QB signal: Brady ready to go

By Nick Cafardo, Globe Staff, 2/1/2002

EW ORLEANS - If Drew Bledsoe leaves New England to begin his career anew in Chicago, Cincinnati, Tampa Bay, Washington, or some other NFL outpost, it will be with a heavy heart.

The Patriots were his team. He was supposed to be the keystone player of the franchise until he retired. He may have even made New England his home after he hung it up.

As much jubilation as Tom Brady feels about starting the Super Bowl (he had his second straight pain-free workout yesterday), that's the level of frustration that Bledsoe feels.

''One of the messages we present in our foundation is that you handle yourself with some dignity and self-respect regardless of what the situation is,'' Bledsoe said of the concepts taught in the ''Parenting With Dignity Program'' run by the Drew Bledsoe Foundation. ''That's always an option. Practicing what you preach.

''In that part of it, it would be awful hard for me to throw a fit and be a distraction and then go and try and profess that somebody else should act differently.''

So there were no fits, no tantrums, when Brady was named the starter for the Super Bowl.

Though owner Robert Kraft recently commented that he'd prefer it if the Patriots could keep both quarterbacks - unless there was a ''blockbuster'' deal - that would appear unlikely.

Director of player personnel Scott Pioli said, ''We honestly haven't even discussed that issue at this point. When the season has come to an end, we'll sit and make our evaluations of every player.''

According to offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, Bledsoe's contribution to the Super Bowl run was invaluable, even if his playing time was minimal. If Bledsoe hadn't handled the situation the way he did, said Weis, ''None of this would have been possible.''

Weis also credited third-string quarterback Damon Huard with being a ''sounding board'' for Weis as he attempted to tread softly through the season and not disrupt Brady while not disrespecting Bledsoe.

''I really earned my degree in psychology, but both guys handled it so well,'' said Weis. ''And Damon, he soothed things on both ends. I couldn't have gotten through the year without him being around.''

Weis said the decision to go with Brady was made the same way all football decisions are made: using facts, feelings, and tape.

Though Brady appeared ready to play following a solid practice Wednesday, Weis said the coaching staff waited to watch tape of the workout. After the coaches discussed the tape, Belichick made his decision and informed both quarterbacks that evening.

Bledsoe described the conversation as ''very short.''

''Obviously, it's a disappointing situation,'' he said. ''Everybody would love to be playing in this game. I'm going to do everything I can to first help Tom, and I'm also going to prepare myself to play if that chance arises.''

On the other hand, Brady had a feeling he would be the choice as long as walked and ran well.

His ankle, which was sprained in the AFC Championship game, ''feels good,'' he said. ''It feels better every day. I still have a long way before game time, so it should be even better by then. From last Sunday, it's come a long way.''

Brady said he will wear an ankle brace ''for stabilization.''

He had just a little swelling after practice Wednesday. Yesterday, he moved without significant pain or discomfort. He even stayed after practice for extra work.

The ankle feels tender and sore when he drops back, but, he said, ''I have a lot of body parts that feel sore.''