55 Percent of Matt Cassel's Passing Yards Came After the Catch; Yes, That Led the NFL

Nfl jerseys supply store report:for the sake of argument, let's say it does. Here's
The Patriots have yet to report that the franchisesomething to consider (via the Boston Globe's Mike
Matt Cassel will be confirmed, but that does notReiss): [Cassel] deserves whatever comes his way,
mean it will happen, especially when recovering frombut at the same time he also benefited from having
Tom Brady really late. And while the organization hassome terrific yards-after-catch players in Wes
a history of handling personal data - no matterWelker, Kevin Faulk and Randy Moss around him.
seriously - are as a matter of national security analystApproximately 55 percent of the team's passing
for CBS and the sweater vest enthusiast Phil Simmsyards came after the catch, which was a league high.
absolutely sure, Cassel New England beat theSo if a team is going to trade for Cassel, I think it
franchise player tag. He heard their preferred source:must ask itself some important questions: Do we
Phil Simms.He acknowledges, however, that the firsthave a similar system and talent? And is Cassel
backup of the backup USC used to play in theindeed a proven option without those parts around
Patriots 'offensive', but that does not mean it is nothim (e.g. Tom Brady in 2006)? To answer the last
legitimate to start the fourth. He opened the eyes oftwo questions: no and no. None of the teams listed
the people in the league, and I know it is a crime, andabove have anywhere near the offensive firepower
they did a good job and all, but I always disconnectof the Patriots, but that doesn't mean Cassel can't be
the quarterback of the team. Matt Cassel is big,successful in, say, Tampa or New York. Just that it's
strong, athletic, knows when to run with the footballprobably important to temper the expectations. Even
today, and oh, can really throw. Can someone whothough he might occasionally look like Brady in the
comes in the draft to fill the bill? It's a solid point, andpocket, he most certainly is not. Again, that's not a
one of the Patriots will undoubtedly increase if tradeknock; just stating what should be obvious: there's a
agreements Kassel offseason.huge difference between arguably the best
The Lions, Vikings, Bucs and Jets are four teams, offquarterback in the league this decade and a guy who
the top of my head, who could be looking for ahad an above-average season throwing to Randy
long-term franchise quarterback. And, save, maybeMoss and Wes Welker.
Detroit -- who are No. 1 at something ... the 2009I suspect some team desperate for quarterback help
first-overall draft pick -- one could make an argumentwill make the Patriots an attractive offer. I'm just not
for sending a first-rounder New England's way forsure New England will be in a position to make a deal
Cassel. Now, assuming Brady won't be ready to startuntil they know more about Brady's knee.
the '09 season, I don't think a trade will happen, but