124 Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 ESPN.com Take your pick: Cassel or Brady -- no, seriously Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham November 17, 2008 8:15 AM You're an NFL general manager. You need a quarterback. Your options are Matt Cassel and Tom Brady. You need to pick one. Given their circumstances, there might be a decision to make -- as absurd as that may have sounded just a few weeks ago. The choice is between a young quarterback on the make and a decorated veteran with no guarantees he'll be the same after his complicated knee injury. Cassel doesn't have All Pro credentials, but he'll be just 27 next season and is developing into an intriguing possibility for many clubs. Cassel will become an unrestricted free agent after the season. NFL Network reporter Adam Schefter wrote Sunday that Cassel could be looking for a hefty contract similar to what the Green Bay Packers gave Aaron Rodgers, six years for $65 million. Cassel's stock is soaring. He has shown he can make clutch throws, specifically his fourth-down, 16-yard pinpoint strike with one second remaining to send Thursday night's game against the New York Jets into sudden death. He passed for 400 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 62 more, accounting for all but 49 yards of the Patriots' offense. How much better would the New England Patriots' record be if Brady hadn't been lost for the season? Maybe it wouldn't be. We don't need to run down all of Brady's accomplishments. He will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He has won Super Bowls. He owns several records. He's a global sports icon. But Brady, who will be 32 next season, has experienced complications from his reconstructive left knee surgery and only recently began the rehabilitation process. There are no promises he'll be ready for the start of next season, and once he does come back, nobody can say for sure if he will be the same. Brady in 2006 and 2007 took more hits than any quarterback not named Kurt Warner. Take away a little of Brady's mobility, and the risk increases. Before you submit a comment asking if I've lost a bolt, keep in mind I haven't revealed who I would pick. I'm merely posing a fictional scenario to debate. Do you bank on the superstar maintaining his elite status, or invest in the rising prospect, who years from now still should be in his prime when the veteran retires? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afosomf Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 Mattie Cass by far he is a playah...i hear!!! or so they tell me;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garb Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 Reason #167 on why I hate the media. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lil Bit Special Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 Wow. The writers on espn.com are getting dumber by the day. I would pick O'Connell or Gutierrez over both of them. They must be great-in-the-making so why not get them before they become stars... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boozer76 Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 Brady is the obvious choice, though I will say this-In Brady's first season the knock on him was he had no arm and couldn't make the deep throws. I remember that clearly, as there were even debates of whether Chad had a better arm than him. It's scary how similar Cassell is to Brady's first year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSJ Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 It's the system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jets Babe Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 is this article for real? the only great ability that cassel has is his mobility, imo. he throws to open receivers, big deal. he made one clutch throw, but what about all the other clutch throws he should have made? you know, when moss was wide open by 15 yards and completely missed him? cassel is not going to be that great. jets will probably sign him and he's just going to be another chad pennington: a decent starter who never got the job done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
124 Posted November 18, 2008 Author Share Posted November 18, 2008 Matt Casselhoff! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSJ Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 is this article for real? the only great ability that cassel has is his mobility, imo. he throws to open receivers, big deal. he made one clutch throw, but what about all the other clutch throws he should have made? you know, when moss was wide open by 15 yards and completely missed him? cassel is not going to be that great. jets will probably sign him and he's just going to be another chad pennington: a decent starter who never got the job done. That is exactly what they were saying about Brady after 2001. He will straighten out his deep ball. It's not his arm strength, it's just his accuracy that is an issue at this point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jets Babe Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 That is exactly what they were saying about Brady after 2001. He will straighten out his deep ball. It's not his arm strength, it's just his accuracy that is an issue at this point. Isn't that what we were saying about out Kellen? On top of that, Kellen had a ****ty supporting cast. I think that next year, if Favre retires....we should not TOUCH Cassel. His salary is going to be way too high. Keep Clemens and Ratliff for pennies and test them out. I think Clemens is going to be good, especially now since he has a good team to work with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
