Two Quarterback Roster

[NormZauchin]

Cassell deserves more snaps in the preseason before any final judgement is made, but if he continues to disappoint, the following scenario might make sense. At the end of training camp cut Cassell (he's not going to be of any trade value) and cut Guttierrez (assuming continued lackluster performance). Place Guttierrez on the practice squad, assuming the othe 31 clubs pass on him. Keep O'Connell as Brady's backup and as the primary developmental QB. Have Vinnie on speed dial should the unthinkable happen to number 12. The Patriots under Belichick have kept only two quarterbacks at least once.

Advantages: clears a one roster space for an additional running back, rookie linebacker, or tight end. Gives O'Connell more snaps in practice and speeds his understanding of the offense.

Disadvantages: Vinnie is mighty old, and even though he knows the offense, during the season he would be coming in completely cold. There are probably better veteran backup QBs than Vinnie out there, who if they were brought in during training camp and given time to learn the offense, would give the Pats a better chance of victory in a replacement role.

 

[BelichickFan]

I don't think there's a chance it happens but I proposed this a couple of weeks ago. It is my opinion that we're screwed equally with Cassel, Gutierrez or O'Connell if Brady gets hurt so I would just keep O'Connell and save the roster spot. There's a small chance Guttierrez clears waives and can go to our PS but, regardless, I'd do it. Is Cassel or Gutierrez gonna win a big game for us ?

 

[cstjohn17]

I don't think there's a chance it happens but I proposed this a couple of weeks ago. It is my opinion that we're screwed equally with Cassel, Gutierrez or O'Connell if Brady gets hurt so I would just keep O'Connell and save the roster spot. There's a small chance Guttierrez clears waives and can go to our PS but, regardless, I'd do it. Is Cassel or Gutierrez gonna win a big game for us ?

I am ok with this line of thinking, I think Gutierez will clear waivers. There should be a list of crappy scrap heap players that could be either sighed to the PS or signed in an emergency.

 

[363839]

Sounds good to me, too.
Now let's go bring it to Bill.

 

[Jimke]

I am ok with this line of thinking, I think Gutierez will clear waivers. There should be a list of crappy scrap heap players that could be either sighed to the PS or signed in an emergency.

I don't know if Gutierrez would clear Atlanta. Their GM likes Gutierrez.

 

[cstjohn17]

I don't know if Gutierrez would clear Atlanta. Their GM likes Gutierrez.

Well if that is the case he can have him, he seems like a decent guy but is just average in almost every category.

I think Joey Harrington & Chris Redman are better than Gutz.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_National_Football_League_team_rosters#Atlanta_Falcons

I think Griese is in some danger in Tampa Bay, I wonder if he gets along with Tom Brady.

 

[Pats726]

I don't think the Pats would do that...no backup?? They did start the season like that in 06...but it lasted for basically half the season and then VinnieT came in. I do not think it's likely to happen. If anything they may get rid of 2 QBs and bring in a vet. So..if Brady goes down you wish the team to basically tank the season?? I think that is what one is saying by this scenario..save a roster spot and hope Brady isn't huty. Doesn't make much sense really. Oh...and I believe VinnieT has retured..so you may have him on speed dial..but he really will not help. I am surprised you didn't say Flutie...

 

[BelichickFan]

I don't think the Pats would do that...no backup??

O'Connell would be the backup.

 

[jbb9s]

I like this but not with Vinny on speed dial. Let the kid play in the worst case scenario. I want to some young blood out there. With Welker underneath and Moss deep stretching the safeties and a healthy Dave Thomas/Ben Watson and the trio RBs pounding plus Kevin Faulk out of the backfield, I think I could throw a few tocuhes here and there in the case that Tommy is snuggled up next to Giselle with a busted ankle on Sundays.

 

[TomBrady'sGoat]

Yes if Brady goes down for the year the Pats are done, and whoever is the backup doesn't matter.

But what if Brady gets hurt during a game and just misses the rest of the game, like the playoff game in Pitt in '02? What if Brady gets hurt and misses some games in the middle of the year? You need a replacement that gives you a chance to win games.

That's way too much to expect from a rookie. Even if you "shadow roster" Vinnie he would be useless in my first scenario, and can't be reasonably expected to just step in at a moment's notice. You need to have a backup on the roster practicing with the team.

Two QBs is reasonable if you have a backup and no developmental guy. It would be silly if your #2 was a developmental guy.

O'Connell guarantees NE will be carrying three QBs.

