The Hit That Changed History

The 2001 season was a pivotal moment in NFL history, and it all started with a violent hit by Jets linebacker Mo Lewis on Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe. This play not only altered the course of the New England franchise but also had a ripple effect on the entire league.

The hit that started it all

On September 23, 2001, the Jets were leading the Patriots 10-3 in the fourth quarter when Bledsoe, a three-time Pro Bowl QB, took the snap and scrambled out of the pocket towards the right sideline. That’s when Lewis came out of nowhere and crushed Bledsoe out of bounds. The hit was so brutal that Bledsoe was slow to get up and was later transported to the hospital in an ambulance, suffering from internal bleeding that could have been fatal.

“Mo Lewis, he was the guy that actually started Tom Brady’s career.” - Herm Edwards

The injury to Bledsoe paved the way for a young Tom Brady to take the reins, and the rest, as they say, is history. Brady went on to lead the Patriots to six Super Bowl titles and became one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

The beneficiary of the Mo Lewis hit

The 2001 Patriots team was a force to be reckoned with, and many have described them as a team with no weaknesses. According to Tony Romo, “I’m not entirely sure they had any weakness. Most teams have one or two strengths.”

“The entire team was so perfect and had such a strong identity.” - Mina Kimes

The ‘85 Bears, on the other hand, were a breath of fresh air to Chicago, as Kevin Cronin so eloquently put it.

A breath of fresh air to Chicago

In conclusion, the Mo Lewis hit on Drew Bledsoe was a turning point in NFL history, and its impact is still felt today. It’s a testament to the unpredictable nature of the game and the importance of being prepared for anything.

The NFL: where anything can happen