spacecrime

Didn't you say last summer that Cassel was gone and that the team would look for a vet backup?

Sivy

I think that this argument is gaaaaaaaaaay. I mean come on, really?

RayClay

My bad.

I don't believe O'Connell is in the position Brady was. With three young quarterbacks, being able to move one around without losing him was the main concern here IMO.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but O'Connell was seen as a high upside guy, not a polished pro style QB from a major program, when he was drafted.

I still say that it wouldn't be a shock to see the Pats start Gut with 2 years experience over him even if he makes good progress.

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Rob0729

The only decision the Pats have with Cassel is whether they franchise and trade the guy or just let him go. This "should the Pats keep Cassel next year" debate is interesting, but totally unrealistic in today's NFL. This team has far too many holes that need to filled to tie up $12-14 million on a back up QB for insurance that Brady doesn't make it back.

History has shown that Brady should be back and probably near 100%. The media seemed to have overblown the infection angle and Brady seems to be farther ahead in his recovery than Philip Rivers was before this season and Carson Palmer was after his injury. Both had/has a Pro Bowl quality season on their return. No reason to believe Brady won't.

PatsFanInVa

Yeah, and I wouldn't put it past the Pats to say "Hey Tom, leak to the press a couple of extra operations will ya?" Thereby assuring a good reason to franchise-to-trade.

Rosy thinking however. Most likely he DID have infection issues. Well that's a definite problem, and even WITH a good prognosis, there's no reason to think this is a 1-year comeback. It's not a 100% certainty.

"In today's NFL", as we say, a Cassel signing is neither likely nor impossible. 'Nuff said.

PFnV

MoLewisrocks

Actually it's a 9 month comeback and the infection set him back a couple of weeks, so barring further setbacks there is every reason to think this is a 1 year comeback or less (pre season...).

KO was assessed (by the Patriots FO) as a QB who graded out a first rounder. Gutz left Michigan to play small ball and was an UDFA. What TC and the pre season told some of us was the FO was pleased with the rookie's progress for a rookie and not pleased with Gutierrez progress for a second year guy. He's spending most of his time playing varying roles on the scout team. O'Connell is immersed in this offense as Cassel's backup... So like I said if Gutz somehow manages to lap KO on the depth chart KO will be getting flipped (or cut) too. Gutz was drafted to have a third arm in camp who could represent a developmental QB. KO was drafted to be the backup here from 2009-2011 (with Cassel gone in 2009 and Brady signed only through 2010 - although I don't think they feared not being able to get Tommy extended, it's just that nothing is ever a given in the NFL)...

PATRIOTSFANINPA

Have you always been right and perfect Spacecrime? or are you just an occasional arrogant jerk at times?

Didn't you say the team would be something like 13-3 or so? - You are wrong too so how about just (Please be quiet - edited) unless you forecast something someday that actually comes true before insulting others.

tanked_as_usual

even without brady, cassel is not the best QB prospect on the team.......

this is such a no-brainer........

after the season, the pats will do what they can to get what they can for cassel.........but I am pretty sure he will not be on the roster next year.......no point in having him play under the franchise tag next year since he will not take the pats to the promised land.......by this time next year, kevin o'connell will be a better QB than cassel is now......in every aspect of the game ESPECIALLY the long ball

PATRIOTSFANINPA

If memory serves me right,O'Connell has neer seen a snap in a regular season game - While I think Cassel is FAR from a good quarterback he has been better than expected and that is with 4 years in the system


I say get a veteran QB in the offseason,acclimate him to the system and have O'Connell slowly learn from Brady and the backup vet,Then maybe O'Connell will show something in 2010 if we need him - I don't want O'Connell out there next year unless its garbage time play.

RayClay

Apparently that wasn't a consensus


You left out that he won the starting job at Michigan and only lost it because he hurt his shoulder.

Or that we had three young QB's, one of which could pass through waivers the easiest. Remember, those games were on TV and I trust what I see better than your mind reading abilities.

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