Reiss on Cassel and O'Connell
"I'm not sure how the Patriots truly view Cassel.
PWP: That is a fact. Mikey's not at all sure. Remember, infallible Reiss had predicted Cassel as a CUT and Gutz as a keeper. Those of us who listen to BB on football knew that Reiss was wrong. My surprise was when Gutz didn't even make the PS until after Tommy Boy went down.
At this time, after what I felt was a subpar performance Sunday, it's easy to pile on Cassel.
PWP: Another fact. Soon to be ignored.
But taking into account the big picture, if I had to guess, I'd say that the team was a bit concerned with what it saw in the preseason - but based on the three-year investment and the lack of other options -- hoped that it could get by with him for a stretch until O'Connell was ready to take over the No. 2 spot.
PWP: Opinion. I happen to agree. The operative issue is WHEN O'C would be ready. Not now, in my opinion and I'll wager not in BB's.
Then the disaster struck with Brady's injury in the opener. So as for the future, I do think O'Connell will eventually leapfrog Cassel, who I'm not sure can consistently throw the ball to the deep third of the field. I have been impressed with what I have seen from O'Connell. The way I view it, it's not a matter of if he passes Cassel, but more when."