CNNSI: Bledsoe is back

[Doomsday101]

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Dallas Cowboys coach Bill Parcells challenged his struggling offense to "do something" to keep pace with the high-scoring Kansas City Chiefs.

Then he gave them some gimmicks to help pull it off.

Getting touchdowns on a flea flicker, an end around inside the 10-yard line and a pass to a blocker who hadn't scored in two years, the Cowboys kept their playoff hopes alive by pulling out a 31-28 victory over Sunday in a tense, thrilling game befitting a matchup between Parcells and Dick Vermeil.

Drew Bledsoe had his best game in months, throwing for 332 yards and matching his season-best with three touchdowns. He led Dallas (8-5) on a go-ahead drive early in the fourth quarter, then took the club 68 yards in 14 plays for the winning score -- a 1-yard pass to tight end Dan Campbell with 22 seconds left.

"That was really a great drive, probably the best one of the year," Parcells said.

Yet ending their two-game losing streak wasn't that simple. The Cowboys had to hold their breath as Lawrence Tynes went for a 41-yard field goal that would've forced overtime. After a low snap, it went wide right, ending a three-game winning streak for the Chiefs (8-5).

The victory for Dallas does more for their confidence and outlook than it does in the standings. The Cowboys could've lost this one and still had a chance to finish 10-6, but they would've been in a real funk with a three-game losing streak and the next two on the road.

"This is a hugely important game for us," said Bledsoe, who was 22-of-34 with no turnovers. He also moved into fifth place on the career completions list, 15th on the career TD passes list and matched Warren Moon for the most 3,000-yard seasons. "But we've got to keep winning," he added.

The final play was only part of the frustration for Kansas City. The Chiefs also wasted 143 yards rushing and three touchdowns by Larry Johnson and 340 yards passing by Trent Green, plus a chance to move up in the AFC wild-card chase because of a loss by division rival San Diego.

Kansas City missed a chance to put the game away early as its first five possessions reached at least midfield, but only two ended in touchdowns. The Chiefs were at the Dallas 9, poised to go up 21-10, when Green was sacked by former teammate Scott Fujita and fumbled. Defensive end Marcus Spears returned it 59 yards, leading to a 26-yard touchdown pass from Bledsoe to Jason Witten that put Dallas up 17-14 at halftime.

"I'm sick to my stomach," said Green, who was 20-of-32. "No missed field goal cost us this game. We had many opportunities to win. That's the disappointing part."

Johnson ran pretty much at will for three quarters, racking up 126 of his yards by then to set a Chiefs record with six straight 100-yard games. The Cowboys hung in, thanks mostly to Bledsoe and some big plays.

Their first touchdown came on a perfectly executed flea flicker, with the defense falling for the handoff and Terry Glenn speeding past the coverage. Bledsoe heaved it deep and Glenn caught it in stride for his longest play since December 1998, which also came from Bledsoe during their New England days.

Glenn surprised the defense again early in the fourth quarter by taking a handoff on third-and-1 from the 6. He wound up with the first rushing touchdown of his career, putting Dallas up 24-21.

Green regained the lead for Kansas City with a 47-yard touchdown pass to Eddie Kennison with 3:55 left. Then came Bledsoe's big drive.

He kept it alive with two third-down completions, then Marion Barber III turned a short pass into a 21-yard gain to the 6. The Cowboys almost ran out of chances when Witten missed a fourth-down pass in the end zone, but holding was called. Officials pinned it on safety Greg Wesley, but replays showed linebacker Derrick Johnson was to blame.

"I was celebrating thinking it was over," Wesley said. "Then I see a flag. I thought, 'Wow, way to give them a second chance.' ... I made a great play and they were bailed out by the referees."

Given a second chance, Bledsoe hit Campbell for his third reception of the season and first touchdown since Nov. 9, 2003.

Glenn led Dallas with 138 yards on six catches and Witten had 93 yards on seven grabs. Barber ran for 82 yards.

Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez caught five passes for 94 yards and Kennison had 92 yards.

