Grizzafted
Rotational Player and Threatening Starter's Job
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2006
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http://www.nfl.com/players/tombrady/gamelogs?id=BRA371156&season=2001
Yes, Matt Cassel is no Tom Brady.
But let's look at the team right now, from the perspective of what we need out of him. I think this is a better defense than 2001, definitely at least no worse. Much better backs and wideouts. And obviously the coaching is the same.
So what would we need from Cassel to win a super bowl?
Look at the numbers. They're not much to look at. Average of 1-2 passing touchdowns a game, a few stinkers, but most importantly, very few mistakes. I saw things out of him yesterday that looked good; a few passing downs where he didn't see anything, and instead of throwing into coverage he took off and made a few plays with his legs.
Yeah, obviously there are going to be some 4th quarter drives where he'll have to come up big, and we can't tell how he's going to react, but if he can be competent with managing the ball, not throw stupid interceptions, and get into the end zone twice a game, this is still a playoff team. Potentially a conference winner.
Brady wasn't Brady for a few years... And I hesitate to say this, but running the shotgun 70% of the time didn't win us any Super Bowls. Defense and game management did. I'm hoping Cassel can do that for us; what's important to remember is that he doesn't need to be Tom Brady, he just needs to be an above-average guy who doesn't make mistakes.
Here's to the 2008 Patriots. You will take the AFC East from their cold, dead hands.
Yes, Matt Cassel is no Tom Brady.
But let's look at the team right now, from the perspective of what we need out of him. I think this is a better defense than 2001, definitely at least no worse. Much better backs and wideouts. And obviously the coaching is the same.
So what would we need from Cassel to win a super bowl?
Look at the numbers. They're not much to look at. Average of 1-2 passing touchdowns a game, a few stinkers, but most importantly, very few mistakes. I saw things out of him yesterday that looked good; a few passing downs where he didn't see anything, and instead of throwing into coverage he took off and made a few plays with his legs.
Yeah, obviously there are going to be some 4th quarter drives where he'll have to come up big, and we can't tell how he's going to react, but if he can be competent with managing the ball, not throw stupid interceptions, and get into the end zone twice a game, this is still a playoff team. Potentially a conference winner.
Brady wasn't Brady for a few years... And I hesitate to say this, but running the shotgun 70% of the time didn't win us any Super Bowls. Defense and game management did. I'm hoping Cassel can do that for us; what's important to remember is that he doesn't need to be Tom Brady, he just needs to be an above-average guy who doesn't make mistakes.
Here's to the 2008 Patriots. You will take the AFC East from their cold, dead hands.
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