Why Matt Cassel Might Succeed as Quarterback of the New England Patriots

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A lot has been made of Tom Brady’s season-ending knee injury. And rightfully so. He’s arguably the best player in the National Football League and one of the best quarterbacks of all-time, even at just 31-years-old. But what about his backup, Matt Cassel, who has been thrust into the national spotlight to follow in the footsteps of last season’s league MVP? With rumors running rampant that the Pats would scour the free agent market for Tom’s replacement (heck, I suggested Daunte Culpepper), the team did nothing. They were happy with the QBs they had (Matt Cassel and rookie Kevin O’Connell). And they were happy with Matt as their starter for the remainder of the 2008 season. Matt met with the media this week for the first time since Tom’s injury and appeared calm, cool and collected, much like his mentor:

“Once you get to the field, it’s business as usual. It’s more the outside distractions, if you let them become distractions, they will become distractions. For me, it’s just go and play ball and … realize it’s a game, and it’s a fun game, and just go out there and enjoy it.”

Why should Matt Cassel succeed as the quarterback of the New England Patriots? He knows the offense. He knows the playbook. He’s been in the Pats system watching Tom Brady for four years. Some of that had to rub off. And he is surrounded by a great offensive line and talented playmakers. I’m not saying he’s the second coming of Tom Brady, but if he “stays within himself” and doesn’t try to be the second coming of Tom Brady, the Patriots will continue to have much success — probably double-digit wins. I can’t think of a better first test than a road game against Brett Favre and the upstart AFC East division rival N.Y. Jets tomorrow.

All this being said, I think the Patriots are taking quite a risk by not having a veteran backup for Matt. They are but one play away from putting a rookie out of San Diego State in the driver’s seat. Are they so confident in Matt and Kevin that they’re willing to go without any veteran leadership at the most important position on the field? I don’t think it’s a risk worth taking.

Source: Patriots.com, Photo: Newscom