Notes: Parcells is now 1-1 against Vermeil. ... The Chiefs fell to 1-4 in games back in the area where they began in 1960 as the Dallas Texans. ... Glenn has a career-best seven TDs this season, counting his rushing score. ... Kansas City owner Lamar Hunt, a longtime Dallas resident, flipped the coin before kickoff and was honored with a video tribute after the first quarter.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/football/nfl/12/11/bc.fbn.chiefs.cowboys.ap/index.html

[JohnsKey19]

Bledsoe is not "back". He's the same QB he's been all year. When he's been given time in the pocket, particularly playing at home, he delivers in a big way. It's been on the road under pressure when he has struggled. Let's see how he holds up sunday @Was. I'm hoping for a true breakout performance.

[Doomsday101]

Bledsoe is not "back". He's the same QB he's been all year. When he's been given time in the pocket, particularly playing at home, he delivers in a big way. It's been on the road under pressure when he has struggled. Let's see how he holds up sunday @Was. I'm hoping for a true breakout performance.

He is the same QB and a very fine one at that, he has been blasted as of late and yesterday in a critical game the man stepped up and passed for over 300 yards 3 TD passes with no Ints. he deserves the headlines he is getting this morning.

[trickblue]

Bledsoe is not "back". He's the same QB he's been all year. When he's been given time in the pocket, particularly playing at home, he delivers in a big way. It's been on the road under pressure when he has struggled. Let's see how he holds up sunday @Was. I'm hoping for a true breakout performance.

:hammer:

[CrazyCowboy]

Bledsoe in his 1st year at Dallas has done a great job IMO.

[lspain1]

I like Drew Bledsoe. I am not so fond of our O-Line. They need to put this one in the confidence bank and let Bledsoe be Bledsoe.

[PA Cowboy]

The Cowboys almost ran out of chances when Witten missed a fourth-down pass in the end zone, but holding was called. Officials pinned it on safety Greg Wesley, but replays showed linebacker Derrick Johnson was to blame.

"I was celebrating thinking it was over," Wesley said. "Then I see a flag. I thought, 'Wow, way to give them a second chance.' ... I made a great play and they were bailed out by the referees."


Say it with me now ..... SOUR GRAPES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :rolleyes:

Hey Wesley, maybe it was DJ that bailed the Boys out. Or maybe w/o the holding you don't make a "great play" and the Boys score anyway!!! :lmao2:

[Doomsday101]

Say it with me now ..... SOUR GRAPES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :rolleyes:

Hey Wesley, maybe it was DJ that bailed the Boys out. Or maybe w/o the holding you don't make a "great play" and the Boys score anyway!!! :lmao2:

If DJ does not hold Witten it is an easy TD. DJ looked as if he expected Witten to go outside, once Witten went inside the only thing DJ could do was to hook him.

[KingTuna]

He is the same QB and a very fine one at that, he has been blasted as of late and yesterday in a critical game the man stepped up and passed for over 300 yards 3 TD passes with no Ints. he deserves the headlines he is getting this morning.


He's not back because he NEVER left....

[Doomsday101]

He's not back because he NEVER left....

I agree he never left but after some of the abuse he has been taking I can promise you no one feels better than Bledsoe does today.

[alancdc]

I thought the throw to Whitten for the TO was the best throw of the day. What a throw.

[RCowboyFan]

:hammer:

:hammer: double that. I get tickled that one game and everyone thinks Bledsoe is back or its all good.

I love the win and love that Bledsoe played well, despite my misgivings. But my contention always this year has been, its a different Bledsoe on the road, especially lately.

I really hope I am wrong and Bledsoe lights it up next week.

[Doomsday101]

:hammer: double that. I get tickled that one game and everyone thinks Bledsoe is back or its all good.

I love the win and love that Bledsoe played well, despite my misgivings. But my contention always this year has been, its a different Bledsoe on the road, especially lately.

I really hope I am wrong and Bledsoe lights it up next week.

Some of us have not changed their minds about Bledsoe from day 1. Give him some time in the pocket and he will get the job done.

[RCowboyFan]

Some of us have not changed their minds about Bledsoe from day 1. Give him some time in the pocket and he will get the job done.

Thats fine and dandy. But maybe its me, but I find that any NFL qb worth their salt are good when given time in pocket. Its no secret.

So I find that laughable when people keep saying Bledsoe will be good if he is proctected. No kidding, I didn't know that was such a secret. No, I am not trying to single you out etc., but I find that argument silly.

