Can Belichick win without Brady?

If Brady's out for the season, well, it's wait until next year. Clearly.
Very depressing. Cassel might be OK...but just ok. There will be no miracles off the bench. The Pats have left themselves too vulnerable, for too long, without a top notch backup. Unlike the Chiefs, for example, we don't have a Damon Huard to go to. Every Pats fan knows this.

If Brady's out for the season, well, it's wait until next year. Clearly.
Very depressing. Cassel might be OK...but just ok. There will be no miracles off the bench. The Pats have left themselves too vulnerable, for too long, without a top notch backup. Unlike the Chiefs, for example, we don't have a Damon Huard to go to. Every Pats fan knows this.

Belichick needs Brady more than Tom Needs Billy. Look at thats pats pre-2001. I rest my case.

Does anyone know where Drew Bledsoe is at?

Tom Brady is not only the best qb in the nfl but the best player in the most effective system. But he didnt win all those games alone. This is Belichecks system and they will still keep winning. This time will show how great coching will prevail over one player injury.

Of course they can win without Tom. They did it today. Tom is a terrific QB, but if I'm not mistaken, the Patriots haven't won every Super Bowl since 2001, there were other winning QBs along the way. They keys are making it to the post-season, staying relatively healthy (today notwithstanding), and have some momentum going into January. Last year's Giants are a perfect example of this.

Stay the course, make the necessary adjustments with Matt, win as many regular season games as you can to get the highest seed as possible, then see what happens in the playoffs.

the only good thing is i dont have to feel bad about staying infoors on sundays now - the season is over if brady is out.

done.

Injuries are part of the game. You either rise above them or get consumed by them. There is still enough talent on this team to make a run. The defense really now needs to step up and take some pressure off Cassel and Co. I expect a return to the conservative game plans of 2001, and given the quality they now posess in the backfield, I anticipate a lot more emphasis on running. This injury really hurts, but the season is not lost by any means. If you are a real fan you are in it for the long haul, not one season. Get behind this team. Could this be the galvanizing factor they need like spygate was last year?

Pats are pretty much done. You simply cannot replace Brady. Yes we all know what happened in 2001. The fact is that Bledsoe was nowhere near the level of Brady when he was hurt so we cannot expect Cassel or Simms to come in and make this team a contended.

The bottom line without an elite QB you have an average team. Very rarely do teams with poor-average teams win superbowls.

I would expect the Pats to quickly look for a starting NFL experienced in leading the team. Cassel did a good job today, but the high octane offense needed to make a serious run for even a Division win is lacking starting now. Don't expect Bob Kraft or Bill Belichick look to simply "get by" with what Cassel can bring them.

Bill Belichick will be exposed for the fraud that he is.

If for nothing else, if Brady is done for the season, what would the Pats have to lose in seeing if Daunte Culpepper is available ??? Aside from the obvious chemistry with Randy Moss, he's a seasoned pro who would immediately have more weapons than he ever had in either Miami or Oakland.

What about calling in Daunte Culpepper?
Seeing what he could do with a descent team around him?
Reconnecting him with Randy?

Desperate hopes.

The Pats are still an above average team. Belicek and the rest of the Pats (Bruschi, Harrison, Seymour, Moss) will take this as a challenge to prove they have a great team, not just a great QB. Pats will make the playoffs with at least a 9-7 record, maybe 10-6..... after that, anything can happen. Does 9-7 or 10-6 mean Belichek is a great coach or will Maz and others dictate that he wins a SB w/out Tom?

Well maybe we can pick up Dante Culpepper, who else is available?

Season over, done.

Ok its official, Giselle needs to go. Clearly Tommy has been cursed since she came into the picture. Anyway its "possible" Cassel may be able to do what Brady did when Bledose went down in 2001 but it wasn't just Belichick in the picture at that time. Weiss and Crennel helped quite a bit. Without them and without Brady I think this is going to be an off year for us and for Bill. Guess we'll have to settle for a Celtics Championship and a possible shot at another World Series in 2008.

Two things: it's still early, we don't know the true extent of the injury and whether or not it's season ending. Second, I can't imagine Pioli's not going to reel in a veteran backup at some point, who may end up seeing significant time as the season goes on. At the same time, who knows, maybe lightning can strike twice. Not that Cassel will replicate what Brady did in 2001, but maybe he can do just enough with a fairly soft schedule to get us to the playoffs. Remember ow conservative Belichick made the offense when Brady was leading it that first year, and Cassel at least has ball hawks like Welker and Moss. I'm not ready to write off the season just yet. Frankly, I was impressed with the defense, which played a solid game after a very mediocre pre-season. Maybe that's the key for this year.

They may no longer be the favorites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, but that doesn't mean they won't be competitive. In 2001 when Brady stepped in, he didn't do much. His stats were pretty pedestrian the rest of that year as I recall. But he limited his mistakes (unlike Bledsoe) and he was at his best in the crucial moments. Let's give Cassell a chance to do that before we figure it's over. 10 or 11 wins is not out of the question with this group. Remember the Ewing Theory!

let's not forget that brady was an untested backup in 2001. this could be cassel's time to shine.

The reason Brady went down is he was not in shape. He skipped conditioning sessions this off season so he could travel the world with the lingerie slut Giselle Bunchen. Karma.

We'll finally see just how overrated Brady is. Pats go 11-5 with Cassell.

Belichick is good, but i don't know if he's good enough to turn on a dime. Cassal is passable (no pun intended) but, believe it or not, it may be better to go with O'Connell. He's a quick study, can run and may be easier to rally the team around him. Otherwise, we may still make it to the playoffs in some capacity but we won't go far.

Hell is freezing over. first Obama being selected as the Dem's choice, the Rays in Tampa playing like a playoff team, Brady getting hurt.....and the Buffalo Bills playing like the superbowl contenders, the PATS were supposed to be.

Chris Simms coming in for a tryout? PLEAHSE.....! I am a die-hard pats fan, but maybe this is karma due to the video-tape gate from last year. I'm just saying.......karma is a two edge sword.

I can't wait to see who the Pats get for a 1st round draft pick for next season....1st to worst in the AFC East?? I fathom the the thought.

Belichick is a sub-.500 head coach lifetime with anyone not named Brady playing quarterback. Is Daunte Culpepper a better choice than Matt Cassel or Chris Sims to fill the void at quarterback, considering his experience with Randy Moss (Vikings) and Wes Welker (Dolphins)?

I want to throw up right now..

Football is one of many sports in which success rests not on one individual but the entire team. From the coaching staff to the trainers to the players, the team that works together for the same goal will have success, and that's what the New England Patriots have been about during their successful Super Bowl teams. Bill Belichick excels at in-game planning and knowing what players he needs at what situations so he can win games. He is the cog that keeps the successful Patriots team running and is the one asset this team cannot do without.

With Tom Brady being out for the year, Belichick loses a player that excels at his system, but he doesn't lost his ability to coach. Will it be difficult going forward?

Oh, yes, it will be. But it will be now when we see Belichick put his master planning to good use. The Patriots may not win 12 or 13 games, but his team still has the ability to win 10+ games and win this division, because Belichick will have his defense playing well, his running game going well, and (I believe) Cassell doing enough to keep his team in games.

Bottom line (for this commenter): The Patriots can't afford to lose either Belichick or Brady, but if I had to take one over the other, I'd rather have Belichick with no Brady rather than Brady with no Belichick.

I say play for Rey Mauluaga and prepare to dominate the league in 2009.

"IF" Brady is out !!! The coach will get us to the playoffs, There are other qb's out there> The Patriots need to get a top rated veteran on the roster to back up cassel from injuury or inability. Too early to judge what we have on the bench/

I want to throw up right now..

I'd love to know who these great backups that everyone wants are. I'd also love to know how everyone wants to pay for these backup qb's. the same people that complain about the lack of a good backup qb (which no one has), are the same people that would complain if the pats had injuries to the receiving corp. the fans would then be mad that we didn't have 263 wr's on the bench waiting. you can't have everything with a 53 man roster. fans operate in a fantasy world of no salary cap, no player ego's, and no financial restraints.

Kevin O'Connell

Belichick is left with cassell, if we had a real backup QB this would be a real question.

This marks the end of the Pats era. We need 10-15 years to go back to GLORY.

Bill will just have to cheat a little harder this year to make up for Brady's absence

horrible day to be a pats fan.. if brady is out our team goes from a 14 win season, to now perhaps a 9, or 10 game winner.

depressing.

Belichick needs Brady. We saw today that it isn't the quarterback that makes the game. Without the coverage Brady, or any quarterback isn't going to have any success. Who directs the rest of the team? Belicheck. Brady doesn't make the plays himself, otherwise he wouldn't be risking his body every week. He'd be on the sideline calling the plays.

Bring back Troy Brown!!! He plays every position....Maybe he can QB too!!

It's a great question. I think BB has been nothing if not resourceful when injuries called for it. It feels terrible right now, but I'll be watching next week to see what he comes up with, BB and Josh McDaniels, too. I'm not counting the Pats out yet.

I love these quick-fire answers without thinking about it a little more. Were the 2000-2001 Pats the 2008 Pats talent-wise? Not even close. Can Belichick handle a team effectively that's this talented without Brady? Yes. To win 13 games? Maybe not, but 10 or 11 is not out of the question.

Am I saying I think the Pats will perform just as well as they would with Brady? No. But let's think about the talent surrounding the QB position and how it can help him regardless of how experienced or inexperienced he is.

I think the scheme on offense will remain the same, and while Cassel is less experienced and not as good of a decision maker as Brady, I think the talent and preparation done by this team will help it reach a playoff spot. Whether or not its a division championship, I am less confident about that.

Is Drew Bledsoe available?

The ultimate irony would be signing Drew Bledsoe to lead the Pats to another Super Bowl victory.

The question is unfair to Coach Bill...as it would be to any head coach. As stated in the article, the Pats have been built around Brady. A coach can't be judged on the teams he's built if the foundation of that team is suddenly lost. Now, if Brady had suffered a career ending injury (see Theisman...sp?) Belichick would be judged over a fee seasons after he'd adjusted his roster around a new QB. Besides, it's pointless to give credit to one person in the ultimate team sport.

Ryan, you forget that Belichick has been head coach only since 2000, a year where the team was largely what outgoing coach Pete Carroll had built. The 2000 season can be regarded as a transition year, and 2001 would probably have been an improvement even if Beldsoe had played out the season.

One of the things that kept Brady healthy in the past was a quick read, short passing game, which was far less vertical due to a lack of deep threat receivers. It's not a coincidence that Brady was hit on a long pass to Moss...although the Safety for KC had no business lunging at his knees. That was a weak, move but it happens when you expose your QB to extended pressure.

Clearly, after the Giants demonstrated that blitz pressure would disrupt Brady, the Patriots were in for a long season of heavy blitz packages and pressure. They will continue to be challenged to find a way to protect their QB within a vertical passing game going forward. Cassell is in for more of the same. It's a demoralizing day for New England. Belichick had better hope his offense can run the ball to take the heat off of the QB, whomever he turns out to be.

A finesse oriented Oline will need to be beefed up going forward. This was an obvious weakness which the Patriots demonstrated when they started claiming Oline free agents like a kid jumping for candy at Halloween.

"Look at the Pats pre-2001?" TERRIBLE reference. Seriously. 2000 was Bledsoe and BB's first year in NE. Bledsoe was not a fit for this system.

Tom Brady was built and made here. Everything he is, is from this program. It's not the end of the world.

People need to relax. Hopefully we get to hear some BRETT FAVRE stories this week. /sarcasm

Time to call Donte Culpepper, he and Moss tore it up in Minnesota. I know Culpepper isn't what he was, but he can still be effective.

Well ...Culpepper to Moss would not be bad....but would he do it especially after his email retirement letter blasting the NFL and all the teams.. Heard that Chris Sims was heading up here for tryout tomorrow...I can see a revolving door of QBs coming in for tryouts over the next few weeks until they find someone to back up Cassel who they are comfortable with. Unfortunately I do not see them being more than a 9-7 team.. Definitely means that Junior will not come back if they need LB help. Tough break for Harrison and Teddy as this is probably their last years...

Football wont be the same...The question of who made who?
They made each other.
We will see a new game plan for Cassel. More conservative...it was the same for Tom when he began... until he grew, and gained more confidience. They are not the same without Tommy.The NFL isn't the same. It is sad... but thats life.
GO PATRIOTS !!!

Well ...Culpepper to Moss would not be bad....but would he do it especially after his email retirement letter blasting the NFL and all the teams.. Heard that Chris Sims was heading up here for tryout tomorrow...I can see a revolving door of QBs coming in for tryouts over the next few weeks until they find someone to back up Cassel who they are comfortable with. Unfortunately I do not see them being more than a 9-7 team.. Definitely means that Junior will not come back if they need LB help. Tough break for Harrison and Teddy as this is probably their last years...

Na na na na, na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, good bye!!!

In Belichick we trust. there are alot of question marks but I see the pats still making the playoffs at 10-6.

HEY KEVIN FAULK!
next time leave your weed at home you bum. The pats' best blocking running back was in street clothes while sammy morris couldnt keep pollard off of brady.
ps
I still havent forgiven you for that fumble against the bronocs in january 2006.

Maybe BB should pick up the phone to see if Bledsoe would come out of retirement for a year.... Just for the heck of it...

Hi Tony,
I don't think that the hit on Brady was at all a 'dirty hit'. Players on defense are taught to roll wherever they can to disrupt the play.
I'm an avid fan living down here in the southwest and was at a bar in Socorro, NM. Everyone thought it was a tough play, gutsy that the Pats held on, (this is not Patriots land, everyone dislike us, anything Boston, you know) but it was not a cheap shot. You could even see it in Pollard's eyes, that he felt terrible that Tom was hurt.
What do you think?

Was I the only one who was terrified when Brady WASN'T on the injured report? My first thought was, "He's already injured or he's going to get injured." It was like when Belichick wore his red hoodie in the Super Bowl. You just don't tempt fate.

The news (if true) is horrible but I think it has a silver lining. With Cassel at QB, the league will write the Pats off as strong playoff contenders, taking that target off their backs. Second, they still have the strong running game and the strong receivers. Third, they still have that easy schedule. Most important is that the team will rally together when the league writes the Pats off, similar to what the team did with Spygate last year. As long as Cassel doesn't become an interception machine, the season is not lost!

What goes around...Comes around...Remember how elated Boston fans were whem the Yanks lost Wang, Posada for the year?Justice has been served. Enjoy your season Pats fans...Go Jets Go..

I feel sick. I was finally getting over the Super Bowl loss, excited for the start of the new season. So much hope, and promise... another extremely talented team... another potential Super Bowl run... I just can't believe he's done for the year. He walked off the field! He's unarguably the most important player for his team in the entire league. Irreplaceable. This can't be happening. :(

The bad karma continues... good luck, Matt.

I hate to say it, but the division will go to the JETS this year. The Patriots will be fighting for a wild card for the first time in a long time. They'e fortunate to have the league's easiest schedule, but all of a sudden the Patriots are on a level playing field with the rest of the league. Instead of 16-0, we'll be fortunate to win 9 games.

There is a fantastic core... Brady is by far the top, but there has to be something. Should the pats find an actual starter? Maybe Culpepper could un-retire... who knows...

It's not over yet...let's see what Cassell can do next Sunday with a full week of prep under his belt. He's surrounded with tons of talent, which should help a lot. McDaniels can prove himself as much as Belichick. Let's see if the team's will to win with what they have is as strong as they'd like us to believe. I like the idea of Culpepper more than Simms.

Have a little faith sports fans. Down 0-3 to the spankees?!? A sixth rounder replacing the first round franchise QB?!? (thank you Mo Lewis). A football team is more than one player, its a team (remember the 2001 super bowl introduction?). Bill B has seen enough of this guy to hang onto him for 4 years. Go Pats! Go Matt Cassel ! Guess we now know what the rest of the football world feels like.

