Bledsoe Draws Praise

His toughness and leadership no longer questioned after he played so well late last season despite a severely broken finger, Drew Bledsoe of the New England Patriots is now the subject of most-valuable-player talk.

New York Jet Coach Bill Parcells, formerly Bledsoe’s boss in New England, bristled when asked about the “much maligned” quarterback, whose passer rating is tops in the AFC.

“Put him on the free-agent market and I’ll show you how maligned he is,” Parcells said of Bledsoe, who is the main reason for the Patriots’ 4-1 start. “I’m really pleased to see the way he’s grown and developed. He certainly has a much different demeanor now.”

Said Patriot Coach Pete Carroll, “I think the truth has come out.”

Pro Bowl cornerback Aaron Glenn of the New York Jets will be tested Sunday by wide receiver Marvin Harrison of the Indianapolis Colts, who leads the NFL with 128.3 yards receiving per game and seven touchdown receptions.

To prepare himself, Glenn said, he lives a fantasy life during the week.

“I’m trying to think of how I can get and maintain an advantage,” he said. “I meditate about that. I visualize myself taking things away from the receivers.”

It’s not difficult. Glenn had interceptions in both games against the Colts last season.