FOXBORO, MA - The regular season is finally here, and as the Patriots get set to prepare for the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday, one question still remains.
Will Tom Brady finally see action?
Considering the fact that Brady missed the first four preseason games, there has certainly been some cause for concern since this is the first time since taking over the starting role for New England that Brady hasn't played a down of preseason football. However, the thought of Brady missing a start (which hasn't happened since he replaced Drew Bledsoe in 2001) would be pretty hard to imagine. But as of Monday both head coach Bill Belichick and Brady remained cryptic as to the quarterback's status.
"If it is up to me, there is no question," Brady told reporters during his press conference on Monday. "But those questions aren't always up to me. I am always hoping that I am going to be out there and preparing the same way."
"I think I have been getting progressively better over the last couple of weeks. I am excited, excited to start the year."
Belichick also didn't elaborate any further, other than telling reporters that "We will give you the injury report on Friday," and "We will give you the practice report after we practice.".
Should Brady fail to be ready for action on Sunday that would mean that Matt Cassel would be the likely candidate to start the team's home opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. Cassel, who didn't exactly impress during the preseason, would be making his first NFL start and would be doing so in front of a home crowd that wasn't exactly impressed with what they saw during four exhibition starts. Despite playing with the first team offense in each game, Cassel managed to lead New England to just two field goals and no touchdowns, finishing 19-of-34 for 165 yards and one interception with a QB rating of 56.6.
But the question now would be, can he turn it on when it matters? That's also a question many have about Brady who hasn't even seen the field yet.
For now Brady says that missing the preseason isn't a big deal and he isn't concerned. Needless to say if all goes well, fans will see him when the Patriots kickoff the 2008 season on Sunday.
"You can't replicate the speed of [playing in an actual game]," said Brady. "I think the fortunate thing for me is that I have played in about 130 games. So I know that speed and my body knows that speed."
"I have played in a lot of those games to know what that speed is and hopefully I am prepared for it."
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