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Three things to know about Super Bowl XLVI, which will be played Feb. 5 between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots in Indianapolis:

1. Giant rematch: New England's 2012 playoff revenge tour continues. The Patriots entered the playoffs 0-3 in their previous three postseason games. The Patriots exacted revenge against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday in the AFC Championship Game. Baltimore knocked the Patriots out of the playoffs following the 2009 season. Now, New England gets another chance at the Giants, who beat the then-undefeated Patriots in Super Bowl XLII with a late touchdown drive four years ago. That was the last time both teams reached the Super Bowl.

2. Brady chasing history: Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is chasing history on several levels. Brady is 16-5 in the playoffs and can become the NFL all-time winningest postseason quarterback with a win over the Giants. Brady would surpass his childhood hero Joe Montana. Brady also can tie Montana and former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw with four Super Bowl championships.

3. "Gronk" will be ready: Patriots Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski suffered a gruesome-looking left ankle injury that knocked him out of the third quarter of the AFC Championship Game. He eventually returned in the fourth quarter but played on adrenaline. Gronkowski said he will be ready. But the ankle will probably experience some swelling over the next couple days and this will be a big injury to watch. "Gronk" has been a major part of New England's offense. He caught five receptions for 87 yards in the AFC title game.

Here is scary news for the rest of the NFL: Tom Brady wants to play quarterback for the New England Patriots until he's 40 years old.

That means, theoretically, Brady and coach Bill Belichick plan to dominate the AFC East and keep New England in title contention until 2017. Brady will turn 35 in August.

But five more years? That is an eternity in the NFL in which the average career span is approximately 3-4 seasons. Does Brady have enough in the tank to play 17 years at such a demanding position?

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, only four quarterbacks in NFL history have started on opening day at 40 or older. Warren Moon (41) was the oldest, followed by Brett Favre (40), Vinny Testaverde (40) and Johnny Unitas (40). Brady wants to become the fifth player to accomplish that feat.

Former quarterback and ESPN analyst Trent Dilfer played 14 seasons in the NFL and believes Brady will reach that goal. According to Dilfer, the key to quarterback durability is the lower body, not the upper body.

"What goes first with quarterbacks is their legs. Once you lose your legs, you kind of lose everything else," Dilfer explained. "I remember Kurt Warner talking about that late in his career, and obviously I experienced it. Every quarterback experiences it. I think Tom works hard enough to maintain the leg strength he needs to be as precise as he is, and I think he's a competitor that if he puts something in his mind that he's going to do something, he's a guy that goes out and does it.

"There's very few people in sports like that, talk about the Kobe Bryants and the greats in all sports. I think Tom is right up there. When he puts his mind to something, he's going to do it. So I fully expect him to be playing at 40 if he says he's going to."

It's hard to say when that window will close for Brady, who will lead the Patriots (14-3) in Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens (13-4). He's proved over the past dozen years that as long as he's healthy, he's an elite player. Brady is an MVP candidate this season and by far the best remaining quarterback in the playoffs.

A case can made that Brady's three best statistical seasons occurred after 30 -- in 2007, 2010 and 2011. He also is coming off a record-tying, six-touchdown performance in a 45-10 playoff victory over the Denver Broncos. It was one of his top single-game performances.

Brady projects to be an elite player for at least the next two or three seasons. Injuries are probably the only thing that can derail him at this stage of his career.

Brady had reconstructive knee surgery and missed 15 games in 2008. Otherwise, he has had a clean bill of health. Outside of 2008, he has missed just one start since taking over the job in 2001.

"If anybody can pull it off, it's Brady, but like we saw with Peyton Manning, he could break down easier [with age] too," Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. said. "Manning may never be the same. He may never play at that same high level. Who knows? If Brady hits one stumbling block like Peyton did, all of a sudden 40 is a long way away for him. But nobody is playing better than Brady right now."

Brady has been fortunate with pass protection throughout his career. He has been sacked 26 times or fewer in six of the past seven seasons.

Former Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi was a longtime teammate of Brady's and knows firsthand the importance of protecting the veteran quarterback. Brady is a classic pocket passer who moves well in the pocket. But he doesn't have the ability to run away from defenders.

"As players progress up into the years, the more shots you take, the shorter the second half of your career will be," Bruschi said. "And I think Tom Brady will play as well as his offensive line, his protection, allows him. I think he's shown over the course of the last few years that there are the usual [ailments], they're becoming normal now. Late in the season, where he had a rib or a shoulder or various injuries like that over the course of a season.

"You end up accumulating some damage, especially as a quarterback, because you're the most sought-after hit in terms of the defensive perspective. So if he can be protected, I think that goal is possible. He can play as long as he wants to."

Brady currently is playing with a left shoulder (non-throwing) injury that has to be managed during the playoffs. This week Brady sat out of Wednesday's practice to rehab and watched extra film of Baltimore's defense.

An under-the-radar aspect of Brady's longevity could be the development of tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Both have been tremendous weapons and security blankets for Brady in their second season together.

