Who knows what to make of young Matt Cassell?
I admit I was a hater in pre-season, and couldn't believe they kept him.
But, as has happened so many times before, the coaches were right and I was wrong. Brady goes down in the first game and we need someone who knows the system and Cassell was our best opiton!
Honestly, I am rooting for the kid now and I have come around from stone cold to to lukewarm on him.
He has shown flashes of potential, and his teammates seem to have confidence in him. Those are good things.
Two things I would like to see him improve upon:
1) He tucks the ball and takes the sack too much. I realize he is trying not to throw a pick and being conservative and that's okay, but at least roll out and look down the field a little, Matt! Or dump off to Faulk or Welker for some positive yards, at least.
2) He seems confused when making reads, which ties into #1, also. I am sure this will improve as he gets more comfortable. Also, I have to remind myself that I have been spoiled by Brady, who has to be one of the best QBs I have ever seen at making reads and picking the right guy!
As far as his picks, the first pick was not his fault. The ball was deflected.
But that underthrown Moss pick was ALL MATT. He gets over the top of coverage on that, it's another 6. Moss almost broke his ankles breaking stride to try and come back and prevent the pick.
All that said, the kid is 3-1, so I can't really complain. I lay the Dolphin loss on the defense and not making adjustments to contain Ronnie Brown.
I feel like Cassell will develop as the season goes on. I am hoping so, anyway!
I am not ready to jump on the Cassell Fan Club or the Cassell Bust Wagon just yet! (The Maroney Bust Wagon, on the other hand, has just left the building!)
Cassell has a long way to go before he achieves the coveted "Earl Morrall / Jeff Hostetler / Frank Reich" status! (That would be backup QBs who stepped in for superstar starters and their clubs did not miss a beat!)
You can still count me a charter member of the Steve Grogan and Tom Brady fan clubs, though!