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With the Pats halfway through their two-week, in-season break and no new quarterbacks added to the roster, it’s safe to assume that they’ll be sticking with Matt Cassel.
But Chris Gasper of the Boston Globe thinks that more playing time could be in store for rookie Kevin O’Connell.
O’Connell was a third-round draft pick out of San Diego State, and but for Tom Brady’s knee injury O’Connell likely would have spent the season as the No. 3 quarterback on game days.
Gasper points out that he’s not trying to create a quarterback controversy . . . even though the possibility of O’Connell taking over for the underwhelming Cassel is the clear import of Gasper’s take.
O’Connell got some reps late in the Patriots’ stunning loss to the Dolphins in Week Three. He completed three of four passes for 25 yards, good for a rating of 90.6.
September 28th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
bring in o’connell maybe he’s capable of throwing deep balls to randy
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Rating: 3.4 / 5 with 5 rating(s)
September 28th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Maybe people should give Cassel more time. If Belichick yanked Tom Brady after his first two games there would have been no dynasty.
Give the guy a damn chance.
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Rating: 1 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
September 28th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
JZuluaga1 says:
September 28th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
bring in o’connell maybe he’s capable of throwing deep balls to randy
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Now that’s just funny!
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Rating: 1 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
September 28th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
It’s obvious they are limiting Cassel because they do not trust him to get the ball down the field. O’Connell is a big guy who can move. I’d give Cassel a few more games to keep the job, while giving O’Connell some time to get ready.
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Rating: 4.5 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
September 28th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
If Cassel can’t have success @ the Chargers and vs Broncos (the two games after playing @ 49ers) with the way these teams have been playing pass defense then maybe but it’s a BIG maybe. I doubt BB makes this move. The Pats let Tommy terrific sit and watch for his rookie year and I expect the same for O’Connell. He’ll probably continue to see mop up duty and that’s it. It would definitely stunt O’Connell’s development to get in there on a full-time basis this year and it would also mean the Pats would have to significantly reduce their playbook for him which I don’t see happening.
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Rating: 2 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
September 28th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
i thought Guiterrez looked the best during preseason
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September 28th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
As a Lions fan, I think the Pats should make an offer for Jon Kintna. A 2nd rounder would be nice, but a 6th would be adequate compensation.
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Rating: 4 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
September 28th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
…oh please Florio…you might be able to fool your national audience but those of us who live in New England know better….
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September 28th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
O”Connell will be a good pro quarterback he should start ASAP to see if they have a legitimate shot at the playoffs. Cassel is a career back up put him back where he belongs
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September 28th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
John Kitna? Puffin’on the ol’ crack pipe gives some real perspective into a fantasy that only a desperate Lion’s fan could conjure up.
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September 28th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
who even ever heard of this Gasper character? He knows nothing.
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September 29th, 2008 at 8:50 am
Jesus, do Pats fans think that every QB that comes off the bench will be the next Tom Brady? And he’s a rookie who played his college ball at San Diego State.
How many QBs come into this league and start right away and are successful?
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September 29th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
I really don’t think O’Connell is getting playing time so that he can be the starter this year.
There is a major difference between Brady replacing an injured Drew Bledsoe and Cassel replacing an injured Brady — Brady was in just his second year at the time, while Cassel is in year four of a four-year deal. There is virtually no chance that Cassel returns to the Patriots next year, whereas Brady was always going to be back (whether as the starter or the backup).
From the Patriot’s perspective, they think Cassel gives them the best chance to win games now, but they also know they need a backup for Brady next year and that it won’t be Cassel. After using a third-round pick on O’Connell, that is clearly the preferred solution, so there is value in getting O’Connell experience this year to make sure he’s ready next year.
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