PATRIOT64

I know training camp/preseason is just that - time to just try and get better and ready for the real games that count,but I cannot remember a QB in recent years that has had as bad a 2 days period as Cassel has at QB.

With Brady seeing limited time in the past 2 games you would think Cassel would have the chance to prove he is worthy of the #2 QB for another year but with 6 interceptions in 2 consecutive practices it appears not only does he leave the #2 QB position in doubt,I think it may spell the end of his tenure here if the multiple INTs continue into preseason.

The first preseason game may be his way to save his spot for at least another week or probably end his time here with any type of worthless performance like Sunday and Monday brought with those showers of INTs he has been throwing lately.

I still like Guiterrez to get the #2 spot come week 1 and I will be surprised if Cassel is still #2 at that time.

Regardless of who gets the #2 position,Brady needs to be healthy ALL season, if Brady is out for any period of time this team is in some trouble IMO, I have little faith in the backups.

I would love to see a Veteran QB picked up late in preseason for insurance.

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BelichickFan

I believe you mean 3 INT in 2 consecutive practices. 6 total. Obviously the number isn't good but without knowing if WR are in the right place or not it's tough to cut Cassel based on this.

PATRIOT64

Well,6 Interceptions TOTAL in 2 practices (3 per day) - I guess I should have added total for the folks who don't keep track.

I think even though its TC its definately an eye opener for people who are on the edge of the cliff about whether Cassel has IT or is just some guy on the sidelines with a clipboard - I am one of those guys who has just seen Cassel take a step forward to falling off that very cliff.

IMO The Baltimore game is a huge one for Matt if he wants to remain on the team - Another 2-3-or 4 interceptions and I say its bye bye...

Maybe Herm will cut Huard - Not very likely but I loved the guy as a backup when he was here,My favorite backup QB in the BB era,just above Jim Miller.

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BelichickFan

Like I said, 6 INT doesn't sound good. But he could throw a perfect pass and have some 3rd string WR not get to where he's supposed to and it goes right to the defender instead. On the surface it sounds bad; beneath the surface it's tough to say. We'll have a better idea after the preseason games.

PATRIOT64

Yes,Preseason will be the savior or grave for Matt - I think the Baltimore game is his chance to show he has some ability to hold the fort down temporarily should the disaster happen that Brady be out for 1 or more games

I still want to see a Veteran QB on this team no matter even if Cassel throws for 300 yards against the Ravens - As long as the asking price for the Vet is low and even if the Vet would have to be a #3,it still would be a great insurance policy.

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tombonneau

In Cassel's defense, you probably can't remember the last time a QB threw 6 picks total in back-to-back practices is because we're now living in the Age of Now where we are getting live updated blog posts from practice and are super-inundated with every single move a player makes in practice.

I mean, we're talkin' 'bout PRACTICE.

Obviously its not a good thing, but I think the backup QB battle will be won when the bullets start to fly in the preseason. That will be the arbiter of who stays and who goes.

So I don't necessarily think Cassel needs a good game vs. Baltimore, I think it will be the overall body of preseason work that will determine the #2 QB.

(Assuming Pretty Boy O'Connell is a given at #3.)

ctpatsfan77

But don't forget that there are other issues, such as the fact that Cassel is a FA at the end of the season, while the Pats control Gutierrez's rights for at least two seasons beyond 2008.

Similarly, the mere fact that a pass was intercepted doesn't prove one way or the other if it's the QB's fault, and, depending on who was doing the intercepting, it could just be a matter of familiarity (BB has said that Tedy Bruschi and Harrison pick off Brady's passes "all the time" in practice).

Lastly, as far as a veteran QB goes, they haven't felt it necessary for the last two years, so I don't see them finding it necessary now.

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WhiZa

It is Cassel's last chance this preseason. Over the years the only thing he's has gotten good at is the qb sneak. His attitude this past off season seemed lackadaisical, but hopefully he can step up in these games.

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Dagg

Seems like every Camp recap I read someone is picking off Matt Cassell, I think his time is up.

mgteich

Cassel should be kept until the week before the last preseason game as insurance against injury to the other two backups. There is no reason to have him on the 53 in the last year of his contract. Gutierrez has three more years, is developing, and is arguably already almost even with Cassel.

Cassel will play a lot in the first preseason game. He will be showcased.