Dawgg Posted October 25, 2004 Posted October 25, 2004 The New England Patriots opened their season with the heralded Drew Bledsoe as their starting quarterback. He recently signed a $100 million contract extension that was expected to make him a Patriot for life. He was, in essence, "Mr. Patriot." The fans had grown to love Drew. He was a heckuva guy. They accepted his faults, knowing full well that he could pick a defense apart when given the time. Week 1 To open the season, the team went on the road to face the lowly Cincinnati Bengals. In a penalty-marred game full of mistakes and missed opportunities, the Patriots fell 23-17. Week 2 The following week, at their home opener, the team lost to the New York Jets 10-3. Again, this was a penalty-fest, with plenty of mistakes and missed opportunities. At their home opener, the offense, led by Drew Bledsoe, mustered a mere 3 points. Bledsoe was sacked and thrown around like a ragdoll all day. Then, a funny thing happened. Tom Brady took over as the full-time starter. He didn't exactly light it up. He completed 60% of his passes, had a decent, but not spectacular QB rating. And all of a sudden, everyone on the team started to play better. The once suspect offensive line no longer looked like swiss cheese. The washed-up Antowain Smith looked like an all-pro. The defense started making plays at opportune times. So did the offense! Why oh why did this happen? Tom Brady doesn't play offensive line. He doesn't play defense. He doesnt play special teams. Yet all of a sudden, the entire team started playing better -- so much so, that they almost overachieved. Why?? How??????? Tom Brady provided the team with a spark. He provided the Patriots with something intangible, that can't be measured in the stat books. Something that Drew, as great a guy as he is, never possessed. For those of you who feel that making a switch at QB will not fix our problems, think again. Similar things can happen in Buffalo. It *is* possible for a Quarterback to make the entire team better, to inspire his teammates and provide those intangibles. Don't lose the faith...
Thailog80 Posted October 25, 2004 Posted October 25, 2004 Can Mo Lewis please sign with the Cardinals today? PLEASE??!!!
bills_fan Posted October 25, 2004 Posted October 25, 2004 For those of you who feel that making a switch at QB will not fix our problems, think again. Similar things can happen in Buffalo. It *is* possible for a Quarterback to make the entire team better, to inspire his teammates and provide those intangibles. See Flutie, Doug, Buffalo Bills. 1998 Season. Not saying a raw rookie like JP will take us to the playoffs, but just some spark and a respectable finish to build on for next year would help a lot.
Rico Posted October 25, 2004 Posted October 25, 2004 Can Mo Lewis please sign with the Cardinals today? PLEASE??!!! 84605[/snapback]
Recommended Posts