Who Was the QB That Started Before Tom Brady?
Tom Brady, the iconic quarterback for the New England Patriots, has been a staple in the NFL for over two decades. His journey to becoming one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time began long before he took the field for the Patriots. In this detailed exploration, we delve into the quarterback who held the reins before Brady stepped in, offering a multi-dimensional look at the man who paved the way for the future Hall of Famer.
Early Days in the NFL
Before Tom Brady, the New England Patriots had a different face under center. That man was Drew Bledsoe, who was drafted by the Patriots in the first round of the 1993 NFL Draft. Bledsoe, a product of Washington State University, brought a wealth of experience and a strong arm to the team.
Year | Passing Yards | TDs | INTs |
---|---|---|---|
1993 | 2,433 | 16 | 10 |
1994 | 3,414 | 19 | 12 |
1995 | 3,839 | 24 | 15 |
1996 | 3,839 | 27 | 15 |
1997 | 3,839 | 27 | 15 |
1998 | 3,839 | 27 | 15 |
1999 | 3,839 | 27 | 15 |
Bledsoe’s performance during his tenure with the Patriots was nothing short of impressive. He led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in his rookie season, and throughout his time with the Patriots, he was known for his strong arm and ability to make big plays in crucial moments.
The Arrival of Tom Brady
As the 1990s came to a close, the Patriots were looking for a new face of their franchise. In the 2000 NFL Draft, they selected a young quarterback from Michigan, Tom Brady. Brady’s arrival was met with high expectations, and he quickly made a name for himself in the league.
Brady’s style was different from Bledsoe’s. While Bledsoe was known for his strong arm and ability to make big throws, Brady was a more precise passer with a keen sense of timing. He quickly became the leader of the Patriots offense, and his presence on the field helped the team reach new heights.
Comparing the Two Quarterbacks
When comparing Drew Bledsoe and Tom Brady, it’s clear that both quarterbacks brought their own unique qualities to the table. Bledsoe was known for his strong arm and ability to make big throws, while Brady was a more precise passer with a keen sense of timing.
Stat | Drew Bledsoe | Tom Brady |
---|---|---|
Passing Yards | Average of 3,839 yards per season | Average of 4,000 yards per season |
TDs | Average of 27 per season | Average of 30 per season |