I mean, show me NFL starting Qb who even just above average, who is not good when given time in pocket? Its the great ones that can make good when things are not so good around them. Thats where Drew most of the times comes up short.

That doesn't mean he is not a good QB etc. Its just that he is not a Qb that can take a team on his shoulders and get them to promised land. Do I rather have a Jeff Garcia than Drew Bledsoe? Heck no. Drew is the best one to have since Aikman. But thats not saying much, its like choosing the best stinking Skunk or is it least stinking Skunk, IMO.

Forget my opinion or people who think like I do about Bledsoe. Here is excerpt from Jenn Floyd Engles article, that pretty much sums up my view about him pretty well too:

While finding a watchable TV show or two has been a recent endeavor, I also find time to read books. I just finished The Education of a Coach, David Halberstam’s fine work on Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

Belichick is interesting. Very interesting.

What caught my attention, though, was how he takes an absolute blow torch to Bledsoe. He pegged him for done four seasons ago. Here are a couple of interesting excerpts.

DISCLAIMER: These opinions are Belichick's, not mine. So find his e-mail address if you disagree.

On Bledsoe's mobility: “As he got older and had been hit repeatedly, he seemed even less mobile … another worry was he held the ball too long, that his arm strength and the offensive sets from which he operated had taught him to look downfield hoping for the big play rather than take the quick square-in that the defense had given …”

On his problems: “When you look at Drew, you see a guy who’s been through so many systems that it’s hard to stick to the plan. He knows he is supposed to throw the square-in, but he starts thinking, ‘Maybe, I can hit the deep post for a touchdown.’ Then when he realizes the deep post is not there, it’s too late for the square-in. I think that kind of doubt has crept into his thinking and caused him to make some mistakes.”

[InmanRoshi]

Thats fine and dandy. But maybe its me, but I find that any NFL qb worth their salt are good when given time in pocket. Its no secret.

Evidently, there are very few NFL QB's worth their salt. I'm glad we got one of them. I think Bledsoe is a better QB at in his 30's than Aikman was in his 30's.

But I also have no problems with drafting a QB this year to provide some competition for Romo in 07.

[Zaxor]

Thats fine and dandy. But maybe its me, but I find that any NFL qb worth their salt are good when given time in pocket. Its no secret.

So I find that laughable when people keep saying Bledsoe will be good if he is proctected. No kidding, I didn't know that was such a secret. No, I am not trying to single you out etc., but I find that argument silly.

I mean, show me NFL starting Qb who even just above average, who is not good when given time in pocket? Its the great ones that can make good when things are not so good around them. Thats where Drew most of the times comes up short.

That doesn't mean he is not a good QB etc. Its just that he is not a Qb that can take a team on his shoulders and get them to promised land. Do I rather have a Jeff Garcia than Drew Bledsoe? Heck no. Drew is the best one to have since Aikman. But thats not saying much, its like choosing the best stinking Skunk or is it least stinking Skunk, IMO.

Forget my opinion or people who think like I do about Bledsoe. Here is excerpt from Jenn Floyd Engles article, that pretty much sums up my view about him pretty well too:

While finding a watchable TV show or two has been a recent endeavor, I also find time to read books. I just finished The Education of a Coach, David Halberstam’s fine work on Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

Belichick is interesting. Very interesting.

What caught my attention, though, was how he takes an absolute blow torch to Bledsoe. He pegged him for done four seasons ago. Here are a couple of interesting excerpts.

DISCLAIMER: These opinions are Belichick's, not mine. So find his e-mail address if you disagree.

On Bledsoe's mobility: “As he got older and had been hit repeatedly, he seemed even less mobile … another worry was he held the ball too long, that his arm strength and the offensive sets from which he operated had taught him to look downfield hoping for the big play rather than take the quick square-in that the defense had given …”

On his problems: “When you look at Drew, you see a guy who’s been through so many systems that it’s hard to stick to the plan. He knows he is supposed to throw the square-in, but he starts thinking, ‘Maybe, I can hit the deep post for a touchdown.’ Then when he realizes the deep post is not there, it’s too late for the square-in. I think that kind of doubt has crept into his thinking and caused him to make some mistakes.”

and Belichick is right...but I think that Bledsoe has still enough respect for Parcells to atleast look every once and awhile for the square-in...