124 Posted November 18, 2008 Author Share Posted November 18, 2008 I think Clemens is going to be good, especially now since he has a good team to work with. The Jets organization doesn't have anywhere near that amount of confidence in him. From inside sources, he is regressing in 2008, not progressing, and its been showing since Training Camp. Zero confidence in Kellen Clemens inside the Jets organization to be a starting Quarterback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jets Babe Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 The Jets organization doesn't have anywhere near that amount of confidence in him. From inside sources, he is regressing in 2008, not progressing, and its been showing since Training Camp. Zero confidence in Kellen Clemens inside the Jets organization to be a starting Quarterback. then ratliff is our guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garb Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 That is exactly what they were saying about Brady after 2001. He will straighten out his deep ball. It's not his arm strength, it's just his accuracy that is an issue at this point. True - but more importantly, Brady can make quicker reads (always had that ability) and a quicker release (always had that ability) than Cassel - which means the o-line doesnt have to work as hard as they do with Cassel. This "hypothetical" was published to get morons, such as ourselves, "talking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
124 Posted November 18, 2008 Author Share Posted November 18, 2008 then ratliff is our guy. Oh joy. A guy from Utah who had two solid Preseason Games against 3rd stringers and beer truck drivers / UPS workers / Grocery clerks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lil Bit Special Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 This "hypothetical" was published to get morons, such as ourselves, "talking. We talk enough. We need more cuddling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jets Babe Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 True - but more importantly, Brady can make quicker reads (always had that ability) and a quicker release (always had that ability) than Cassel - which means the o-line doesnt have to work as hard as they do with Cassel. This "hypothetical" was published to get morons, such as ourselves, "talking. true that. with the pats' o-line, cassel has all the time to throw. when cassel goes on another team next year (bank on it..), he's going to get sacked, a lot. he does not have a quick release, at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jets Babe Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 Oh joy. A guy from Utah who had two solid Preseason Games against 3rd stringers and beer truck drivers / UPS workers / Grocery clerks. HEY! there have been a lot of good players from no-name schools. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt39 Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 Cassel complains more than Tim Duncan out there. This article is ridiculous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
124 Posted November 18, 2008 Author Share Posted November 18, 2008 :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSJ Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 True - but more importantly, Brady can make quicker reads (always had that ability) and a quicker release (always had that ability) than Cassel - which means the o-line doesnt have to work as hard as they do with Cassel. This "hypothetical" was published to get morons, such as ourselves, "talking. With Brady coming back from a major knee operation it will be interesting to see if he can still slide around in the pocket the same because that is the main difference. Because while Cassel can scramble better, Brady can keep a play alive by sliding in the pocket and it sort of cancels the scrambling out, imo. Still I think Cassel has the stronger arm of the two. Not that any of this matters as I could see the Pats franchising Cassel and then trading him as I've read that BB loves this O'Connel kid anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Jet Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: Oh God no! Anderson is awful IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Jet Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 BTW, that entire article is a joke. Cassell has one good game and the media proclaim him the next Joe Montana. Seriously, Cassell is a scrub. Brady is one of the greatest QB's of all time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSJ Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 true that. with the pats' o-line, cassel has all the time to throw. when cassel goes on another team next year (bank on it..), he's going to get sacked, a lot. he does not have a quick release, at all. True and it would be the same for Brady. See the super bowl. Brady's release is not that quick, he has had unbelievable protection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