Honestly, I think that this is a SOLID 10 win team regardless of who is behind the center. Tom Brady is clearly the best all around quarterback in the league right now (I write this while watching peyton manning's recievers bobble every other un-manning like throw he makes tonight) and his presence allows this team and coaching staff to conserve immeasurable amounts of energy and focus in every regular season game, allowing for a few lapses in perfection necessary concentration. Without Brady, Belichick knows he must be at the absolute top of his gameplan every remaining regular season game to secure a playoff spot, and so does every one of the other 52 players. However, I have faith that this focus is possible and with the talent that this team has, it is completely possible. Matt Cassel did everything he could, and needed to, to guide this team to victory today. Given, it was the Chiefs, but I'm sure many of us doubted we would secure this game when we saw #16 in the huddle so early on. He played with confidence and he played as well as he could today. I expect him to play as well as he can next week, and with Belichick preparation, it will be considerably better than he was this week. A Tom Brady offense was the best in the world. A balanced Patriots offense, even without TB, is the best in the AFC east. That's all we need. With a solid 7-10 point win next week, I think we will all be a little more confident in our playoff chances...Did I mention our jet-puffed marshmallow schedule? My prayers however, are undoubtedly with # 12 and his swift recovery.

Cas still has the best WR Offense (Moss& Welker ) in the league to trhow to.He has a great running game with Maroney Morris Faulk & Jordan.The O Line is fine and can still play.Casell might just surprise us and Bill will not ask him to be Brady .The Pats are still in the top 3 in the AFC

now nothing is standing between the steelers and ring number 6

Some are born to greatness, some have greatness thrust upon them. Matt will have manage games as Tom did in 2001, take what the d gives you and minimize risky plays. Should Matt be 85% of Brady 2001, his teammates will need to pick up the slack. All is not lost, just ask Bill.

You have to have THE QUARTERBACK Every genius coach has THE QUARTERBACK!

Since expectations are always so high for the Pats, what's the definition of success? A Superbowl win right?

It will be very difficult to acheive success without Tom Brady. A few years ago, the Pat's defense was dominant, they could have pulled it off. Now, they will have to over-acheive to go deep into the playoffs.

I think it's possible, but not probable.

There will be no miracles, just a dismal season where Belichick will be revealed to be quite mortal.

We've already waited a year! If we keep waiting, the rest of the team will, will be coming up for contract talks (i.e. 2008, 2009, etc...). The Pats really needed to take advantage of whom they had signed/together. Last year was a major gaffe; this year TB is gone. The rest of the league got what they wanted. Patriot fans might have to hope on the next Tom Brady (i.e. his ankle; his knee; what next?). It was a great run! However, it's a plain shame that it had to go out on a spoiled championship and an injury- yikes!

This situation will definitely challenge Bill and the coaching staff ... we will get a good barometer of what will happen after the next 3 games ... my take is that Bill will use Matt in same manner that he used Brady (his first year) ... minimize turnovers by going to conservative game plans (using the running game and reduce the number of throws) ... until Matt gains some experience and proves himself.

Start with the premise that no one wants to see this team without Brady for the rest of the year. However, it is clear that will not be the case. The offensive scheme will need adjust to the strengths of Cassell. The team likely will become more run-oriented. Some will perceive this as "conservative" and I am sure all of the talking heads will refer to the scheme as such. But think about it, an offensive scheme with a slant toward the running game shortens the game for an aging defense and keeps the D fresher for a playoff stretch. McDaniel and BB are innovative and will incorporate the running game, screens, the TE all in an attempt to win close games through time of possession. The key, as always, will be turnovers and mental mistakes. If Cassell can stay away from t/o's and the rest of the team can keep its focus, then an AFC East title and plyoff run is not out of the question. Not to mention the fact that BB already has enough bulletin board material from 4PM on today to motivate these guys (note--an ESPN.com writer has already predicted a 1-15 finish). They are underdogs again and we all know BB loves that position.

Uhm, before we all go off jumping off of the proverbial bridge here people, remember there was once a day when Tom Brady was nothing more than a sixth round pick backing up a veteran quarterback. He had to become what he has become. Let's give Matt Castle and this team a chance. They still have a lot of weapons on offense and a decent defense. They could still do some things this year. After all, if Trent Dilfer can win a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay, Matt Castle can win one with this collection of players

This is too simplistic. There are eleven guys on the field and a whole slew of coaches, not just Brady and Bill. Boiling it down to just those two means the rest of the team is just spare parts. They have some serious talent at the skill positions and they can coach up Cassel to get through the dregs of the AFC. The questions come against the Chargers and Colts. They can probably make the play offs, then who knows? I wouldn't have counted on Eli Manning doing much last season.

Actually, what Bill needs is to pick up the phone to Duante Culpepper ... now.

He and Moss had several good years together in MN and he could be a very adequate replacement who has played with pressure on his shoulders before.

i learned from the '86 world series not to live & die the sports teams anymore, but i still love to watch and that's *still* entertainment...

so the understudy replaces the star...

the last time that happened was, le'see... oh yah, 2001...

just enjoy the show and go back to work...

Have faith Patriot Nation...Cassel is ready for the challenge and the coaching staff will adjust to his strengths and utilize the great stable of running backs to balance out the offensive attack.

The system works...We're still in line for the Super Bowl and Brady will come back with a vengeance next year.

Go Pats!

Heal fast Tom!

Belichick needs Brady when he builds a team around his offense. The offense now becomes mediocre, and I'm not sure that defense is built to be on the field as much as they're going to have to be.

Without a doubt, the offense runs seemlessly through Brady. Without Brady, Belichick (and Josh McDaniel) will have to get creative with their game plans to ensure a balanced attack because Cassel doesn't have the experience to carry the offense. Last season was truly something special and this injury to Brady illustrates the importance of depth at the quarterback position. As depressing as this situation is, I'm confident they will pull together and really turn in a total team effort this season and still make the playoffs.

Belichick should take some heat here! His insistence of running up the score on some opponents last season, with Brady in the game late, deprived the team from developing a legit number two QB. Post #2[ Ryan[ hit the nail on the head; the Head Coach can design any play he desires but the QB has to execute. A .500 season would be quite an accomplishment !

I'm not going to pretend to know what is going to happen with this upcoming season, but would it really surprise any TRUE Patriot fan out there if the Pats do succeed this year. Every time the dirt is thrown on their coffin, somehow a hand busts through the dirt everytime!!!!

The Patriots are a good team... the Brady led Patriots are a great team.

I've always said that Brady NOT Belichick was the reason for the tremendous wave we have enjoyed since 2001.

Sadly and hopefully not for the entire season, we'll now know more about Belichick's coaching ability and who is ready to step up their game.

I was at the game today when this happened. I moved out out of the region 6 years ago and flew in specifically for the season opener. I left the game feeling really dejected. Belicheck needs Brady to win. Anyone who says otherwise is deluding themselves. Cassel sucked in the pre-season. He was pretty much Trent Dilfer - He didn't lose the game, but I doubt he'll win any games either. It's going to be a long flight back tomorrow.

I wouldn't even say "wait until next year." THis has huge ramifications beyond just this season. After last year's horrible hangover, all of us fans figured this year would be our last great chance to bounce back and bring the trophy back.

Next year is far away, and, as healthy as Brady could be in 2009, a lot of other crucial parts to this team will be gone - both physically and mentally. Bruschi's getting up there, as is Vrabel, as is Harrison. Will Moss be as good a year from now?

Unless we somehow morph into the 2000 Super Bowl Ravens - all defense, we are headed to 6-10 at best, even with this schedule.

Cassel is NOT good. He did enough to keep us from losing the game and I commend him for that. He had all pre-season to his skills knowing there's be a good chance he could start. Well, we know how that went. Now, ta-da!

It will be very tough for this team to rally around Cassel.

Here's to the ACL stories being planted by Belikchick's spinmeisters to magically charge the team up a la Paul Pierce! Brady comes out of the tunnel against the Jets next week, ready to play....ow, this is bad...

Losing Brady is a huge blow to this patriots team, but Belichick and the coaching staff like always will find a way to get wins out of this team, lets remember the offensive weapons that are still on the field including the punishing and diverse running game. One last thing, defense wins championships.

return of the defensive genius coming up- belichick will get his defense to play and bring back memories of Brady's first opportunity. The defense got us into the playoffs after Bledsoe got hurt and Brady took over. We have many more weapons than we did back in 01. We may not be 16-0 team but we will see what kind of heart this team has now

pray to God we make the playoffs and roll the dice from there....we'll see if "the easiest schedule in the league" helps out.

Where's Drew Bledsoe, Is he in game shape? He's only 36.

Look no further than Natick, MA. It's time to pull Doug Flutie out of retirement.

Belichick will rise to the challenge, as he always does, and adapt. Still, there's no getting around the fact that the loss at such a key skilled position is a real blow. No undefeated season this year, and everything becomes that much harder.

The Sox just lost one of the greatest hitters in history, making a difficult trade under pressure. That move could have been a disaster. Many pundits (some in the newspaper business) said the loss would be irreparable, doom the team, etc. Instead, the team has moved on and done well.

So yes, a team CAN move on from the loss of a Tom Brady, if Brady is not the whole team, like Namath (sort of) was with the Jets.

Its not a case of one or the other: its both. Tom without Bill would make it to the Divisional round of the playoffs, same for Bill without Tom. There is no way that you win a title without a decent QB, and there is no way that you win a title without a decent coach. To win 3 and make another SB you need a GREAT Coach and a GREAT QB. The magic that has been the union of the two.

Season ovah....

Let's see if Cassell step into the breach and go all the way to the Super Bowl.

Hey, it's been done before.

oh the horror. Feels like my football heart has been ripped out and stamped on.... and look who gets to exploit this first...NY. My best wishes are with Cassel coming up big. No doubt Bellichek needs brady more than brady needs bellichek. Talent on the field can go from team to team and flourish, coaches need the talented fielders to perform for them to get the w's.

We all said the same thing about Cassel now as we did about Brady 8 years ago-"I sure hope Drew Bledsoe doesn't get hurt, we won't have a chance if Brady starts." Maybe, just maybe it'll be possible for another thing to happen as it did 8 years ago. Matt Cassel will come off the bench and play miraculously for the Pats. Cassel has one of greatest teams assembled around him, that will provide him with some confidence to win. He also has backed up some of the best quarterbacks to play the game, surely he learned something sitting behind these players for so long, especially playing behind, arguably, chance to be one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Give Cassel some credit, he deserves some support and a chance to show what he can really do. He does face some great adversity but with the people around him and one of the best coaches of all time behind him, I believe he will be successful.

Belichick was rebuilding the team then and didn't have the team he wanted pre-2001, so you can't judge it fully on that. That'd be like saying he doesn't need Tom because he beat the Steelers with Bledsoe in the AFCC game. Now Bill has the core offensive players, front 7 on defense, and leaders to work with, so this is truly THE test to see if he needs Tom more than vice versa. Then again even with Tom our secondary has enough questions to potentially bring this team down anyway.

Brady was pulled from nowhere to replace Drew Bledsoe. Nobody is irreplaceable in the NFL. The Partriots will find someone to replace him and they will win with his replacement. All the players are expendible. It is a business.

My nightmares have come true.They all jinxed Tom Brady when in preseason what if PATRIOTS without Tom Brady.Will it happened and now what.What about Jake Plummer ? Any one have his phone #.

Let's face it, the Pats were going nowhere even with Brady this year. They would've been a sub 500 team, perhaps going 5-11 or 6-10, something like that. Without Brady, they might get 3 wins, possibly 4, but more likely they'll go either 2-14 or 3-13. Their defense is old, they could barely win games late last year, the coach is overrated, the OL can't block anymore. They're done, it is all over. Time to pack it in. Maybe get a good draft and see if Brady comes back next year, then maybe they'll be 500 team for the next few years, but the playoffs, forget about it until 2012 at least.

This team is the culmination of a lot of talented players and coaches.

There are enough very good players who can contribute in their own way to make up some of the loss.

Coaches coach up, players execute with coaches who know what they are doing. This team loss their leader and a very good player ... they did not lose THE WHOLE TEAM and their coaches.

Throwing in the towel or saying the season is lost is absolutely ludricous ... if this were another NFL franchise that might be the case but this is the Patriots owned by one of the best in the league.

You don't come this far with this much success and talent to 'call it a day'!!!!!

Makes things interesting at the very least. Tom was kind of blah last year, despite the big numbers. There were very few moments that he displayed the intensity we had seen in the past. I say there will be hiccup during the transition but the Patriots will rebound and still be a team that will compeat for the championship. Let's not forget how Tom got his job, and what we thought of him before Bledsoe went down. Maybe this is the beginning of something even better. It's not like this scenario didn't cross Bill's mind....

With no Brady the Pats are still competitive, but it is going to be very tough to watch and we'll probably lose a few we should win. However, the schedule is easy and I think Cassel should be given a shot at getting through the first few weeks. There's *no one* out there waiting for a call - if there was, he'd already be in Miami or Chicago or in about 8 other places.

Pats won't win without Brady, if Cassel started the entire game the Pats could have lost to the chiefs, one of the worst teams in the NFL. Hopefully, these reports are incorrect, as Brady did walk off the field. But without Brady, the pats won't even go 8-8. The responsibility goes to BB and Co. Everyone could see the holes in this line and with Neal out, their was no execuse not to sign a top lineman. If the Pats go 1-15 this year without Brady(a very real possibility). BB should be fired for keeping Cassel and not signing top lineman to protect Brady, because he won't look like a genius without Brady.

No, there are a few that ARE irreplaceable. If Peyton gets whacked..the Colts will NOT win with Jim Sorgi. Brady is the linchpin. Shanahan has never won without Elway. Let's see if Coach Hoody can win without Brady, cause he is gonna have to.

As Insane as it may seem, I'd rather have Bledsoe taking the snap than Matt Cassel. Drew should know the system. It's so irrational, yet in my opinion, I'd feel a little better with Bledsoe. That offensive line best get to work and lean how to run block fast! Drew, it's time to come home. Yikes!

Next week at the Jets will be a statement game for Belichick and the team.
The season hinges on this contest.

I believe that they are up to the task, and you will be feeling better as the season progresses.

Try not to be so typical, you Boston fans.
This may indeed be a new era

If anything, this will finally weed out the weaselly bandwagon fans that have plagued this proud franchise as of late.

If the offensive line can stabilize- come on, they have been looking shaky since the end of last season (not to mention the Super Bowl)- and he doesn't let the pressure get to him Cassel has a good chance to prove he is more than a back up. One thing is certain, even if Simms comes on, Cassel is primary because he knows the team. Besides, if Week 1 has been any indication, we are looking at a huge shakeup this season all over the NFL. It ain't over til its over.

PS. If you are more than a Tom Brady follower (not to mention a member of Red Sox nation), you are used to a little disappointment. Stiff upper lip.

The season is not over. The Giants won a SB, including help from the officials, with a QB with less than average intelligence. Maybe the calls go the Patriots way, even insanely, this year to make up for it?

(over the loudspeaker at a wal mart) Ryan Leaf, Ryan Leaf you have a call on line 1, Ryan Leaf call on line 1

Drew Bledsoe is actually residing in Dallas now. I don't think Brady is the entire team, so I predict a 10 win season without him.

I feel sick to my stomach like all Pats fans but not just because just losing Brady for the rest of the season, but rather the painful way in which it happened. The play was obvious he wasn't coming back because the knee doesn't bend that way in it's natural range of motion. The Pats will obviously be a different team.

Last time I checked folks, it takes a TEAM to win and this team STILL has a chance. I believe in Coach Belichick and believe in his staff to get the job done. I believe the team should start a "Win it for Tom" campaign and silence all the Monday morning QB's of the media. The team knows how to win when faced with challenges like this. I believe Cassel has the tools and the team will support him. Have faith and enjoy the ride to Tampa in Feb!

"Daunte Culpepper to Randy Moss for a TD!"...

At least Cassel is well rested....