Throwing in the middle of the field is the quickest and easiest completion for quarterbacks. It also keeps the pass rush at bay.

"They're obviously a huge part of what we do," Brady said of his tight ends this week. "They are on the field quite a bit and they’ve been healthy so it’s been good to have them both out there. ... They're pretty good with the ball in their hands and break a lot of tackles so that’s definitely a plus for us also. We have a lot of yards after catch this year, and those two guys certainly do a great job with the ball in their hands."

Patriots owner Robert Kraft still remembers when the late-round draft pick came to Foxborough as a long shot in 2000. Kraft shared a great story about his first encounter with Brady this week.

"I still have the image of Tom Brady coming down the old Foxboro Stadium steps with that pizza box under his arm, the skinny beanpole," Kraft said. "When he introduced himself to me and he said, ‘Hi, Mr. Kraft,’ and he was about to say who he was and [I said], ‘I know who you are, you’re Tom Brady, you’re our sixth-round draft choice.’ He looked me in the eye and said, ‘I’m the best decision this organization has ever made.' It looks like he could be right, although hiring Bill Belichick, I think, also has been a pretty good decision."

Brady's Hall of Fame legacy is secure. If he retired today, Brady already would be among the top quarterbacks ever to play the position. He has three Super Bowl rings and could tie his childhood hero -- Joe Montana -- for the most playoff victories (16) with a win over Baltimore Sunday.

But the difference between being a top-five quarterback and the greatest ever could come down to these next five years. Brady can tie Montana (four) and Terry Bradshaw (four) for the most titles in these playoffs. But if Brady plays through age 40, he has a legitimate shot at being the winningest quarterback in NFL history.

"I'm really happy that we have him as our quarterback," Kraft said. "I hope we have the best quarterback and coach in the history of the game. I guess to prove that, we have a little more execution that we have to do over the next few years. I certainly hope we do it."

How do you view Tom Brady's postseason record?

Overall, it's impressive. But lately Brady hasn't done so well with the season on the line.

Brady is a stellar 14-5 in 19 career playoff games. According to ESPN Stats and Information, Brady is tied with Hall of Famers Terry Bradshaw and John Elway for the second most playoff wins in NFL history.

But Brady is winless in his past three playoff games. This includes two consecutive one-and-done postseasons following the 2009 and 2010 seasons. New England also lost Super Bowl XLII to the New York Giants.

In fact, Brady hasn't won a playoff game since the AFC Championship following the 2007 season. Four years is a long postseason drought for Brady and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who are the NFL's winningest quarterback-coach tandem.

There are no excuses for New England not to win a playoff game this year. The Patriots (13-3) are huge favorites and got the easiest possible draw for the divisional round with Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos (9-8).

Brady, who won 14 of his first 16 playoff games and three Super Bowls, needs to get back on the winning side of the postseason starting this Saturday. If the Patriots, Brady and Belichick lose their fourth consecutive playoff game, expect a ton of offseason criticism in New England.

Here are the most interesting stories Thursday morning in the AFC East:

• New England Patriots' offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien reportedly could be close to becoming the next head coach at Penn State.

Morning take: This will be a nice step up for O'Brien after the season. If you recall another offensive coordinator, Charlie Weis, also left Bill Belichick to become a head coach in college (Notre Dame).

• It looks like it could come down to the Miami Dolphins and St. Louis Rams for longtime head coach Jeff Fisher.

Morning take: If it comes down to money, the Dolphins have a chance. But Fisher could go for the better organizational setup, which exists in St. Louis.

• Let the mock drafts for the Buffalo Bills begin.

Morning take: The Bills should address their defense. But there are a couple holes such of offensive tackle and maybe a receiver that Buffalo could consider.

• Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw says he would cut New York Jets receiver Santonio Holmes.

Morning take: Bradshaw is on the outside looking in and doesn't understand the financial ramifications of cutting Holmes. He’s also the Jets’ only true receiving threat.

The Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins are inspecting quarterbacks.

They're looking at game tape, attending pro days, hosting the top prospects for private workouts.

They'll study arm strength, command of the huddle and 40-yard dash times.

What about brain power?

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported the Wonderlic intelligence scores from many of the notable quarterbacks who took the test lat month at the NFL scouting combine.

• Greg McElroy, Alabama: 43.
• Blaine Gabbert, Missouri: 42.
• Christian Ponder, Florida State: 35.
• Ricky Stanzi, Iowa: 30.
• Andy Dalton. Texas Christian: 29.
• Ryan Mallett, Arkansas: 26.
• Cam Newton, Auburn: 21.
• Jake Locker, Washington: 20.

Some teams weigh Wonderlic scores more than others.

The generally accepted score that keeps teams comfortable is 20. Anything lower creates concern.

But it's not a definitive measurement either. Among widely reported scores, Hall of Famers Jim Kelly and Terry Bradshaw posted 15s, Donovan McNabb scored a 14 and Ryan Leaf posted a 27. Dan Marino's score is reported as a 16 or a 15, depending on the source.

Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick took the test in a record nine minutes and scored a 48.

"It is interesting that you will find guys that are really, really bright that just don't test well and just the opposite," New England Patriots personnel executive Floyd Reese said in a USA Today story a few years ago, while working for the Tennessee Titans. "A guy will score a 40 and can't get across the street."

If the Jets advance to the Super Bowl, would Rex Ryan be the best coach in the NFL?


FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Peyton Manning in Lucas Oil Stadium, Tom Brady in Gillette Stadium and Ben Roethlisberger at Heinz Field.

That's the gauntlet New York Jets coach Rex Ryan must traverse.

And if he makes it through still alive and advances to the Super Bowl, then Bill Belichick, Lovie Smith, Todd Haley or anybody else who wins a 2010 Coach of the Year Award ought to ship it on over to One Jets Drive.

The sixth-seeded Jets can accomplish a rarity if they defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday for the AFC Championship. Wild-card teams have reached the Super Bowl before, but only one team ever has knocked off the first, second and third seeds to do it.

The 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers were the first, but the quarterbacks they faced in those playoffs were Carson Palmer, Manning and Jake Plummer. Not exactly a Murderer's Row.

Manning, Brady and Roethlisberger have won six Super Bowls and played in eight. They have a combined 32-17 postseason record.

"That's a pretty strong task when you mention guys like that," said Tom Flores, who coached the first wild-card champions, the 1980 Oakland Raiders, in Super Bowl history. "They've been there before. They've experienced being in big games before and winning big games before.

"You're going against the best. There's no unknowns there."

In addition to the superstar opposing quarterbacks, the Jets are venturing into some of the most difficult venues in any sport.

Flores got past an impressive group of quarterbacks for his first Super Bowl (he won another two years later as a division champ): Ken Stabler, MVP Brian Sipe and future Hall of Famer Dan Fouts.

But that lineup isn't as tough as what the Jets are facing. Flores sees Sunday's game being less intimidating than their showdown against the Patriots.

"Their biggest hurdle was in New England," Flores said. "That was almost impossible to beat them there."

Unfortunately for Ryan, awards like coach of the year are based on regular-season results.

He led the Jets to a 11-5 record, but they faded down the homestretch. Their lopsided 45-3 loss to the Patriots in Week 13 followed the next week by an ugly home loss to the Miami Dolphins erased any chance of Ryan winning honors.

But if Ryan can navigate this rugged playoff stretch and make it to the Super Bowl, then we'll know who really deserves to be considered the best.

"Well, I can say this: It's not easy," Ryan said. "I don't know who's next. [Terry] Bradshaw?

"Clearly, we have a ton of work to do to pull this off. But we think we're the men for the job, and we're going to find out Sunday."

Mere mention of the stat elicits astonished replies. Professional athletes and coaches -- grown men who have seen a few things in their day -- stammer in awe.

"That's ... That's ... That's ... That's something else," Baltimore Ravens cornerback Chris Carr said.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick found the number "mind-boggling," and he owns a Harvard economics degree.

"It's ... I mean," Miami Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said before a contemplative pause to gather his thoughts. "It blows my mind a little bit, to be honest with you."

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has thrown four interceptions this year. He hasn't misfired once since Oct. 17, a record span of 319 attempts and counting.

Brady has been the ultimate mistake minimalist. With one game left in a phenomenal season, he could finish with the lowest interception percentage of any quarterback to start more than 10 games.

"Even the best quarterbacks have something they give away," New York Jets safety Brodney Pool said. "He really doesn't. It's hard for opposing DBs to get a clue. He's very smart. He knows where to go with the ball and knows the weaknesses of the coverages.

"You can try to hold a coverage, but even if you trick him one time he'll come back the next time and you won't know what hit you."

Brady has a 0.84 interception percentage. The NFL record of 0.41 was set by former Brady backup Damon Huard with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2006. Huard threw one interception, but that was with 10 starts and only 244 attempts.

Brady's interceptions have been limited to two games. If the Dolphins don't pick him off Sunday in Gillette Stadium, then Brady will join Steve DeBerg as the only quarterbacks not to be intercepted in 14 starts. DeBerg also threw four interceptions in 1990, but Brady already has 32 more attempts than DeBerg had that year.

Pool and Carr comprise half the membership of the exclusive "I Intercepted Brady In 2010 Club." Also in are Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie and former Ravens safety Ken Hamlin, now of the Indianapolis Colts.

Neither Pool nor Carr keeps the footballs from his big plays. In retrospect, Pool says he regrets not hanging onto his Brady ball.

"You know what?" Pool admitted. "I thought about that after the game: 'Man, that was Tom Brady. That's pretty special.' I should've kept it."

That baby was a limited edition.

"I don't keep any balls," Carr said. "A ball is a ball to me. It probably would end up lost in my house, laying around somewhere."

