AllabouttheVinces

Tom Casale writes in Patriots Football Weekly:

http://www.patriots.com/news/index.c...=19560&pcid=41

“· Expect the Patriots to possibly bring in a veteran quarterback in the near future. Brady is Brady and Matt Cassel looked good but there was a big drop-off after those two. Corey Bramlet looked good at rookie mini-camp and Todd Mortensen did well in NFL Europe but both struggled this week. Cassel will probably end up being the backup this season but look for the Patriots to explore brining in a veteran as an insurance policy. Cassel has a cannon for an arm and looks more and more comfortable on the field every time I see him.”

He's not the only one who reported that Bramlet and Mortenson had a tough week. So either we pick up a current FA, or wait until cuts are made. Here's a list of some of the FA QBs:

Tony Banks
Jeff Blake
Kerry Collins
Ty Detmer
Jay Fiedler
Tommy Maddox
Shane Matthews
Kordell Stewart


The consensus #1 choice is Fiedler, but either Fiedler wants to do more than carry a clipboard, or BB is not sold on him for the price he wants. Playing time (or, more accurately, lack of it) will be a big consideration for anyone who signs with the Pats, so some of these guys (Collins) may not be interested in the Pats.

It's a thin list, and the only one other than Fiedler that I like is Maddox. I look for BB to pick up a released QB during the summer, someone like Tim Rattay, who is rumored to be cut by Tampa Bay.

The thing about a backup QB is the work they do with the scout team may be more important than what they ever contribute on Sunday. That's why Flutie was a valued member of the team last year. Cassell doesn't have the experience to run the scout team, which is why I think Casale's piece has merit, because Bramlet or Mortenson can't do it effectively either.

Who do you like? Any of these guys?

Willie55

Damon Huard

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RayClay

I like the three mentioned.

End of thread.

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patsox23

TIm Rattay or Damon Huard.

BelichickFan

I'd still prefer to go with two and sign some guy if disaster strikes. Brady never misses games and I'd hate to cut a player with upside for some schmuck QB.

363839

Maybe we can lure Flutie out of retirement.

pats1

I don't see the Chiefs keeping 2 QBs nor do I see them taking Printers over Huard.

Tyler Faith

Maddox always shines as a back up. It's when he gets in a starter role that he chokes. It may not be popular, but I'd be pretty comfortable knowing Maddox could step in now and again. And BB could control him a bit with some of his erratic choices.

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JoeSixPat

A lot of these veterans will remain unsigned well into the season, awaiting their chance when injuries happen.

If the coaches have faith in Cassell at #2 so do I... but whether you keep him on the team or not, it never hurts to bring in a street veteran and introduce him to aspects of the system.

That way if disaster does strike, you've got a few veterans you can sign off the "street" who have some basic understanding of your offense to step in at 3rd string

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stinkypete

I might add Dave Ragone to that list. He's really struggled in Houston, but had alot of upside coming out of school. Kelly Holcomb and Brooks Bollinger could also be cut during camp.

As much as I hate him, Rich Ganno has been talking about getting a tryout in Tampa. He could be valuable as a coach-type backup to help develop Cassell.