124 Posted November 18, 2008 Author Share Posted November 18, 2008 Oh God no! Anderson is awful IMO. DA is a good Quarterback. Not his fault Kellen Winslow missed time and Braylon Edwards can't catch anything this season (minus the 2nd half last night). And not to mention, if you didn't notice last night, Cleveland can't freakin' tackle on Defense. Its no wonder they're 4-6. They have the talent to be a 8-2 team, they just can't wrap up on defense and their playmakers at receiver arn't making plays. DA on the defending Super Bowl Champion Jets would be nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
124 Posted November 18, 2008 Author Share Posted November 18, 2008 BTW, that entire article is a joke. Cassell has one good game and the media proclaim him the next Joe Montana. I know you weren't watching the Jets closely in 2002 IJ, but welcome to Chad Pennington Part 2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSJ Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 BTW, that entire article is a joke. Cassell has one good game and the media proclaim him the next Joe Montana. Seriously, Cassell is a scrub. Brady is one of the greatest QB's of all time. History has a way of rewriting itself. If 10 years down the road BB has won three more super bowls with three different QB's I think you might view him differently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTM Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 It's Randy Moss and the system. Fixed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DMaynard Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 Gee, I am not sure if I have ever seen a QB pile up a lot of stats in a game where: 1. His team is behind virtually the entire game 2. He has no running attack, except his own scrambles 3. The opposing team is basically in a prevent defense most of the game Add to that, the usual "look the other way" the Pats' o-line gets from the refs on holding on every pass play, and Cassel's performance was not as great as the media is trying to sell. Brady in a heartbeat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSJ Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 Gee, I am not sure if I have ever seen a QB pile up a lot of stats in a game where: 1. His team is behind virtually the entire game 2. He has no running attack, except his own scrambles 3. The opposing team is basically in a prevent defense most of the game Add to that, the usual "look the other way" the Pats' o-line gets from the refs on holding on every pass play, and Cassel's performance was not as great as the media is trying to sell. Brady in a heartbeat. I'm not putting all of the stock into that performance. He has his team at 6-4 right now and the Pats have lost other key players besides Brady. Keep in mind that he is also a first year starter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Jet Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 History has a way of rewriting itself. If 10 years down the road BB has won three more super bowls with three different QB's I think you might view him differently. Yeah, I'm banking on that not happening. Until it does, that comment means nothing. Brady is the best there is right now when 100%. He'll be back throwing 40+ TD's next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
124 Posted November 18, 2008 Author Share Posted November 18, 2008 Chad Pennington's first 9 NFL starts: 6-3 record 187-262, 2080 yards, 14 TD, 4 INT Matt Cassel's first 9 NFL starts: 5-4 record 195-298, 2048 yards, 9 TD, 7 INT Supporting casts: Pennington Laveranues Coles Santana Moss Wayne Chrebet Curtis Martin LaMont Jordan Richie Anderson Cassel Randy Moss Wes Welker Jabar Gaffney Sammy Morris BenJarvis Green-Ellis Kyle Eckel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSJ Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 Yeah, I'm banking on that not happening. Until it does, that comment means nothing. Brady is the best there is right now when 100%. He'll be back throwing 40+ TD's next year. I've seen all of this before. The Giants fans and the media were writing the same thing about Phil Simms being a hall of famer once upon a time. As far as Brady's 40 TD season goes, see Dante Culpepper. That season was an aberation based on an incredibly talented offense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSJ Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 Chad Pennington's first 9 NFL starts: 6-3 record 187-262, 2080 yards, 14 TD, 4 INT Matt Cassel's first 9 NFL starts: 5-4 record 195-298, 2048 yards, 9 TD, 7 INT Supporting casts: Pennington Laveranues Coles Santana Moss Wayne Chrebet Curtis Martin LaMont Jordan Richie Anderson Cassel Randy Moss Wes Welker Jabar Gaffney Sammy Morris BenJarvis Green-Ellis Kyle Eckel Who had the better running game? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norway'sWaddlingMarmaloof Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: Please God no! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Jet Posted November 18, 2008 Share Posted November 18, 2008 I've seen all of this before. The Giants fans and the media were writing the same thing about Phil Simms being a hall of famer once upon a time. As far as Brady's 40 TD season goes, see Dante Culpepper. That season was an aberation based on an incredibly talented offense. Has Daunte Culpepper got three rings? Has he played even close to the level of Brady with any consistency? Brady is one of the best, said that before Moss came when he was throwing to Reche Caldwell and am still saying it now. He'll be back, you'll see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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