PatsDeb

I was so glad to see a positive Pats story on the news last night. They were interviewing Drew Bledsoe about returning to check out the Pats Hall of Fame construction. I thought he looked great and he seemed genuinely happy to be "back in the fold" if you will, with the Pats.

They also asked him about some of his greatest memories as a Pat, and he mentioned a game that I remember so well. The Pats played the Vikings and instead of sitting in our usual cheapie endzone seats, my husband and I had somehow scored 40 yd. line seats. We took an out-of-town couple (guy was my husband's college buddy), and they wanted to leave at halftime, especially her, because she was freezing and was not a football fan. The Pats were down 20-0 at the half. We asked her to stay for just one more possession, because if the Pats didn't score, we agreed, the game was over. Well, Bledsoe came out and played out of his mind!! They kept scoring on every possession - we kept having to beg to stay for just one more. Then, the game went into overtime, and needless to say, we couldn't leave then! The Pats won and that couple broke up. Lesson learned - never leave until the end of the game and don't invite non-football fans when you have tickets on the 40 yard line!!

Anyway, glad to see you Drew and glad you're still willing to be part of the Pats organization!

PromisedLand

We all remember that game - Drew broke a few records in it, I think - most attempts in a game, most completions in a game, something like that. Anyway, I think the sad thing about it is that it was in my opinion the best game of Drew's career, and in his opinion perhaps as well, considering that is the one he chose to mention when asked what he remembered as his greatest moments. And it was in his second year in the league. I don't think he really got better after that, he just had better teams around him.

This is not a bash on Drew - I do have warm feelings for the guy at this point - but it is the sad truth of his career. He seemed so destined for greatness, and in some ways he was very good, but in the end he was prolific, but not great. Still, he was a big part of the resurgence of the Patriots franchise and should always be remembered for that.

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MRBLAZE

Good anecdote, thanks for sharing..

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PatsDeb

Agreed, although I think Drew had the bad luck to be overshadowed by the unexpectedly fantastic Tom Brady. I guess BB was looking for a way to replace him, though, no matter what. I wonder what his legacy would have been had Brady not emerged. Probably not much different than it was, except he wouldn't have a 2001 SB ring.

I am glad, however, that the team is acknowledging him as a part of the resurrection of the Pats franchise, and he is willing to accept the honor. He's lost that bitterness he carried around for a while. I guess successful retirement can do that for a guy!

Tunescribe

I was there. I think Drew was something like 46 for 73, and the winning toss was to fullback Kevin Turner in the corner of the north end zone. That was Drew's best game as a pro.

Edit: Hey, I wasn't far off! From the web:

Down 20-3 at half time Bledsoe engineers a comeback and performance for the ages. He goes 45-70 and throws for 450 yards plus. His 45th completion was a TD pass to full back Kevin Turner in overtime. The touch down gave the Patriots a 26-20 victory. Bledsoe’s 45 completions and 70 pass attempts were both NFL single game records.

Not bad for a 14-year-old memory, if I do say so myself!

PromisedLand

"Drew broke a few records in it, I think - most attempts in a game, most completions in a game" - I guess mine's not so bad either!

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Crazy Patriot Guy

It's great that Drew still feels close to the organization.

My favorite memory of him was the 2002 AFC Championship game against the Steelers. I remember that terrified feeling when Brady was down, wondering what on Earth we were going to do. Then you see Drew on the sidelines and it's like "Oh yeah. We're ok."

He got jacked up again running out of bounds but it just got his juices flowing. I knew something good was going to happen. 2 more completions and we were up 14-3.

The best moment of that game was when he was taking a knee. The camera went in on him and he was starting to cry. After what he went through that season, I was so happy for him.

Thank you Drew.

ausbacker

That's the great thing about past players coming back to football clubs. It provides the opportunity to reflect on what they have done for the organisation and thank them for the achievements.

I think it's fair to say Drew left the Pats in a better scenario than what he found it in. BB and Tom took it to the next level.

VOODOOZF

Drew Bledsoe played a major role in saving the Patriots franchise from moving out of town.

Without Bledsoe and Parcells the Patriots might be in St Louis today.

BigMike

as someone who rooted for Drew, then was pissed at him for overthrowing and underthrowing recievers, I was happy when an 0-2 BB replaced him with Brady in 2001.

Having said that, i read an article about him recently in the New York Times etc and think this is great that Kraft and the Pats are reconnecting with him and Big Willie Styles etc - this is a classy move by the Kraft family. Drew helped resurect this franchise along with Kraft and Parcells....even if he was a statue in the pocket. Nice to see him back and I wish he and his family well.

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