One can either sit back and ignore opinions or comment on them. I have ignored most threads. Certainly we can all wonder about each of our players who hasn't played much and review their college game film and scouting information to glean information. My points were and are:
1) The patriots believe the O'Connell was worth a third rounder, a very high investment for a patriot backup quarterback.
2) Scouting services had high praise for his abilities.
3) The coaches have watched him play in hundreds of practices, have viewed all his college film, combines, pro-date info and have the analysis of a private scouting service not shared with other teams.
4) The team determined that he was the #2 QB for 15 games of the 2008 season.
5) I suppose I can wonder how good he is and can discuss whether he is the #3 or #4 or #5 QB picked in last year's draft with absolutely no information. I choose not to.
6) I often disagree with decisions of the team, less often than many here but often enough. Personally, I wouldn't be in the current situation. I would have already signed a veteran in perseason or after game 1. He would be well prepared at this point to be the #2 for the 2009 season, or certainly able to compete with O'Connell for th #2 position.
7) And my further judgement on O'Connell will come after two pieces of information. First, I will see whether the patriots sign a veteran. If not, then I will know that O'Connell has been judged good enough, yet again, to be our #2 QB. And then, perhaps, but hopefully never, I will see how he performs in season game action.
Anyone is free to discuss anything about the quarterback situation they wish. They can suggest keeping Cassel on the roster at $14M a year as a backup because O'Connell isn't ready. Poster can insist on at least a 2009 first for Cassel and draft a sure pro-bowl pass-rusher with that pick. Everyone has their fantasies. Freedom of expression, no matter how misguided, is a freedom we respect here. However, ignorance and misguided analysis, free of criticism, is rarely tolerated for long.
The thread asked for anyone with any insights, video, or articles that can shed some more light on a player who even now, is a complete unknown.
Nobody here said that fans can evaluate better than pros, and for you to presume that is condescending and childish. It must be fun for you to be on a fan discussion website and belittle anyone who wants to share opinions or links on players.