 

[DaBruinz]

Cassell deserves more snaps in the preseason before any final judgement is made, but if he continues to disappoint, the following scenario might make sense. At the end of training camp cut Cassell (he's not going to be of any trade value) and cut Guttierrez (assuming continued lackluster performance). Place Guttierrez on the practice squad, assuming the othe 31 clubs pass on him. Keep O'Connell as Brady's backup and as the primary developmental QB. Have Vinnie on speed dial should the unthinkable happen to number 12. The Patriots under Belichick have kept only two quarterbacks at least once.

Advantages: clears a one roster space for an additional running back, rookie linebacker, or tight end. Gives O'Connell more snaps in practice and speeds his understanding of the offense.

Disadvantages: Vinnie is mighty old, and even though he knows the offense, during the season he would be coming in completely cold. There are probably better veteran backup QBs than Vinnie out there, who if they were brought in during training camp and given time to learn the offense, would give the Pats a better chance of victory in a replacement role.

Vinny retired. It would be a long process to get him re-activated.

Also, Gutierrez wouldn't make it to the practice squad. Atlanta would take him off waivers. Remember it was Dimitroff who helped get Gutierrez signed after the draft last year.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

After the Ravens game, I'm still carrying four QBs on my regular season roster. Call me superstitious, but the last time worked out.

 

[PatriotNMP43]

BB has always kept at least 3 QB's and one season 4 QB's.

1. Brady
2. O'Connell
3. A vet to be picked up later

Cassel and Goots are gone IMO. My early prediction.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

Did any of you watch Vinny play in Carolina - or have you just blocked it out...

Tom Brady is on record saying Tom Brady could not have been effective in his rookie season. And with nowhere as developed an offense. Kevin O'Connell is no Tom Brady...

As bad as the off season is, the first week of pre season is even worse...

 

[Fencer]

No way. If Brady sprains an ankle mid-game with a lead, you need somebody who will preserve at least three points of it.

And by the way, if you don't have a backup QB you trust even that much, Brady may wind up taking a few snaps he shouldn't and getting hurt even worse.

 

[Pats726]

BB has always kept at least 3 QB's and one season 4 QB's.

1. Brady
2. O'Connell
3. A vet to be picked up later

Cassel and Goots are gone IMO. My early prediction.

Not always...there was half a season in 06 with 2 QBs before Vinnie.. It's a very possible scenario

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Cassel: Will have 3 more games to develop a lock on the #2 QB, the backup position

Gutz: Bad time to get injured, missing a golden opportunity this Sunday to challenge for the #2

O'Connell: Developmental. Would have to show no potential or bad attitude to get cut.

I see the Pats keeping the rook as developmental talent and then keeping ONE of Cassel and Gutierrez. Unless Cassel continues playing poorly, I think he'll stay as the #2 and Gutz gets cut. Missing this next game is not good for Gutz's outlook.

The chance that BB picks up a vet is small. Why? Because said vet (1) has NO TIME to learn the Patriots system, having missed camp here. (2) BB looks for special attributes in a QB. His requirements disqualify name vets like Culpepper and others like him who are not adaptable to runing a fast reacting, cerebral, sight adjusted system. Fans 'saying' we need a vet backup simply ignore the reality that such a qualified person was not available this year.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

After the Ravens game, I'm still carrying four QBs on my regular season roster. Call me superstitious, but the last time worked out.

You're superstitious.
This year there is too much young talent in camp to cut a LB, ST player, or whatever to keep 4 QBs.

 

[spacecrime]

Vinny retired. It would be a long process to get him re-activated.

He only has to apply for re-instatement. A couple days. Send the fax to Goodell on Sunday night, be at Pats practice on Wednesday.

 

[dryheat44]

What have we seen so far out of O'Connell to say that he's a better prospect than Gutierrez? I think Matt's chances of becoming a quality NFL quarterback are at least as good as O'C's, so why the movement to cashier him? And if Brady were to get hurt, I'd want Cassel under center before either of them. We've got enough talent on this offense that really all we need is someone who can function within the system and not lose games. I'd feel more nervous bringing in an outsider who is bad enough to be available, and have him not understanding the offense, terminology, etc. Really? There are people here who would prefer Testaverde to Cassel if Brady were to (God forbid) go down for the year? So we can keep a guy like LeKevin Smith or Ron Ventrone on the roster instead? Someone will get caught in the numbers crunch, if nobody gets hurt. One of Cassel or Gutes. I'd hate to hazard a guess which one without the benefit of seeing them practice day in and day out. The other option is to guarantee O'C's salary 100% and put him on the practice squad for the year. He's a third round rookie. Do you think he'd rather go elsewhere and be a third string QB, or get to watch Brady every day and develop in the best organization in football?

Honestly, this makes as much sense as cutting Pierre Woods because we drafted Shawn Crable this year.