Cassel's mobility and the OL woes

[fnordcircle]

First off I'm not entirely sold on the idea that this team has protection issues on the line. They had a bad game in the superbowl but until I see a trend I'm not going to announce it. There were TONS of pundits and fans trying to attribute the lion's share of the passing game's success to the OL's fantastic protection last year. Plus if there is a problem I trust Dante to be able to sort it out.

Anyways regardless of OL protection issues we can expect that teams are going to test us by rushing Cassel a lot and I haven't seen Cassel's mobility brought up a lot. He's really good scrambling with the ball as he showed yesterday and I wouldn't be surprised if he has upwards of 400 or so yards with the ball by the time the season is over. That could be really key because it will force teams to have to consider his ability to run with the ball FAR more than they had to with Tom in there.

Doubtless Tom is the better passer and what we're going to miss more than anything is Tom's pocket awareness but Cassel's mobility is going to go a long way towards helping some of that.

 

[BelichickFan]

Re: Cassel's mobility and the OL woes.

As long as he gets down like he did yesterday, he will help a bit here. In past preseasons he's fumbled when hit due to not sliding fast enough; hopefully he's fixed that.

 

[ScottieC]

Re: Cassel's mobility and the OL woes.

As long as he gets down like he did yesterday, he will help a bit here. In past preseasons he's fumbled when hit due to not sliding fast enough; hopefully he's fixed that.

That and he needs to slide feet first. I know he's trying to prove he's a tough guy and all, but not going feet first is an invitation for O'Connell to start.

 

[Robdude]

Re: Cassel's mobility and the OL woes.

First off I'm not entirely sold on the idea that this team has protection issues on the line. They had a bad game in the superbowl but until I see a trend I'm not going to announce it. There were TONS of pundits and fans trying to attribute the lion's share of the passing game's success to the OL's fantastic protection last year. Plus if there is a problem I trust Dante to be able to sort it out.

Anyways regardless of OL protection issues we can expect that teams are going to test us by rushing Cassel a lot and I haven't seen Cassel's mobility brought up a lot. He's really good scrambling with the ball as he showed yesterday and I wouldn't be surprised if he has upwards of 400 or so yards with the ball by the time the season is over. That could be really key because it will force teams to have to consider his ability to run with the ball FAR more than they had to with Tom in there.

Doubtless Tom is the better passer and what we're going to miss more than anything is Tom's pocket awareness but Cassel's mobility is going to go a long way towards helping some of that.

Good points. I do expect the game plan to change some in acknowledgement of Cassel's ability to scramble and run. I think when their is a respectable QB behind Cassel (Simms?) we will see more designed plays where Cassel drops back and then takes off.

 

[GuyClinch]

Re: Cassel's mobility and the OL woes.

^^^ I think mobility is overrated. Rarely to guys scramble and avoid sacks - they scramble around THEN get sacked. It's more important to be able to make quick good decisons while be able to move a few STEPS in the pocket to avoid hits.

Eli, Peyton and Brady are not particularly mobile - and they are the best in the business right?

 

[PittPatriot]

Re: Cassel's mobility and the OL woes.

^^^ I think mobility is overrated. Rarely to guys scramble and avoid sacks - they scramble around THEN get sacked. It's more important to be able to make quick good decisons while be able to move a few STEPS in the pocket to avoid hits.

Eli, Peyton and Brady are not particularly mobile - and they are the best in the business right?

Partly true. There are some great QB's that used scrambling as a staple part of their threat from the pocket. It is demoralizing for a defense to collapse the pocket but have a guy spring for 5+yards gained.
Tom is the superior QB, but I like the idea of Cassel running a bootleg a scrambling to freedom at least once per game.

 

[NeilGraff]

Re: Cassel's mobility and the OL woes.

i think a combination of good footwork and decision making are the two skills that Brady excels in. Cassell needs to work on both. When the pocket collapses he seems to panic while Tom would use his agility to sidestep tacklers to buy himself more time. Also I noticed that Cassel seems afraid to step up in the pocket something Brady does so well. Perhaps he can learn this but for my money I liked the way O'Connell moved the team. He seemed to have a better aptitude for both skills.

 

[TheComeback]

Re: Cassel's mobility and the OL woes.

i think a combination of good footwork and decision making are the two skills that Brady excels in. Cassell needs to work on both. When the pocket collapses he seems to panic while Tom would use his agility to sidestep tacklers to buy himself more time. Also I noticed that Cassel seems afraid to step up in the pocket something Brady does so well. Perhaps he can learn this but for my money I liked the way O'Connell moved the team. He seemed to have a better aptitude for both skills.

I didn't see Cassel panic at all when the pocket broke down several times during the KC. Sure, his footwork isn't as good as Brady's, but what do you expect? Brady is one of the best QBs ever.

 

[JSn]

Re: Cassel's mobility and the OL woes.

I didn't see Cassel panic at all when the pocket broke down several times during the KC. Sure, his footwork isn't as good as Brady's, but what do you expect? Brady is one of the best QBs ever.

Brady's got a tad more live game experience too...