The end of an era?

SPORTING GOODS

The Dallas Cowboys have cut Drew Bledsoe. Bledsoe is thus far the Wally Pipp of this century, getting an injury against the Jets in 2001 that allowed second-year player, Tom Brady, to take over the reins as New England Patriots quarterback. The rest, as they say, is history.

Most Patriots fans were extremely frustrated with Bledsoe (I know I was), thinking that with his talent he should have been able to lead the team to more success. Alas, it was left to the former captain of the Michigan Wolverines to take the Patriots to the promised land.

Which is not to say Bledsoe didn't have his moments. He played an oustanding game against his former team in a Buffalo Bills 31-0 shellacking in 2003, and, more importantly, he came off the bench to lead the silver and blue to a victory in the AFC Championship game in 2002.

Ultimately, Bledsoe's habits of holding onto the ball too long in the pocket or attempting to scramble when he saw his protection breaking down did him in, and a more mobile quarterback found the success Bledsoe never achieved. Unfortunately, Bledsoe will forever be categorized as a terrific talent but not a winner.

I assume we won't see Drew Bledsoe in an NFL uniform again.

Nevertheless, Bledsoe isn't the biggest NFL bust Washington State University ever produced.