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In a week in which he has seen his name disparaged and his competitive instigation (read: finger-pointing) criticized, New England quarterback Tom Brady was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year by the Sporting News.

Tuesday proved to be a news-making day for the Golden Boy. In addition to the Sporting News honor, where he was also listed as the All-Pro quarterback for their offensive squad, Brady’s name was dragged through the mire by Jets’ cornerback Antonio Cromartie. Following the lead of Jets’ coach Rex Ryan, who brought up Brady’s post touchdown “antics,” Cromartie said he “hates” Brady and used expletives to describe him.

When asked to respond, Brady wisely said, “We’re all at the point this year where we’re motivated by much more than what someone may say about us.”

In addition to Brady’s honor, Patriots rookie CB Devin McCourty was also named to the Sporting News All-Defense and All-Rookie teams. And yet as the accolades begin to accumulate like area snow, the Pats just shut up and work. The Jets can talk as much as they want Monday through Saturday, but on Sunday, they’ll have their plate full with the various challenges a player of the year can provide. But if they’re more concerned about getting their names in print, talking about how good you are is a lot easier than actually proving it.

The Patriots play host to the Jets Sunday afternoon at 4:30 p.m.

Tags: All-Pro, Antonio Cromartie, Devin McCourty, New England Patriots, NFL, Player of the Year, Sporting News, Tom Brady