Culpepper was himself, just like today - that shadow is what he is and it has nothing to do with his knees... Griese was an inconsistent JAG, never in Brady's league, not that Culpepper was either... Palmer came back in 9 months and was fine, ditto Rivers and he's doing pretty well.
It never ceases to amaze me how many of you still don't get that. Being smart has everything to do with it here. That's why Brady isn't rehabbing in a parking lot, why he has 3 rings and 2 SB MVP's and a league MVP long overdue and he was a first ballot lock for the HOF at 30.
Bill isn't going to spend $14M+ on QB insurance. He develops backups for that. Any more than he's going to tag Cassel again in 2009 - for $17.5M - to flip him after sitting on the bench for a year, so he'd walk then as an UFA and an enormous waste of cap. Up to now he's represented tremendous value, and value is Bill's mantra. His value can increase as a tag and trade, it plumets as a $14M backup.
It soars as a sometimes starter in 2009 especially in the first half of a SB season, too. The Pat stand to be 11-5 or so in 2008 despite not having an adequate backup QB for a third, to half a season, as Cassel learned to be a QB.
This year BB decided to rebuild the Defense in a big way, and that hurts this year's team too. Next year, the bumper crop of rookies of this season will be better for the experience. Meanwhiel despite the inexpereince they are STILL in the top dozen Teams in the League in Defense, which bodes well for the future. They will be supported by another bumper draft class and will be augmented by the luxury of having two starting caliber QBs even if one is still recovering from a severe knee injury, early.
Yes its nice that Brady is smart. He smartly sought out one of the premier knee surgeons in the country to perform his operation. It still did NOT prevent two infections that require re-surgery, and that set back his recovery. Yes he is smart and determined and undertaking a measured controlled recovery, but that still does not guarantee a recovery in time for the beginning of the 2009 season.
The doctors predict 18 months as the typical full recovery cycle from a surgery of this sort. Being smart tries to accelerate it; but being smart also does not mean jeopardizing future full recovery by attempting too much, too soon. Let us say being smart enhances his recovery to 15 months from 18. Who plays QB in September, October, and November 2009?
The Patriots have a very good chance of being a favorite and competing in the Superbowl for the 2009 season, and beyond. That is why BB/SP husband the cap in the first place, so they can USE it when needed, and I can't think of a greater need in 2009, then a good backup for a severely injured vet, who is returning from injury,ansd may not be and likely won't be ready early in the season.
Certainly, BB develops backup QBs. He has done a fine job developing backup MC; and unless you didn't look, he needs a backup in 2009, with all the uncertainty. BB doesn't have one other than MC. Then there is always the possibility of further injury at this most important position.
In 2010 KO'C will have two years of experience and may be ready to assume the role of backup, but likely not in 2009. Not every BB/SP pick pans out. Succeeding with Brady and Cassel is a pretty high batting average, but don't forget there was a Rohan Davey fromthe mid-rounds there in the mix too. Who is to say that KO'C is a keeper, yet?
In 2010, the Pats have a lot of big names to sign, so they can't afford the luxury of paying two good QBs. I acknowledge that, but they DO have the CAP room, and the need, in 2009.
Let me pose an alternative question. What should the Patriots do with the extra 10-14 million in cap for 2009? Name me an available FA or two that can improve the Pats more than having a good starting caliber backup QB? Everyone they add is merely a good backup or improvement on an at least adequate present player.
Don't forget I assume they will draft a S, CB, an ILB, and OLB, and an OL lineman high up before the end of the third round this offseason. The only possible position that I see is a star OLB pass rusher, namely WHO is available?
