Cassel had played QB in the preseason and at practice for years, he knew the system and had enough talent to be drafted despite being a backup in college, so do not exaggerate this portrayal that Cassel picked up a football for the first time in 9 years in week 1 of 2008, because that is a load of crap. Cassell was throwing to one of the greatest outside receivers of all time and the greatest slot receiver of all time, he had a terrific season and as he proved in 2010 he is capable of being a very good QB without Belichick parting the red sea on the sidelines. In addition only 3 of the wins came against a team with a winning record. For me it is not so clear that Belichick is the most important piece, not even close to clear, as far as agenda goes that is paranoid and baseless, if anyone has an agenda it is you and that is to allow yourself to believe that the team will continue to dominate even without Brady.