[Doomsday101]

Thats fine and dandy. But maybe its me, but I find that any NFL qb worth their salt are good when given time in pocket. Its no secret.

So I find that laughable when people keep saying Bledsoe will be good if he is proctected. No kidding, I didn't know that was such a secret. No, I am not trying to single you out etc., but I find that argument silly.

I mean, show me NFL starting Qb who even just above average, who is not good when given time in pocket? Its the great ones that can make good when things are not so good around them. Thats where Drew most of the times comes up short.

That doesn't mean he is not a good QB etc. Its just that he is not a Qb that can take a team on his shoulders and get them to promised land. Do I rather have a Jeff Garcia than Drew Bledsoe? Heck no. Drew is the best one to have since Aikman. But thats not saying much, its like choosing the best stinking Skunk or is it least stinking Skunk, IMO.

Forget my opinion or people who think like I do about Bledsoe. Here is excerpt from Jenn Floyd Engles article, that pretty much sums up my view about him pretty well too:

While finding a watchable TV show or two has been a recent endeavor, I also find time to read books. I just finished The Education of a Coach, David Halberstam’s fine work on Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

Belichick is interesting. Very interesting.

What caught my attention, though, was how he takes an absolute blow torch to Bledsoe. He pegged him for done four seasons ago. Here are a couple of interesting excerpts.

DISCLAIMER: These opinions are Belichick's, not mine. So find his e-mail address if you disagree.

On Bledsoe's mobility: “As he got older and had been hit repeatedly, he seemed even less mobile … another worry was he held the ball too long, that his arm strength and the offensive sets from which he operated had taught him to look downfield hoping for the big play rather than take the quick square-in that the defense had given …”

On his problems: “When you look at Drew, you see a guy who’s been through so many systems that it’s hard to stick to the plan. He knows he is supposed to throw the square-in, but he starts thinking, ‘Maybe, I can hit the deep post for a touchdown.’ Then when he realizes the deep post is not there, it’s too late for the square-in. I think that kind of doubt has crept into his thinking and caused him to make some mistakes.”

I think it is laughable when people act as if Bledsoe is the only QB who needs protection. Hell manning has all day to throw the ball and the fact is any QB without protection will fail. When Aikman had protection he had success when that protection started to fade so did the team and so did Troy. I have not flipped flopped on Bledsoe I think he is a very good QB with some real talent and is a big asset to this team

[InmanRoshi]

I think it is laughable when people act as if Bledsoe is the only QB who needs protection. Hell manning has all day to throw the ball and the fact is any QB without protection will fail. When Aikman had protection he had success when that protection started to fade so did the team and so did Troy. I have not flipped flopped on Bledsoe I think he is a very good QB with some real talent and is a big asset to this team

Troy Aikman wasn't worth his salt when he had Clay Shiver, Everett McIver and Solomon Page blocking for him.

[Doomsday101]

Troy Aikman wasn't worth his salt when he had Clay Shiver and Solomon Page blocking for him.

I agree and looking at all the top QB's you see some damn good blocking in front of them. Games are won and lost at the line that has been the case since this game was invented and it still holds true today. Now what a QB does when he has some time to set and throw that is another story.

[RCowboyFan]

I think it is laughable when people act as if Bledsoe is the only QB who needs protection. Hell manning has all day to throw the ball and the fact is any QB without protection will fail. When Aikman had protection he had success when that protection started to fade so did the team and so did Troy. I have not flipped flopped on Bledsoe I think he is a very good QB with some real talent and is a big asset to this team

You are really answering your own assumption by your first statement. I am not sure where you are disagreeing with me?

Really, you mean the Mediocre WRs he had to throw to didn't have anything do with that? I didn't know Keyshaun Johnson/Terry Glenn/Jason Whitten compared pretty well to Billy Davis, Stephret Williams, David Lafluer etc., other than Michael Irvin that is?

Aikman started fade when his blanket Jay retired, not when protection started to break. Its revisionist history to say otherwise.