That's right. Carr's chances of losing that ball -- even with nobody trying to steal it -- probably would be higher than Brady's.

"Sport Science" examined the likelihood of a quarterback not throwing an interception in 319 straight attempts.

Since Brady's last interception, quarterbacks around the league have thrown 296 of them, 2.9 percent of all attempts. Based on those averages, the chances of dodging an interception on 319 straight throws would be 0.00837 percent -- or one in 11,947.

Math is one thing. Where a fellow quarterback such as Fitzpatrick or an opposing coach like Sparano has comprehension problems is when they consider how Brady has skirted all those happenstances that cause interceptions.

A tip, a bobble, a defender hitting the quarterback's arm as he throws, a receiver falling down, a badly gripped football in the snow, a wind gust altering trajectory just enough ...

Brady's season is even more incredible when considering the Patriots receivers are second only to the Detroit Lions in drops this year. ESPN Stats & Information has charted 36 drops for the Patriots and a league-worst 11 for Wes Welker.

"A tipped ball has haunted us three or four times this season in different ways, whether it's just fluttering up in the air or lands on the ground," Sparano said. "To think that not one of those -- not one of those things -- is happening in 300-plus attempts is pretty impressive."

Most of the four interceptions Brady did throw weren't his fault. Three of them were deep balls. Two were long passes to Randy Moss, who's no longer on the team. Moss twice tipped the ball into the air before Pool swooped in and made a tippy-toe grab at the sideline. The play originally was ruled incomplete and overturned on video review.

Hamlin fielded Brady's last interception, a Hail Mary skyball that sailed 48 yards through the air and into the end zone on the last play before overtime against the Ravens.

Since that play, Brady has completed 65 percent of his passes for 2,536 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Carr stressed that interception-avoidance isn't about luck with Brady. He's a great quarterback within a proficient offensive structure. The Patriots often have a lead and rarely play from more than one score behind, erasing the need for Brady to force throws late in games.

"It's more quarterback than system," Carr said. "If you put any other quarterback in that system, he's not going to have that streak. You put Brady in any system and he's going to be successful."

Joe Montana threw at least seven interceptions each season he made 10 starts. Dan Marino never threw fewer than nine interceptions in any season he started at least 10 games.

John Elway had double-digit interceptions every year he played. Brett Favre threw a career-low seven interceptions once as a starter, but never fewer than 13 interceptions any other season.

Peyton Manning has a pair of four-interception games this year. Drew Brees has one also.

A search of Pro-Football-Reference.com turns up seven Hall of Fame quarterbacks with at least seven "quadriception" games on their ledgers since 1960. George Blanda had 18, Joe Namath 15 and Terry Bradshaw 12.

Brady owns five four-interception games.

Yet he's one game away from closing out a four-interception season.

Criminy, the Patriots' defense has returned that many interceptions for touchdowns this year.

"He doesn't stare down receivers like some quarterbacks do," Carr said. "He looks off receivers when he does throw the ball down the field. When the receiver's not there, he's going to throw the ball away. When it's time to take a sack, he's going to take a sack.

"He has confidence that 'Hey, if the throw's there I'm going to make it. If it's not, we're going to live to play another series, and we'll score then.' He takes what the defense gives him."

Brady hasn't thrown any interceptions on passes that traveled 10 yards or fewer in the air, ESPN Stats & Information notes. And before you dismiss that zero as unimpressive because those are higher-percentage throws, keep in mind Drew Brees has thrown 12 interceptions in this range. Eli Manning has thrown 13.

Brady has 358 passing attempts of 10 yards or shorter. Every quarterback with at least 115 attempts in this category has been intercepted.

Carr noted Brady didn't make a mistake on his interception, a deep pass over the middle to Welker. Carr said the Ravens tricked Brady by doing something unexpected.

But when asked to recount the play, Carr showed deference to Brady's and the Patriots' shrewdness. The Ravens might meet the Patriots again in the playoffs.

"I'm always thinking ahead," Carr said with a chuckle. "I know how smart Brady and them are. They'll read the article. Somebody in the organization will go back and watch the film and get a little bead on that. They're always looking for that advantage."

Terry Bradshaw is as gregarious as they come. He must love New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan, right?

Wrong.

ESPNNewYork.com reporter Rich Cimini relayed some strong comments Bradshaw delivered Thursday in his hometown of Shreveport, La.

"He doesn't even play, so it's easy for him to shoot his mouth off," Bradshaw told television station KTBS. "He doesn't make a tackle. He doesn't run a ball. He doesn't make a catch or throw a ball. He just sits over there. Unfortunately, I don't think his players are quite as strong-minded as he is."

Bradshaw, a Hall of Fame quarterback who won four Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers, didn't express much confidence that Mark Sanchez could handle it, either. Bradshaw at least was sympathetic to what the young quarterback is dealing with.

"He's putting a lot of pressure on his young quarterback," Bradshaw said of Ryan. "If they can't run the ball, they're going to have to throw it, and they can't pass protect.

