fluoropolymer

As much as I want to believe in Matt Cassell, I just can't get comfortable with his overall lack of real game experience. Given the grind of the Patriots PLANNED 19 game season, what do the experts out there think about ways to protect / rest Brady and get Cassell some significant real game playing time? Given the meticulous attention to detail by BB, I believe the Patriots must have a plan regarding Cassell's development.

MrBigglesWorth

if Matt Cassell is forced to start the Pats are up the creek like the Colts are up the creek if Jim Sorgi is forced to start, but I do think the Pats are in a bit better shape with the running game. And we need to be realistic....Matt Cassel probably just played 25 times as much football in game situations as he played the 5 years previously.

The only way you see Cassel in there if Brady is healthy is if they are up by a considerable margin. But I think you hold on to him for 2-3 years and develop him and trade him only for a high pick, otherwise keep him.

Box_O_Rocks

Unlike Biggie, I believe Cassel would do an adequate job if he was forced into the games as an injury replacement. McDaniels would be a little more conservative in play calling, and Matt would have limited audible authority, but the team would find a way to win. Assuming the defense becomes as dominant as it was in the last half of the season and the playoffs (remember, the Donkeys could barely move the ball, even when they had outstanding field position) and Special Teams improves their performance from last season, the offense with Cassel should be just fine to win most games, especially with the soft 2006 schedule.

As far as getting Matt more game time, last season he took some reps after the Chargers put the game out of reach, and he was used for the post-season warm-up against Miami. I see him getting reps this season in similar circumstances, hopefully after Tommy & Co. have already run the score up.

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BelichickFan

I honestly think we would still make the playoffs if Brady broke his leg on Sunday. Win the Super Bowl ? Probably not but I really think Cassel can play especially with our strong running game.

JoeSixPat

Just like they did in 2001 when an untested 2nd year QB won the #2 spot on the QB depth chart, surprising many who felt the team should have a game tested veteran in that position.

The OC kept the play calling relatively simple, using a lot of short, accurate passes, not asking the QB to do too much. Over time, he showed everyone just how much he could do and the offese loosened up and he was even given audible play calling authority

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PromisedLand

I pray we never have to find out.

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Box_O_Rocks

My memory is a bit hazy, which kid was this?

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Patjew

I still say they should have played Michael Bishop.

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MrBigglesWorth

Two Tom Brady's in one lifetime? I hardly think so. I'm not saying all would be lost if Brady would be done. But I do think they would be right back with the rest of the pack and I don't see them going to the championship game in the AFC. The defense is uproven as of right now and is not nearly as dominant as they were in 2003-04. the running game is also unproven although it looks like it should definitely be upgraded. But also it's not how the team looks like in game one, it's how they look in game 10.

JoeSixPat

Matt Cassell would hardly be a rarity as a young QB who, when given the chance, demonstrated the ability to be a starter.

I don't know who was suggesting he needed to be "another Tom Brady" - just an adequate starter who could avoid making mistakes, running simple offensive plays and letting the running game do its work.

That, and continued good D is all we need to do to stay competititve and win the Super Bowl.

If you don't think so, just look at what an awful performance the young QB for the Steelers had in the Super Bowl. They won in spite of him - not because of him.

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