November 23rd, 2008 | 
A few weeks ago, I questioned Bill Belichick‘s decision to keep Matt Cassel as quarterback of the New England Patriots. As if there needs to be any proof that Bill Belichick knows way more about football than me, I was clearly wrong. Cassel has shown himself to be more than ready to lead an NFL team. Cassel is improving each week and he’s probably already better than half the other quarterbacks in the NFL.
In today’s game against the Miami Dolphins, the Patriots had over 500 yards of total offense – the most for any one game in the team’s history. 400 of those yards were from passing – all by Mr. Cassel. That would be something all on its own. The fact that this is the second straight week that Cassel has thrown for 400+ yards, however, is what really points out his abilities and success. By the way, Tom Brady has never had back-to-back 400+ yard passing games (which baffles me given how much offense the Patriots had last season).
It’s a team effort and Cassel isn’t doing it all by himself, of course. The offensive coaching has been superb, working the Patriot’s scheme into Cassel’s strengths. That doesn’t diminish Cassel’s success at all. He’s doing a great job. Period.
Now, Coach Belichick. Let me tell you what you need to do with your defensive backfield.
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Will, while I agree that Matt has done a great job throwing the ball and the coaching staff has done a great job on game planning, I think the high passing yardage numbers also are a result of a pretty weak running game. Running and defense still win Super Bowls. While I don’t think there will be a QB controversy next year in New England, I do think Matt Cassel will get some interest when he is a free agent. In the meantime, NE needs to get a running a game and bring balance back to the offense
take care and good luck in the playoffs (you just may have to come to Pittsburgh!)
Alan,
Super Bowls?! Geez, the Jets beat the Titans yesterday and the AFC is crowded with reasonable wild card options. I’m still praying, but I don’t even see the playoffs in the Pats future let alone a Super Bowl. Your Steelers might just (read: likely will) end any playoff hopes for NE completely next Sunday unless Ben cracks up another motorcycle this week.