Brady ‘100 percent' after punishing game vs. Bills

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FOXBORO -- Tom Brady had a rough-and-tumble kind of night on Monday when the Bills visited the Patriots at Gillette Stadium. After New England's 20-13 win was in the books, the official box score said that Brady had been hit 10 times, but it seemed like more. 

That number didn't account for the hit he absorbed after throwing what would have been a first-quarter Buffalo interception had it not been for offsetting penalties that negated the play. That number also didn't account for the ferocity of the hits, like the one when defensive end Jerry Hughes appeared to stick the crown of his helmet underneath Brady's chin. 

With a short week to prepare for the Broncos, whose defense has racked up a league-best 34 quarterback sacks this season, Brady was asked on Wednesday how he felt physically after a punishing night against a divisional rival. 

"I feel great," he said. "Hundred percent."

Brady was not listed on the Patriots injury report on Wednesday and was a full participant at the team's walkthrough. That he's able to take what at times appear to be relatively violent shots from opposing defenders and remain on the field is a testament to his toughness. It's also clear, however, that he puts some thought into how his body should react leading up to -- and right after -- a hit.

"I don't think you really want to resist some of those collisions," Brady told WEEI's Dennis and Callahan Show on Tuesday. "I think over the years you just kind of go with it. Whenever you get hit, just try to use . . . don't really fight back so to speak. Hopefully that keeps you from any serious serious injuries back there. We're all football players, we all get banged up a little bit. It's part of the season."

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