Matt Cassel - Why?

[ikarcuaso]

New England fans, just wondering...how do the Patriots end up with a backup QB who never started a college game, and had all of 33 pass attempts in college? Was the decision financial?

After Brady went down, did they not go after a veteran QB simply 'cuz Cassel "knows the offense?"

You would think a contending team would have better insurance (like a Brad Johnson, for example) should the unthinkable happen. Just curious...

[pwd72s]

Uh...yeah, Pats didn't score much. But the last time I heard, Brady never played Defense. So, how the hell did the Pats Defense allow the Chargers to make so many points??? Oh well...the Giants must be asking the same questions tonight.

[Sonic dB]

Probably a bit of arrogance... + the fact that Brady had never missed a start in over 7 seasons prior to this one...they just didnt feel the need to sign a good backup.

They did have Flutie and Testaverdie at different points backing Brady...but not for the past 2 seasons and the 3rd stringer is Matt Guterrez who was a long time backup at Michigan and played 1 year at Idaho to get some PT which got him in to the NFL.... not a very strong resume either.

If this collapse by the Pats shows one thing...it confims myself and others who believe in Brady as one of the Top 5 QBs ever. Anyone who dismisses Brady's value to the Pats now, be a fool...imo.

[Sonic dB]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Uh...yeah, Pats didn't score much. But the last time I heard, Brady never played Defense. So, how the hell did the Pats Defense allow the Chargers to make so many points??? Oh well...the Giants must be asking the same questions tonight.

If your offense suckss, and doesnt sustain drives...it is only a matter of time before the defense breaks down and gives up points....field position and the mental attitude of a frustrated defense which has a bad offense also play a factor.

[89911]

Originally Posted by Sonic dB

If your offense suckss, and doesnt sustain drives...it is only a matter of time before the defense breaks down and gives up points....field position and the mental attitude of a frustrated defense which has a bad offense also play a factor.

Obviously, your not a Baltimore Raven fan, that's how they have played since they came into the league

A good quarterback can cover up for lots. I think Brady made an average offensive line look tremendous since he rarely had the ball long enough to get sacked. Face it, you would never have a backup that could by half as good as him, Cassel or not. I also think the team age is catching up with them and is going to eventually crash. I don't see any bright lights on the horizon, Brady or not.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Cassel fits the "team first" mentality of the organization and works well with the coaching staff, Bill Bellichick and of course Brady when he's around. He'll improve, not to worry.

[JavaBrewer]

Uhhh... I don't think it was Cassel's fault that Moss dropped perfectly placed passes. Now that Cassel is getting snaps from the starters (vs the second string) it will take a couple weeks to get in a rhythm. One thing you can't doubt is his tenacity - to hang in that long as a backup QB in H.S., College, and NFL takes some serious mental toughness and a don't die attitude. I'm cheering for him even though I'm not a N.E. fan.

[the]

I was at that game, what a beating that was.

Cassel will never be a legit NFL QB, IMO.

[pwd72s]

Wasn't Rivers once a backup?