Brady magic rescues Patriots on day of protest

Tom Brady conjured a last-gasp Houdini act to save the New EnglandPatriots in a thrilling win over the Houston Texans on Sunday as theAtlanta Falcons preserved their unbeaten record.With events off the field dominating a dramatic day that saw widespreadplayer protests, Brady once again laid on a masterclass to throw forfive touchdowns in a 36-33 victory at Gillette Stadium.The crowning moment of a 378-yard passing display by the 40-year-oldBrady came with the Patriots trailing 28-33 with just over two minutesremaining. An eight-play 75-yard drive ended with Brady hitting receiver BrandinCooks with a 25-yard pass into the end zone for the game-winning score.The nerve-jangling finale capped an extraordinary game which had seensections of the Patriots crowd boo several of the team’s own playersafter they opted to kneel during the playing of the national anthembefore kick-off.Brady had stood with his arms interlocked in solidarity with his teammates during the solemn anthem rendition.It was just one of several large protests by players across the leagueon Sunday following remarks by US President Donald Trump. Trump hadenraged NFL stars and team owners on Friday by describing players whoprotest during the anthem as “sons of bitches” who should be fired.Around 130 players across the league took a knee on Sunday during theanthem, easily the largest mass demonstration of its kind since formerSan Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick began the protests in 2016.“We felt like President Trump’s speech was an assault on our mostcherished right — freedom of speech,” Denver star Von Miller explainedafter kneeling before his team’s game against Buffalo. Falcons soarThe Patriots win helped New England move to 2-1 in the AFC East, puttingthem level with the Buffalo Bills who lead on points difference.The Bills pulled off an upset win over the unbeaten Denver Broncos,winning 26-16. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor threw for two touchdowns and 213yards to spark the Bills.But it was an unhappy afternoon for Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian,who failed to throw for any touchdowns and was twice picked off forcostly interceptions.Denver were one of seven previously unbeaten teams to taste defeat in early games on Sunday.In Detroit, Matt Ryan threw for two touchdowns as the Atlanta Falconswon the battle of the unbeatens with a hard-fought 30-26 victory overthe Lions.Ryan, desperate to atone this season after last year’s Super Bowlcollapse, made 24 completions from 35 passing attempts to finish with294 yards at Ford Field.The win leaves Atlanta with a perfect 3-0 record at the top of the NFC South while Detroit fell to 2-1 after the loss.Matthew Stafford finished with 264 passing yards but was cruciallyunable to mount a game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter as theLions sought to overturn a four-point deficit.The Carolina Panthers meanwhile saw their unbeaten start to the seasonend with an emphatic 34-13 loss to the previously winless New OrleansSaints.Saints veteran quarterback Drew Brees shredded the vaunted Panthers defense with three touchdown passes for 220 yards.