"He'll shut up real quick. You know what? I don't like guys like that, OK?"

Who was the greatest NFL player to wear a specific jersey number?

SI.com decided to find out and produced a list sure to create debate. The package, which includes plenty of vintage photos, was published Wednesday.

SI.com's Richard Deitsch explained the process:

A team of SI.com's finest numerologists crunched the data on jersey numbers to come up with the best performers in professional football at each number from 00 to 99. We based our decision on a combination of impact on the game, statistics and team success during the player's time wearing that number.

Here are the AFC East fellows who made the rundown from 00 to 99 ...

4. Brett Favre, Jets quarterback: Hey, he spent a season there.

12. Tom Brady, Patriots quarterback: Deitsch called this the toughest call over Terry Bradshaw. There's also Joe Namath and Roger Staubach.

13. Dan Marino, Dolphins quarterback: This selection was listed among the eight simplest to make.

23. Troy Vincent, Patriots and Bills defensive back: Next runner-up was Mel Gray.

39. Larry Csonka, Dolphins running back: Selected ahead of Hall of Famer Hugh McElhenny and Patriots fullback Sam Cunningham.

55. Junior Seau, Dolphins and Patriots linebacker: Willie McGinest and Joey Porter mentioned as "worthy of consideration."

57. Dwight Stephenson, Dolphins center: Thin crew when Bart Scott was in the all-time mix.

62. Jim Langer, Dolphins center: Name another No. 62. Quick!

67. Reggie McKenzie, Bills guard: Member of O.J. Simpson's famed Electric Company, but ahead of Dolphins guard Bob Kuechenberg?

73. John Hannah, Patriots guard: Other AFC East runners-up include Joe Klecko and Bob Baumhower.

With 10 days remaining in the NFL's attempt to determine the 75 greatest draft picks of all-time, the league released the top 20 candidates after fans have cast nearly 40 million votes.

The project was put together to celebrate the 75th draft, which begins April 22. NFL.com editors got us started by narrowing each team's list of candidates down to the top 10.

Fans can vote through April 18 at NFL.com. Parts of the list will be revealed on NFL.com and the NFL Network beginning April 19. The top 10 will be saved for the draft telecast.

These 20 players, listed in alphabetical order, have received the most votes so far:

• Troy Aikman, Dallas Cowboys (first overall, 1989)
• Terry Bradshaw, Pittsburgh Steelers (first, 1970)
• Tom Brady, New England Patriots (199th, 2000)
• Jim Brown, Cleveland Browns (sixth, 1957)
• Dick Butkus, Chicago Bears (third, 1965)
• Brett Favre, Atlanta Falcons (33rd, 1991)
• Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens (26th, 1996)
• Ronnie Lott, San Francisco 49ers (eighth, 1981)
• Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts (first, 1998)
• Dan Marino, Miami Dolphins (27th, 1983)
• Joe Montana, San Francisco 49ers (82nd, 1979)
• Randy Moss, Minnesota Vikings (21st, 1998)
• Walter Payton, Chicago Bears (fourth, 1975)
• Jerry Rice, San Francisco 49ers (16th, 1985)
• Barry Sanders, Detroit Lions (third, 1989)
• Deion Sanders, Atlanta Falcons (fifth, 1989)
• Mike Singletary, Chicago Bears (38th, 1981)
• Emmitt Smith, Dallas Cowboys (17th, 1990)
• Lawrence Taylor, New York Giants (second, 1981)
• Rod Woodson, Pittsburgh Steelers (10th, 1987)

Everybody loves a good quarterback argument.

Here's a list that endeavors to provide a definitive answer to the following question, but probably will get folks yapping at each other: Who is the greatest Super Bowl quarterback of all time?

Cold, Hard Football Facts kingpin Kerry J. Byrne rolls out all the statistical data from the 20 quarterbacks who've played in more than one Super Bowl and ranks them purely on how they performed on the biggest stage.

Reputation doesn't matter one iota. That's why Jim Plunkett is slotted waaaaaaaaaaay ahead of John Elway.

Byrne breaks them down into four categories -- Legends, Champions, Cling-ons and Gimps -- and backs up the ranking, complete with a spreadsheet that lists all of their stats.

Legends

1. Joe Montana

2. Terry Bradshaw

3. Jim Plunkett

4. Troy Aikman

5. Bart Starr

Champions

6. Tom Brady

7. Brett Favre

8. Roger Staubach

9. Kurt Warner

10. Len Dawson

11. Peyton Manning

Cling-ons

12. Bob Griese

13. Ben Roethlisberger

14. John Elway

15. Joe Theismann

Gimps

16. Jim Kelly

17. Fran Tarkenton

18. John Unitas

19. Earl Morrall

20. Craig Morton

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

In last week's AFC East mailbag, several folks asked how in the world Brett Favre could get into the Pro Bowl with so many interceptions. And that was before he threw three more in Sunday's 24-17 season-ending loss to the Miami Dolphins at the Meadowlands.