Manning seldom takes sacks because he throws the ball quickly not just because his line gives him 10 secs every play or even 5 secs every play. You should watch Tom Brady on the lesson on how to avoid sacks. He is as immobile as Bledsoe, but he just doesn't hold the ball that long to take sacks, since he rather dump off the pass.

Heck forget me, I guess You know better than Bill Belichek I guess. Like I said some will want to watch the game the way want to watch it, IMO. I Guess in your opinion, the faults mostly lies on our OL, for that matter any Bledsoe fan is saying that. Well, I guess we disagree there.

Heck I remember when Cowboys played Bills in 2003, I remember in this same board ( well on different location), everyone was smacking their lips on how many sacks our DL would get because of Bledsoe patting the ball and not just because their OL was horrible. I guess times have changed. Anyway, forget it, its obvious that you think Bledsoe can do no wrong, the fault is always on someone else or if not all the time I guess most of the time.

Anyway, my original intention was not get into argument about Bledsoe. But to caution on not getting over excited about one game. But I guess I should have known better about Questioning Bledsoe here with some.

[RCowboyFan]

and Belichick is right...but I think that Bledsoe has still enough respect for Parcells to atleast look every once and awhile for the square-in...

True, and that where my hope was about Bledsoe. But he doesn't do that enough. I have seen it live in the game when I was at the stadium that he takes too much time to check down, instead holding the ball for long ball.

But I guess, if we win, I dont care how long he holds the ball. But don't just keep dumping on OL everytime there is a sack though, as if Bledsoe's play hasn't have any effect on that.

[RCowboyFan]

Troy Aikman wasn't worth his salt when he had Clay Shiver, Everett McIver and Solomon Page blocking for him.

Isn't it amazing, no matter how many boards or Nicknames the person changes, their ammo remains the same? Never say anything bad of Starting QB or any starting player for the most part, be it Quincy or Bledsoe. I guess at least that is consistant :D

[Doomsday101]

You are really answering your own assumption by your first statement. I am not sure where you are disagreeing with me?

Really, you mean the Mediocre WRs he had to throw to didn't have anything do with that? I didn't know Keyshaun Johnson/Terry Glenn/Jason Whitten compared pretty well to Billy Davis, Stephret Williams, David Lafluer etc., other than Michael Irvin that is?

Aikman started fade when his blanket Jay retired, not when protection started to break. Its revisionist history to say otherwise.

Manning seldom takes sacks because he throws the ball quickly not just because his line gives him 10 secs every play or even 5 secs every play. You should watch Tom Brady on the lesson on how to avoid sacks. He is as immobile as Bledsoe, but he just doesn't hold the ball that long to take sacks, since he rather dump off the pass.

Heck forget me, I guess You know better than Bill Belichek I guess. Like I said some will want to watch the game the way want to watch it, IMO. I Guess in your opinion, the faults mostly lies on our OL, for that matter any Bledsoe fan is saying that. Well, I guess we disagree there.

Heck I remember when Cowboys played Bills in 2003, I remember in this same board ( well on different location), everyone was smacking their lips on how many sacks our DL would get because of Bledsoe patting the ball and not just because their OL was horrible. I guess times have changed. Anyway, forget it, its obvious that you think Bledsoe can do no wrong, the fault is always on someone else or if not all the time I guess most of the time.

Anyway, my original intention was not get into argument about Bledsoe. But to caution on not getting over excited about one game. But I guess I should have known better about Questioning Bledsoe here with some.

Not revisionist at all when Dallas line started to suffer so did Troy as for Manning the guy has all fricken day to sit back and read the field. I watched the Jacksonville game yesterday (As well as many other Colt games) and Manning on several occasion had over 5 sec in the pocket to sit back and find the open men. As for Bledsoe doing no wrong I don't think that about any QB I do think Drew is a very good QB and has done a good job for this team.

[RCowboyFan]

Not revisionist at all when Dallas line started to suffer so did Troy as for Manning the guy has all fricken day to sit back and read the field. I watched the Jacksonville game yesterday (As well as many other Colt games) and Manning on several occasion had over 5 sec in the pocket to sit back and find the open men. As for Bledsoe doing no wrong I don't think that about any QB I do think Drew is a very good QB and has done a good job for this team.

Right on, whatever you say dude. I guess I learn something from this board every day. I guess Troy must be dreaming when he said the biggest loss was Jay Novachek, when things started going downhill. I guess he was covering up for his OL.

