Brady on getting past the Hernandez situation: Management was key

Photo from ESPN

Tom Brady talked to Albert Breer before the AFC Divisional game against the Colts last night about how they overcame the offseason distraction of Aaron Hernandez being charged with murder. The key? Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick, Tom Brady says. They really set the tone about what they expected from the players and they didn't let up, Brady said.

"I think it’s Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick. They set the tone for us. They set a level of expectation for us, and they don’t let up, regardless of who’s out there or what situation comes up."

The team also kept outside noise and comments on the situation...well, out. They kept their focus on winning games all season, and that focus translated into a 3rd straight AFC Championship berth.

Is anyone really surprised, though? The Patriots have always run a tight ship. Almost as soon as the story broke, the Patriots made it abundantly clear that Hernandez had no place at Foxborough, going as far as letting fans exchange their Hernandez jerseys at the Patriots Pro Shop. The Patriots moved on really quickly from Aaron Hernandez and it was clear that they would not let him be a obstacle to doing everything in their power to get their 4th Super Bowl ring.

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