Let's all get real, if Brady is out for the season, and unless Cassel can pull off a Brady of 2000 (Does anyone really think that will happen?), our Superbowl Championship dream for this year has become a nightmare. Without Brady the Patriots have gone from the odds on best team in football to just an average to good one. I think now if reports are true that Tom is out for the year I can speak for most Patriot fans and simply say "Our football lifes really now really suck" After last year who would have thought after only 16 plays into the season all real hope is now most likely gone. Injuries are part of the game but "Tom Brady is out for the season" is the worst news any patriot fan could ever fathom they would hear. Now to me that is why they developed the phrase Motherfuc***.

If chumps like Eli Manning can win...then so can Cassell.

Buffalo is the best team in the AFC East now though.

BEAT THE JETS!!!!

It's over for 2008. This "Team" will go 7-9. Rest Teddy, Rodney, Vrabel and Randy for 2009. Also, Give BB the year off so that he comes back refreshed. Pick up two offensive lineman (one in the draft and a good free agent) and prepare for 2009. Tom will be back next year and lead this team to the promised land.

Cassel is a young, strong, smart football player. Make no decisions on his ability to lead the Patriots at this point in time. What we do know is that he has learned the art of quarterbacking from Bradyy, the master. This will enable him to do just fine. He may lose a game here and there but overall we can comfort ourselves knowing our team will be represented in the play-offswith Cassel at the wheel. You may call it wishful thinking but write it down....you heard it here...
The team will bond togeather better and tougher than ever thru the efforts of our one in a lifetime professional football coachs......Bill B.

WELL, SAD AS IT IS ,AND IT SOUNDS LIKE NO TOM THIS YEAR--AND NOT ONLY WILL THE PATS SUFFER WITH NO TOM ---ALL FOOTBALL FANS WILL SUFFER
BECAUSE WE WILL MISS 16 GAMES....[ REMEMBER ALI,S LOST YEARS ]BUT GUESS WHAT OLD PAT FANS , THINK BACK TO OUR OLD LOSING WAYS [70,S AND 80,S] AND TO THINK WE COULD HAVE A TEAM LIKE THIS WITHOUT BRADY --WE WOULD HAVE SAID[[[OUR PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED]] SO WHAT I AM GOING TO DO IS WATCH EACH GAME -AND I WILL FIND OUT HOW MUCH OF WINNING COMES FROM A GOOD TEAM THAT WILL PLAY BEYOND THEIR TALENT IN HONOR OF THEIR FALLEN LEADER-- THINK WE CAN SELL THAT SCRIPT--LETS WAIT AND SEE,JACK

While many of you believe Brady has made BB look like a better coach than he is ... I disagree. Brady is a great quarterback and Belichick is a great coach. Don't underestimate his ability and value to the team. I have great confidence that Kraft, Belichick and Co. will explore every option and put together a game plan suitable to the talent he has and/or will acquire. In recent years the New England sports world has had a pulse for winning, and the football Patriots have been a significant part of that scene. They will not rollover and die. They will do everything to put a winning franchise on the field. Be not dismayed. They won't go undefeated, but they will also not take a "wait t'il next year" posture as some of you think. Go Pats!

today's game was against the CHIEFS... they are horrible team with horrible QB and we barely won - granted there were couple of uncharacteristic fumbles and Cassel didn't throw an INT...but this is the CHIEFS. If we beat the Chargers with what we have then I believe in BB

Turn out the lights, your season is over....

J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS

The Giants did it with an average Eli. Why can't we? I think we have a better team then they do all around.

Well, it certainly stinks if Brady is out for the year. IF, mind you. The attribution on reports that he is done for the year has been Tomase-esque. However, it does look bad.

I'm surprised at how quickly everyone has written the Pats off, though (particularly Gang-Green fans). Yes, Tom Brady is the reigning MVP, and yes, I would rather have Brady under center than anyone else (and so would all those bitter jealous fans in other cities). However, our offense is in all other respects unchanged from the personnel who put together the best offensive ever. Ever. We also have one of the easiest schedules in the league. I see no reason to pack up the season and haul it away. The Super Bowl might be a reach, but I'm betting we win the AFC East, and the Jets stay home for the holidays...

Matt Cassel has been a student at Brady University for like 4 years,
I think he's been cleared to play in BILL's eyes.
One would think the Brady Mystique would have rubbed onto
him by now? If BILL even thought that Matt Cassel didn't have it in him
he would have gotten rid of him by now.
This is a team sport and it's a team effort to win in this
league. Not one player is bigger than the team.
Patriots have the easiest schedule by far of any other team.
Matt Cassel couldn't be in a better position to take the helm.
Matt Cassel will only get better at Quarter back.

at Quarterback

LOVE IT!!!!!! CURSE OF THE NY GIANTS!!!!!!! NO SUPER BOWL FOR YOU, CHUMPS!!!!!! PERFECTUS DENIEDUS!!!!!! ELI MANNING!!!!!!! LET'S ALL GIVE A COLLECTIVE CRY!!! BOO HOO...BABY DADDY HURTS....PUT A BAND AID ON IT FOR SNOOKUMS!!!!!

Hey Sergie post#99
How do you go from undefeated regular season to a .500 team with Brady in one season? Your crazy and obviously not a fan. Hater!

We can beat the Jets with Bill throwing the ball!

Well I have said all along the best QB in the game is Brady, however if it were brady alone then we would not need the rest of the guys on the field. Will Brady be missed, Yeah he will. Can they win without him? Yes. Will they do it with the syle and flair that we are all use to? Nope. Pats fans get ready for games where we will have to scratch, fight and claw our way to wins, but our example should be the NY Giants of 2007. They have a so so QB in Eli. Just because his brother is an elite QB, does not make Eli elite. Eli is a solid QB with a good team around him and a desire to win. We can with with Matt Cassel but it is going to take the entire team. I would put Cassel on par with Eli in that they are both decent QB's only differnce is Cassel has fewer snaps. With a few games I think Cassel will be a solid QB. He has sat and learned from 2 of the best in the game. We have one of the greatest coaches in the game and he will make this system work around the strenghts and weakenesses of Matt. If the team truly rallies around Cassel and plays hard each week we will be fine, if they give up then our season is over, 5 wins at best

What really stinks-as I stew this over all day and night - is that so many of us have waited so excitedly for Week 1 of NFL to begin and now...what?...

Yeah, we root for our Pats, but we have to love the game itself and search inside ourselves to find our substitute team to cheer for in the big dance....no Jets, no Giants.

Ugh...

Strangely I think the team will be even more united- Don't write off the season yet, there is too much talent on this team to have a crappy season.

Kevin O'Connell Kevin O'Connell Kevin O'Connell

Today was not a great day. Losing Brady is big. That being said. 3 of who most considered the top AFC team lost today...Indy, San Diego, & Jacksonville. We won the game with Cassel much like we used to win games in 2001. Ball Control, Tough Defense, and close wins. They have the running backs on the roster to flat out pound the ball, control the clock, play tough defense and win close games by small margins. 10 wins sounds about right.

Jets fans you "BARELY" beat the Dolphins. One lucky 4th down play that 31 other NFL team would have intercepted separated you from the worst team in the league last year and quite possibly again this year. Grab your T-I-S-S-U-E-S TISSUES TISSUES TISSUES.

ah is this ever a happy site for me. at first i thought the only karma the cheating, lying Pat's would have to endure was going to be that superbowl loss (goodness knows the NFL tried to duplicate the last season with the softest schedule ever concieved). but oh no, destiny saved the best for last. after 5 years of deception of having brady on the DL and bellichick lying every time he opened his mouth, your POS team finally gets what it deserves, a world-class injury. don't think you're getting any sympathy pats fans, because not even the f-ing cowboys garner as much hatred as your bottom feeding team.

I think we'll be fine. They beat teams pretty regularly last season, so we don't win them all and we may have a bunch of nail-biters this time around. Yeah the Chiefs aren't that good but I'm sure more then half the game planning went out the window when Brady went down so playing on the spot like that for the coaches and Cassel, I think they did extremely well. Now they'll have time to prepare and adjust, may not be too bad at the end. Won't be last year but won't be the 90's either. I'd say we went from elite to an very good team. All Cassel has to do is not loose the game. The veterans know how to motivate and step up. Moss could lead, he's always spoke his mind, he's always been emotional. I don't see anyone on the offense not listening to him.

So how come Cassel isn't qualified to replace Brady but Sarah Palin is qualified to replace McCain?

How about Alex Smith? #1 draft overall draft pick not long ago. Now relegated to the trash heap in SF.

@tom watson

Sorry you wrote (nonsense).

Season's pretty much over right now, if we make the play-offs it would be a huge surprise, but stranger things have happened. Just don't bring in another QB, no desperate moves now, let Cassel play and see what he can do if he's got confidence after starting some games before the Bye.

What astonishes me about lots of these posts is just how much fans have grown to root for Tom Brady before they root for the team. Perhaps the folks who say that if Brady is out for the season, than the season is out the window are actually exposing themselves as fair-weather bandwagon-ers.

I'm rooting for the Patriots you wimps (pu$@#s). Yes, of course today was all about Brady's injury and of course no one can replace him. Yet maybe now more than ever the rest of the Patriots players need their fans to step up and rally around Matt Cassell and this team.

If you're a genuine old-school Pats fan you will.

Hell YEAH!
Patriots can win without Brady!
Why, did they lose today?
Nobody said it was going to be easy,
But this will be interesting?
Come On MATT!
YOU CAN DO THIS!

OMG! The Franchise suffered a hoge blow today. The team will probably go 10-6 and make the playoffs via wildcard, but expectations for this year are certainly diminished. I feel for Tom Brady, Bill and the rest of the team. Who knows, it was a backup quarterback (named Brady) that actually took this team to the Superbowl. although it would defy history, maybe another backup quarterback can keep the dream alive? Tony DeVescovi from Boston resident, now living in Maine

THEY BETTER GET DAUNTE CULLPEPPER............OR MICK VICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!...IN NOVEMBER

Bill Belichick controls the weather, let alone the gayness of one homo. Bill will eat your face. He is covered in awesome sauce.

PATS will go all the way if Matt Cassel keeps it simple and plays like how Tom played in his first year I trust Bill and the system he has built.

The Patriots will be fine without Brady this season, it will force them back to the basics. The team played today like it did in the years when they won the Super Bowl, ball control offense, timely key plays and good situational defense. In other words, Belichick football. The coach will prevail here and will only enhance his lore.

Wow, the Pats Faithful are a fickle lot.

Rally behind the team, put those sour faces away, and support your squad!

What's this fair weather crap!?!? The season is not over... we are 1-0 with 15 games to play... this team can definitely still make the playoffs with Cassel.

Man its easy to sink the Pats fans... we're not that old loser team we used to be so stop acting like it.

Belichick and Pioli knew they could have called Simms in as soon as he was cut. In fact I thought they would, but they didn't because they saw something in Cassel that typically we as amateurs didn't. When will fans and sportswriters stop second guessing these two guys? And can you disagree with them when Cassel in probably the worst position imaginable, 3rd and long on the 1, he reads the D, sees Moss's adjustment and throws a fifty yard frozen rope for a first down. Doesn't get much better than that. They'll sign Simms as a backup, who's no slouch, and the Pats will adjust. As fars as Bledsoe is concerned that guy couldn't read a defence if you gave him the audio version. He would've been sacked for a safety while looking, looking around for the open man. I think that the Pats have come a bit complacent with Brady and this unfortunate situation will cause everyone to turn it up a notch. I believe this team will be in and win the SB. YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST!

Listen, we all feel terrible about the injury to Brady, but it's part of the game. Coach B will bring in a seasoned vet (Simms) or someone else and the show will go on. I still think we can win the AFC East and with a little luck advance a little deeper into the playoffs. What makes me made is that the JETS are licking their chops now like a Shark to blood. But they are'nt going anywhere with the team they have.....Sorry Mangini AKA THE RAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think if Brady is out for the seasonm Matt will do just fine. I think the win yesterday really help his confidence to win. Now he is a winning QB instead of the losing QB.

I would not count them out. If you remember back to 2001 Brady was great game manager and a good QB. They won a SB that year. I think they really need a good game manager to make the playoffs. Once you are in the dance all bets are off.

Will this injury affect Brady's modeling career, too, Tony?

What kind of shape is Steve Grogan in? I was thinking he might be interested.
Seriously, we've got a solid, playoff-potential team without Tom, but he's the discriminator for any Super Bowl run, unless we're really kidding ourselves here. Here's a great redemption opportunity though for the O-line in two respects: 1) They can show the world they're not the sieve we saw in the Super Bowl, rather they're the protection machine we saw in the early '07 season; 2) They've always said how they'd like to pound the ball more with the running game. They're going to have to now. I don't think we'll see those 50-attempt passing games with the 5-wide sets the only a guy like Brady could make work.

Of course the season is over. Buffalo will be AFC Champions.

LET'S GO BUFF-A-LO!

Why can't the Patriots get a guy like Damon Huard?

Patriot teams that won chamionships had two things last year did not have.
Tackle to tackle running, and a choke off defense.
That still wins. It's just that it's no ballet. Everyone remember Bruski going into the end zone against MIami in the light snow? What kind of team was that?
We forget that all that was talked about in 2001 was Brady had to MANAGE the coach's game plan effectively, and not make mistakes, after all Brady was no Bledsoe.
I have no idea if Cassel is adequate enough to manage the game plan and not make mistakes. He was yesterday.
The running will have to be better, and there's no way to make the kind of mistake the defense did yesterday on the last series with 3rd down and long on a blitz.

It's not the end of the season. We won't be as good as we would have been, but we still have a chance. Here's the thing, though; why Cassel instead of Gutierrez? Am I missing something here? Is anybody going to say that Cassel gets the job based on "experience"? It seems clear to me that lightning DID strike twice with the Patriots, but Belichick didn't put in the second lightning bolt!

Bring on Culpepper - Cassel will nver be anything better than a scrap time QB

Personally, I feel bad for Brady, but I really don't for Belichek. Spy cameras, and the way he acted after the Super Bowl. He showed no class walking off the field, and didn't give any credit to the Giants who obviously deserved to win the game the way they played. Maybe it's caught up to Bill. I think this is karma, so jump on and enjoy!!

Hey, if the Sox can replace Manny and turn their season around by winning in a different way.... Maybe, with the "team" concept already in place with the Pats, they'll still do ok, no matter who's their quarterback. They'll just have to win differently, too.

Hey Yanks fans... Glad to see that A-Rod investment is paying dividends. Seattle's such a powerhouse.. And if it weren't for the Orioles, you'd be in the basement.

Theres no bigger Patriots fan than me but lets get realistic here, the "D" played good against a very..very..very bad team, I hope the secondary is as good as they looked. Cassel was able to create 2 drives. Maybe I'm not seeing it but lets give him another chance or 2 to see what hes made off, Brady was a 6th round pick and sports writers are guessing and have zero clue when it comes to judging talent or they would be talent scouts tripling there salaries from being sports writers and saving there knees from jumping on and off band wagon so much with players and teams. And to answer a baseball writers question about FOOTBALL Brady is a great QB but Belichick can win with an above average one, he could have won with Bledsoe if he were younger.

Hey DanD!!
Well said. Everybody stop your crying. This is a mans game and it happens. I'm sure Gillette will be sold out on the 21st and nobody is starting a pilgimage to the Tobin. This is terrible news but remember Moss, Welker, Seymour, Wilfork......do I need to continue? This team is loaded and will rally around Cassel. Who won the game yesterday? Cassel. Give the kid a break. And if it dosen't work do you really think BB will mail it in. Doubt it.

Go Pats!!!

The Pats always do GREAT! when they have a chip on their shoulder...well they got one to last for the entire season. The players, coaching staff and the fans need to dedicate this season to Tom Brady for he's done a lot for this team. We want a rallying cry? I think we got a pretty good one!

Sorry PATS are DONE!

Fortunately all we need is about 9 more wins to make the playoffs and we have a weak schedule. I think we have enough talent to pull this off.