[InmanRoshi]

Isn't it amazing, no matter how many boards or Nicknames the person changes, their ammo remains the same? Never say anything bad of Starting QB or any starting player for the most part, be it Quincy or Bledsoe. I guess at least that is consistant :D


I just found it funny that you are using the same arguments against Bledsoe that the Aikman detractors have been saying for years and are still using when they say he isn't a HOF caliber QB ... he produced when he's got all the pieces around him, but mediocre otherwise. The team around him raised his level of play, not vice versa.

[RCowboyFan]

I just found it funny that you are using the same arguments against Bledsoe that the Aikman detractors have been saying for years ... he's great when he's got all the pieces around him, but mediocre otherwise. The team around him raises his play, not vice-versa.

Yep, funny how that argument sounds very similar to what I heard from you about QUincy in a different Nick then ;)

[Doomsday101]

Right on, whatever you say dude. I guess I learn something from this board every day. I guess Troy must be dreaming when he said the biggest loss was Jay Novachek, when things started going downhill. I guess he was covering up for his OL.

I did not say losing Jay did not hurt because Jay was the safety valve but that does not change the fact that when our line started losing starters and the running game started to suffer and so did Troy's numbers. You act as if the Oline means nothing well those star players don't do jack when the line plays poorly.

[aikemirv]

Last week I thought Bledsoe played poorly when he had time to throw in the pocket.

This week he played exceptionally, but you also have to give the guy a lot of credit in that he was making a lot of those passes with pressure on him. It was not as if he had all day all the time. He got nailed and had a few in his face on many occassions and hung in there.

So don't just say that any QB, with the time, will succeed because Drew did not have THAT much time yesterday.

[dougonthebench]

He's not back because he NEVER left....


:hammer: absolutely true!

[RCowboyFan]

I did not say losing Jay did not hurt because Jay was the safety valve but that does not change the fact that when our line started losing starters and the running game started to suffer and so did Troy's numbers. You act as if the Oline means nothing well those star players don't do jack when the line plays poorly.

Point out where I said OL play has nothing to do with a QB play? You seem to have selective memory or quote from me? I have said, any average NFL QB with a good OL can be good. Its the great ones that are good when things are falling around them.

Aikman proved time and again about that. Not when he had to throw to Billy Davis et al, while having Clay Shiver etc. Blocking too. Thats way too many things to overcome. No one expects any QB to overcome that. And Bledsoe has plenty more Weapons than Aikman had since 95. Heck you could argue, except for RB, I would say Bledsoe has as good weapons even during SB years ( although I would say Irvin was much better than Johson), minus the OL obviously. No OL can be that good as Cowboys had at that time and probably never will be one like that ever.

Maybe you guys should watch Tom Brady, whose starting OL is pretty much decimated and he still mostly plays at high level. But then its maybe me, I expect too much out of a Dallas QB. But I Digress, you think its all about OL and I think its not. I knew I would get that argument, so I should have known better.

[RCowboyFan]

Last week I thought Bledsoe played poorly when he had time to throw in the pocket.

This week he played exceptionally, but you also have to give the guy a lot of credit in that he was making a lot of those passes with pressure on him. It was not as if he had all day all the time. He got nailed and had a few in his face on many occassions and hung in there.

So don't just say that any QB, with the time, will succeed because Drew did not have THAT much time yesterday.

See my statments and I never said that. I said an average to above average NFL QB not any QB.

But I agree with your statements about Bledsoe yesterday. I am not arguing about that. I just have issue when people say, all the sacks are due to OL not blocking well or at least most of the sacks. My contention is close to anywhere between 40-50% of the sacks are due to Bledsoe holding onto the ball too long then required. When you have a bad OL, you have to help them too, by dumping off the ball quickly and not hold on for big play.

Its like expecting Keyshaun run a deep routes, same as Glenn. You have to work around the talent around you. Thats all.

[Doomsday101]

Point out where I said OL play has nothing to do with a QB play? You seem to have selective memory or quote from me? I have said, any average NFL QB with a good OL can be good. Its the great ones that are good when things are falling around them.