The short answer is Favre was awarded the honor for his legacy and certainly not his pedestrian season with the New York Jets.

He finished with 22 touchdown passes and a league-high 22 interceptions.

One reader wanted to know what the NFL record is for most interceptions in a Pro Bowl campaign. Some might be shocked to learn Favre's not even close.

Here is the rundown, courtesy of the Elias Sports Bureau, with asterisks to denote whether the interception total led the league:

• 27: Drew Bledsoe, Patriots, 1994*
• 26: John Hadl, Chargers, 1972*
• 25: Terry Bradshaw, Steelers, 1979
• 24: Dan Fouts, Chargers, 1979
• 24: Dan Fouts, Chargers, 1980
• 24: Dave Krieg, Seahawks, 1984*
• 24: Brett Favre, Packers, 1993*
  

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

Taylor in Virginia Beach, Va., writes: Tim, Throughout this entire season, I've hated you, then loved you, then hated you. And you know what I realize? You're a damn fine writer. I enjoy your columns (for or against my Jets) because quite frankly, you tell it like it is. I just wanted to let you know, you've got a fan here in Virginia Beach, VA. Best of luck to you and yours in the coming new year. As for my beloved AFC East: I see Miami wiping the floor with Gang Green this weekend. So for the Jets, season's over (wow, that actually hurt to type). It's odd the feeling I get when I see Chad excelling with the Fins. I love the guy, was sad to see him go, but with the way the Jets have been playing/coached, it's just salt in the wound to know Pennington will be the one to seal our fate.

Tim Graham: Taylor, this is the favorite e-mail I've ever received from a reader, and only a small fraction of my appreciation relates to your compliment. I can't thank you enough for a) getting it, and b) taking the time to share your thoughts.

When your team is playing well, you'll probably enjoy what I write. When your team is playing poorly, you'll probably dislike what I write. When your team is mediocre, you probably won't care what I write.

---

Mr. Anonymous from Boston writes: Tim..you are a buffalo guy and probably know a bit of what's going on in Buffalo. Do the insiders at OBD think the problem is in coaching, or the personnel or both. Firing everyone and starting over doesn't seem to make sense. What do you think Buffalo is going to do as they try and improve in the ever competitive AFC East.

Tim Graham: Your guess is as good as mine. It's difficult to gauge what's going on at One Bills Drive because, let's face it, they're making it up as they go. There's no general manager, and while chief operating officer Russ Brandon is handling that role, owner Ralph Wilson calls the shots. Two months ago, the Bills gave Dick Jauron a three-year extension. The season isn't over and Wilson is second-guessing the decision.

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Mauricio in Mexico City writes: Why in the coach of the year award bill b. is not even mentioned what he has done this year with that team is amazing. I also believe that is way easier to coach when your team has no expectations (no pressure) at all thats case with the dolphins, ravens, and falcons. What greater expectation can you have that have a team that when 18-1 an lose the superbowl there is not tougher situation in sports i think, even the superbowl champs have the excuse if the lose that they won the superbowl (we you finally win a you super bowl you can play more free). And we are not talking yet about the major injuries and the ability to insert John Does into a team and make them compete , Benjarvus, Gary Guyton, Cassel how many thought that Cassel after a horrible preseason was going to be cut. Thanks

Tim Graham: I couldn't agree with you more, Mauricio. I have written several times over the past few weeks that Bill Belichick deserves at least to be in the conversation for coach of the year. I don't think he will be the consensus pick (there are many versions of the award). I predict most of the honors will go to Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith, with Miami Dolphins coach Tony Sparano also getting some love.

But Belichick's success this year despite myriad injuries has been nothing short of spectacular. If you don't think so, ask yourself this: How many wins would your favorite team have managed without its starting quarterback for the whole year, No. 1 running back for 13 games, No. 2 running back for eight games, No. 3 running back for three games, starting strong safety for 10 games, starting outside linebacker for seven games, and starting inside linebacker for three games?

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Mack from Waverly, Tenn., writes: Hey Tim. Ive heard that Lawyer Milloy is in the last year of his contract with the Falcons. If thats true do you think he might possibly return to the pats to finish his career. They could defenitly use his veteran leadership back there since it looks like Harrison is done. Do u think its possible?

Tim Graham: A shortage of leadership won't be an issue for the Patriots because of their established, proven philosophy and the type of players they pursue. Once in the organization, younger players are molded by the veterans and the coaching staff. So adding Lawyer Milloy merely for leadership isn't necessary.

Besides, second-year pro Brandon Meriweather has a bright future. He's versatile. He plays in all the packages, can blitz and has four interceptions.

