ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, January 9, 1997 TAG: 9701100055
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
FOXBORO, Mass.
DREW BLEDSOE has become the unquestioned leader of the New England Patriots.
It was fourth-and-1 at the Arizona 10. Drew Bledsoe, the golden-armed but lead-footed quarterback, rolled around the right side for one of his rare running attempts.
He was upended, turned a somersault in the air and landed with a thud. And a first down. And, most importantly, the respect and admiration of his teammates.
``That,'' New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Wednesday, ``was a defining moment of the season.''
The Patriots were 6-10 last season when Bledsoe struggled after returning from a separated left shoulder. They went into the Arizona game with an 0-2 record.
The team and Bledsoe were at a crossroads.
Could he live up to his billing as the first choice in the 1993 draft and the youngest quarterback to play in a Pro Bowl, when he made it in 1994? If he didn't, there was little chance the Patriots could make the playoffs.
On Sunday, they'll play for the AFC championship at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
``For me and the team, this was an important year,'' Bledsoe said. ``We had to prove, and I think we have proved, that last year was the exception.''
The play against Arizona showed Bledsoe's desire and toughness. At age 24, there no longer is doubt about his ability to lead an outstanding team and win big games.
``I've seen a guy who's improved every week,'' wide receiver Shawn Jefferson said. ``If something goes wrong, he doesn't look for anybody to blame. He shoulders it upon himself to straighten it out and I think that's big in becoming a leader.
``He is the catalyst of this team.''
Bledsoe is confident and comfortable, so comfortable that he can speak his mind even if his remarks might not please his demanding boss, coach Bill Parcells.
With his contract expiring after the season, Parcells has been the focus of rumors that he may leave for the New York Jets.
``Bill's going to do what he's going to do,'' Bledsoe said. ``The exciting thing for me and the team is that regardless of whether Bill is here or not, this team is going to be successful because we've got a good nucleus of young players and we've got a great owner.''
So is Bledsoe the most important part of the Patriots, whose 11-5 record and playoff rout of Pittsburgh exceeded all expectations?
``This is his team now,'' Jefferson said.
Bledsoe led the NFL in passing attempts and completions and was third in yards. Mark Brunell, Jacksonville's quarterback, was first.
Bledsoe's statistics have been impressive throughout his career.
He is the youngest quarterback to throw for 14,000 yards and is the fourth in NFL history with more than 4,000 passing yards in more than one season.
And this season, his decision-making, discipline and ability to read defenses improved substantially. He threw for 27 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, the first time in four seasons he had more touchdowns than interceptions.
``I've played smarter'' than in 1994, when he lost the only playoff game he played in before this season, Bledsoe said. ``I've made some big plays and eliminated some of the stupid mistakes.''
If he doesn't regress, he could have a shot at Dan Marino's career passing records.
``It's still a little early to judge him but he's definitely going to be a great one,'' said Patriots fullback Keith Byars, who played with both quarterbacks. ``At the stage that he is in his career and that Dan was at that time, I think they're probably equal.''
But Bledsoe still has a shot at one honor that has eluded Marino, an NFL title.
``I hope he gets that Super Bowl [championship] before Marino,'' Byars said with a laugh. ``I think some of Marino's records won't be there in the next century if Drew Bledsoe stays as hot as he is.''
``I really don't care if he breaks Marino's records,'' Kraft said. ``I want him to lead this team to more Super Bowls than any other quarterback. That's the record that I care about.''
Bledsoe completed 70 percent of his passes four times in a five-game stretch this season.
He was exceptional in the final game of the season in which he rallied the Patriots from a 22-0 halftime deficit to a 23-22 victory over the New York Giants that earned New England a playoff bye. He completed 31-of-47 passes for 301 yards and threw the game-winning touchdown pass to Ben Coates with 1:32 left in the game.
Is Bledsoe at the point in his career when he can lead his team to victory in the biggest game of his life this Sunday?
``It's not whether he is ready,'' Parcells said. ``It's whether we're all ready. He's a key part. You can't lay it all on him. He's got us to this point. He's doing a good job and I'm confident.''
So is Bledsoe as he tries to keep his best pro season alive.
``This time is very important for me,'' said Bledsoe, noting that some of the great quarterbacks never won a Super Bowl. ``I think there's a real sense of urgency on my part and the team to try and take full advantage of the opportunity right now because you never known when you'll get another.''
LENGTH: Long : 106 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: AP. 1. New England quarterback Drew Bledsoe hasby CNBrebounded from a frustrating 1995 season to lead the Patriots to the
AFC championship game. New England hosts the Jacksonville Jaguars on
Sunday in Foxboro, Mass., with the winner going to the Super Bowl.
color. 2. (headshot) Bledsoe. KEYWORDS: FOOTBALL