Palm Beach Pats Fan

Matt was on 790 the ticket with Sid Rosenberg, a pretty outspoken "New York guy" who asks blunt questions.

I'm not sure if 790 makes interviews available as podcasts, but this was my paraphasing of what I head in my car this morning at about 7:45 AM.

Highlights:

Sid was very complimentary and said that he thought the Patriots would be playing this Sunday if they had made the playoffs, and that Cassel was the #1 story of the NFL season.

He asked Matt to respond to the thought that basically anybody could step into the Patriot offense, with Moss and Welker, and succeed. Matt complimented the coaches and said that while the system is great it not easy to learn, that it is crazy to think that it can be picked up easily and executed well without a lot of study, practice, and hard work. Every good team has playmakers and a QB has to find them, so it's just not a given, since you have to spread it around and still find ways to get the ball to the big play guys at the right time.

He asked Matt to explain how the Pats improved so much this season, particularly citing the 1st and 2nd Miami games. Matt said that he couldn't speak to the defensive changes, but on offense he was able to open up the offense to use more of the playbook and get more comfortable as the season went along. He said early in the season he was hampered by the simple fact that there is no way to simulate the speed of the game- practice prepares you mentally and you get down the proper techniques, but game speed is at another level.

He asked if Matt was anxious to cash in as a starter elsewhere, or could he be instead be happy as a backup to Tom. Matt said he loves the Patriots, as a competitor he wants to play, but he's not going to worry about anything since everything is out of his control and that won't change for at least a month or so. He said that whatever the Patriots chose to do, he won't be upset.

Sid said "You'd look great as a Jet, if Brett Favre retires" and Matt said that he's not thinking about any other teams or situations and he will just wait to see what his options are, if any.

He asked about making plays with his legs. Matt chuckled and said that he always thought he could add that dimension.

Sid asked about coaching changes and Matt sounded very BB like, basically saying that with this team, whether you are talking about players or coaches, if somebody is lost (no matter how talented) you just expect that somebody else will step in and do the job well. He said that he had a great relationship with Josh dating back to his QB coaching years, and that Josh will do well, but the offense will go on.

He asked Matt if it was crazy that an 11-5 team would not make the playoffs. Matt said he wouldn't change the rules one bit, that this year it was just a bad break that 11-5 wasn't good enough while some years it would get you a couple of home games.

In general, Matt was very positive and well-spoken. There were times where Sid seemed to want him to compain or take shots at somebody, but he avoided doing that.

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It is what it is, so just go out there and do your job!

E Belichick Unum

If the Jets would give us 2 #1's Belechick would drive him to Hampstead himself.

captadamnj

Similarly good spot on Sirius/XM this morning, as well. Sounds just like any other Pats player, not much info. Did say he's been to the Turks & Caicos with with wife and that they keep a house in LA to spend time with family.

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"You know what I'm craving? A little perspective. That's it. I'd like some fresh, clear, well seasoned perspective." - Anton Ego

Clonamery

They're in NJ now.

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Paul Brown: A winner never whines.

mcsully

I know there are discussions on the radio, forum and tv about if the Jets gave us a boat load the pats would trade with them. For me I just don't see it happening.. People will cite how Bledsoe went to Buffalo.. I think its totally different. BB has a history with the Jets and wouldn't want to give them a 25-26 old qb..

I could see him saying sure make me an offer and then shop that offer around.. But in the end, Cassel will NEVER go to the JETS..

E Belichick Unum

Assuming Matt is franchised, if the Jets want him all they have to do is sign him. They will be required to give the Pats their next two #1's.

ctpatsfan77

It is available on podcast here.

Note: it's ~25MB, and the Cassel interview begins at about 58 minutes in.

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"Momentum was quickly snatched away by New England, who once again proved that any Patriot, at any moment, can make a play." —Inside the NFL, Packers v. Patriots

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Patsfanin Philly

Only if they use the non-exclusive franchise tag, then he is free to negotiate with other teams and they have to pony up 2 #1s. If the Patriots were to use the exclusive franchise tag, he could NOT negotiate with other clubs.

mcsully

Thank you.. Some people are to picky and try to prove a point.. My statement is they aren't letting Cassel go to NY..

AND THEY ARE FRANCHISING HIM.. Stop with that insanity.

ctpatsfan77

They can still trade him even under the exclusive franchise tag: all it would do is prevent Cassel from negotiating w/o their explicit permission.

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"Momentum was quickly snatched away by New England, who once again proved that any Patriot, at any moment, can make a play." —Inside the NFL, Packers v. Patriots

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