The guy who mentored him last season says in today's Globe he believes Matt is ready to step up. And his reasoning is what resonates with me and what makes it more likely that if a vet is added it will be as the #3 emergency guy and scout QB. If you take a closer look at Fiedler, Collins and Maddoux, the big 3 all have natural tendancies towards over reaching and turning the ball over - not what BB wants to see in a QB running his offense.
"Doug Flutie's retirement has left an opening on the Patriots' depth chart behind Tom Brady. And while the team might sign a veteran free agent in the coming months, Flutie said yesterday that the future No. 2 might already be on the roster.
He believes Matt Cassel is ready to step up.
''I would feel very confident if he became the No. 2 this year," Flutie said of Cassel, a seventh-round draft choice in 2005. ''He's bright and can grasp it all. He can do the things Tom does mentally. Not everyone can handle that end of it, and I think he can."
Cassel (6 feet 4 inches, 222 pounds) played in two games in 2005, with his most extensive time coming in the season finale against the Dolphins. He was 11 of 20 for 168 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
It was a game in which many of the starters were rested, and the Patriots trailed, 25-13, with 9:07 left before Cassel led a comeback. He directed two scoring drives, the second culminating in a 9-yard connection to tight end Benjamin Watson with no time left. Cassel's 2-point conversion pass attempt sailed out of the end zone and the Patriots lost, 28-26.
''I think you saw everything you needed to see in that last game of the year," Flutie said. ''Down by two scores and he was throwing the ball downfield, making plays in pressure situations. With this team, what they ask the quarterback to do mentally is a lot. He's capable of handling it."
http://www.boston.com/sports/footbal...rd_to_be_no_2/
Cassell Wants #2 Job
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