Thoughts From a Pats Fan

[Dale]

Can't disagree with anything you said...

 

[Yakuza Rich]

Here's the thing.

Last year when Bledsoe got time, he generally played very well. In fact, he was exceptional in the first 6 games, until Flozell got hurt.

The thing is that this year when he's gotten time, he's not played all that hot. The only receiver he's anticipated well this year is Glenn. He's struggled anticipating Witten, Owens, and Crayton.

His play in the Giants game was indicative of his play in the Texans and Titans games, along with the Jacksonville and Philly games. However, it wasn't indicative of his play in 2005.

Bledsoe is 34 years old and he's pretty much a known commodity at this point. Just because he doesn't take the Cowboys to the Super Bowl isn't a bad thing. But Dallas has to know that more sooner than later they'll need to have a QB of the future. Romo is at the point now where he's in his 4th year and knows the offense down pat. He's at the point where the only way he's going to improve is to get playing experience. So Dallas needs to see if he's got a shot of being a solid starter or if they need to look to the draft.

We got one solid year out of Bledsoe and that hopefully allowed Dallas to give Romo a much needed year to develop. If Romo works out, given that Bledsoe was relatively an inexpensive pickup....I think Bledsoe was well worth signing.


YAKUZA

 

[Yakuza Rich]

You are right. Bledsoe got hurt.

But when he was healthy again, New England never looked back. If I remember correctly he came back ready to play at the end of the year, and they went with Brady instead.

The rest is history.

By that point the team went on a major winning streak and Brady was playing pretty well. That wasn't a case of Belichick making a tough decision and making the right decision. It was a case of Belichick making a decision that was a no-brainer and he would've been idiotic to go back with Bledsoe.


YAKUZA

 

[InmanRoshi]

Interesting take. Hard to believe, though.

I think BP's considering BP his friend as well as hand picked 1st round selection had something to do with giving him more opportunities than were really necessary, until he finally said enough is enough.

BTW, I was waiting for Pats Fan to post and say the same things about Bledsoe that he has always said.

Mort and Peter King, who both have history with Parcells, have been very vocal that Parcells loves Romo. They even remarked in training camp that Parcells was even entertaining the idea that he would start the season or start at some point soon thereafter, and most people thought they were nuts. When asked about benching Bledsoe after the Eagles and Jacksonville losses, Bill has given very wavering support with the "No, I don't think its right to make that move at this time". In interviews its always been Jerry who has quickly but the slammed the lid on any benching Bledsoe talk, with the "I don't think we can get to where we want to go with a young QB."

 

[Vtwin]

By that point the team went on a major winning streak and Brady was playing pretty well. That wasn't a case of Belichick making a tough decision and making the right decision. It was a case of Belichick making a decision that was a no-brainer and he would've been idiotic to go back with Bledsoe.


YAKUZA

Bledsoe was ready to play before the end of the season. Brady wasn't doing anything spectacular with his individual play but the team was winning.There was a "QB controversy" at the time. Belichick did have to make a "tough" decision and suffer quite a bit of second guessing, although not for long.

 

[cowboyed]

I actually believe that Parcells has long favored Romo, and its been Jerry who has been pressuring him to stick with Bledsoe.

I don't know about that IR, Jones rewarded Romo with a pretty decent contract extension.

 

[dboyz]

Here's the thing.

Last year when Bledsoe got time, he generally played very well. In fact, he was exceptional in the first 6 games, until Flozell got hurt.

The thing is that this year when he's gotten time, he's not played all that hot. The only receiver he's anticipated well this year is Glenn. He's struggled anticipating Witten, Owens, and Crayton.

His play in the Giants game was indicative of his play in the Texans and Titans games, along with the Jacksonville and Philly games. However, it wasn't indicative of his play in 2005.

Bledsoe is 34 years old and he's pretty much a known commodity at this point. Just because he doesn't take the Cowboys to the Super Bowl isn't a bad thing. But Dallas has to know that more sooner than later they'll need to have a QB of the future. Romo is at the point now where he's in his 4th year and knows the offense down pat. He's at the point where the only way he's going to improve is to get playing experience. So Dallas needs to see if he's got a shot of being a solid starter or if they need to look to the draft.

We got one solid year out of Bledsoe and that hopefully allowed Dallas to give Romo a much needed year to develop. If Romo works out, given that Bledsoe was relatively an inexpensive pickup....I think Bledsoe was well worth signing.


YAKUZA

I agree. I think Bledsoe has regressed. Maybe part of it is physical, but he has not looked stellar all year. He's varied between ok and subpar.

 

[trickblue]

Bledsoe wasn't benched. He was injured and his backup played amazing and won the Superbowl. Bellichik didn't really make an amazing decision regarding that.

what do you mean Bledsoe was benched in his prime?? i thought he got hurt, and Brady took over from there, and the Pats never looked back.

I think that what he meant was that while true that Brady got the shot when Bledsoe was injured, that Bellichik didn't go with the old school "injury doesn't cost you your job" theory and got rid of him.

