Tom Brady never hesitates when it comes to talking about quarterbacks. On his show Story Time with Tom, the seven-time Super Bowl champion analyzed the upcoming comebacks of Lamar Jackson and JJ McCarthy. Both players are set to return in Week 9 after injuries that sidelined them for weeks. Brady didn’t just offer advice—he delivered a clear challenge.
According to a report from Essentiallysports, Brady stated, “It’s going to be a huge boost for both teams to get their starting quarterbacks back… Certainly, with the season Lamar has had and missing the last few weeks, that team needs him to show up and play his best football down the stretch.”
The Baltimore Ravens’ offense has struggled without its star. With a 2-5 record, they need an immediate turnaround. Before his injury, Jackson posted elite numbers: 71.6% completion rate, 10.5% touchdown rate, and a 130.5 passer rating—all better than his 2024 campaign.
“It was so gratifying to fight through this extended period of time where you’re out and then you go in and you lead your team to victory.”
With @Lj_era8 and @jjmccarthy09 set to return in Week 9, @TomBrady shares what it’s like mentally for a QB coming back from injury 💪 pic.twitter.com/nWJ96fpvUi— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 30, 2025
Brady emphasized, “He’s already played incredible this year… but it just shows this team can bounce back, and Lamar can perform. You never know what can happen in the second half of the season.”
McCarthy faces pressure in his return
Brady also focused on JJ McCarthy, who is coming back for the Minnesota Vikings after his own injury. “They had high expectations for him when they drafted him, but he hasn’t developed yet,” Brady noted. The rookie has completed only 58.5% of his passes, with two touchdowns and three interceptions, a shaky start that he must now overcome without Carson Wentz, who remains sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Brady knows that situation all too well. He recalled his 2009 return from a serious injury, saying, “That first game back was very emotional… I was probably one of the most excited players at the end of a game.”
Both quarterbacks have expressed optimism. Jackson said, “I can’t wait to touch the field.” McCarthy added, “Just finished a great practice… it’ll be awesome to see how we stack up against the Lions.”
Brady left them with a final message: recovery is good, but proving yourself on the field is what truly matters.
