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Video: Reiss on Cassel

Email|Link|Comments (11) Posted by Chris Forsberg, Boston.com Staff September 11, 2008 08:31 AM

The Globe's Mike Reiss discusses the changes the Patriots' offense might experience as Matt Cassel takes over as starting quarterback. To watch the video and see a written summary, click the "full entry" link below.

Written summary:

The question is asked, "With Matt Cassel taking over, how might the Patriots' offense change?"

The Patriots pride themselves on being a game-plan offense, meaning they change their attack on a week-to-week basis specific to the opponent. Having Tom Brady allowed them to take such an ambitious approach.

With Matt Cassel, they will have to simplify things, because he doesn't have the same experience as Brady.

But the changes shouldn't be too extreme. It isn't as if the Patriots will all of a sudden become a 3-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust running-type offense. They will still attack in the passing game, but will have to be more selective in how they do so.

An example of this is that with Tom Brady in Sunday's season opener, the Patriots had 11 passes and 4 runs. With Matt Cassel, they had 18 passes and 22 runs.

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11 comments so far...

Thanks, Mike. When I was at the game on Sunday, I know it was an extreme situation having to shove Cassel in, but I was exceedingly frustrated with the run/run and having to pass on long 3rd down. It is so predictable and too easy for defenders to read. I know we're going to rely on more of a running game, but do you think this is what we're going to see now?

Posted by Lisa September 11, 08 08:49 AM

This team can no line up and just smash the football. The line is not a great run blocking line.. Should be interesting and see what the Pats do. If they are 3rd and 8 all game they are in huge trouble.

Posted by Ryan September 11, 08 10:26 AM

I'd like to see them use a combination of running Jordan on the inside and Maroney on the outside, that's where he gets all of his yardage. When he tip-toes at the line of scrimmage waiting for an opening its a waste of a down. Worth trying anyway. I bet that would get some 3rd and short

Posted by JohnB September 11, 08 11:11 AM

I beg to differ, this line CAN run block. First of all run blocking is more metality than ahything. Light, Mankins, Koppen and Kaczur are solid run blockers. RG is a problem with Yates and Hochstein being weak run blockers, but what line on another team in the league has all tremendous run blockers. With that being said I do expect the Pats to throw more on 1st down, which is the easiest down to throw on in the NFL.

Posted by Nikos September 11, 08 11:29 AM

I do think it was a smart move sticking with cassel and the rest of the QB's inside the system. Who am I to question the Best Coach in the league.Pats will make playoffs and they are right where they want to be. With the media and the rest of the league telling them they cant.

Posted by CCtek September 11, 08 11:59 AM

Welker and the running backs, should all be a much bigger part of the offense from here forward. Moss will get his catches, and keep defenses honest, as will Gaffney. The short pass/run game could serve the Pats well, until they are comfortable with Cassel's development. O line has never had the opportunity to get into a run block rhythm. Now they have their chance to show their wares.
I don't expect worse than 10-6 or 11-5 this season. There are a lot of good football players on that roster!

Posted by Edward Smith September 11, 08 12:11 PM

I look for our Special Teams and Defense to win this game and make a statement that the Patriots aren't all about offense. What I also want to see is a charged up spirit on the field that is making plays.

Posted by Lou D. September 11, 08 12:22 PM

By the time this season is over fans will be saying, "Tom who?"

Posted by Josh McDaniels September 11, 08 12:52 PM

I agree with CCtek,

All the names that have been thrown out there Chris Simms, Tim Ratay, Dante Culpepper, Vinny, DREW BLEDSOE!?!?!?!?!?

I mean it's a who's who of unproven or washed up QBs. There is too much to learn in this offense if you listen to the players and coaches to just pick someone off the street and throw them out there.

Just because Culpepper and Moss had a good year 4 years ago doesn't mean they are going to just hit the ground running in a totally different offense.

And Bledsoe?!?! Come on people, we are supposed to be knowledgeable Sports fans around here.

Posted by Steve D September 11, 08 12:56 PM

CCTek, I have to agree with your thoughts. The Pats have always been a team that pulls together when immersed in a 'seemingly' dire situation. BB thrives on challenge, the offensive weapons are many and the D-line is strong (I think there concerns about the secondary no matter what anyone says) and the combination of factors leads to a solid year for the Pats. Also, nobody knows what Cassel can/can't do yet, but I think it's tough to argue that BB would have kept him if he didn't fit well in to the whole scheme of things. A bunny schedule and a solid plan will give us11-5 and a playoff spot, mark my words.

For those of you who think I have been hitting the bottle a littlea early, well, I may be optimistic, but I still want a soft landing in case I'm wrong...

Posted by Ben September 11, 08 01:05 PM

You can beg to differ all you want, but you are dead wrong... Find an expert that agrees with you.. Good luck

Posted by Ryan September 11, 08 01:54 PM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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