So with Bishop gone, Tom Brady was the number three man in New England. At least most people thought that, and no one on Bill Belichick's staff gave any indication that would lead anyone to believe otherwise. Besides, the Pats signed Huard to a three-year contract at one million per year.
The Patriots were off to a 0-2 start and in that second loss they lost their all-star QB, and leader, Drew Bledsoe. I thought my prediction of Patriots in the playoffs was now just a dream and it was time to start looking at a top five draft choice.
Next on the schedule for the Pats was the offensive juggernaut otherwise known as the Indianapolis Colts, surely another loss. I was beginning to look at the schedule to see if there were any potential wins with Damon Huard at the helm. Surely, Huard would start against the Colts and not the dreaded Wolverine. Regardless of the fact that Tom Brady took a couple of snaps in the loss to the Jets, the game was over when he did. But then I began thinking, "Hey if Brady shows he has any talent at all, maybe the Pats can trade him for a decent draft choice. A couple of good games can parlay into a high pick."
What happened? The Pats beat the Colts. Tom Brady did not play a great game but it was mistake free and it was enough for the win.
Next up for Brady was a trip down to Miami to take on the Dolphins. Brady and the entire New England team were awful. The one game wonder was over.
After that performance, could Belichick actually give the ball back to Brady or will it be Huard's turn against the Chargers? Of course it would not matter, Doug Flutie would be starting in Foxboro where he only has one career loss. Besides, the Chargers were playing well. It was just a question of who would be the Patsy in this game. Belichick stuck with Brady and what a wise move that was. Brady looked like a young but mobile Drew Bledsoe in leading the Pats to an overtime victory.
Could lightning twice? Could the Pats win in Indy? Which Tom Brady would show up? In three games, we had witnessed three different players. The first, a consistent mistake free one that is very forgettable like Trent Dilfer, the second, an awful one that reminded you of Tommy Hodson and lastly, one that was putting up Pro Bowl type numbers.
