Matt Cassel doesn't want to hear about a junket to Washington yet. He's focused on the task at hand: Pittsburgh.
(Jim Davis/Globe Staff)
Pro picks
Cassel? He's the definition of a winner
Matt Cassel doesn't want to hear about a junket to Washington yet. He's focused on the task at hand: Pittsburgh.
(Jim Davis/Globe Staff)
By
Jim McBride
Globe Staff
/
November 28, 2008
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Merriam-Webster came out with its Word of the Year this week.
No, it wasn't "hellified," but that was Randy Moss's choice.
The Merriam-Webster people chose "bailout." They define it as "a rescue from financial distress." In actuality, it can be "a rescue from any distress." In New England, bailout is a euphemism for cassel, which is loosely defined as "a rescue from quarterback distress."
Right now there's a meeting of high-level members of Congress working on a way to get Matt Cassel to Washington. They want the cool-as-a-cucumber backup to come on down to the nation's capital to help figure a way to "bail out" or "cassel" the financial markets, the auto industry, and the real estate market.
Asked if there was a Washington trip on his itinerary, the steely-eyed Cassel looked at reporters and said, "I just follow the schedule that I'm given. Yeah, I'm going to Washington. But I haven't given it a lot of thought. Right now, I'm thinking only of Pittsburgh."
Pittsburgh? For what? Is the steel industry in trouble, too?
Cassel was pressed further.
"Don't you think Washington should come before Pittsburgh?" I queried. "There's a lot of people in the nation depending on you to get there and help out. Don't you feel you owe it to the nation? You have unique bailout experience."
An exasperated Cassel tried to remain calm.
"Look," he said. "The schedule is the schedule. I could get into a lot of trouble with the head honcho if I start talking about Washington when Pittsburgh deserves all my attention. I have to devote all my attention to the problems that Pittsburgh poses."
I wasn't satisfied. "When will you address Washington?"
"Sunday night," said Cassel. "Sunday night I'll start thinking about the trip to Washington and all the problems the Seahawks pose."
"The Seahawks?" I asked incredulously.
"Yeah," said Cassel. "That's why we're going to Washington, right?"
"Um, right," I said. "The Seahawks, yes. Talk to you Sunday."
Man, did I ever bail out of that interview.
The picksPittsburgh at New England (-1) - Steelers safety Anthony Smith guaranteed a victory last season against the Patriots. He was then summarily embarrassed by Tom Brady. Poor guy. Now he has to deal with Matt Cassel. Pick: Patriots.
Denver at NY Jets (-7 1/2) - Brett Favre last week set an NFL record by winning in his 32d NFL stadium. Again, this has no relevance, but being from Massachusetts it's not always easy to say something nice about the Jets. Pick: Jets.
San Francisco at Buffalo (-6 1/2) - Lamest question of the week award goes to the chuckleheads who asked Bills QB Trent Edwards how he would prepare to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. To his credit, Edwards laughed and said, "Niagara Falls. Slowly I turn, step by step . . ." Pick: Bills.
New Orleans at Tampa Bay (-3 1/2) - The Buccaneers floated the idea of honoring the American League Champion Rays today but changed their minds when they realized that nobody ever shows up to watch the Rays - until the playoffs. Pick: Buccaneers.
Carolina at Green Bay (-3) - The Panthers last week fell victim to the Lions. Or at least the curse of the Lions. Only the Texans have won the week after beating Detroit this season. The Lions can't beat ya, but they can take a lot out of ya. Pick: Packers.
NY Giants (-3 1/2) at Washington - Kudos to Lawrence Tynes for sticking up for his brother, who is serving a long prison sentence for distributing marijuana. Cut the guy some slack, it was only 18 tons. He was just trying to move it from Florida to Texas. He wasn't using it. Pick: Giants.
Miami (-9) at St. Louis - Last week, Rams guard Richie Incognito was caught egging on hecklers and flashing an obscene gesture. "I love playing in opposing stadiums with the fans yelling at you," Incognito said. "I get hyped up and I play better that way." That's all well and good, Richie, but the game was at home. Pick: Dolphins.
Baltimore (-7) at Cincinnati - With 41 catches and just four TDs in 10 games, Ocho Cinco's playing more like Ocho Stinko. Pick: Ravens.
Indianapolis (-5) at Cleveland - In an unprecedented show of self-confidence, Browns coach Romeo Crennel named Brady Quinn the starter for the '09 season. Ah, Coach, shouldn't Bill Cowher get to choose his quarterback? Pick: Colts.
Atlanta at San Diego (-4 1/2) - Is it wrong to root for Philip Rivers? Even though he's always scowling and generally doesn't look like a nice guy? Hey, it never stopped me from rooting for Vic Mackey in "The Shield" and I know that guy was up to no good. Pick: Chargers.
Kansas City at Oakland (-3) - The Chiefs have lost 19 of their last 20 games, which is why I have a real hard time believing Herm Edwards when he recently told reporters, "I always try to be confident." Be confident about this, Herm, you're going to lose again today. Pick: Raiders.
Chicago at Minnesota (-3) - This has all the makings of being the nastiest Norris Division battle since the Blackhawks beat the North Stars in 1984 division finals. Remember that donnybrook featuring Minnesota's Dave Richter and Chicago's Troy Murray? Sweet. Pick: Blackhawks, er, Bears.
Jacksonville at Houston (-3) - I think the Jaguars are ready to break out. Their only mistakes last week were five turnovers, four sacks, two missed field goals, and eight penalties. Pick: Texans.
Last week: 11-5.
Season: 85-87-4. 
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