It is about if Belichick can win without Brady, it's about--can the TEAM win without Brady

You can't count the Pats out. They have always found ways to make adjustments and I don't see this year as any different. I believe Belichick will be solidified as the all time great coach that he is. Everyone already knows Tom is a phenomenal QB, now they will see the true genius of Bill on full display.
They have great receivers that can make the most of the situation. If they can stay healthy, our running back corps is as good as any in the league and with mutliple strengths.
The addition of Capers just took on added significance as the defense is going to have to step up big time now. We can't rely on blow out wins this year.
Losing Tom, if it is truly a season ending injury, is a huge blow, but we have seen this team overcome so much. How can we believe that they will just fold now? They will prevail this year.

Dante? No. Maybe as a backup defensive lineman, but not a quarterback. Bill and his staff will be smart, and not reactive. We all should have a "wait and see" attitude. Frankly, Matt did a pretty darn good job yesterday, under extreme pressure. Do we need another QB? Yes, but instead of thinking we need someone to step in as the starter, we should hang in there to see what Cassel can do against the Jets down in NJ next week and, perhaps, bring in someone to be a backup. Please remember how Kurt Warner got his shot and where Tom Brady could be today had Drew not gotten laid out seven years ago.

From a forever Giants fan, the Patriots will be fine w/o Brady. The Pats are still a great TEAM on both sides of the ball. And exceptional coaching completes the team.
Who'd think that the Ravens with a no name QB whupped my Giants in the SB? Belichick and Parcells and the great G-teams vs the Montana's 49ers and Kelly's Bills? A team with a so-so offense, fantastic defense plus heart and great coaching winning it all this year? Brady is in his own class but don't count the Patriots out!

They couldn't win it last year WITH Tom Brady, so no, they probably won't win it this year either. That said, for many years now, I've been saying how Tom Brady is quite possibly the most overrated quarterback in the league. The man they have to thank for their three Super Bowls is Adam Vinatieri. Without him, they're just the Buffalo Bills.

I like Matt Casssel but they have to call Drew Bledsoe.
Now.
RIGHT NOW.

Tell Drew he is going to have to play in a system much like Brady did in 2001. A relatively conservative offense. No gunslinging and no holding the ball forever and getting his head handed to him.

Remember everybody, we all liked Drew when he was here despite some of his failings.

All Right ...................... We all need to calm down a little bit ! Last I checked , 10 and 6 was good enough to get into the playoffs and eventually a super bowl . I hearf all those comments about the Patriots being " dead " and what the Heckuba is that all about . This is a team ! Remember ? Tom Terrific is my man - no doubt !
We all love Tom and know what he means to every single one of us here in N.E. !
But we also know he and the rest of the Pats will be " together " all season . He may not be out there - but he will be talking on the sidelines to " Matt " , and the new guy will get it done . Everyone knows what makes a person win - its all upstairs - thats what seperates the really special coaches/ qb's - everyone !
Matts got the " stuff " , Tom will nurture him along , and Belichick will devise his
new " master " plan . We will be amazed ! This will also cure the " Hangover !

JTweedie Bar Harbor Maine - GO Pats !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't Panic! Matt Cassel may not be better than the top ten QBs in the league but he is definitely better than than the remaining 22. And he is certainly better than any free agent (e.g. Chris Sims).

I still believe we can go 12-4, make the play-offs, and go to the Super Bowl.

I would like to second that feeling of wanting to throw up.

Brady is the man, he is NOT overrated. How do you overrate a 3 time winning SB quarterback? The Pats are a bit exposed now in not having a solid backup. Look at the 49ers back in the 80's, Montana started going down with injuries so they picked up Steve Young to keep the franchise moving forward. This is what the Patriots need to do, unfortunately there isn't a lot of talent around on Tom Brady's level.

Mazz answer me this who's more important Manning or Dungy, Marino or Shula, Elway or Shanahan, etc... The coaches can only draw it up on the board an practice it until they feel they got it down During the game the players have to execute it. Example, How was Coughlin looked at before Manning started playing well. I beleive they were thinking of getting rid of him and all of a sudden Eli and the team start to execute better, win and the rest is history. There are a lot of good coaches but if you don't have talent somewhere i.e defense, QB your chances of winning it all are greatly reduced.

Well, well, well, Karma comes to get ya. You cheat and it all goes full circle. Sorry to see Brady get hurt but isn't it ironic?

Im sure you are hoping he falls on his face dont you Tony...
(I cant believe you are actually covering the Patriots for a real newspaper...)

The Patriots will tread water and stay respectable this year. They are LOADED with talent, maybe not enough to overcome the loss of Brady and win the Super Bowl, but enough to hold thier own win 11-12 games and be an extremely tough out in the playoffs.

and to call a QB with the highest regular and playoff winning percentage along with the single best season any QB ever had overrated as some people have here is really funny...morons

I'd throw Kevin O'Connell into the fray and keep Cassel at backup. O' Connell has better skills and Cassel is not going to bring the team to the Promise Land. Trial by far worked for Brady, who knows?

Matt Cassel is not another Tom Brady though, in fact there is not likely to ever be another like him. There is a perfect balance of Tom and Bill, Belichick have got the golden touch when it comes to play calling, but nobody is better to read the field or to throw the perfect ball than Tom Brady. It is the balence of Brady's talent and Belichicks insight that has taken the Patriots so far in such a short time. Yes we may not be looking at another 16-0 or even a single record, but with a quality team surrounding any quarterback the Pats can still move forward. As long as New England can avoid any more injuries to key players, such as Moss, then this season is not over!

Quite frankly, I'm amazed, Too many fans do not really understand the game of football, as evidenced by so many "out of the box" comments including the writer's question.

Yes, Tom Brady is the best quarterback in football today, but Tom Brady would be an average quarterback without a supporting cast. The question was posed to Tom last week.....What if he were drafted one spot sooner? Tom scoffed and said, "That particular team isn't very good, not going to mention any names because we play them this year." Therein lies the answer.

Stay with Cassel

In Bill we trust!!!

All Right ...................... We all need to calm down a little bit ! Last I checked , 10 and 6 was good enough to get into the playoffs and eventually a Super Bowl . I heard all of those comments about the Patriots being " dead " and what the dog garn " Heckuba " is that all about . This is a team ! Remember ? Tom Terrific is my man - no doubt ! But this " team " is all about team ! Matt Cassell made a very , very , clutch throw to Moss at the 1 inch line to basically " win " yesterday . Hmmm!
Look , We all love Tom Brady ! Love him like our son ! You KNOW what this man means to every single one of us here in N.E. ! But , the TEAM will respond !
We do also know he , and the rest of the Pats , will still be " together " all season . He may not be out there - but he will be talking on the sidelines to " Matt " , and......this NEW guy will get it done . Everyone knows what makes a person win - its all upstairs ! Thats what seperates the really special coaches/ QB's - everyone !
Matts got the " stuff " , Tom will nurture him along , and Belichick will devise his
new " master " plan . We will be amazed ! This will also cure the " Hangover !

JTweedie Bar Harbor Maine - GO Pats !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can the Pats win without Brady? Of course they can. Are they a lead pipe mortal lock to drop 5TDs on another team each week? No. Sorry Pats Nation, you will actually have to watch and worry each week, like the rest of the NFL. Remember, Baltimore won a Super Bowl with Trent Dilfer and a great D. Randy Moss has made a career of making average QBs look great (see: Culpepper, Daunte; Cunningham, Randall).

Keep an eye out at Logan for Chris Simms.

The Cheatriots got what they earned. Pollard's hit was clean. Wilfork & Harrison are the dirtiest players in the league. Maybe Marsha Brady will be back next year

When Jason Street went down everyone thought the Panthers were done. Coach Taylor rallied the troups and won with Matt Cearasan BB can do the same. The Pats dont have Smash Williams though

Good lord, please DO NOT call for Bledsoe! They need to sure up the D and locate someone who can 'manage the game' without making mistakes, if it's not Cassell. With the blend of RBs plus Moss & Welker they should be able to muster ~21 points a game. trent Dilfer won a SB with a lockdown D, that's what they need a great D and mistake free O.

Drew is restired in Montana. Even in his prime when he was heaving up 3000 yds, was a mistake waiting to happen.

Why are NFL.com, Yahoo and ESPN getting all the inside stories about Brady's knee, and the Boston Globe merely quoting them?

Losing Brady is obviously a huge loss. It is unrealistic to think that ANYBODY can fill his shoes. But it is way too ealy to throw away the season. While it is true that they probably will not have the best record in the conference or even get a first round bye, this team is too talented to not still make a run for the playoffs.

In a sense, it will make the season much more interesting - That is, fans cannot expect blowouts each week and yes we will lose some games. Lets face it, we were totally spoiled last season and really have been since Brady took over at QB.

Each week will now be a battle. The loss of brady will accomplish one thing - the "bandwagon" fans will all abandon ship after a few losses and only the "true" fans will still have an interest in the team. We will now have many more games that come down to the wire and Goskowski will be playing a bigger role than ever.
The passing game will be diminished and rightly so which will magnify the importance of our depth at running back. And fortunately, the Pats have one of the easiest schedules in the NFL this year. They still have a good shot at making the playoffs.

This should make all Pats fans realize how fortunate we have all been... 3 super wins, 5 super bowl appearances, and 6 Conference championship appearances since 1997 .. not too shabby ... and last season, despite the bad ending, was unparalled in NFL history.

Its not the end of the world so keep the faith Pats fans! And if you abandon ship .. don't come back when things get better!

90% of you Boston faithful in here are mailing it in!! When we start winning with Cassell i hope you keep the hell off of our Patriot wagon and go join another team... JETS would suit your spineless natures perfectly!!

In Bill and Matt we trust!!! Go tell the defense their season's over... think they might have a say? See Trent Dilfer 00'

Gutless turds!!

If the Pats miss the playoffs I'm not sure you can say that it was because Brady is more valuable than Belichick. If this happened in the preseason maybe but given the midseason (even if its at the beginning) nature of it I think that would be a bit hard on Belichick.

Calm down.
Excluding the QB position, is there a better team in the AFC East than the Pats?
Defense, O-line, running backs, WR, P, K, return? The Bills may have a better return game and their RB position is close, and the Jets may have an equal O-line, but overall the Pats are still the class of the division.

Then what about the QB position? Pennington, Edwards, Favre, Cassel. Rank them in order and I think you'd get Favre, Edwards, Cassel, Pennington. Cassel might even be better than Edwards.

So the question is who in the East can get past the Pats?

I'm estimating 11 wins (KC, NYJ, MIA x 2, BUF, SF, DEN, SL, SEA, OAK, AZ) not what we were hoping for, but still in the playoffs.

Before we all collectively jump off the Mystic River Bridge, could everyone please take a collective breath and have at least a little faith in the coach and management? After all, the Pats didn't build such a formidable record without some savvy decisions being made my management, ownership and the coach (see Randy Moss and a host of others). Aside from that triumvirate, the one indefinable ingredient in the team, in OUR team, has been a togetherness and work ethic that surpasses the norm. Somebody (usually several somebodies), will step into to help fill the void, not just to make a name for themselves, but because these guys love the team, love the game and love the city and it's people.
As fans, lets stop whining and get behind this amazing organization and do our part with united support and positive thoughts for the rest of the players and coaches, and to borrow a phrase from a great american statesman, let this years motto be "Yes we can".

If the Pats miss the playoffs I'm not sure you can say that it was because Brady is more valuable than Belichick. If this happened in the preseason maybe but given the midseason (even if its at the beginning) nature of it I think that would be a bit hard on Belichick.

READ THIS:
The Season is *OVER*!!!!!! ... same way it was when Bledsoe went down back-in-the-day. I choose to believe that Kraft, as a business man, as an investor, as a billionarie built from the bottom up would never put all of his eggs in one basket nor would he hire managers who would.
13-3 +

I have no idea whether the Pats will go to much less win another Super Bowl without Tom Brady. Certainly it would seem that their chances were better with Tom in there However, New England fans need to remember that the real central fact of the Bellichick era Patriots is, you play with what you've got on hand. I expect that to happen and I expect the Pats to be competitive. There are many other players on this team with great talent and they will still be playing and fulfilling their roles, such as Welker, Moss, Morris the D line etc.. The Pats offense if still their offense, they run the same plays and play the same game. All of that is good. If I see issues on the team, it is with the defense, not the offense. The defense needs to stop opposing offenses long before the five yard line and I did not see much of that yesterday. This was a problem last year as well but it was covered up by the success of the offense. More defense is in order and less talk about the Q.B... They are still going to play a game every week this year and we are all going to watch, so it ain't over yet.

Ahh, poor Pats. Poor Pats fans. Poor Pats media whores (particularly talk radio).

I like Brady, and Belichick will always have a special place in my heart for leading the Giants defense to it's first two Super Bowl victories ('87 and '91).

However, the arrogance displayed up here by Pats fans is akin to what we hate about Yankees fans. Patriot fans have BECOME Yankee fans.

The Great Gods of Karma have spoken. Without Tom Terrific, you're just another good team in a conference full of them.

What is my man Drew doing... maybe thinking of a come back? Back to reality... I think Bill will put Matt and the rest of the team in a position to win. I'm not happy about Cassel, and didn't think he would make it out of camp but BB saw something we didn't in the preseason games. I've been a Pats fan all my life, through the early years, the magical 85 season, the dark times in the early 90's, and the dynasty of the Brady era. I thought that our season was over in 01 when Bledsoe went down and Bill got his untested back up in the position to win. Cassel is not brady but it is not lost

Between the Super Bowl loss and this injury, it's been a depressing year to be a Pats fan. But I realize we've just been spoiled. Every other team in the NFL would have loved to have our 4 AFC titles and 3 Super Bowl wins during this run. So I guess I can't be TOO upset about it. At least we won't take our wins for granted this season.

first off o-connel would not get it done,and there wont be any miracles like 2000-2001.get that out of your heads now.do we still have a chance?yes,but a small one.we barely hung on to beat a nameless cheif team.its not just cassel we have to worry about.we need our defense to stop more drives then they have.we need a relentless defense like no other to give us the chance.every player needs to step up.we have to worry that teams will stack the box,and force cassel to beat them.we need to prove them wrong.

This might be the last win in a while. They barely beat the hapless Chiefs...

Well there is always next year. Matt Cassell is a terrible quarterback and we all know it. I am still mystified how he made the team? I watched 4 exhibition games where he looked like a pop warner 8 year old. He is way to jittery, even more so than "dancing Bledsoe". There is no way he can be a team leader, so they are better off signing some has been qb for the remainder of the season that could possibly lead them to the title. Simms? hell even Vinny T out of retirement is better than Cassell and would give us a chance given the weapons we have on the pats.
They need a leader right now and Cassell unfortunately is not it.....

Don't be fair-weather fans! We still have a chance and that's all we need! Deep down all of you who talk about the mind of Tom Brady know at least some of this to be true. Once he is recovered from his surgery, he will be watching tape, he will be on the sidelines, he will make a magnificent assistent to the offensive co! His insight is still valuable even if he is not on the field!

well said Danny D.....

all these arm chair experts need to just sit back and let the play unfold

like any team the Pat's will come back with a game plan vs. just folding the tent

Bring back Drew! I'm sure the terminology is basically the same as before. Let him ride the bench for a week or two and see what Cassel can do. This team is too good to give a season away. I'm not saying Cassel can't do it, but we need a veteran back-up/starter, just in case he can't do it. Moss couldn't out run Drew's arm on his best day.

Culpepper is done and Sims is a cancer. I don't want that spoiled brat in our huddle. I would rather see Trent Dilfer if we can't get Bledsoe.

ithink cassel will lead us to a decent 12-4 maybe 10-6 record and bring us close to the superbowl but thts it only because of what he has around him recievers o-line runningbacks are getting better and defense

dont worry pats fans ... gisselle is rubbing that magical p.u.s.s.y on brady`s knee as we speak ... he will be back in two weeks

i think cassel will lead us to a decent 12-4 maybe 10-6 record and bring us close to the superbowl but thts it only because of what he has around him recievers o-line runningbacks are getting better and defense

How many of us honestly thought when Drew Bledsoe went down injured and we saw Tom coming off the bench he was half the quarterback he has turned out to be, lets take a collective deep breath and while wishing Tom "Godspeed", lets see what Matt can do coming off the bench mush the same way Brady did some years back . I remain realistically optimistic.

