Let's put the backup QB issue on 'paper'

[Deus Irae]

The guys most often named have been available all off season and Bill showed no interest. Believe me, if he wanted one in camp he'd have gotten him here in time to learn half the playbook...

This is the part that causes me to question the acumen of the people screaming for a replacement quarterback. Even starting with the working assumption that Cassel is absolutely Godawful, wouldn't we then expect that the Patriots coaching staff would know this now that he's been with the team all this time? And, if they know this, wouldn't the most prepared front office in the NFL have brought in one or two QBs by now?

Cassel still being on the squad may not mean that the team wants him there moving forward, but it's got to mean that they prefer him over the currently available and reasonably signable options. Anyone who thinks otherwise should give Lawyer Milloy, Willie McGinest, et al. a phone call to ask about the touchy-feely side of this group.

 

[AzPatsFan]

You just have it in your little mind that Belichick is free of making mistakes and judgment - While I agree that he is the best coach in the league both in smarts and strategic plans vs. his opponents, he is far from being perfect and Casell on this roster is a waste and a mistake that everyone EXCEPT YOU realizes.

Maybe its crazy but maybe Cassel is that Patriot player type of guy from head to toe and is so likable by everyone that its hard for the team to let him go despite him sucking in just about any game he has been in,Thats the only logical explanation I can see because I dont think there is a fan in Patriots Nation EXCEPT YOU that can agree that Cassel does not have the talent for the pros

Show me what you have seen that makes us all wrong besides the fact that you think Belichick is perfect in who he signs and keeps?

Yes Belichick has an excellent track record of picking players who produce and has gone on to win 3 SBs but he also has had some losers who are now selling vacumn cleaners door to door.


Let me guess,You are the ONE that bought that Cassel jersey on sale at Patriots proshop because I saw they finally sold the one they had just last week after being in inventory for 3 years - I knew it was going to sell quickly for $1.99 - congratulations - What a deal,wear it proudly!

EXCEPT HIM and EXCEPT ME! (and except Belichick too). I actually like what Cassel has been doing. He is acting like a pro, not complaining and executing the Offense, as designed, Meanwhile experimenting as the Coaches ordered, even if it makes him look bad. I think we would win 9-12 games with him at QB, and by playoff time Cassel would be a dangerous QB, to underestimate.

 

[RayClay]

This is the part that causes me to question the acumen of the people screaming for a replacement quarterback. Even starting with the working assumption that Cassel is absolutely Godawful, wouldn't we then expect that the Patriots coaching staff would know this now that he's been with the team all this time? And, if they know this, wouldn't the most prepared front office in the NFL have brought in one or two QBs by now?

Cassel still being on the squad may not mean that the team wants him there moving forward, but it's got to mean that they prefer him over the currently available and reasonably signable options. Anyone who thinks otherwise should give Lawyer Milloy, Willie McGinest, et al. a phone call to ask about the touchy-feely side of this group.

I imagine they expected and saw some progress. Remember, we're talking about a guy that hardly took a snap in college. With low expectations there's little pressure.

Come your fourth year, inexperienced or not you need to show something. Plus Brady's hurt. I'm sure they hoped and planned he would take charge, but if he has nailed the QB of the future job, you can't tell by the fact two more young QBs have been obtained.

Maybe he'll be the backup this year. I just don't feel he shows confidence and I don't feel confident if we needed him. I've got the right to my impression and opinion. Also, I know their isn't crap out there.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

This is the part that causes me to question the acumen of the people screaming for a replacement quarterback. Even starting with the working assumption that Cassel is absolutely Godawful, wouldn't we then expect that the Patriots coaching staff would know this now that he's been with the team all this time? And, if they know this, wouldn't the most prepared front office in the NFL have brought in one or two QBs by now?

Cassel still being on the squad may not mean that the team wants him there moving forward, but it's got to mean that they prefer him over the currently available and reasonably signable options. Anyone who thinks otherwise should give Lawyer Milloy, Willie McGinest, et al. a phone call to ask about the touchy-feely side of this group.

Rationality throws such cold water on a thread topic

 

[Brady to Brown]

I imagine they expected and saw some progress. Remember, we're talking about a guy that hardly took a snap in college. With low expectations there's little pressure.

Come your fourth year, inexperienced or not you need to show something. Plus Brady's hurt. I'm sure they hoped and planned he would take charge, but if he has nailed the QB of the future job, you can't tell by the fact two more young QBs have been obtained.

Maybe he'll be the backup this year. I just don't feel he shows confidence and I don't feel confident if we needed him. I've got the right to my impression and opinion. Also, I know their isn't crap out there.

Everyone has the right to their opinion.

There may be 5 or 10 people that know if Cassel will be cut soon.

Everyone else has an opinion.

Personally I would like to see more of Cassel prior to letting Mangini have him. But thats just my opinion.

 

[Raffy15]

Part 1

Name the top 5 teams in the NFL.

1. Pats
2. Indy
3. San Diego
4. Giants
5. Cowboys


Part 2

Of the top 5 teams, name those that would win 10+ games without their starting QB:

None.