Here is a recent quote from Belichcik about how well Meriweather has filled in for Rodney Harrison:

I think in every area of Brandon's game he continues to get better. He's played a little bit more down closer to the line of scrimmage than he has in the past in sub situations or when he was in there with Rodney. He has shown to be a good tackler, good in run support and good around the line of scrimmage. He has done a good job in the deep part of the field and in some man-to-man coverage situations that he has been asked to play in, like the St. Louis game where we were facing four wide receiver personnel. He was playing the inside corner position on that.

Through the course of the season he has been asked to do a lot of different things. He has really improved in all of them. I think he's having a good year. He has certainly come a long way as a player in these two seasons and continues to get better. He is a really dependable guy. He's smart and makes very few errors back there in the secondary, not just himself, but also in terms of the overall communication back there with the group. He is playing with a lot of confidence, and we have a lot of confidence in him because of the way he's been playing.

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Greg in Boston writes: With the Patriots playing at 1 the Jets could be elimated from the playoffs by the time their game starts. This allows Mangini to bench players in a game that means nothing to them if the Patriots win...securing the playoff spot to the Dolphins. The time change for that game could hurt the Patriots chances.

Tim Graham: No matter what, the Jets' postseason hopes will be alive when they take the field Sunday because they still have a shot at the second wild-card berth. The Jets must win, and the Jaguars would need to beat the Ravens in another 4:15 p.m. kickoff.

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Isaac in New York writes: I don't know if I'm just missing something, but looking at the playoff scenarios for this weekend (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3711069) I can't figure out what would happen if the Jets defeat the Dolphins, the Patriots lose to the Bills, and the Ravens lose to the Jaguars. I get that the Jets would win the AFC East, but with the Ravens, Patriots, and Dolphins all at 10-6, who would have the last wildcard spot?

Tim Graham: If the Dolphins, Patriots and Ravens each finish 10-6, then the Ravens would get in. In the case of a three-way tie, the first deciding factor is applying the division tiebreaker to determine the top
team from that division. The Dolphins have that edge based on a better conference record. Then the Ravens would get in because they beat the Dolphins head to head.

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Warren in Syracuse, N.Y., writes: I have been trying to figure this out but I'm not good at this kind of stuff. My question is, if the Jets beat Miami this Sunday, can the Dolphins still make the playoff's?

Tim Graham: The Dolphins must beat the Jets to finish with 11 wins because the Jets would claim the division title on head-to-head record, and the Ravens (even if they lose to the Jaguars) would get the second wild-card berth because they beat the Dolphins on Oct. 19.

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Igor in Brooklyn, N.Y., writes: I was wondering if you could tell me what the record for most INTs by a quarterback in a pro bowl year is. I feel like Farve could have another NFL record. Also on a similar topic I was wondering if the 2 quarterbacks with the highest passer rating in a season have ever both been left out of the pro bowl.

Tim Graham: Brett Favre has thrown 19 interceptions with one regular-season game left. I'm not sure what the record is, but Terry Bradshaw was an All Pro with 20 interceptions in 1978 and went back to the Pro Bowl the next year with 25 interceptions. Dan Fouts was an All Pro in 1979 and a Pro Bowler in 1980 despite throwing 24 picks both times.

Ken Stabler threw 20 interceptions in only 13 games but went to the Pro Bowl in 1977. Joe Namath played in the AFL all-star game despite throwing 28 interceptions in 1967 and went to the Pro Bowl with 21 interceptions in 1972.

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JKato in Boston writes: If the Jets make the playoffs this year, would this be one of the most disappointing playoff scenerioes in recent memory for the AFC East? I'm not completely saying that they don't deserve to go if they win even after the Losman fiasco, but there are such great stories like Matt Cassel's emergence as a great starter or even...gulp...Chad Pennington's second chance at starting will a rival team.

Tim Graham: No matter what, the AFC East will be represented by a compelling tale in the playoffs. The Patriots are playing better than any other AFC East team heading into the season finale, and the Dolphins are pulling off one of the great single-year rebounds in NFL history.

But if the Jets can squeeze into the postseason, you have Brett Favre's last hurrah (potentially). If the Jets can figure out how to snap out of their malaise and play more like the team that knocked off the Patriots and undefeated Tennessee Titans in successive weeks, then they can do some damage in the playoffs.

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Randy Barnes from Perryton, Texas, writes: I think that your comments about Farve being outperformed by Chad Pennington are just to inflame situations and stir up controversy. Get a life.

Tim Graham: You're absolutely correct, Mr. Barnes. I'm the only person discussing the fact Chad Pennington is playing better than Brett Favre this season. If not for me, football fans would be focusing on the scintillating Brandon Fields versus Reggie Hodges showdown that will transpire Sunday at the Meadowlands.

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Mr. Anonymous from Parts Unknown writes: If the 3rd tiebreaker after overall record, and division record in common games and the only difference between Miami and NE (if they both win out) is a NE win over AZ, wouldn't NE be in over Miami?

Tim Graham: The first tiebreaker within a division race is head-to-head record, then division record, then record against common opponents. The Dolphins and Patriots split their games and would finish with identical 4-2 division and 11-3 common-opponent records.

