The argument to keep only two quarterbacks....

[MoLewisrocks]

The general attitude seems to be that if Brady breaks a leg, we're done for the season. The second attitude seems to be that it is OK for Brady to play hurt as he has in the past. If this is our attitude, then we don't need a veteran.

On the other hand, some of think that we have a team, not just Brady and his offense (I think there is another club that has that situation). Many teams in the past have been able to overcome not having the league's premier QB out for a few games. So, for me, I'd rather have the veteran. A veteran works with the scout team, with the coaches, can call in plays, and if necessary run the team for a few weeks. I did feel better when we had Huard! And a #3 QB does NOT take up a Game Day roster spot, just one of the 53. An inactive deelopmental LB or DE could be placed on the PS instead of on the inactive squad each week.

That developmental player would then have to clear waivers every week before he could be put on the PC so any team could pick them up for their PC. You only felt better about Huard because he never got to play and he had a name that was a bit overhyped because he started briefly in Miami. Damon hasn't thrown a pass in game situations now in years.

There is just nobody on the market this season who made any real sense. Perhaps a better #3 option than Bramlet Mortenson will surface when the final cuts are made. Rohan would make the most sense as he knows the system, but woul that make anyone here feel better???? Rattay only sounds good because he was mentioned in Patriot Reign, he's done nothing in the league. Vinnie knew the JETS system - he has no working knowledge of ours beyond some familiarity with BB when he was a DC - and that did them no good last season when Noodle and Fiedler went out within minutes of each other.

If Brady is lost for any length of time (particularly late) this team has an icebergs chance in hell of going anywhere beyond briefly in and out of the playoffs. Unless Cassel steps up. Just like Brady did in 2001. It is what it is. How well the backup runs this system is what matters, not how recognizable his name is because he's kicked around the league for several seasons and won a few games once somewhere else.

 

[Willie55]

Keeping two QB's allows the Pats to keep two kickers, Gramatica for FG and Gost as the kick-off specialist. That in turn allows Gost to mature for a year or two.

 

[gomezcat]

I'll probably get crucified for this, but I agree with your point on one premise. If Tom Brady goes down for an extended period of time, the team isn't going anywhere anyway. So why waste a spot?

Well said. I can only think of one example of a team going on to win the SB with a backup and it was Brady, who was something of a fluke. BTW, does anyone know of any other backups that have done the same?

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Well said. I can only think of one example of a team going on to win the SB with a backup and it was Brady, who was something of a fluke. BTW, does anyone know of any other backups that have done the same?

I believe the old Baltimore Colts did it and many backups have carried their teams to the playoffs. Frankly, having Brady get the team into the playoffs in 01 was sweet, that the team hitched up their britches and won the SB was a bonus. Cassel has as good a chance to advance to the playoffs as the "hood ornament" did in 04. After that it's game planning and not making mistakes - and Rodney's on our side.

 

[Seymour93]

Keeping two QB's allows the Pats to keep two kickers, Gramatica for FG and Gost as the kick-off specialist. That in turn allows Gost to mature for a year or two.

That's what I was going to post. It's more productive to have Martin Gramatica on your roster than, say, Corey Bramlett.