I guess others DO consider holding a clip board "experience"
It is a learning experience. That is how guys like Carson Palmer and others learn how to play QB in hte NFL. WHen possible, it is the best plan for a rookie QB to sit out a year befoer starting. Why? Because he learns. You may not give it any value, but NFL head coaches do.
To restate, I don't think there's any substitute for real playing time against real competition in real game situations... Well, the BEST way IS to play, but that doesn't mean it is the only way to improve. Surely you must believe that going to meetings all year, standing on sidelines watching what you starting QB does in every situation, emulating the mechanics of other QBs and learning how they play while being the scout QB, surely you don't think that doing all this is no better than not doing anything. Of course a year in the system is a very good thing.
whether that's college or the pros, I'm having a tough time figuring out what experience Cassell has, in college or in the NFL, playing QB with the game on the line.
You're letting your personal dislike for Cassel blind you to the fact that EVERY QB who takes the field for the first time takes the field for the first time. Don't get so hung up on the thought that unless you are a successful starter you cannot play football. All successful starters palyed their first game at one time.
Of course we're off on a tangent here - Belichick felt Cassell's lack of experience in 2006 was enough to go into the season with just one backup QB. NO, Belichick felt that Cassel's EXPERIENCE AND ABILITY, not his lack of it, was enough to go into the season with just one backup. Belichick and you saw and see Cassel differently, that's all.
It seems clear that most people don't think he would do that with Guttierez, let alone O'Connell, who's four years of starting in college might be deemed to count for something. What most people think is irrleevant.
I'm not quite sure if the consensus is that Belichick took a foolhardy risk and has learned his lesson, but I think its possible he'd consider a similar move today. What most people think is irrleevant.
Frankly, I think the only thing that might stop him from doing that is the knowledge that O'Connell stands no chance of making the practice squad as a third round choice - and therefore he's going to go with three.
I'll be shocked if he carries four, but the consensus in this thread is that Cassell is the experienced QB who won't be cut. If BB signs a vet, Cassel will be cut.
