who also spoke on Monday, gave off a similar vibe.
"There's a lot of motivation at this point," Brady said.
Brady benefitted from following Bill Belichick, who stonewalled any attempts by reporters to ask about the deflation scandal, just like Belichick benefitted from having Kraft before him.
By the time it got to the quarterback, he was safe, ready to treat this week just like any other.
"I'd love to go out, play my tail off, try to do the best I can to try and win a Super Bowl for them," he said.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast reacts to the Patriots' deflated footballs controversy and tells you whom to trust in Super Bowl XLIX. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