Part 3

After the top 5 teams, how much further do you need to go before you find a team that would be expected to win 10 games with its backup quarterback?

None.

 

[Deus Irae]

I imagine they expected and saw some progress. Remember, we're talking about a guy that hardly took a snap in college. With low expectations there's little pressure.

Come your fourth year, inexperienced or not you need to show something. Plus Brady's hurt. I'm sure they hoped and planned he would take charge, but if he has nailed the QB of the future job, you can't tell by the fact two more young QBs have been obtained.

Maybe he'll be the backup this year. I just don't feel he shows confidence and I don't feel confident if we needed him. I've got the right to my impression and opinion. Also, I know their isn't crap out there.

Ok, let me break down my take on the 2-4 slots, based solely upon my personal observations so that BB can prove I'm completely wrong when it comes to the cutdowns:

1.) Cassel is better than Gut, right now
2.) Gut is better than O'Connell, right now
3.) O'Connell won't be ready to be the #2 this year

PLUS

1.) Cassel is in the last year of his deal which means that
2.) He can either be re-upped next year or just allowed to walk, and
3.) If O'Connell is ready next season, there's nobody with any sort of contract status stopping him from taking over the #2 spot.

AND

1.) All this could change in a heartbeat if the 'right' quarterback were to hit the market.

Now, that's how I look at the position right now, and that's why I expect Cassel to survive the cuts, O'Connell to be #3, and Gut to be either relegated to the P.S. or just cut loose completely. I realize that this flies in the face of some of the "they really like Gut" reports and I don't presume to be making this call on anything more than my interpretation of very limited circumstantial evidence, but reporters get Patriots information wrong more often than meteorologists get the weather wrong.

None of this means that I think Cassel is another Brady-in-waiting, or even a Kelly Holcomb. I just see the team not signing any other quarterback to this point and conclude that they feel it's better to go with the devil they know.

 

[RayClay]

Ok, let me break down my take on the 2-4 slots, based solely upon my personal observations so that BB can prove I'm completely wrong when it comes to the cutdowns:

1.) Cassel is better than Gut, right now
2.) Gut is better than O'Connell, right now
3.) O'Connell won't be ready to be the #2 this year

PLUS

1.) Cassel is in the last year of his deal which means that
2.) He can either be re-upped next year or just allowed to walk, and
3.) If O'Connell is ready next season, there's nobody with any sort of contract status stopping him from taking over the #2 spot.

AND

1.) All this could change in a heartbeat if the 'right' quarterback were to hit the market.

Now, that's how I look at the position right now, and that's why I expect Cassel to survive the cuts, O'Connell to be #3, and Gut to be either relegated to the P.S. or just cut loose completely. I realize that this flies in the face of some of the "they really like Gut" reports and I don't presume to be making this call on anything more than my interpretation of very limited circumstantial evidence, but reporters get Patriots information wrong more often than meteorologists get the weather wrong.

None of this means that I think Cassel is another Brady-in-waiting, or even a Kelly Holcomb. I just see the team not signing any other quarterback to this point and conclude that they feel it's better to go with the devil they know.

We don't disagree much. I do think there are QBs who could back up for a year or so if Gutz isn't ready. No way is O'Connel ready, he's a bit of a project IMO.

I would be happy to be totally wrong, because who needs a problem with somebody not likely to play but, I just don't see the desire and command with this guy and that's scary only if needed, of course.

I'd be happy if he slaps on some after shave and goes out there with a determined look on his face, is all.

 

[RayClay]

Everyone has the right to their opinion.

There may be 5 or 10 people that know if Cassel will be cut soon.

Everyone else has an opinion.

Personally I would like to see more of Cassel prior to letting Mangini have him. But thats just my opinion.

My opinion is only based on his demeanor. Didn't mean to get in to a great big thing. Hope he comes out aggressive as that's my only real problem with what I've seen.

 

[NormZauchin]

Part 1

Name the top 5 teams in the NFL.

1. Pats
2. Indy
3. San Diego
4. Giants
5. Cowboys


Part 2

Of the top 5 teams, name those that would win 10+ games without their starting QB:

None.

Part 3

After the top 5 teams, how much further do you need to go before you find a team that would be expected to win 10 games with its backup quarterback?

None.

I hate to be repetitive, because I mentioned Todd Collins in a previous post, but here goes.
Todd Collins led the Redskins to four straight victories and a playoff berth last year after Campbell went down. He's a classic dropback QB who manages the game and plays within his abilities. At the end of the season, he was a free agent. He has been a career backup, so he wasn't asking for the moon. And besides, he's a local boy who flew home to Boston during the win streak to be with his wife as she was giving birth. With Gibbs gone and a new offense being installed, he was looking for a change. According to his agent, only Jacksonville showed any interest. The Patriots could have had him for a song. But Bill would rather go with a backup quarterback whom he wouldn't trust with a three touchdown lead against the weakest team in the league, a backup quarterback who has never won a game at the professional or collegiate level, rather than make an effort to sign Collins. Yup, makes a lot of sense to me.