Matt Cassel Q&A, 11/6
Posted on November 6, 2008
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Matt Cassel made his weekly appearance with the media hordes today down in Foxborough, and he touched on a variety of topics, including the Buffalo defense, his own development as a quarterback and what he was thinking when he was lined up wide in New England’s wildcat offense against the Colts Sunday night. (One caveat — I missed the first question of the press conference. We’ll post that later this afternoon.)
- On doing a good job last week getting rid of the ball and avoiding sacks against the Colts… That was just part of the game plan — we knew that they had a good rush last week and so, part of the game plan was to go out and get the ball out quick and go through your reads, and if you don’t have anything downfield, was to get the ball to the backs. We were able to do a good job last week, and whatever the game plan calls for, that’s what we try to accomplish. We were able to execute that well last week.
- Any comfort in not having to face Aaron Schobel? He’s a great player. We have a lot of respect for him around here. He’s played well against us throughout the years. Unfortunately for him, he’s got an injury right now. Everybody wishes, I’m sure, for their sake that he was healthy. No one likes to see someone not play because of injury. But we have a lot of respect for him.
- How good is this Buffalo team? They’re a very good team. They play well on defense. They run around. They give you a lot of different looks. Offensively, they play well. They have a lot of great skill players. They have some good running backs. We’ve got our work cut out for us. We have to have a good week of practice and be ready to go come Sunday.
- Are you pleased with how the offense has progressed and evolved since you first took over? I’m happy to see that were having some production on offense. I think we’re still … we have a lot of work to do. But I do think that we’re growing as an offense. I think the guys are stepping up and making some pretty big plays, and we’re going to have to continue to do that if we’re going to be successful these next eight games.
- How much does it help having the offensive line back and intact? They’re doing a great job. They continue to push themselves each and every week. They did a great job last week, and hopefully, we can maintain throughout the rest of the year.
- On the most surprising thing for him through the first eight games… Surprising? It’s hard to say. Every week, there’s a new challenge that comes about. For me, obviously, from week one to week eight, it’s a much different challenge. Week two and three, you are trying to gather yourself and understand what your role is and grow into that leadership role. And now, it’s more, we’ve kind of defined that aspect and we’re moving forward as an offense and trying to get better each and every week. Every week, there’s new challenges. Now that I know what my role is and how to approach it week in and week out, now, we can work on other things.
- On playing a division game… It’s a huge game for us. We are fighting for first place here. I’m sure it’ll be a great atmosphere, and we’re all looking forward to it. We’ll be up for the challenge.
- On the rhythm in the running game with BenJarvus and Kevin… Those guys have done a great job. They’ve stepped up and they’ve fulfilled that role. We’ve had some injuries, but they continue to step up and they continue to run the ball hard, and that’s what we’re going to need.
- On whether or not he’s done anything with Wes Welker to build the chemistry… Not really. I just tell him to get open and throw him the ball [laughter]. He does a great job and he continues to work hard. He’s a guy who’s definitely a reliable guy in his work ethic. It actually shows up on Sunday. We just have to continue to do that, and when he’s open, throw him the ball.
- On whether or not he’d be interest in catching passes out of the wildcat offense… Whatever they say, you know? [laughter] It’s up to Josh and Bill when it comes down to that. I don’t design the plays — I just try to go out there and execute them.
- What was your thought when you were lined up wide? Throw me the ball, right? I was waving my hand, hoping they were going to get me the rock [laughter]. No … that was the formation and that’s what the play called for.
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