In Search Of Matt Cassel's "San Diego Game"
Posted 09-08-2008 at 07:34 PM by chris_in_sunnyvale
Many remember the turning point of the 2001 season as game 3 in which the 0-2 Pats destroyed the 2-0 Colts at home with then unknown Tom Brady getting his first NFL start.
I've never subscribed to this theory.
Indeed the Pats smothered the Colts that day and considering where both teams had come from the prior 2 weeks, it was an impressive win. However, Brady clearly was asked to play "within himself" as most of his duties were handing off to Antowain Smith and avoid kiler turnovers. I think Brady threw for less than 100 yards that day. The running game and defense carried the day. Brady did not prove anything of significance that day other than he can avoid boneheaded plays. His performance was absolutely adequate for a first-time starter, but there were no signs at the time that we were looking at an all-time great.
The following week the team traveled to Miami and got absolutely pummeled 30-6. Brady, along with the rest of the team, looked like poop. Any elevated expectations from the Colts win were squashed. Brady played like the inexperienced guy he was and didn't show any signs of being able to carry the team on his back when the chips were down. The team stood at 1-3 heading into a showdown against a hot-starting San Diego team. The Pats hadn't turned any corner by far.
Then it happened. The unknown Tom Brady threw the team on his back while making up a 10pt 4th quarter defecit and helped the team win in OT. He threw for 350 yards that day. Suddenly, his teammates, coaches and fans were assured that he could come through and carry the team when needed.
This was the turning point.
With newfound confidence in himself (and by his coaching staff), Brady shouldered a greater burden of the offense for the next few games with great performances in Indy and Atlanta. As the season progressed, the coaches reeled him in a bit, but every now and then would take off the leash and let him shine (a big home win vs. New Orleans when Bledsoe was reactivated and the 2nd half in the Meadowlands in that critical come-from-behind win). The team played inspired football, knowing their most important position was manned by someone they could trust.
Matt Cassel played well in relief yesterday, but does he have anyone's faith that he can carry the team for stretches? Can he provide a shot in the arm that will inspire his teammates, elevating their play in the process? Tom Brady did that in 2001 with his San Diego game. Matt Cassel needs to have one of those himself.
Regards,
Chris
I've never subscribed to this theory.
Indeed the Pats smothered the Colts that day and considering where both teams had come from the prior 2 weeks, it was an impressive win. However, Brady clearly was asked to play "within himself" as most of his duties were handing off to Antowain Smith and avoid kiler turnovers. I think Brady threw for less than 100 yards that day. The running game and defense carried the day. Brady did not prove anything of significance that day other than he can avoid boneheaded plays. His performance was absolutely adequate for a first-time starter, but there were no signs at the time that we were looking at an all-time great.
The following week the team traveled to Miami and got absolutely pummeled 30-6. Brady, along with the rest of the team, looked like poop. Any elevated expectations from the Colts win were squashed. Brady played like the inexperienced guy he was and didn't show any signs of being able to carry the team on his back when the chips were down. The team stood at 1-3 heading into a showdown against a hot-starting San Diego team. The Pats hadn't turned any corner by far.
Then it happened. The unknown Tom Brady threw the team on his back while making up a 10pt 4th quarter defecit and helped the team win in OT. He threw for 350 yards that day. Suddenly, his teammates, coaches and fans were assured that he could come through and carry the team when needed.
This was the turning point.
With newfound confidence in himself (and by his coaching staff), Brady shouldered a greater burden of the offense for the next few games with great performances in Indy and Atlanta. As the season progressed, the coaches reeled him in a bit, but every now and then would take off the leash and let him shine (a big home win vs. New Orleans when Bledsoe was reactivated and the 2nd half in the Meadowlands in that critical come-from-behind win). The team played inspired football, knowing their most important position was manned by someone they could trust.
Matt Cassel played well in relief yesterday, but does he have anyone's faith that he can carry the team for stretches? Can he provide a shot in the arm that will inspire his teammates, elevating their play in the process? Tom Brady did that in 2001 with his San Diego game. Matt Cassel needs to have one of those himself.
Regards,
Chris
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Comments
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Great thoughts.
First, I agree with the Brady analysis. Although I'd really liked Brady at training camp that 2nd (2001) summer in Smithfield, at best against the Colts, he avoided mistakes. The Phins debacle (2001) was another true team effort. I was AT the SD game. A big Flutie fan, I was of course rooting for the Patriots and Brady whom I really liked from pre-season. In that win, he showed the very qualities that would be his hallmark for seasons to come in the comeback and the OT win. I never wanted to see Bledsoe at QB again after that. You feel the Pats can make the playoffs while I'm a 'Chicken Little' who doubts that Cassel and this mysteriously disfunctional squad can get there vs Buffalo. I see us going 9-7 at best. Love to be proven a pessimist. I'm enjoying the unexpected season where we, right now at least, haven't got a clue as to what will happen vs the next opponents. Interesting. -phil |
 
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Recent Blog Entries by chris_in_sunnyvale
- The Anti-2003 Patriots (11-14-2008)
- In Search Of Matt Cassel's "San Diego Game" (09-08-2008)
