Metaphors
In the Starting Line-Up
- Joined
- Oct 10, 2005
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Locked Down Roster Spots
Starter: Brady
3rd/Developmental: O'Connell
Camp Battle
Cassel vs. Gutierrez vs. New Signing for Backup QB
Cassel is the incumbent and has the physical size/skills the Pats are looking for. Has shown glimpses of being an effective QB but more often has shown slow decision-making which has led to missed opportunities and negative plays.
Gutierrez also fits the Pats physical prototype for a QB. Not enough game action to really do much of an evaluation (to be fair, same for Cassel), but he seems to have a good feel for the pocket and the ability to get the ball out on time.
Don't see a veteran worth signing that would be available during training camp, so it seems like the Pats will stay in-house for the answer.
Metaphorically Speaking
Cassel has the "experience" but Gutierrez has the better timing (2 year bridge for O'Connell to get to #2). Hard to make an informed determination on whether Cassel has hit his ceiling or if Gutierrez's feel for the Pats passing game is real or just a fluke. This is a camp battle where every training camp and pre-season snap will be important.
Making the assumption that neither of them will outplay the other by such a degree that the roster decision is obvious, I'll give the spot to Gutierrez. The Pats offensive players will be effective enough to win most games as long as the QB doesn't take negative plays (sacks and interceptions). If Gutierrez can continue to show a steady hand, he should be able to captain the ship during a short-term Brady absence.
Roster to date:
1 - Brady
2 - Gutierrez
46 - O'Connell (gameday inactive)
RBs up next...
Starter: Brady
3rd/Developmental: O'Connell
Camp Battle
Cassel vs. Gutierrez vs. New Signing for Backup QB
Cassel is the incumbent and has the physical size/skills the Pats are looking for. Has shown glimpses of being an effective QB but more often has shown slow decision-making which has led to missed opportunities and negative plays.
Gutierrez also fits the Pats physical prototype for a QB. Not enough game action to really do much of an evaluation (to be fair, same for Cassel), but he seems to have a good feel for the pocket and the ability to get the ball out on time.
Don't see a veteran worth signing that would be available during training camp, so it seems like the Pats will stay in-house for the answer.
Metaphorically Speaking
Cassel has the "experience" but Gutierrez has the better timing (2 year bridge for O'Connell to get to #2). Hard to make an informed determination on whether Cassel has hit his ceiling or if Gutierrez's feel for the Pats passing game is real or just a fluke. This is a camp battle where every training camp and pre-season snap will be important.
Making the assumption that neither of them will outplay the other by such a degree that the roster decision is obvious, I'll give the spot to Gutierrez. The Pats offensive players will be effective enough to win most games as long as the QB doesn't take negative plays (sacks and interceptions). If Gutierrez can continue to show a steady hand, he should be able to captain the ship during a short-term Brady absence.
Roster to date:
1 - Brady
2 - Gutierrez
46 - O'Connell (gameday inactive)
RBs up next...