- Joined
- Jan 22, 2005
- Messages
- 31,000
- Reaction score
- 15,555
Amazingly, he's rational:
Q: John, In light of the reports about Tom Brady undergoing more operations on his knee and possibly not being ready for the 2009 season, should the Patriots take a serious look at signing Jeff Garcia in the offseason?
Dominic in Calgary
A: They should seriously evaluate the backup quarterback market and see if there is an upgrade out there. I'm encouraged from what I'm seeing in Matt Cassel, though, and I am actually starting to believe he might be the guy to re-sign. First, I think Brady will be back. The infection medicine seems to be winning the battle in his knee. Even if he needs a second reconstruction surgery, I still believe he has enough time to get back for the 2009 regular season. Philip Rivers made it back from a February operation. If Brady has one in January, he can still be ready for the regular season.
Quarterbacks who aren't mobile can make the recovery in six months, particularly if they are hard workers like Brady. The drop-off from a good starting quarterback to a good backup is almost 10 points a game. Cassel is starting to look like a young Kyle Orton, and that's a positive. That said, if it looks like Brady won't be back by the 2009 regular season, I'd look for an upgrade at quarterback. The Patriots will have a tougher schedule in the years ahead.