The people who think Belichick can work the same magic that he did when Bledsoe went down in 2001 are forgetting that Brady was coming off the bench having been a star at Michigan, while Cassel is coming off the bench as the guy who backed up Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart in college. All things are not equal this time around.

I am glad to see the Pats will finish last this year. I can't stand Belicheck.

I feel that just like Tom Brady was the sleeper who arrived out of nowhere to step in and be the savior when Bledsoe went down, don't count out Belichick and Cassel. Belichick is the master of this game and he has seen something in Cassel that none of us have seen yet. I think to pass judgement now on their season is foolish. They are still the team to beat in the East and let's give Cassel a chance, hey, Belichick did.

Brady's absence will be felt, there is no question in that. However, if we go back to when Bledsoe was hurt, we also thought that season was over. I am not stating that Cassel can do what Brady has done but I am also not dismissing the notion that we can get to the SuperBowl. Cassel is in no way, shape or form Tom Brady, but he did show on Sunday that he can get it done. There will be mistakes along the way but that does not mean we can not get to the playoffs if not even further. Bill is a good enough coach where he can manage adjusting the other parts of the team and take pressure of Cassel and make something of this season.

Yes I to wanted to throw-up. I haved watched the Patriots faithfully for 30 years
and I pace the floor every game. What is wrong with you so called fans
give Cassel a chance and wait for the real reports on Brady. we have a great
coach and a grat "team."
retired fan in fort myers

I'm not ready to make any decision about whether or not the Pats will win or lose with Cassel/out Brady until we see how the next 3 or 4 games turn out. Brady's injury is huge no doubt and Cassel was a back up his entire career but he did get a win yesterday. This team will go as the running game and the defense does and they look pretty good...

This is good news for those of us on the Season Ticket Waiting List. I've been waiting on that damn list since 1998. Now all the bandwagoneers are going to start bailing on the Pats when they go 8-8 this year and TA DA- next year I'll finally have my tickets, Brady will be back 100% and it's Superbowl Ring #4 for Tom!

Calling Vinny Testaverde!

If the Patriots are TRUE champions they will step up and find a way to win. Saying you cannot win without one player is weak .....no matter how good he is. They will find a way to win and it's that simple.

Tom Brady is a smart and skilled leader. Tom got there the hard way. Tom is also very humble. Cassell (or any other quarterback) needs to realize the importance of these intangibles before they can hope to lead the Patriots.

Anyone that thinks Bledsoe would come back to the Pats is clueless... He doesn't owe Bill B. any favors. Save us some time and focus your random, unrealistic dream scenarios elsewhere.

If Brady's out for the year, the Pats will undoubtedly sign someone for back-up purposes - but as it stands now, there are no "starting" caliber QBs on the open market (or recently retired, which Bledsoe is). It's going to be Cassell, then whatever spare bodies they can find.

It's up to the team as a whole to get it done. They've already got the potential; they just have to keep it up and hope for a few breaks along the way. But this makes the AFC East race alot more exciting...

I think the Pats are still a playoff team without Brady. With that said, I don't think they are a 16-0 or a Superbowl team without Brady. If you can get to the playoffs, who's to say that Brady won't be available then?

Does anyone else think if Brady come some playing time in the pre-season that maybe (just maybe) he would have been able to aviod something like this? I know it's a freak accident, but it is tough to expect the Quarterback to come in and get his first action in game 1 (even for Brady). It's one thing for Randy Moss to miss last years pre-season and then come in at full speed but the QB position is totally different. Maybe he would have step back, avioded the rush some how or even got rid of the ball sooner. It's one of the questions you will never know the answer to, but you wonder...

I think the Pats are still a playoff team without Brady. With that said, I don't think they are a 16-0 or a Superbowl team without Brady. If you can get to the playoffs, who's to say that Brady won't be available then?

Does anyone else think if Brady got some playing time in the pre-season that maybe (just maybe) he would have been able to aviod something like this? I know it's a freak accident, but it is tough to expect the Quarterback to come in and get his first action in game 1 (even for Brady). It's one thing for Randy Moss to miss last years pre-season and then come in at full speed but the QB position is totally different. Maybe he would have step back, avioded the rush some how or even got rid of the ball sooner. It's one of the questions you will never know the answer to, but you wonder...

Great! I feel sick in the stomach!

But actually less by how bad the injury is going to be and more by the fact, how supposedly true Pats fans react on this board. True fans huh?

Give me a break!

1) Simms is making his way to Foxborough
2) Although I was one of the Cassel haters in pre-season, everyone had to admit he played with poise. Not always pretty, but focused and he got us the game home
3) We haven't got the worst schedule in the league, and BB has played without key players before. Not without Brady, but I still hope we can be competitive.

Take care TB. GET WELL SOON. We gonna need you back.

In the meantime this is my team, without or with TB.

GO PATS

I'm nowhere near ready to flush the season.

The Pats are solid on defense, have a Pro-Bowl studded OL, and a good running game- not to mention 2 of the game's best receivers.

Bill's been down this road before, and I refuse to believe that there were no contingency plans in place for just such an issue.

There's a reason Cassel is still on the roster, just give things time to play out.

Let's not forget, just because Brady can't play does not mean that he won't be on the sidelines working with Cassel. He'll be like a second QB coach for Cassel. Brady really benefited from having Bledsoe on the sidelines, why can't Cassel?

It's way to early to speculate on the final outcome of Patriots 2008 Season. Even without Brady we still have the best team in the AFC East and should win the division. Look, it's been proven that superbowls can be won with average QB's. Need I remind you of Trent Dilfer in 2001 with the Ravens. With a strong running attack and a rock solid defense, we can make a run at another run at the AFC championship

Well, can't say we never saw this coming. This was the most vulnerable chink in the Patriots armor, and the worst fear has come true. If we had a genuine backup quarterback, we wouldn't have written off the whole year like so many are doing. (myself included, i admit). I don't think Cassel is another Tom Brady, except if there is some magic potion that Belichick gives his starting quarterbacks. In the best-case scenario, we can make it another 10-12 weeks with winning enough games to scrape into the playoffs, and hopefully Brady will be back after that to play in the playoffs. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed.. Best of luck Patriots. We are behind you all the way.

Bill's system does not require Brady. He simply needs to figure out a way to steal more plays and signals from the other team and NOT get caught this time.

All is well because of the CBS SCENE! WOO HOO! Life can't get any better thanks to the CBS SCENE and Patriot Place!

I just can't wait to watch you front-running doomsayers and doubters come crawling back and try to get back on the bandwagon in December when they are 8-4 and making a strong bid for the playoffs. You know what you are? You are Yankees fans. And I know you know what I mean by that.

let me see: everyone associated with the nfl considers Bill to be one of the three or four greatest coaches of all time and you use the word unmask in defining what this season's record will manifest. Your a typist (Frazier's definition of a talentless hack) and a Patriots hater. By the way, Bill never needed a 210 million dollar pay roll (160 + 50 for DiceK) to beat the 65 million dollar payroll of the Indians or the 32 million dollar payroll of the Rockies. Believe me, Bill's team won't quit like Francona's did in 2006.

Running game. Let's not forget that Maroney averaged 4.5 ypc last season, but did not run a lot. I think with more Tight End sets, shorter passes and more running the Pats can still win. They have the easisest schedule in the league and still have Moss to keep defenses from putting 8 in the box. Their biggest issue will be keeping other teams from scoring, with their weak defensive backfield. I still think the Pats can win 11 games this season, then wait and see where Brady fits in at the end of the season.

So glad to see the Pats humbled by all of this - yet they have the easiest schedule of any team in the league, so they're hardly out of it. They could possibly make the grade with this forever back-up that (from what the smart word is) has always been thrilled to simply sit and not play. BTW, there's nothing worse (or more enjoyable) that witnessing self-destructing Boston fans. They truly are the worst!

If Bill leads this team to 10 and 6, and they even sniff the playoffs he should get coach of the year. With that being said, doesn't this feel like an 8 and 8 team? We were counting on the O to pick up the slack for an aging D, but now the D has to carry the O? I don't think I like it one bit

Coach is missing his most valuable cameraman. Don't fool yourself into thinking Brady was good by himself. Once coach figures out a new way of cheating, the next QB will be awesome.

cassel may surprise everyone. he certainly surprised me with his first TD pass yesterday and went on to have a heck of a day.
I seem to remember one other patriot backup who came on to replace a franchise QB a few years back.... who was that again?

At least the Bruins are starting up soon.

Relax, everyone. The New England Patriots are more than one man. Cassel's been around a few years now and knows the system, and the coaching staff will only ask him to do what they know he can do while keeping the mistakes to a minimum. The other players are going to work even harder to pick up the slack. I have to believe Rodney Harrison is getting his teammates primed, saying how no one respects them as players in their own right. And don't forget the schedule, which is pretty easy. The Pats are still going to win the AFC East, and who knows what happens when the playoffs start. The Pats are going to be just fine.

The Pats will probably still make the playoffs. People sometimes forget that they have all-star players in all the categories except the secondary. They should win the AL East, despite the Jets having Brett Favre. Favre can't do it alone, the division is weak, and the Pats have the best (easiest) schedule they've had in a long while. But it won't be automatic. Someone or some combination of folks have to step up, especially on the offense. Lawrence Maroney has to start running up to his potential and/or Randy Moss has to become the team's leader as well as it's star wide receiver. Can they get back to the Super Bowl? I think if the Giants could, we can too, even Bradyless

dont worry, cassel will be fine as long as faulk, morris, lawrence m all stay healthy. running game will have to step up and we still have moss, welker, and the key to it all benny watson. watson will have a huge year being cassels saftey valve! just have faith, and if you dont well the red sox are still rolling!

What happened in superbowl proved Brady (and whoever lead defense) are only an ordinary players. Pats will be able to do well without there presence.

Let's give Matt a chance, he may not be Tom Brady but who thought Bledsoe's back up would turn into what he has.

Go Pats

At least he wont be able to play when the broncos play the pats... because im a bronco fan!!!

"If Brady's out for the season, well, it's wait until next year. Clearly.
Very depressing. Cassel might be OK...but just ok. There will be no miracles off the bench. The Pats have left themselves too vulnerable, for too long, without a top notch backup. Unlike the Chiefs, for example, we don't have a Damon Huard to go to. Every Pats fan knows this."

Umm, Damon Huard isn't a Pro-Bowl QB. And we haven't officially lost Brady yet.

At least he wont be able to play when the pats play the broncos because im a bronco fan!!!

well just think about what the coach has done with this team yes I did say team we will pull up our chin straps and play football the QB will be O.K. the team will be O.K. and WE WILL make the playoffs i am a pats fan yes we will have a time doing it we just have to get it done others ways on both sides of the ball and stand up and support our QB. Just remeber we are still the team to beat in the AFC east

we need and want them both. nough said!

Brady may be out, but he can still contribute on the sidelines. His knowlege will help Matt or any other QB the Pats deem neccessary to play until his return. Alot of the comments are disturbing, made primarily from band wagon fans. I believe the Patriots will continue to dominate and prove all the nay sayers wrong. A team is not defined by one person, but a collection of people who dispite what others may think, know they can succeed. The Patriots will weather this just fine, and Coach will prove once and for all that he is the man.

What's Culpepper's phone number?

For all comparing this to Brady replacing Bledsoe. Stop. When Brady replaced Bledsoe, the pats were on their way to being 0-2 after a 5-11 season. Bledsoe was well into the routine of taking his 3 step drop and then standing in the same place until he had to tuck the ball and fall to the ground (loved the guy, but man that tactic just never went away... probably why he's done now). Who was the coach? Belichick... for both seasons. Brady took off with that season and might have been the only reason that the patriots had a winning season... never mind a superbowl. Brady was replacing an aging immobile QB that really just didn't have it anymore and who was likely on his way out soon anyway. Cassel is replacing one of the best quarterbacks of all time at the top of his game.

This is unfair to Belichick. I think it was a combo of both that made this team great. Would this article be written if Belichick had to leave the team due to an illness?

Think about what you all are talking about here! It's Bill Belichick! He lives for Challenging situations. They said he couldn't win because of his tenure in Cleveland, where he went to the post season but then got fired for a poor season afterward, therefore relegating him back to coordinator for Parcells. After Dledsoe got hurt, they said it's no way this "Tom Brady guy could fill Blesdoe's shoes. He wasn't even a good starter in college". All he did was take the team to the Super Bowl. They said he couldn't devise a scheme to slow down the Rams in the Super Bowl. All he did was hold them to their lowest seasonal offensive output, and win. Remember also, it was the very next year, with Tom Brady, that they didn't make the playoffs. Mostly because they didn't have enough talent. remember...etc....etc...etc.....!

What I'm trying to point out is that this coach, for the demented scheming guru that he is, has a professional defiance to ""what the masses think" that I haven't seen before. you don't think at halftime they threw out half the offensive playbook and started from scratch, THAT's COACHING!! They may not have put up a thousand points on the Cheifs, but remember one last thing. Before last year, how many blowouts over 10 points did the Patriots really have on a consistant basis? What was the formula? Great defense! Solid QB play! Good Special teams! I think they can still get all tthree phases done. We, as fans, are forgetting the 17-13 winning scores that the Patriots posted. Or the last drive/ game winning drives that we have had to come back from. Or the last drive of the game and a defensive stop to win it. We got spoiled last year. The average margin of victory wasn't all that high before 2007. I'll say this...if the Patriot defense can hold opponents to 17pts per game and, as I believe, the Pats can score 20 on majority of the opponents of their schedule, they can be right in it. They'll just have to settle for more feild goals. But they can do it with their schedule. Besides, it's not like this team isn't used to adversity by now. It's almost as annually for them as training camp. It goes- Minicamp-Preseason-Adversity!

If fans want to see what happens with life after brady we now have a season loing preview........still think we can win the division, if the team plays hard.

The Patriots will overcome this injury to Brady & still make it to the tournament, but I don't think that Cassel is a SB-caliber talent. Unless Cassel improves much more than what we've seen so far, winning the AFC East, and maybe winning one playoff game is all that I expect out of the Patriots this season. Unless they can coax a proven veteran QB to play for them this year......

Bring back Doug Flutie!

Well, if the Pats and Bill where looking for the disrespect card in the deck, I think they may have found it. Telling a team loaded with veterans and probowlers that their season is over and also the media's continuing slobering disgusting coverage of Bret the Jet, I can't wait to see the final score next week. Keep panicking Pats fans, Bill and Co. relish this disrespect. Pats 34- Jets 6.

Who else laughed when Brady's knee went "SNAAAAAAAAAPPPP!!!"?

Did anyone notice the SI cover for the NFL preview....Brady with his left knee exposed.

Of course we are not the same team without the best QB but we still have a good team and Belichicks record pre Brady is not relevant. In 2000 he was rebuilding the Pats and in Cleveland he didn't have a stable ownership like the Krafts and a system 9 years and running. We'll be in the mix at the end, even if it's a wildcard.

Did anyone notice the SI cover for the NFL preview....Brady with his left knee exposed.

Of course we are not the same team without the best QB but we still have a good team and Belichicks record pre Brady is not relevant. In 2000 he was rebuilding the Pats and in Cleveland he didn't have a stable ownership like the Krafts and a system 9 years and running. We'll be in the mix at the end, even if it's a wildcard.

Bring Back Drew. Ol' Number 11 will save the season.

It's curtains for the Pats. Get a grip and face it. The Pats might actually win the division, simply because of the mediocrity of the AFC east. But once the playoffs come around, they're done.

A couple of points:

Belichick will be exposed.
Don't feel bad for Brady, he will be fine. Gisselle will take good care of Tommy, she'll rub his knee a few times, should be back for training camp next year!

