The NFL’s Forgotten Stories, Pt. 1: Drew Bledsoe
We all know what Tom Brady has done for the New England Patriots.
His credentials include the 2007 NFL MVP award, two Super Bowl MVP awards, three Super Bowl rings, four Super Bowl appearances, “FIVE GOLDEN RINGS,” and don’t forget four pro bowls. Then if you consider the fact that in 2007 he had one of the greatest seasons by any quarterback, ever!
However, people often forget just whom he took over for on that mild September evening, back in 2001. Drew Bledsoe.
How often it has been forgotten what he did for the Patriots, and yes, he was a pretty good quarterback. He was the first “savior” of Boston, but has been overlooked. Now I’m taking a step back and looking at one of the NFL’s forgotten stories.
In 1990, the Patriots were at an all-time low.
A lowly 1-15. They had consistently gone down hill, since losing to the Bears in Super Bowl XX. Two more abysmal seasons followed, including going 2-14 in 1992. A franchise lost looking for some stability.
In 1993, New England hired, two-time Super Bowl winning, former New York Giants coach, Bill Parcells. He would then make a move that changed the direction of the franchise. In the '93 draft, he picked up Washington State quarterback Drew Bledsoe.
Never again would they be a laughing stock.
In 1993, Bledsoe took the reigns of starter, and helped improve them to 5-11. Despite being thrown to the wolves, Bledsoe handled the new system and league with class.
In 1994, the Patriots were sitting at 3-6, but after a, furious comeback, win against the Vikings, they began a seven game win streak, to the playoffs. Despite losing to the Browns, this was the franchise first playoff game, since the 1986 season. Bledsoe was named to his first Pro Bowl.
After a down year in '95, Bledsoe would take the Patriots to the next level, with a division crown and an 11-5 record.
They were able to beat the Steelers and Jaguars in the playoffs en route to their second Super Bowl appearance. The Patriots however went on to lose to the Packers 35-21. Bledsoe was average at best in the game, but for his accomplishments that season he earned his second trip to the Pro Bowl.
The Patriots would go on to win a second straight division title in '97, and were able to beat the Dolphins in the first round playoff win.
Bledsoe played in his third Pro Bowl with the Patriots. Bledsoe then led them to one more playoff appearance in '98, a one and done deal, but remained a solid starter with the team. It should be noted that in '98, Bledsoe led his team to the playoffs but was injured and didn’t start in the actual game.
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