 

[THEHEREAFTER]

Of course regarding Bledsoe. I am a former sufferer of Bledsoe. When Brady came in, my football life suddenly got better.

My thoughts. One thing I know is Bledsoe would never, ever take you to the promised land. Never. Of that I am sure. It is not just that he is immobile, it is also the case that he does not stand up to pressure, takes too long to get rid of the ball, and the biggest problem, he cannot -- or look for a secondary receiver - oh, and did I mention he cannot read defenses. You are well rid of him if he is gone for good. We threw him out the door, Buffalo threw him out the door, and if the rumor is true, he is letting himself out the door this time. No loss, trust me as a New England fan. And I didn't watch him on TV, I had to sit in the stands and watch him. On again, off again Bledsoe. Oh, except if it counts, then it is always OFF again.

Now many people will continue to support him in Dallas. That was the case in New England and Buffalo. No offense to anyone, but do those people know football??? Don't worry about it. I never looked back.

As far as Romo, he is mobile. The tight end no longer has to be just a blocker (big plus). The problem is that he needs some on field experience. Looks like he can read a defense, has a pretty good arm, and adds some leadership. What I saw last night was a guy trying to force the ball into the secondary. Simply stated bad decision making. That being said Bledsoe has the same problem and how darn long has he been playing??? Give Romo a shot. If he continues to start (most likely will), and is making the same dumb mistakes by the end of the year, time to look to the draft for a QB. Still doesn't change the fact that Bledsoe is a bum. As they say, move on already.

As far as Parcells, I give him a lot of credit for making that move last night. He just should have done it at the beginning of the year. As you know, we in New England had Parcells as a coach and he brings a lot of positives. On the negative side, he likes to have players around him that he knows. Rolling the dice is something very hard for him to do. Give the guy credit for making this move (although I am sure Jones put a little pressure on). But I was also glad when Parcells moved on. Belichick puts the best players on the field. Bledsoe was benched in his prime. I am not sure Parcells would have done that.

Well, just my two cents. Been there, done that. But I would give this new kid a shot. Practice and a real game are two different worlds. He has the physical skills, now is the development of the mental skills. Bledsoe just never seemed to get that part!!!

Maybe Cowboys fans will take heed to this. This is so basic to me. Drew had every opportunity to lead this team. When you don't perform, someone will take your job.

 

[percyhoward]

In interviews its always been Jerry who has quickly but the slammed the lid on any benching Bledsoe talk, with the "I don't think we can get to where we want to go with a young QB."

I agree that it was definitely not Jerry's decision to make the switch, and that Parcells likes Romo more than Jerry does.

If you want to know what Jerry thinks, all you have to do is read Spagnola.

 

[InmanRoshi]

If you want to know what Jerry thinks, all you have to do is read Spagnola.

Too true.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

Bledsoe was ready to play before the end of the season. Brady wasn't doing anything spectacular with his individual play but the team was winning.There was a "QB controversy" at the time. Belichick did have to make a "tough" decision and suffer quite a bit of second guessing, although not for long.

Brady wasn't exactly Joe Montana yet, but he wound up with an 86.5 QB rating that year.

Bledsoe's QB rating was a 76 from the year before and those first 2 game in 2001.

Furthermore, Brady's completion % was five points higher.

At that point Brady was the clear cut better QB and any coach could see that. And considering they went 11-3 that year with Brady and 5-11 in Bledsoe, it really wasn't that tough of a decision. Even Campo would've stuck with Brady.


YAKUZA

 

[SultanOfSix]

Mort and Peter King, who both have history with Parcells, have been very vocal that Parcells loves Romo. They even remarked in training camp that Parcells was even entertaining the idea that he would start the season or start at some point soon thereafter, and most people thought they were nuts. When asked about benching Bledsoe after the Eagles and Jacksonville losses, Bill has given very wavering support with the "No, I don't think its right to make that move at this time". In interviews its always been Jerry who has quickly but the slammed the lid on any benching Bledsoe talk, with the "I don't think we can get to where we want to go with a young QB."

Oh, I have no doubt that JJ likes Bledsoe a lot. He's that standard, strong armed pocket passer that he salivates over. However, I think it's extremely doubtful that JJ has any real input as far as personnel decisions are concerned when it comes to who plays on the football field.

I think BP was hesitant to make the decision because of who Bledsoe is to him even though as you said, he likes Romo a lot, and wanted to give Bledsoe every opportunity to right the ship, so to speak.

 

[dmq]

Mort and Peter King, who both have history with Parcells, have been very vocal that Parcells loves Romo. They even remarked in training camp that Parcells was even entertaining the idea that he would start the season or start at some point soon thereafter, and most people thought they were nuts. When asked about benching Bledsoe after the Eagles and Jacksonville losses, Bill has given very wavering support with the "No, I don't think its right to make that move at this time". In interviews its always been Jerry who has quickly but the slammed the lid on any benching Bledsoe talk, with the "I don't think we can get to where we want to go with a young QB."

