Tom Brady Passed Twice on One Play. And It (Sort of) Worked.

Brady’s second pass was completed to Mike Evans, but the officials were less than impressed. Flags flew, and Brady was called for a penalty.

But wait. Evans was brought down two yards short of a first down. So with the Buccaneers now facing fourth and 2, the Rams declined the penalty. The play, and the double completed pass, stood.

N.F.L. drive charts rarely make for interesting reading, but this one will forever. Tucked near the start of the fourth quarter, it dryly notes exactly what happened:

“T.Brady pass short middle to T.Brady to TB 25 for -9 yards. T.Brady pass short middle to M.Evans to TB 42 for 8 yards.”

It goes on to note that “Statistically, no completion for first pass as a result of the declined penalty.” So Brady, at least, will be spared the negative yards on the catch, which would have only reduced his own passing total.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/24/sports/tom-brady-buccaneers-rams-mnf.html