One thing that will be missed by having Brady gone are the intangibles. More than scoring TD's, Brady kept the offense on the field for extended periods of time giving our defense a rest and wearing down the other team's D. I dont think Cassel can do this.

You people seriously need lives of your own! It's one thing to be a fan, I'm a Pat's fan myself and rarely miss a game. However, calling his girlfriend a slut is a bit much. You're just jealous you couldn't get the time of day from a woman like her. And for those of you who have a problem with Belechik, the man has a winning mantra and a winning record. He's a great coach and it really is about a team to win a game. As far as all the grief you give Brady, again, jealous beer slurring couch potatoes, you couldn't walk a football field in his shoes or last half a day of his workout. We all know that Stetson or anyone else isn't calling any of you to endorse anything. Why would they? The Pat's are a great team because they play as a team and have a no-nonsense coach who knows football certainly better than any of you and better than nearly anyone else in the league. One more thing, most of you could use a spell checker.

Bill Belichick (ie., Mr. Spygate) is a dork. He's in a real fix. He can't cheat anymore and now he lost his QB. Poetic justice but I sincerely hope Mr. Brady's injury is not career-threatening.

I'm sure all of you nay-sayers were saying the same exact thing when Drew Bledsoe went down in 01.

Before everyone goes crying over the premature demise of the Pats, how about waiting to see how things play out. Brady was a back-up before he was a starter. Belichik's less than stellar record was a lifetime ago when he was a younger and less experienced coach. Sure, there's a chemistry between B&B. Who knows, maybe there'll be one between B&C or even B&S. They said when Greise retired from the 'fins, that Shula was all done. Then along came Marino.

Bottom line, wait and see what happens before you start singing the dirge.

Mazz- How predictable is this question from you? It's really Sportswriter Light. Whatever happened to TEAM? Why be divisive and give an either/or scenario? I'm sure each feels blessed to have the other in New England. I think the most glaring difference this year may be the regularity of 3rd and long situations. Last year, first downs came quickly because of the passing game. If the offense can't find the passing game, that will tax everyone. And I assume BB will devise a plan to give NE a chance to be competitive. BTW, good for Farve, but the Jets by six over Miami? I would have looked for more separation.

Done....so done. See you next year

Next week against the Jets will say alot. Nothing would be more satisfying then to have the Pats beat the Jets in NY without Brady. It would certainly be a good smack in the mouth and put the Jets back to where they belong, in the cellar with the Dolphins.

very early bye in Week 4 could not have come at a better time...

Go Sox!!!

Karma is a MUTHA !!! Sweet Dreams cheaters !

Pats still go to the playoffs. It looked like it was over when Bledsoe went down and was replaced with a sixth round draft pick that split time as Michigan's QB. The Ravens won a SB without a star QB, same as the '90 Giants with Hostetler, who had only started 2 games in 7 years before that season. The D needs to step up - maybe get Ty Law back. We'll find out if Maroney is a legit RB.

Bring it on. The season isn't over, it just got a lot more interesting. In Bill we trust. We don't need tapes or the league MVP. Favre - you're going to wish you were retired.

The only way to answer the question is it depends on if Belichick can get his hands on 15 or so more play books or video tapes

Now?

We run. We run and run and run. We have RB's that can wear down lines. Run first, pass when needed.

We adapt. Matt will never "replace" Brady. So, we adapt. We go with the remaining strengths. Defenses will never stop covering Moss and Welker. Hammer them down with the runs. When we see defenses adapt to the running game, it opens up the receivers enough for Casell to hit them.

I for one and not giving up. We have a solid team. Time to prove them all wrong.

Again.

Prediction:

You hear me right. Kevin O'Connell will replace Cassell and have New England thinking they have a New Brady on their hands.

I saw this guy in the pre-season and he's got it. I am hoping BB gives him the chance and throws him into the mix. He'll respond. He's got a great arm and can run very well.

Don't laugh. I'll go out on the limb and even say "bank on it" happening.

Never mind the SI jinx, the Pats wore white jerseys at home for the first time in 14 years yesterday (Globe, Patriots Notebook). Doubt if that will happen again any time soon?

To add what JP Losman's knee stated on response 267, Karma is a mo fo!
The Pats have been one of the luckiest teams in the NFL. Calls going there way, lucky last minute drives and scores and who can forget that ridiculous call against the Raiders in the 2002 AFC Championship Game. BS call by the ref.

I'm also hearing that some fans are calling yesterday's hit on Brady a cheap shot. Has everyone in New England forgotten that they have the biggest cheap shot player in the league on their team in Rodney Harrison.

Last years Super Bowl was great. This Season is going to be even better!!

Ok. Huge loss for Patriots team but it could be worse. Would you rather have Flacco(Balt.), (Kyle Boller, injured I know), O'Sullivan(SF), T. Jackson(Min), Canpbell (Wash), Croyle(KC), Russell(Oak), Young(Ten) (overrated version of Mike Vick), Joey Harrington (FA), etc, etc, etc.? Trent friggin Dilfer won a damn SB! I thought Cassel would be released after bad preseason but Belicheck know his team alot better than we do. Cassell has a way better supporting cast than most NFL QB's have. I think the Pats will still win 10-12 games. RB depth is strong and the D will improve as they always do. Now it's time to see who the fair weather fans are. Terrible that Brady is hurt but at some point the Pats will have to prepare for life without him. In Belicheck we trust!!!! GO PATS!!

The question of who needs who more than the other is just one issue. The more important question is: What kind of TEAM will this become? The win-loss records comparing with and without Brady are somewhat misleading. The TEAM has continually gotten better since Brady took over the QB position to the point of being on the edge of forever (as Seau put it before last year's Super Bowl). But now we get to see how this TEAM, as well as its Hall-of-Fame caliber coach, responds to the loss of Brady

lets give Matty Cassell a chance before we pronounce the season as dead. Any given Sunday.

It really hurts to see Tom go down, but there are 52 other great players around him. I believe BB will make things work. If his defense holds up and players works with Cassell, I think they can make it to the playoffs. Look at 2001, when Bledsoe went down, Brady came off the bench and never looked back. Don't give up on the Pats, they will get by and hope fully shut up all these other people that cheered his injury.

I get sick about thinking that Brady won't be playing this season. "CASSEL drops back to pass. Steps into the pocket and fires one to Randy Moss," doesn't quit have the same ring to it. It makes me even more upset thinking that somehow this might even end his career.

As Massarotti suggests, the Patriots will have to make some adjustments, which they are masters at doing. Keep in mind, too, that Brady didn't always win when he came in for Bledsoe. He struggled a bit developing into a quarterback.

With the exception of the defensive secondary, we do have all the other tools to make a run for it. I'm glad they got on the phone with Chris Simms, but they need to be talking to Ty Law, too.

The defensive is going to have to step up and play even better. We're going to need to keep the game close because we're not going to be scoring as many points.

Easy NFL schedule. Best O-line. Receivers run to the ball. Its time to let those running backs run out the clock. Trent, Eli?.....Why not Matt? No worries.

The pats are done. The whole team is built around Tom Brady. Without him, they are nothing. Their solid core of linebackers cant bomb the ball out to Randy Moss. Enjoy looking up at the bills and jets for the rest of the season!

Trust me, this will be good for the league. It's really the only thing that could take the media's attention away from my botched handling of Spygate.

Well, it appears that the Karma Gods have spoken. The Hoodie is a sub-.500 coach without Brady, so you won't be seeing the Pats in the SB this year.

Now, if Pacman would just open up that box of rattlesnakes -- err, housewarming gifts -- that the league sent him, I'd have it made.

We are talking about a MVP, most valuable player in the league. When Bledsoe went down, he wasn't the best, but Tom Brady is the best. I think they will still make the playoffs. This is an extremely huge loss, he is the franchise and Matt Cassel does not have "Tom Brady" skills. It is going to be very interesting to see how the rest of the season goes.

The question is: Can Pats win without Brady? And the answer is, of course. What the Pats cannot do is dominate, which is what Brady gave us. Brady is that kind of rare phenomenon that no amount of experience can be duplicated. Joe Montana and Peyton Manning come to mind as approaching comparison - but very few others.

The problem that the Pats have at the moment is finding a QB with whom the Pats can win.

Cassel is not the answer. Cassel’s best role is not as a starter. He has shown this. His best role is coming in off the bench - to finish a game, only - not to start. In fact, as a pinch-QB he may be one of the best, but that exhausts his ability.

Of the names mentioned so far as possible replacement starters, O’Connell may be what we need. At least he is already ours, and is as genuinely ‘unknown’ as Brady was when he took over from Bledsoe.

And Bledsoe himself might be worth a look, assuming his availability (ie. physical status).

Culpepper’s day is over. He was only ever a “thrower” (a lot like Kerry Collins), and the Pats need a “passer”, a different thing altogether.

Probably the best non-starting ‘unknown’ QB on an active roster (even ahead of Brady Quinn), and probably just barely ‘available’, is Washington’s Colt Brennan. Currently the Redskins #3, it would cost the Pats a lot to separate him from the Redskins, but trust me - Brennan will be an eventual superstar with the right team around him.

Of all the name’s mentioned, though, I think Chris Sims - who is a ‘known’ package - may be the best available. As the Pats are giving him a look-over today, he will likely be the guy. The Pats may be a great fit for him, and he could very well deliver.

What made 2001 a great season was that Belichick molded what he had into a winner. It was all about how Brady just needed to manage the game and the defense and special teams would take care of the rest. It's the same now with a different quarterback. Losing Brady means we no longer win by double digits. It's back to the formula that won in 2001. Score two touchdowns, two field goals, and hold the opponent under 20. In Bill we trust.

Time to give culpepper a call. Reunite him with randy moss. Im sure that would give culpepper a chance to unretire and bring his career back to life. I think he is the BEST QB available right now. And with the weapons and Coach B's system he should be fine.

Support your team!
There has been one game. They can still have a good season. There are 15 more games. It's a huge loss, but he is one member of a TEAM!

I say, "put a brace on Brady's knee and put him back out on the field." Hopefully someone will hit his good knee (Right) and put him down and out for good. H eis a fair QB in a Good system under a deviant coach who hides behind a facade of "I am God!". Wait... What was that I just heard? A scream of Hope & Joy from the Jets fans. "This is our year, the Pats are Flat, the Jets have Brett!!"

Hey, it ain't gonna be easy, but it sure is going to be fun! Brady's one of the best QBs who's every played and we're gonna to miss his presence terribly, but the rest of this team ain't exaclty chopped liva! We've still got the best defensive line in football, some of the best linebackers, and we've got Rodney patrolling the field as well. And Ellis Hobbs is already on track to surpass his interception total of last year (I know, I know, it's only 1 INT but hey, I'm trying to be positive here!). I think if the defense can keep 'em in the game, this team's got enough offensive weapons to still have a chance to win every week! Sure, it won't be Brady-led blowouts, but we can score half as many points as we did last year and still win enough games to get into the playoffs, where by then Cassel will have had a whole season of starting under his belt! So lighten up, you 'nabobs of negativity' to quote a former must-not-be-named Boston coach!

The rest of the season comes down to 1 thing....the OL. If the OL can open some holes in the running game and give Cassell time to throw the ball, we can certainly make the playoffs and maybe even the Super Bowl....although that may be wishful thinking. If the OL plays the rest of the season like they did in the Super Bowl and preseason, the team can start planning their vacations in January. IN BILL I TRUST!!!

More than Belichick, it's time for Josh McDaniels to step up. Look back at the Super Bowl and ask yourself if Manning and Tyree are in the position to make that once-in-a-lifetime, game-winning hookup if the Pats coaches had stuck to a game plan that mixed the run and pass more effectively. It's no wonder Brady took the beating he did in that game: if you knew your opponent was going to pass every down, you could tee off on the pass rush without hesitation, too. If yesterday's game showed me one thing, it's that the Pats have three legitimate weapons at running back in Moroney, Morris and Faulk (presuming there are no lingering effects from his suspension). It's time the Pats used them to a greater extent, because Cassel will only be as effective as the play-calling.

"When you've got nothin', you've got nothin' to lose".

Now that people have put away their crystal balls after foreseeing that Tom is out for the season and have also seen that the Pats have no shot this year, we can go back to the lab and do some serious reconfiguring. In other words, most think that we're done for the year. 10 wins at best. See ya next year.

Good!! All of you nay-sayers can walk away and we'll take our wrecked car back into the garage and tweak the hell out of it. Start lookin' in your rearviews, boys. We ain't done. BB is famous for taking players who've never been there or done that and have made them into rockstars. He makes Dr. Frankenstein look like a hack when it comes to combining incomplete pieces and parts and making something truly special happen.

On a sunny morning in 2001, people were wondering what sort of game Drew Bledsoe was going to have that day. That is, until the crowd held its collective breath as he lay on the grass hardly moving after taking a shot that a bullrider
would wince over. Enter one previously unheard of kid named Tom Brady.

People, have a little faith. And for those who are happy about this news? Really sucks being so jealous of a town like Boston with championships galore that you actually take pleasure in watching an athelete get hurt. Pathetic. But, we'll take it as a compliment at the same time.

First off the Pats are not done. Grow up this is a well oiled machine. They have options and need to put them into place. And quite frankly I don't care who the QB is as long as Bill and the Defense are prepared we will win. We had proof of that yesterday or did all of you just stop watching when the D stepped up for 5 downs in the end zone delivering KC the big goose egg. Bill can bring back Zolak and we'd still have a chance. Add it up - Our cottenelle soft schedule (will give any QB plenty of practice time ) + Cassel will do what he needs to do to hold it together for a W - (at least he scrambles for the down instead of popping it up for an interception ) = Performance in the playoffs and maybe a 2001 repeat. Brady was a back up too. But I do agree - Gisele must GO, she is obviously too much of a distraction.

Hey all, it may be a strech, but I would be blowing up Dante Dulpepper's phone right now. YES, he is injure-prone, but he can still sling the rock with the best of them, especially with a great offensive line in front of him. Noting can be worse than standing behind the O-line of the Oakland Raiders.

JB

I've been saving this "you see, we should have drafted Tim Rattay before Brady" speech somewhere - now where the heck did I put it.....

For the commentors praising Brady and lamenting his loss, kudos. He is the best QB in the NFL, and I am not a Patriots fan by a long shot. His absence immediately translates into 4-5 losses, at least. For those believing Belichick's "system" will compensate, please. He is a great coach and evaluator of talent, but he is no magician. When the 1990 Giants went to Hostetler, he was a very experienced veteran with many games under his belt both in preseason and during the season (not always starting the game). He also played on special teams and knew the playbook. Additionally, he had a great strecth of a few games which can be said of many QB's (Kerry Collins, Trent Dilfer, etc). Using this as an example for hope is seriously misguided. Pats will go 10-6 at best probably not even winning division.

I would be blowing up Dante Culpepper's phone right now. He may be able to work wonders with NE O-line in front of him. Just food for thought.......JB

It's funny how quick people are to write off the season. A couple of you even made comments about not watching. Good! Go knit or something! Let's lose these bandwagon fans we gained over the years. FAKES! I'm only 26 but I have surely seen some bad seasons in New England and I stuck through it, which made our Superbowl runs that much sweeter. Much the same with our Sox and Celts. I'm a true home team fan through the good and the bad.

This is still a great team we have. Brady is one a kind, and the quarterback is undeniably the most important position on the field. However, we have a bunch of veterans who are gonna step up and make things happen.

You think WE as fans had our hearts ripped out of our chest when the Pats lost the Superbowl?? Try being the actual players grinding it out for an entire season going undefeated and then losing the very last game. It was bad for US?! You think after that the rest of this team is gonna roll over and quit because Tom is gone for the year? Yeah, I don't think so. They want some vindication. The Patriots have HEART! I wanna see this D get vicious and take it out on the rest of the NFL. Bring on more naysayers, WE PLAY BETTER WHEN THE WORLD IS AGAINST US!

Good luck to Cassel, he has my support. Although the idea of Culpepper coming in would have my interest. I want Ty Law back as well.