Aikman proved time and again about that. Not when he had to throw to Billy Davis et al, while having Clay Shiver etc. Blocking too. Thats way too many things to overcome. No one expects any QB to overcome that. And Bledsoe has plenty more Weapons than Aikman had since 95. Heck you could argue, except for RB, I would say Bledsoe has as good weapons even during SB years ( although I would say Irvin was much better than Johson), minus the OL obviously. No OL can be that good as Cowboys had at that time and probably never will be one like that ever.

Maybe you guys should watch Tom Brady, whose starting OL is pretty much decimated and he still mostly plays at high level. But then its maybe me, I expect too much out of a Dallas QB. But I Digress, you think its all about OL and I think its not. I knew I would get that argument, so I should have known better.

I have always believed QB get too much credit for wins and too much for loses. I would agree not all sacks are on the lineman however I would not put it at 40 to 50% of the time. Drew at times does hold on to the ball as did Aikman at times when he would wait until the WR to come free, he would deliver the ball and end up taking a massive hit but he stood in there regardless. Lastly I do think the guys who have a lot to do with the success or failure of a team is the big men up front.

[aikemirv]

See my statments and I never said that. I said an average to above average NFL QB not any QB.

But I agree with your statements about Bledsoe yesterday. I am not arguing about that. I just have issue when people say, all the sacks are due to OL not blocking well or at least most of the sacks. My contention is close to anywhere between 40-50% of the sacks are due to Bledsoe holding onto the ball too long then required. When you have a bad OL, you have to help them too, by dumping off the ball quickly and not hold on for big play.

Its like expecting Keyshaun run a deep routes, same as Glenn. You have to work around the talent around you. Thats all.

I agree with that too, and one example was yesterday when Pettiti made a good block and gave Bledsoe time, but Bledsoe should have gotten rid of the ball.

He did not and was sacked.

Could have Pettiti held the block longer, sure, but Bledsoe should have gotten rid of the ball by then.

Bledsoe does hold the ball a little long, no doubt. That is his knock and his deficiency, he needs to use his checkdowns more. BP did a nice job with Drew yesterday throwing in the passes to the Fullback and such getting Bledsoes eyes a little off the big gain here and there and if he can continue that Drew will have a good end to the season.

[InmanRoshi]

I agree with that too, and one example was yesterday when Pettiti made a good block and gave Bledsoe time, but Bledsoe should have gotten rid of the ball.

He did not and was sacked.

Could have Pettiti held the block longer, sure, but Bledsoe should have gotten rid of the ball by then.

Bledsoe does hold the ball a little long, no doubt. That is his knock and his deficiency, he needs to use his checkdowns more. BP did a nice job with Drew yesterday throwing in the passes to the Fullback and such getting Bledsoes eyes a little off the big gain here and there and if he can continue that Drew will have a good end to the season.
And you'll never know the times when he held onto the ball a second longer and made a play that wouldn't have been there had he just thrown the ball into sidelines. Some of Bledsoe's biggest throws in clutch situations this year have been with defenders draped all over him. Its so funny to see fans pulling their hair out about conservative playcalling, and then turn around and say that they would rather see our QB throw the ball away and settle for the punt than try to make a big play down the field.

[aikemirv]

And you'll never know the times when he held onto the ball a second longer and made a play that wouldn't have been there had he just thrown the ball into sidelines and settled for a punt.

Not talking about throwing it away, I am talking about checkdowns and not trying to get the big play all the time.

Not knocking him, but why did the Patriots get rid of him. It was for this very reason and the fact that Brady would spread the ball around and not try to make the big play every time.

Best Qb we have had since Aikman, no doubt. We would not be 8-5 without him and I thankful to have him, but guess what, with BP I think he can get better in his "old age"!

[Doomsday101]

Not talking about throwing it away, I am talking about checkdowns and not trying to get the big play all the time.

Not knocking him, but why did the Patriots get rid of him. It was for this very reason and the fact that Brady would spread the ball around and not try to make the big play every time.

Best Qb we have had since Aikman, no doubt. We would not be 8-5 without him and I thankful to have him, but guess what, with BP I think he can get better in his "old age"!

Main reason he was released from the Pats is no team is going to have a backup sitting on a bench collecting a big pay check. Brady is an outstanding QB so it was an easy call for the Pats to make.

