David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Tom Brady has heard all the chatter from outsiders this year and is taking note.

Brady’s New England Patriots dominated the Los Angeles Chargers 41-28 in Sunday’s AFC divisional playoff game. The dominant win was not something many expected considering the Patriots were showing some uncharacteristic weaknesses this season. Brady recognizes that and alluded to that talk during his postgame interview.

“It’ll be a good game,” Brady said of next week’s matchup with the Chiefs in an interview with CBS’ Tracy Wolfson. “They’re a good team. We played them earlier this year. I know everyone thinks we suck and can’t win any games. We’ll see. So, it will be fun.”

There are few things that can serve as a greater motivator than a chip on one’s shoulder. Brady talking about the doubters makes it clear he is entering the playoffs with that underdog mentality, which serves him and his team well.

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