DON'T FORGET PATS FANS... we've been spoiled! Going into each Sunday we simply expect to win. Now shit is interesting again! I think it's now back to that edge-of-your-seat football, rather than that lounging and calmly tossing back some cold beers while we watch our squad man-handle the rest of the NFL (like we should be pretty much used to). I'm looking forward to getting back to the old days of swearing while jumping up and spilling my beer.

WHO'S WITH ME?! WHERE MY FELLOW REAL FANS AT????

The Jets finally gets another "gift" from the Football Gods. Karma is a mutha -- GO J-E-T-S! The Pats are still a very good team, but now they are more than beatable (unlike last year) and I expect the Jets "D" to be well prepared.

Oh Bill, - - Lightning does not strike twice on the same team in the NFL. You only get ONE Brady per lifetime and Cassel is no Brady.

Expect a whuppin next week with a green boot on The Pats butt.

In Bill, we trust.

This is Karma just a little bit late.....this should have happened last year when they'd be up 30+ points on celler dwellers and bombs away with all the starters as they tried to set records. They got what they deserved in the SB and yet again this year....

p.s. Does anyone else think it's ironic that Bill Belichick had been bending the rules (yet again) and put Brady on the Injury report every week for 3 years....and then the first time he takes Brady off the list he gets knocked out??

If Brady HAD actually played in the preseason and gotten hurt like this, maybe WE could have gotten Favre.... They'll be fine regardless because they are a solid TEAM.

It's not like they're the yankees...

The true test now is to watch the other players step it up. That will be the thing to watch going forward. The o-line and other groups lack any umph, and now they have the cause for the season. Pick it up cause Brady aint playing...

Let's give Matt a chance to do what Brady did in 2001.

This is the same rhetoric that went on in 2001 when Brady remained as the starter when Bledsoe was healthy.

Let's remember how Brady played in the Superbowl...he stunk it up! Your offense is only a s good as your offensive line. Same goes for the defense.

I think Matt Cassell is going to surprise many non-believers.

Maroney IS NOT a legit RB!! -- he dances in the backfield too much and often loses yardage. He's awesome when he can break one, but more often than not, he won't. Since Morris f_ed up our season by NOT FINISHING HIS BLOCK! let him carry the load!

We all hope Brady is just pulling a Paul Pierce on this one. I guess we'll see at 3:00pm.

No matter what happens, the yankees won't be making the playoffs this year, so I'm good.

Go get Jeff George...no one can throw it farther than him and Randy will be there to catch it.

From the NFL rule book:

No defensive player who has an unrestricted path to the quarterback may hit him flagrantly in the area of the knee(s) or below when approaching in any direction.

I've watched the video numerous times.
From what I see, Pollard was knocked down by Morris. He then jumped off his knees, with Morris behind him, with an unrestricted path to the quarterback
and hit him flagrantly (SHOULDER INTO SHIN) which is below the knee. You cannot get more flagrant than that. Can you??
I'm not saying that Pollard did it with malice or that he was trying to hurt him, just wondering why this was considered a legal hit, below the knees.
Anyone?

I think you have been waiting for this baloney discussion for years to play out. Have you called Borges yet. After several inctredible years, you may finally be right. Why is the spread only 3 points at home for the jets.

T R O Y B R O W N!!!

Post #286 - Real class act you are, buddy.

this is what happens when we put all our eggs in one basket now the other players on the team are gonna have to step and do what they are payed to do play football i was at the game yesterday and cannot tell you what a sick feeling i have in my stomach over this whole thing. i think the patriots will prevail and go on to win this years superbowl after all negatve talk about the patriots only fires them up more.

If the ravens could wina super bowl, the patriots can win with a QB not named Tom Brady......this being said, it wont be as easy but we can do it. Its gonna put a scare in our faces every game, just like when we watch Dice-K pitch, it won't be pretty...but he gets it done, doesn't he? So can the patriots!

Hey don't sell me short! I went out there and led the team to a 17-10 victory. Of course, I am not Tom but heck, he aint the first great QB I have had to wait in the trenches for. I GUARANTEE I can lead this team to the post season. Give me a chance. Matt

Boston's Jay Marriotti at it again. Why do you still have a job? This article reads like someone trying to supress laughter as he wrote it. The Pats will make the playoffs and what will you say then? Will you come out and openly root against them? If you dislike this team stop writing about them. Show some professionalism. I know that's an awful lot to ask of you, but try.

The Chicago Bears made the journey to the Super Bowl 2 years ago with Rex Grossman as their QB. With some extra effort by the defense and special teams, maybe just maybe, the season is not an entire loss.

I think the Patriots will suprise. Notice 28 rushes yesterday, 29 passes, more like 2001 than 2007. It is an opportunity at a rebirth of their old values as a team. Let's face it, the Pats have gotten into themselves (see the front page article on Brady yesterday). They have changed and gotten away from the simple things that made them great, including the infamous injury report. Brady was a no show in many mini camps, thus, giving up his legendary parking spot. This year he was not the "first guy to practice, last guy to leave" anymore. He was given a free pass cause he is Tom. He was in LA doing real estate, in Costa Rica playing with Gisele and the such. Belichick got conservative this year in camp, too, making decisions and letting players take to many days off. Karma was not on their (his) side. The Pats are good and will settle in within the next few weeks to Cassel. They will still be formidable and with San Diego, Indy and Jacksonville all 0-1, I think the AFC gets unbeleivable equal with Pittsburgh and even a stronger Buffalo team. I think we are looking at a huge chunk of 10-6, 11-5 teams and I think the Pats will still win the division. Their running game is deep.

Want to give this team the best chance to win?
cheer and support whoever is playing as loud as you can!
Confidence wins championships.
If a team knows it's fans are with them, they will play harder for you!!!!
NO ONE WILL PLAY HARD FOR A BUNCH OF WINEY FANS!
Man up or shut up!
Support your team or go back to being a redsox fan.

The day Bledsoe was out I was quoted by Bob Lobel for my Yessssssssssssss! statement that Brady was our guy on WBZ TV. He may have a broken knee but his brain works. He will be the leader he is and guide the team in practice and during the game from the sidelines. Don't think Bill is the only one that can think quickly to situations on the field during games. True, Tom was the man to execute but I feel sure he can aid whomever is the QB during the game as a sideline coach. We will win the division with Tom as the leader that he is on and off the field. Tom is still my man! Get well soon and prepare to be a coach when you are about 45 Tom because you are the best there has ever been!

SEE YOU IN 2009

Honestley, it is simply sad how many losers write nasty mean things in these comment files. Hateful, spiteful people.

I hate Tom Brady, and it appears that God does too.

They will be an average team with Cassel and maybe better than average with Chris Simms. Its worth a shot. We just need to make it into the "tournament" and then find out what the Pats are made of. Its not how they play now but who's quarterbacking if and when we make the playoffs and how the quarterback plays then.

Just remember in 2001 Tom Brady took over for Drew Bledsoe and the team ran the football and let Brady develop with high percentage passes. They have a very good defense, excellent specaial teams, great depth at running back and an excellent coaching staff. The coaching staff will try and put Matt Cassell in a position to suceed. I think with the great surrounding players they will. I expect them to make the playoffs and then anything can happen.

well this a a very depressing suituation. but obv. cassel is not brady, howeever. cassel is stepping up to no ordiarly team. a team with recievers like moss, welker, a good runnining game, vetern defense. only question is how good can matt do against teams with good d like san diego, indy, so on. lets not forget when trent green went down in 2001 for the rams, people thought they were done. but kurt warner came in and had a MVP season. Brady did the same. with a easy schudule, we should make the playoffs.

go matt

Karma... Vince Wilfork cheap shop JP Losman last year and ruined his career; at least Tom Brady had a career... Face it Pat fans, the Patriots are done. You can't win without a star QB. Look what happened to the Bills since Jim Kelly retired. Congrats on a great run!

One comment. You don't go 18-1 with just a great offense. You also have to have a great defense. The Pats can still pull off a miracle this season. We only have to look as far as the Super Bowl Ravens. Trent Dilfer? They won the title that year because of that amazing defense. That is who has to step it up this season. Not Cassel. Nope. The Pro Bowl front 3 and the rest of the D have to play their rearends off to salvage this season. Go PATs!

The season is NOT over. I think Matt Cassel will do a fine job. I don't think they should bring anyone else in.. those guys are guys who can't even be the # 3 quarteback on teams who are dying for a good quarterback.. Cassel knows the offense, and with all the other stars on this team, as long as he doesn't turn the ball over, the Pats should be fine. I think that Kevin O'Connell might eventualy be a better choice than Cassell, but he hasn't had time to develop. He needs to play several more weeks with the team in practice and get better used to the offense and see what NFL defenses will throw at him before they should even consider trying him.

I can still see somewhere around 12 wins with the players we have now, considering the division the Pats are in.

I love these Jets and Miami muppets thinking all of a sudden their teams are going to be great now..LOL...This just in..Your teams still su#k and you will see even a backup will win. A little pathetic waiting for an injury to have a chance at the division...muppets..set your sights a little higher..must su#k dealing with that every year..LMAO...

guys, culpepper is awful... in fact, hes not even that good.
we'd be better off with johnathan kraft at qb than him.
culpepper has been cooked for a few years now..

comments like that, however, do make it easier to tell the difference between true & knowledgeable patriots/nfl fans, and idiotic, bandwagon, homer patriots fans.

Brady was so exciting to watch. It would be a miracle for this team to get anywhere this year. Unfortunately Cassell is really just a backup.

I wonder if this is not the end of a great era. Once a 30+ year old QB is badly injured, they rarely come back as great as they were.

I can only hope that there's something amazing in Cassell. That somehow this super-talented team can rise to the challenge.

maybe steve mcnair............hes not doing anything

Fair weather, pink had wearin, coverboy lovin fairies. Stay the course men(and I guess ladies if you keep watching) ,until they don't make the playoffs don't write them off.

I knew all along this city is a bunch of band wagon riding dorks. Lived here my whole life, as a Steelers fan, and I love how many huge Patriots fans started watching football in in 2002. Suckers.

No unfortunately, there will be loads of pink Red Sox hats everywhere.

Either way, hahahahahahahah you arrogant jerk offs.

I find it funny, that your team hasn't cheated in 2 games in 7 years. One you lose the Super Bowl, and the other you lose your quarterback.

Oh, and Pats fans, how many 30 something football players come back from knee surgery.

Am I the only one that thinks the rest of the team is incredible? Don't forget the rest of the team that has done so much. I am nervous and skeptical just like the rest of you, but just before I passed out into my waffle fries at my local watering hole yesterday, Cassel through a beautiful spiral to Moss. That very play led to a Cassel/Moss touchdown pass. Now I am not saying that this year we are going to lead the league in scoring, or most touchdowns thrown. Unfortunately we may not see a pass like Brady to Moss for the record in the Giants game last year, but we do have the rest of the team (offense and defense) to fall back on. What a stop the defense made yesterday! Being a Red Sox fan has helped me to have faith in a TEAM, and I will be the guy yelling the loudest at the bar for the Pats against the Jets on Sun. I say 12-4 this year.

this hurts the rest of the nfl as much as the patriots.....questions will be flying for the rest of the year.... but fortunately the patriots have a couple geniouses running the show. i have faith in cassel for this year. his first few games might be terrible but i think the more he plays, the more he will develop. i can see him being as good as the likes of phillip rivers. so maybe he wil lose 4 out of the next 6 but i still wouldn't count them out of the playoffs...

In the words of "Mickey" ( Burgess Meredith ) from the original Rocky movie....
" Women weaken the knees Rock" - ain't it the truth.
I Blame Giselle for this.

NH Fins (1-15) Fan - Ya gotta hang your hat on something, right? Well hang it on this, regardless who is under center for the Pats, they go 2-0 against the tuna-fins.

We all hope for the best for Tom Brady, but we will have to do this without him this year and the ONLY quarterback we have to worry about is the elder Manning. All the other including the new Jets QB are second string to him. The Pats will suck it up as a team - give a team response and still compete and probably with the AFC East.

Get on the horn to Doug Flutie, Drew Bledsoe, Dante Culpepper, Tony Eason, and Steve Grogan.

Jimmy Biggz I'm with you man. It's time that we stop mailing in it each week knowing full well that the Patriots offense will turn on the cruise control and romp over everyone. The excitement is back in the air now that every game will be a battle. I fully expect an energized D to come out and play lights out, shutting down ground games and red zone attempts. Welker, Moss, Watson, and co. will have to step up and help out Matt by catching more balls and doing more with less. Furthermore, who isn't excited to see what the Pats will do now with the backfield of Maroney, Faulk, Jordan, and Morris? These four have the chance to do serious work on teams if the McDaniels can utilize each in niche situations. I agree that those who are writing the team off should continue to do so. Clearly, by expressing your lack of faith in a team that has shown the capability of enduring adversity, you are waving your frontrunner flag. Get off the bandwagon that has been built over the past few years. Your dead weight is slowing down a Patriots team that has reason to believe there is still a season left. GO PATS!

Get on the horn to Doug Flutie, Drew Bledsoe, Dante Culpepper, Tony Eason, and Steve Grogan.

o line and d line are the most important people on the field in my opinion, and we're solid on both fronts. I'm gonna miss brady, but we still have a lot of talent and an easy schedule. If Cassell comes out confident and keeps his head about him, we'll make the playoffs.

Can Belichick win without Brady? Only if he cheats. Oh, wait a minute....Belichick's a convicted cheater. In that case, yes he can!

It's a stupid premise and I wish you would stick to baseball.

Beli-cheat will finally have to do something without Brady! My lord is Pats-Nation doomed...look at his record before Brady(anyone recall those Browns days?) I feel bad for the Patsies...almost!!

Bring back Steve Grogan that is when the real Pat's fans hung in there with their team. Castle will do fine, if not they can try O'Conner.

Brady is great but not he whole team. We will be in the playoffs and we can stil go to the Bowl.

First of all, get well Tom.
2nd of all Watch the short passing game thrive under Cassell
Not to mention the best group of running backs the team has ever had.
3rd of all With the talent surrounding him and the schedule 11-5 or 10-6 look doable
Finally- get off the bridge folks-11-5 or 10-6 gets us in the playoffs

Oh but - No shootouts pleae.

Pretty much everything that can be said about this situation has been said; except it wasn't said all in one piece: A winning NE Patriots TEAM does not equal one player. Brady does not run the defense and their are plenty of captains on both sides of the team. You count out the Pats and you don't know nuthin' about team sports and desire. The Pats will barely skip a beat regardless of who's under center on their way to the playoffs. BTW I'm not even a fan but have Mucho Mucho respect for the the way they ALL play.

I dont believe that the pats are done. Reason being almost every year I've heard this over and over. When we lost Law And Malloy the defense could never be the same. Well, the defense continued without missing a beat. We lost Dillion and now we had no running game. Then steps in L.M. Time and time again we see players come and go but the Pats still surive and dominate. I believe in Bill and more importantly, the scouts who have constantly filled in the blanks. Right now we are suffering from a loss, but not a death of a team or its season, just a players season. I believe that Bill will solve this puzzle just like every other one he's encountered, no ifs, ands, or butts about it. I'm just waiting for the rookie to step in and take the reins because I think we really have something special there.

FELLAZ IS OVERRR! we need brady ..GO SOX!

You folks are doing Matt Cassel a serious injustice by saying that the Pats are through! You fair-weather fans are doing Belichick a serious injustice, too! Go back to being Jet fans or Bills fans or whoever the hell you are! The Pats are going to come together and prove you wrong with 11+ wins this season, baby!!!!!!!!!!

DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!!!!!

