An analysis showed that without a doubt, the deflated footballs used had little to no impact on Brady throwing the ball. The real measure was the ability of the running backs to avoid fumbling. During that time the Patriots had no great RB's yet their lack of fumbling numbers year to year were staggering by comparison to the rest of the league. Placing it solely on Brady seemed unfair since the numbers made it appear that it was Belichick's baby, not Tom's. A softer ball is easier to hold and catch but not necessarily throw.