Earlier this season, the New England Patriots lost quarterback Tom Brady for the year with a knee injury. When that happened, everyone assumed the Patriots were done for the year.
But, a funny thing happened, their back up quarterback, Matt Cassell, who hadn’t ever started a game, actually turned out to be pretty decent.
I have always felt, at least in today’s game, quarterbacks are a little bit overrated in the NFL. Yes, if you have a quarterback who can’t hit the broad side of a barn, you are probably going to have some problems winning. But, you don’t necessarily need a Brett Favre, Joe Montana or Tom Brady to win either.
Cassell isn’t as good as Brady. But, I have a gut feeling that tells me he may eventually give the Patriots another option that could end up in an ugly parting of ways with Brady; similar to what happened when Drew Bledsoe got hurt.
Is he a stud quarterback? No. And, Cassell makes mistakes too. But, he’s been a very effective game manager who is capable of making plays when he needs to.
I don’t know if the Patriots are going to win the AFC East division with the first year starter under center. But, they are doing well enough to earn a wild card spot in the playoffs. And, considering they beat the division leading New York Jets once and nearly did it a second time Thursday night, they could be a post season threat in the AFC.
Not bad for a quarterback who has never started a game before this year.

Rating: 7