WE'RE ABOUT TO FIND OUT.

nice time to have the easiest schedule in the league. Cassel can hand off with the best of them. BB should make simplifiy things enough for the offense to win their fair share. 10-6 should be good enough to make the post season.

this has happened plenty of times before, trent green was injured and replaced by a guy who was found bagging groceries his name was kurt warner, bledsoe replaced by brady......and hell, if eli manning can quarterback a team to the superbowl than my turd on a stick could lead a team to the superbowl, and despite the talent contained in my turds matt cassell still has a slight edge

Of course, Belichick needs Brady. They've been cheating for the past few years and have it down to a science. Now that Brady is gone, Belichick will have to suck it up and play honest---for a change. He's not going to have the time to teach Cassel all the illegal moves he mastered with good old Tom, but with Belichick, you never know. The NFL is so gutless right now, the punishment last season didn't fit the crime and for all of you who think so, you're pathetic. Like P.T. Barnum said, "there's a sucker born every minute."

Matt Cassel will be a solid quarterback that will lead the patriots to the playoffs. But without Tom Brady they are not going to be able to make the jump from playoff contender to super bowl champions.

please please bring back Drew Bledsoe hes retired call him up get the word to the coach

Let's bring Bledsoe out of retirement.....at least it would be a good story!

Bill will overcome this. The system is set up to win. Bill will make the neccessary adjustments to ensure a successfull season with Cassel. Brady came off the bench to win a Super Bowl who to say Cassel can't do the same. History has away of repeating itself.

Who knows, we have to remember that the Pats are the Pats. When Bledsoe went down for the season it was the back up Tom Brady that came off the bench for the Pats and what do you know four Super Bowl appearance and three of them wins. It goes to show that we should not judge to quickly cause we could have another Tom Brady. If Cassel does not play well for the next 4 weeks then we are screwed.!

In Matt we Trust.....

While my emotional gut reaction was "Season Over", logic tells me :
1. the Pats have an easier schedule this year which could bail them out, and
2. defense wins championships not offense.

That said, why don't the Pats attempt to acquire Kurt Warner from Arizona for a 1-year contract? Four reasons why:
1. Warner is a proven success (even at his advanced age) especially when he has a strong receiving corp (like the Pats have) to which he can throw.
2. Some of the Arizona coaches prefer Leinert to Warner and would support the trade.
3. Arizona ownership already paid up to get Leinert and view him as the team's future.
4. Warner would love to play for the Kraft family in particular.

I think the Pats should trade Matt Casell and possibly one other player for Warner NOW!

While my emotional gut reaction was "Season Over", logic tells me :
1. the Pats have an easier schedule this year which could bail them out, and
2. defense wins championships not offense.

That said, why don't the Pats attempt to acquire Kurt Warner from Arizona for a 1-year contract? Four reasons why:
1. Warner is a proven success (even at his advanced age) especially when he has a strong receiving corp (like the Pats have) to which he can throw.
2. Some of the Arizona coaches prefer Leinert to Warner and would support the trade.
3. Arizona ownership already paid up to get Leinert and view him as the team's future.
4. Warner would love to play for the Kraft family in particular.

I think the Pats should trade Matt Casell and possibly one other player for Warner NOW!

Tom brady is great quarterback and will be next year. but he came in to replace Drew and took NE to the Superbowl and won it with help from Drew.. Matt can do the same thing! If tom is up in the booth or on the side line calling signals to Matt ,then we may not have tom physicaly but mentaly he will still be there. As far as I know tom never played Defense so other teams need to understand you still have bill and our defense to deal with and if you saw what defense did at the end of the game LOOK OUT bret and the Jets. DONT get long faces the season has just started and a lot of football left before anyone can say who will be in the big game. Support BILL ,Matt, and his offense......And watch what happens.

First, let's realize the Pats have a relatively easy schedule, but even with that in mind, I think it's unrealistic to think we win more than 9-10 games this year, at best. Belichik is a damn good NFL coach, not a great one. Brady could already boast (if he did things like that) of the greatest winning record in NFL history. It's not an accident. Tom Brady sees downfield better than any quarterback in NFL history. That's always been the "secret" of his success. He will be missed incredibly and I'm just not sure I will enjoy watching Pats games without him. The experience might be too painful. I'm not sellig short some of the other great talent on the team, but it has always been Brady that made the engine run. It's hard to believe we have to wait another year before we see him play again. Ouch!!

Have the "Chosen One" Barack Obama come down from the heavens and heel Tom's knee by placing his hands upon it.

Who is performing Tom's Surgery?

Only one game into the season and people are ready to call it quits. Come on! Give Belichick some credit and give Cassel a chance. You think he doesn't know what Tom knows as far as plays are concerned?? A backup is supposed to be ready in cases such as this. And when Tom gets back he'll probably coach Matt along. D will definitely step up and I believe the O-line will too, especially when some may think the team is vulnerable.

The Pats have gone overnight from a potential 14-2 team to a 10-6 team (with a little luck.) Did Brady make them that much better? Well, DUH! Anybody see any of the pre-season snoozers? They should still make the playoffs OK, esp. given the anemic AFC-Least, but it's sure gonna be a lot duller season (and I mean no disparagement to the Patriots players). It's just that none of them is named Tom Brady.
And I don't really think lack of conditioning had anything to do with this particular injury.

Losing Brady in on the grid iron for a year is not a painful s watching a buffoon in the white house for 8 years! I can deal with it. I am thrilled that Tom will heal. Tom will also get to contribute with his talent through the helmit of whomever is the QB. Yes, offense gets the glory but , OH BABY, does defense win GAMES!. We got a hell of a Patriot team out there. I noticed that every player picked it up a notch yesterday after Tom went down. Nobody hung their head and everybody on that field shined brightly. The coaching staff has to be proud of how every player dug in and won the defensive stand late in the game. That was quite a thrill. Every one of you that played in the game yesteday as a Patriot showed what you are made of. Hit'em harder, shake off the coverage, do the little things quicker and you will be the team to beat this year with Matt taking the snaps until Tom gets back.

Another note:

I noticed the Indy teammates smashing everything that they encounted during the first few minutes of their game yesterday. Then, they got tired or bored or something. That showed me quite a bit about them. They had their chests out as champs but like chumps they caved when it counted late in the game. No internal cohesiveness there. Not like the Patriots!

Another note:

Another team to watch is Da Bears. Man do they have drive this year. They look as hard and tough as the Patriots this year.

There is something to be said for quality of leadership. And the Patriots have many leaders of quality on the team. I like the fact that they are a team first and individuals next. Hopefully, no other teams figure this out and just watch the Patriots run the board this year. I am proud of every one of them for the class they showed and I'm sure will continue to do so for they have the best coach , hands down.

Losing Brady in on the grid iron for a year is not a painful s watching a buffoon in the white house for 8 years! I can deal with it. I am thrilled that Tom will heal. Tom will also get to contribute with his talent through the helmit of whomever is the QB. Yes, offense gets the glory but , OH BABY, does defense win GAMES!. We got a hell of a Patriot team out there. I noticed that every player picked it up a notch yesterday after Tom went down. Nobody hung their head and everybody on that field shined brightly. The coaching staff has to be proud of how every player dug in and won the defensive stand late in the game. That was quite a thrill. Every one of you that played in the game yesteday as a Patriot showed what you are made of. Hit'em harder, shake off the coverage, do the little things quicker and you will be the team to beat this year with Matt taking the snaps until Tom gets back.

Another note:

I noticed the Indy teammates smashing everything that they encounted during the first few minutes of their game yesterday. Then, they got tired or bored or something. That showed me quite a bit about them. They had their chests out as champs but like chumps they caved when it counted late in the game. No internal cohesiveness there. Not like the Patriots!

Another note:

Another team to watch is Da Bears. Man do they have drive this year. They look as hard and tough as the Patriots this year.

There is something to be said for quality of leadership. And the Patriots have many leaders of quality on the team. I like the fact that they are a team first and individuals next. Hopefully, no other teams figure this out and just watch the Patriots run the board this year. I am proud of every one of them for the class they showed and I'm sure will continue to do so for they have the best coach , hands down.

Sad day,if would have been a lot easier,if they won superbowl last year,really past two years they should have won,this would be less painful.

I'm tired of jealous towns accross America of patriots team who by the way paid it dues,but teams running up score's on a bad team for years..

Brady will go down as one of best quaterbacks ever.

IN YOUR FACE.

I am really shocked by the amount of negative comments from so called Patriot fans. I remember a team that made it to the Superbowl with Tony Eason at quarterback. This team has more guts and hootspa than any team out there. What we lacked last year was enough desire the (Giants) wanted it more.
This year we have an opportunity to rise above ourselfs and become great again, like in 2001. True you can not replace Tom but the season is not over we still have 15 games left to play. Thankfully our scheduale is relatively weak this year. We have suffered through injuries before, hmmm anyone remember Bruschi's stroke??? Anyone remember Rodney Harrison's torn ACL PCl and MCl. This where Matt Cassel finally get's an opportunity to earn his pay. We need to head coach Belicheks words of wisdom and take it one game at a time. Go Pats.

As a resident of Indiana I am certainly anything but a Patriots fan, but I am still very sorry to hear about Mr. Brady's injury. This is something no true football fan wants to see for any player. Our best wishes are with you Tom.

Bellicheck deserves this...he is a piece of #@*%.......LOL.....Now we'll see how miserable he gets when you lose every week.....dynasty=over...lol

O'Connell,not Cassel,who is just ok. The other kid is better, we have been left without a decent backup for years and Bill knows it. I wish we could have signed farve but he wanted to start for mannmonster. The season is not over,but without Tommy baby new england is in mourning.God help us all.

1968 Earl Morrall. 2008 Matt Cassel?

Randy Moss posing as a man of integrity? Give me a break. The guy is a football ho. And Billicheck - the most hated man in the NFL - is just getting what he deserves. I feel bad for Brady, but I don't see why everyone in Boston is acting like this is such a drastic or even unusual event.

cassel may surprise everyone. he certainly surprised me with his first TD pass yesterday and went on to have a heck of a day.
I seem to remember one other patriot backup who came on to replace a franchise QB a few years back.... who was that again?

Wow. We got a hell of a fan base. Done without Brady? You are more crazy then Michael Smith. I dont know that the Pats can go 12-6. But look at the schedule. The pats can easily go 6-2 at home, with the only losses coming to the Broncos and the Steelers. And by then Cassel might have enough experience to play well and score 3-4 passing touchdowns in a game to beat the high powered Broncos offense. And the Steelers have bad luck with the Pats so 8-0 isnt out of the question. And on the road the Pats can go at least 4-4 with wins against the 49ers, Dolphins, Raiders, and Bills. Thats minimum 10-6. Which means with any luck and no more major injuries the Pats can still go as high as 14-4. I think the Patriots will go somewhere between 11-5 and 13-3 winning the the Division and with some luck home field through the playoffs. Look what the Bears did with Rex Grossman for crying out loud. And they didnt have Belichick. Im not saying the Pats will win the Superbowl. Im not even gonna say they will make it to the Superbowl. But they will still cruise into the playoffs and win at least 1 game. To give up on the best team in the history of football after they lost just one player is ridiculous.

I’m Not worried at all. I think we are going to see a Throwback version for the 2001-2003 Patriots. I think the Defense is going to step up and focus on that bend but don’t break mentality. I think the offense will go back to the dink and dunk type scheme they had back then, with a lot of power running. We will see lot of close game, not a lot of blowouts.

A RENEWAL OF METAPHOR : IS THERE SOMETHING POSITIVE IN THIS LOSS?

Many Pats fans have been quick to judge the loss of Brady as an unsurvivable, cataclysmic event. For many a loss of hope has ensued.

The problem is that we have been hoping for the impossible: a championship team that could last into infinity to give us a sense of continuity and meaning in our lives forever. The events of Sunday have changed the script some. We cannot live in Valhalla without the pain of sacrifice and loss. Attaining greatness means having great humility as well.

The mythology (legend) of Pats since B+B era have been the team to overcome the odds and win despite everyone who said they could not. They formed a team, took each game one at a time, prepared harder than anyone and never lost sight of themselves. They approached each game with humility and respect for their opponents. As a team they continually stunned and surprised the NFL and us. They surpassed all expectations. We, however, have taken this success for granted. We, as fans, have lost our own humility. We have forgotten that truly becoming a hero involves great sacrifice and once one is successful it requires even greater sacrifice and humility because loss is always just around the corner.

The tragic loss that occurred on Sunday is also an opportunity for renewal. It is an opportunity to fight against the odds again, to find meaning in struggle, to band together as the team does, to rebuild one's faith in surviving no matter what is thrown at you. It is by engaging in this stuggle that one finds meaning, to fight the fight against 'unbeatable opponents'. This is what drew us to team initially. This what made the Pats so satisfying. Now we have the opportunity to find ourselves all over again.

NYC PATS FAN

Now Belichick is without the advantage of stealing the opposing team's hand signals (new Defensive radios thanks to Spygate). And now he also without the advantage of a great QB. Its Belichick "version 1999" with Kosar as his QB in Cleveland. BB's record with Cleveland....37-45.
I have always been a Pats fan but ashamed of having Belichick as the head coach..
Kraft should of fired him after his admission of breaking the NFL video rules since 2000, according to Goodell.

Did Bill win with Drew Bledsoe? Then why not?

In baseball, you cannot replace a closer. When Pap was out in late '06, Francona was hopeless and Sox was miserable. Lessons learned. The skipper was very careful about Pap and won '07 championship. Happy ending.

Brady was '07 MVP, setting NFL records. Enough said, he was exposed to injury. He finally got hurt, was targeted by ugly NY tabloids, and lost championship. He got hurt again during offseason and was absent in preseason. Oh, he is a veteran, no need for fine-tuning, he is ready.... Really? Belichick could be more careful about his No.1 asset, learning from Francona. WHY HURRY? Brady was injured. He didn't wear knee protection. Faulk, solid blocker, was absent. Opponent was KC (4-12 last year). NO NEED TO HURRY !! Well, Morris couldn't block and Brady's knee was out of service. I am positive on Cassel as you are, but no one can turn dime into diamond. Hopefully, this season: 9-7.

I'm surprised Belichick didn't leave the field when it happened ala the Superbowl. Sore losers..Maybe now Tommy Boy can spend some time with his illegitmate son that he never sees.. Says a lot about his character..No class coach, no class players, no class city..

GUARANTEE!!

Hey, here's a thought...

We start recruiting new and expendable defensive linemen who's sole purpose is to take out the knees of all upcoming quarterbacks. It'll help our playoff chances significantly. That's what, just 12 upcoming quarterbacks? No biggie. The list would include Favre, Manning, Rivers. Hmm, maybe that's all they need to do; the rest suck.

OK, so the Patriots argue these are all legitimate hits just like the one this past Sunday. Heck, they happen all the time, right? So what if it happens every weekend. It's just a string of bad luck for the NFL. What happens next might be suspensions and/or fines for these players by the NFL and Kraft just pays the fines and then kicks the bums off the team placating the league. Hey, it's still cheaper than the fines for last year's Spy Gate Scandal..

See, problem solved and if took me a whole 12 minutes to think of it.

Brady Quinn for the 09 1st round draft pick...don't be surprised.

Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis' product makes a lot of sense. The kid was raised in a similar offense to what Weis took to Notre Dame from the Patriots.

Looks like Alex Smith is done in SF and I think he has the tools to be a really decent QB....especially in the right enviroment. How about the Patriots pursuing him instead of someone like Culpepper, though money and contract might not allow it....

Could not agree more with Anton, especially about the fan base comment. The only pats game I have ever been to in Foxboro against the Broncos a couple years ago we lost and the fans there kept saying Brady sucks, wow.

CAN they win? They ARE winning! If the rest of the guys play like they did during last season, they CAN and WILL continue to win in a variety of ways. Last week is the last time the oddsmakers will dis Bill 'da Brain Bellicheck and 'da Pats like that. Then again, if the O-line collapses like in the Super Bowl... we'll see if Matt Cassel can tackle members of the opposing secondary as they run past him with the interceptions. My money is on solid line play, good running from the diverse core of Backs, and the Pats and Cassel doing fine, though.

This is exactly the kind of annoying false dichotomy that people love to speculate about fruitlessly. I didn't even bother to read this piece. Sorry,Tony. Did you know football is team sport?