Drew Bledsoe & The Patriots

Point of Divergence:

Drew Bledsoe is never injured in the 2001 season, Tom Brady continues to be a backup quarterback...

In 2001 Bledsoe leads New England to an 8-8 season failing to make the playoffs... The Pittsburgh Steelers win the AFC crown over the Baltimore Ravens 19-7 before falling to the St. Louis Rams 14-27...

In 2002 the Patriots fall to 6-10 but Belichek remains loyal to Bledsoe and promises better days are ahead. This season Miami beats Tennessee 34-13 in the AFC before falling to Tampa Bay in the Superbowl 17-10...

The 2003 season sees the Patriots finishing 9-7 but still no playoff berth. Indianapolis beats Tennessee in the AFC Championship before beating Carolina 20-17.

The 2004 season sees Bledsoe leading the Patriots to a 13-3 season and a three seed in the playoffs. They beat Denver in the wild-card round 17-13 on their way to their Superbowl title under Belichek and Bledsoe's first ring!

2005 sees the defending Superbowl Champion Patriots fall to 8-8 and miss the playoffs while Pittsburgh beats Indianapolis 21-18 on their way to a Superbowl Title...

2006 sees the Patriots return to the playoffs with a 9-7 record. Their opponent is division foe NY Jets who they dispatch 37-16. The rest is history...

2007 the Patriots finish the season 12-4 and earn a two seed in the playoffs... They knock off San Diego 21-12 in the divisional round before falling to Indianapolis 17-16 in the AFC Championship...  Indy moves on to the Superbowl where they beat the New York Giants 23-17!

2008 Drew Bledsoe goes out the first game of the season with a career ending injury... Backup Tom Brady guides New England to a 13-3 season where they are again a number two seed. New England falls to Pittsburgh in he divisional round 21-20 and the rest as they say is history...