New England Patriots legend Drew Bledsoe joined the cast of NFL Network’s Good Morning Football on Wednesday. Bledsoe enjoyed a successful 14-year NFL career. He was selected to four Pro Bowls, helped lead New England to Super Bowl 31, and was part of the Patriots win their first Super Bowl title five years later.
Bledsoe, now running a successful wine business from his home in Washington, discussed the change of coaching philosophy in the NFL. This week, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa called former head coach Brian Flores out for his treatment of Tagovailoa while in Miami. He stated that Flores constantly put him down and told him he wasn’t good enough. Bledsoe discussed playing for a coach legendarily unconcerned with players’ feelings in Bill Parcells to begin his NFL career.
“Playing quarterback for Parcells, you better have thick skin,” said Bledsoe. “Sometimes you need to wear earmuffs.”
Bledsoe added that the shifting in coaching philosophy is the reason Bill Belichick is currently without a head coaching job.
When Should a Rookie QB Start?
Of note to Patriots fans was Bledsoe’s thoughts on having a rookie quarterback start immediately in the NFL. New England’s Drake Maye is the franchise’s highest draft pick since Drew Bledsoe. Jerod Mayo has not made an official decision on his Week 1 starter yet.
“It’s such an individual decision for each quarterback,” said Bledsoe. “I felt like I was ready to play. I felt like I was ready to get in there in go. But then you see other quarterbacks that sit a year or two and it’s very beneficial for them.
“I think coaches as they’re looking at these guys they have to determine, is it the right time for this guy? Is he ready to go now? Because you also have to take into account is your team ready for them to play. Because you put a guy in there early and the team is not at that level yet, you mess with that guy’s confidence and the rest of his career.”
Bledsoe echoed Ernie Adams’ sentiment that the readiness of the individual player is what should determine when the player gets to start.
Other Topics
Bledsoe also discussed Tom Brady’s broadcasting career, his performance at Brady’s roast, his favorite wines, and how he had the opportunity to be in the movie There’s Something About Mary. The entire segment can be seen here:
Thanks to @DrewBledsoe for joining the show! @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/fDdLgaU6PW
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) August 21, 2024
Also in Wednesday’s Patriots Daily:
Patriots Fact of the Day
Every eligible quarterback with 100 regular season NFL wins is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But there are four eligible QBs with over 100 wins, including the postseason, not enshrined in Canton: Donovan McNabb (107), Drew Bledsoe (102), Dave Krieg (102), and Phil Simms (102).
Post of the Day
Today’s post comes from Matt Sharpe, who does incredible graphics. His latest creation featured New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas:
Year 2 now loading.
Light it up, @popshotta3
💡🏈#Patriots pic.twitter.com/6UfhIvcq1c
— Matt Sharpe (@thatmattsharpe) August 20, 2024
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