But the fourth tiebreaker is AFC record, and the Dolphins would be 8-4, while the Patriots would be 7-5.

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Dennis in Medford, Mass, writes: Win or lose on Sunday, every Dolphin fan should be proud of the turnaround and grit the team has shown this year.

Tim Graham: I couldn't agree with you more, Dennis. Although it would sting for Dolfans if their team can't finish the season with authority and make the playoffs, you can't dispute how special the season has been. The Dolphins clearly are on the right track.

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J.R. in Florida writes: Tim, I have question about the Jets-Phins game this weekend. Which team is hungrier; who wants the win more?

Tim Graham: Based on what I've seen in recent weeks, I would have to say the Dolphins seem to be playing with more of an edge. The Jets' season has been on the line for three weeks, and they haven't responded like a playoff team should. The Dolphins, on the other hand, are taking care of business.

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Al in Fredericksburg, Va., writes: Tim, I really enjoy reading everything you write about the AFC East and beyond. What do you think about the quarterback situation that will arrive in New England. With Tom Brady's knee back on track, is it for sure that the Patriots will franchise Matt Cassel and keep the quarterback who has lead them to a play off berth in the last 6 years?

Tim Graham: Thank you for the compliment, Al. Glad you enjoy the blog. My prediction is that the Patriots will put the franchise tag on Matt Cassel. To let a valuable asset like him get away, especially after all of the time and money the Patriots have invested to get him to the level he's playing, would be disheartening.

The Patriots would have to pay Cassel the average of the NFL's top five highest-paid quarterbacks. There are no guarantees Tom Brady will be completely healthy for next year. Once the Patriots are convinced Brady will be OK, then they could trade Cassel on their terms rather than lose him to free agency and get nothing in return.

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Kelly in New Jersey writes: Tim I just heard that the Denver-San Diego game will be flexed for the final Sunday night game of the year. WHY?!?!?!?! I could not think of any reason as to why this game is deserving of being moved to Sunday night in comparison to the Dolphins-Jets game. What is wrong with the NFL?!?!?

Tim Graham: While I disagree with the NFL's decision to pass over the Dolphins-Jets game for prime time, I understand why they chose Broncos-Chargers. It's the only game on the schedule in which the winner goes to the playoffs and the loser goes home. If the NFL had flexed Dolphins-Jets, there's a possibility the game would end with two teams not going to playoffs if the Patriots and Ravens win as expected and the Dolphins lose. That would make for a dud prime-time finale.

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Dan in Boston writes: I want to know how it is fair that New England can go 11-5 and miss the playoffs. Does the NFL need to change its playoff format? I'd say yes. Its SO unfair how the Broncos and Cardinals can go 8-8 and get in, but the Pats can go 11-5 and miss it. If that does happen, the Pats will bge not 3, but FOUR games up on the Broncos because we beat them already this season. I think the NFL needs to go back to 3 divisions, or just let the REAL top 6 into the playoffs.

Tim Graham: I'm picking up what you're laying down, Dan. But if the N
FL sent the six teams with the best record to the playoffs, then divisions will be irrelevant. If divisions become irrelevant, then rivalries lose their meaning.

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Joe from Parts Unknown writes: You ever play football Tim.

Tim Graham: Why, yes, I have. I'm sure the readers would love to hear about it. ... I started both ways for three years at my high school as a receiver, part-time quarterback and defensive back. I punted, returned kickoffs and held on extra points and field goals. We went to the playoffs my sophomore year and got knocked out in the quarterfinals by O.J. McDuffie's team. I received a Division I-AA scholarship offer, but decided to pursue my other love, high jumping, in college.

If you give me your address, Joe, I'll send you an autograph.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham

	Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images
	Tom Brady has guided the Patriots to three Super Bowl titles.

Readers' pick: Tom Brady, QB

With the exception of young franchises such as the Houston Texans or Baltimore Ravens, active players can be difficult to vote for as the greatest ever. Their careers are still unfolding, their legacies changeable.

Despite 48 years of players, Tom Brady's career towers over all other New England Patriots.

Part of Brady's colossal stature is that only two career Patriots -- guard John Hannah and outside linebacker Andre Tippett -- have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

But even a crowded field would have trouble touching Brady.

Through their first 42 years the Patriots won zero championships. Brady has since guided them to three Super Bowl titles, claiming the game's MVP award twice. That's enough to cement his status as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Brady last year directed perhaps the most merciless offense in NFL history. He threw for a record 50 touchdowns and just eight interceptions, propelling the Patriots to an unprecedented 16-0 regular-season record and two playoff victories. His ankle injury in the Super Bowl played a role in their inability to close out their perfect campaign.

He owns the best winning percentage (.782) of any quarterback in the Super Bowl era, higher than Joe Montana, Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, Terry Bradshaw and Bart Starr. Brady owns the second-highest playoff winning percentage (.824) behind only Starr.

Not many active players can be mentioned in the same sentence as those names.