Giants vs. Patriots: Tom Brady's Career Still a Gem Despite Super Bowl Loss

While a Super Bowl win over the New York Giants would have propelled New England Patriots star quarterback Tom Brady's career into pretty much untouchable status, the team's loss in the big game should not hurt the legacy of Terrific Tom's career.

The three-time Super Bowl winning quarterback was making his fifth appearance in the NFL's title game, losing for just the second time to the same team.

Brady's career is still a remarkable one, even though he has failed to capture all five of his Super Bowl attempts. Winning a fourth would have put him into elite company with NFL legends like Pittsburgh Steelers Terry Bradshaw and San Francisco 49ers' Joe Montana.

He is still a step above the rest, making five Super Bowls—a feat only accomplished by Denver Broncos' quarterback John Elway. Some would argue that he even surpassed Elway, winning three of the five attempts compared to Elway's two. 

This is the second time that the Giants have prevented Brady from entering the record books, as the last Super Bowl ended the team's potential 19-0 record.

Even without the record marks, can anyone argue that Brady isn't possibly one of the best to ever play the game?

He holds the record for most passing touchdowns during a season with 50, as well as currently having the fifth most career passing touchdowns at 300 in just 11 seasons (not including 2008). While getting to Brett Favre's 508 mark is a ways away, there is no reason to believe that Brady is anywhere near a close on his career.

Brady would have loved to win this game, but when it was all said and done, he is still regarded as one of the greatest to play the game.

Not to mention, it isn't like this was the Patriots last chance. They will likely be fighting for a spot in the Super Bowl for many years to come, and Brady will have a shot to enter an entire tier of his own with six appearances.