MATT CASSEL WON'T BE ANOTHER DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

by Moondog, The World According to Moondog

The biggest story in the NFL is obviously the news of Tom Brady's knee injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the 2008-09 season. In 2001 Drew Bledsoe, the Patriots starting quarterback at that time, suffered a season-ending injury against the New York Jets.

Replacing him was Brady, the sixth round draft choice that no one outside the University of Michigan had heard much about. All Brady has done since then is lead the Patriots to four Super Bowl appearances and three NFL titles.

Brady was also named the league's MVP last season and next to Peyton Manning, he's become the face of the National Football League.

Patriot fans might be wondering if backup Matt Cassel will prove to be a diamond in the rough like Brady was. The short answer, very simply, is no.

Less than a month ago Cassel's status with the Patriots was in question, with some suspecting that he might not make the Pats' 53-man roster. Entering his fourth NFL season, Cassel had attempted a total of 39 passes, completing 22 for 253 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

After Brady went down in the first half against the Chiefs Sunday, Cassel guided the Pats on a 98-yard drive that ultimately led to New England's 17-10 win over Kansas City. Cassel completed 13-of-18 passes for 152 yards and one TD.

While Sunday's performance appears encouraging, it came against one of the weaker teams in the league. The fact New England plays in one of the weakest, if not the weakest division in the NFL, New England may actually have begun a search to find a QB to replace Brady.

To be honest, there aren't many options available for New England other than a few QB's other teams cut before the start of the season. According to an unconfirmed report, an unidentified Pats' player has indicated Cassel will be the starting QB for the remainder of the season.

Head coach Bill Belichick has further announced that the Patriots will not bring anyone in for a tryout, so it appears the job does in fact belong to Cassel.

But the AFC East is still the Pats' to lose, and even without Brady New England is stronger than every team in the division. Brady's absence is going to be felt the most when the playoffs roll around and the inexperienced Cassel will be tasked to lead the Pats' offense.

It's at that point we'll discover how important the loss of Brady will effect the Pats'. For New England fans to think otherwise is sheer fantasy. My advice, don't expect much from Cassel and you won't be disappointed when New England is knocked out of the AFC playoffs.