Given Jerry's liking to gamble mentality, I have to believe that Jerry would always go with the young guy with promise. Nobody could convince me that he didn't want to see Romo. Parcells wanted to protect Romo as long as possible. Parcells might have loved Romo, but he also loves a veteran QB to drive his bus. This was a decision I am sure agonized Parcells, but one that needed to be made.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I agree. I think Bledsoe has regressed. Maybe part of it is physical, but he has not looked stellar all year. He's varied between ok and subpar.

I agree. He's looked like he's fallen off the cliff compared to last year. I don't know if it's health or the pressure of knowing the back-up was breathing down his neck, but he just is not comfortable playing the position.

The play in the end zone before the sack was classic. He wasn't being pressured, yet he rushed and threw the ball 10 yards out of bounds for no reason.

 

[InmanRoshi]

Given Jerry's liking to gamble mentality

Jerry has a gamble mentality on his specific hunches. He certainly didn't have a gamble mentality when it came to resigning all his old Cowboy favorites past their primes. He didn't have a gamble mentality by naming Dave Campo as head coach.

 

[InmanRoshi]

I agree. He's looked like he's fallen off the cliff compared to last year. I don't know if it's health or the pressure of knowing the back-up was breathing down his neck, but he just is not comfortable playing the position.

The play in the end zone before the sack was classic. He wasn't being pressured, yet he rushed and threw the ball 10 yards out of bounds for no reason.

I think Bledsoe suffered a concussion when Gurode mis-snaped and he got walloped, and hasn't come back from it. He looks spaced out on the sidelines, and according to Parcells he was benched for continual mental mistakes.

I was watching Drew Bledsoe's "In Their Own Words" the other night on the NFL Network he made a quote that stuck with me that players better think twice about sitting out with injury, because there is no assurances that they'll still have their jobs when they get healthy again. This was in regards to losing his job to Brady.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Brady wasn't exactly Joe Montana yet, but he wound up with an 86.5 QB rating that year.

Bledsoe's QB rating was a 76 from the year before and those first 2 game in 2001.

Furthermore, Brady's completion % was five points higher.

At that point Brady was the clear cut better QB and any coach could see that. And considering they went 11-3 that year with Brady and 5-11 in Bledsoe, it really wasn't that tough of a decision. Even Campo would've stuck with Brady.


YAKUZA

N-how.

Like Barb posted a few days ago that Brady's ability to run that offense was clear before he actually replaced an injured Bledsoe. The injury was the perfect opportunty to make a switch.

 

[dmq]

It has been clear this year that anything more than 3rd and 5 is a liability with Bledsoe back there. If you have to hand off 3rd and 14 because you think your QB is gonna get killed, it is time to change to a more mobile QB.

 

[Maikeru-sama]

Of course regarding Bledsoe. I am a former sufferer of Bledsoe. When Brady came in, my football life suddenly got better.

My thoughts. One thing I know is Bledsoe would never, ever take you to the promised land. Never. Of that I am sure. It is not just that he is immobile, it is also the case that he does not stand up to pressure, takes too long to get rid of the ball, and the biggest problem, he cannot -- or look for a secondary receiver - oh, and did I mention he cannot read defenses. You are well rid of him if he is gone for good. We threw him out the door, Buffalo threw him out the door, and if the rumor is true, he is letting himself out the door this time. No loss, trust me as a New England fan. And I didn't watch him on TV, I had to sit in the stands and watch him. On again, off again Bledsoe. Oh, except if it counts, then it is always OFF again.

Now many people will continue to support him in Dallas. That was the case in New England and Buffalo. No offense to anyone, but do those people know football??? Don't worry about it. I never looked back.

As far as Romo, he is mobile. The tight end no longer has to be just a blocker (big plus). The problem is that he needs some on field experience. Looks like he can read a defense, has a pretty good arm, and adds some leadership. What I saw last night was a guy trying to force the ball into the secondary. Simply stated bad decision making. That being said Bledsoe has the same problem and how darn long has he been playing??? Give Romo a shot. If he continues to start (most likely will), and is making the same dumb mistakes by the end of the year, time to look to the draft for a QB. Still doesn't change the fact that Bledsoe is a bum. As they say, move on already.

As far as Parcells, I give him a lot of credit for making that move last night. He just should have done it at the beginning of the year. As you know, we in New England had Parcells as a coach and he brings a lot of positives. On the negative side, he likes to have players around him that he knows. Rolling the dice is something very hard for him to do. Give the guy credit for making this move (although I am sure Jones put a little pressure on). But I was also glad when Parcells moved on. Belichick puts the best players on the field. Bledsoe was benched in his prime. I am not sure Parcells would have done that.

Well, just my two cents. Been there, done that. But I would give this new kid a shot. Practice and a real game are two different worlds. He has the physical skills, now is the development of the mental skills. Bledsoe just never seemed to get that part!!!

Question.

How did Bledsoe act when he was healthy and ready to play but didnt get his job back?

- Mike G.