[RCowboyFan]

Not talking about throwing it away, I am talking about checkdowns and not trying to get the big play all the time.

Not knocking him, but why did the Patriots get rid of him. It was for this very reason and the fact that Brady would spread the ball around and not try to make the big play every time.

Best Qb we have had since Aikman, no doubt. We would not be 8-5 without him and I thankful to have him, but guess what, with BP I think he can get better in his "old age"!

Yep agree with you. And perhaps, that where my dissappointment comes from. Perhaps not fair to Bledsoe, I guess, but like you I agree, we would not be 8-5 without him, no doubt.

Really, my issue is not about current situation, my real issue is, that BP will settle with Bledsoe and never give the young guys a chance even if they show good improvement, because he trusts Bledsoe more. I guess we just have wait and see, and hope, that Bledsoe starts helping the OL little bit more.

[ABQCOWBOY]

Well, I agree with much of what Belichick said there. I think that Bledsoe does struggle with those very things. It is always something that must be controlled or he will become his own worst enemy.

[Doomsday101]

Yep agree with you. And perhaps, that where my dissappointment comes from. Perhaps not fair to Bledsoe, I guess, but like you I agree, we would not be 8-5 without him, no doubt.

Really, my issue is not about current situation, my real issue is, that BP will settle with Bledsoe and never give the young guys a chance even if they show good improvement, because he trusts Bledsoe more. I guess we just have wait and see, and hope, that Bledsoe starts helping the OL little bit more.

Part of that is what these young guys are doing in practice. Bill gets to see them everyday and should have a better indication of where these guys are. Throwing them out there would only show the fans what Bill already knows which is evidently they are not ready and we are not going to throw a season away to prove it.

[RCowboyFan]

I have always believed QB get too much credit for wins and too much for loses. I would agree not all sacks are on the lineman however I would not put it at 40 to 50% of the time. Drew at times does hold on to the ball as did Aikman at times when he would wait until the WR to come free, he would deliver the ball and end up taking a massive hit but he stood in there regardless. Lastly I do think the guys who have a lot to do with the success or failure of a team is the big men up front.

Well I agree with you mostly here. But I do disagree that everything or lot depends on Big men. BP said it few weeks ago. The QB has to help the OL too, by making quicker decisions. LIke I said, you just can't expect a first year Tackle to play like a Seasoned veteran. You have to dump off, and not wait for long ball most of the time, when you can't find the long one quickly.

But anyway, I hope I am proved wrong, and Bledsoe plays well here on out. Especially on Road, which were I get most concerned with Bledsoe.

[Dale]

Evidently, there are very few NFL QB's worth their salt. I'm glad we got one of them. I think Bledsoe is a better QB at in his 30's than Aikman was in his 30's.

But I also have no problems with drafting a QB this year to provide some competition for Romo in 07.

I agree, Inman. I think one of the most overused phrases is that just about any quarterback is good if given time to throw the ball. I think, if anything, our recent quarterback history has shown there are plenty quarterbacks who simply cannot make the routine throw.

I will agree, though, that Bledsoe has been a different player on the road. My only problem is a lot of people have tried placing the blame on Bledsoe being a late-season tanker, and not as a guy who has struggled on ther oad. We'll see what Bledsoe does in these next two road games, I guess.

[Doomsday101]

Well I agree with you mostly here. But I do disagree that everything or lot depends on Big men. BP said it few weeks ago. The QB has to help the OL too, by making quicker decisions. LIke I said, you just can't expect a first year Tackle to play like a Seasoned veteran. You have to dump off, and not wait for long ball most of the time, when you can't find the long one quickly.

But anyway, I hope I am proved wrong, and Bledsoe plays well here on out. Especially on Road, which were I get most concerned with Bledsoe.

I'm not saying that the QB can't help the line, he can to an extent but teams with poor offensive lines lose a lot of games they are the reason that the RB has a lane to run through and they are the reason a QB has time to allow the routs to develop. As for dumping off that is fine if you have someone to dump off to and that man is not covered. Defensive players know just as well that a lot of pressure will force a QB to throw short to the dump off man and if they are squatting on that it becomes an easy TD the other way. I have seen many occasions this season where defenders were doing just that.