Kevin O'Connell analysis

So I suppose there's no chance that Andrew Walter simply won the backup job outright? (speaking as both an ASU grad and a Pats fan)

Mike, please comment on the retirement of Bruschi. Thanks.

Just heard that Tedy is going to announce his retirement tomorrow.

Tedy Bruschi is to announce retirement tomorrow.

Mike,

Al Michaels has just said Teddy Bruschi is announcing his retirement Monday? Have you heard this?

bruschis gone too

Mike,
NBC just reported at halftime that Tedy Bruschi is announcing his retirement tomorrow?

Do you think the Patriots, given the depth and competition they have going on at other positions, would ever go with just 2 quarterbacks on the roster. Certainly risky, but if I remember correctly, they began the 2006 season with only Cassell backing up Brady but then signed on Testeverde in mid-season, so there is some precedent here. What are the chances of Hoyer making it through waivers and going to the practice squad?

Damon Huard is available from the 49ers... knows the system as an ex-Pat

If true, Goodbye Teddy. You were awesome. Leader on and off the field. Man of honor. I bet you'll be a Hall of Fame coach someday.

My guess is that they feel good with Walter. We all thought Cassel was horrible last pre-season, but look how he did. We all don't see practice day in and day out.

Could it be that Brady's "sore shoulder" is a more serious injury than that, which means that BB no longer has the luxury of waiting for OC's potential to develop?

Mike, I'm confused as to what about the Patriots offense is more complex than other pro offenses. The only complexity I can see is the reads and choices of routs receivers run. Is this not true of other pro offenses? I agree that the New England defense and its high level of variation and versatility at each position make it more complex than other defensive schemes, even at a pro level, but is the offense really as complicated? Can you elaborate on what makes the Pats' offense different?
Thanks for the update.

Such a waste of a 3rd round pick

This must be what the "important announcement" is for the 10:45 PRESS CONFERENCE?

To tell you what I think Reiss, I must disagree. To me this says that they are comfortable with Walter and/or Hoyer. That and they have an emergency option in Edelman. I really don't think you will see, at this stage of the game, a veteran coming in.

Why the hell does everyone compare Cassel's preseason last year with O'Connell's this year. Not even close!! People have revisionist history about Cassel's preseason last year. His only fault last year , and can be argued is a big one, was not really getting the offense into the end zone.

Almost every one of the offensive stalls last preseason under Cassel's helm was due to an Offensive offside, fumble or blatantly dropped pass. With the exception of the one where he rolled out and lost his footing before making the throw.

O'Connell has looked flustered, telegraphed his passes, thrown really bad interceptions, and just general appearance of bad decisions. (i.e. not getting out of bounds to stop the clock on the 2 min. drill)

I never recall Reiss writing so often that Cassel was erratic and inconsistent in mini camps as he had written about O'Connell this year.

As a coach decisions/opinions are generally most often made in practices and confirmed or not in games. I have no idea how O'Connell was doing but seems obvious BB didn't see the progression he was expecting.

Hi Mike, was thinking the same thing about AJ Feeley. Doesn't do much for me but they need vet help behind Brady. The other night was a reminder of that. I hope BB and crew do the self analysis they are known for and correct the mistakes they've made in 2nd-3rd round picks. Their failures in these rounds for the past 4-5 yrs are coming home to roost!

PS: thanks for the insight on Slater's positive impact in the earlier post. Keep up the thorough work you do!

is O'Connell eligible to be put on the practice squad if no one picks him up?

One other option, if it turns out that Andrew Walter is a really solid #2, would be to go with just two "official" QBs on the roster, with Edelman as emergency backup, and free up a roster spot for another WR, LB or O-linemen (or 4th TE).

As I stated in a previous post, I think A.J. Feeley honestly makes the most sense. The only drawback I can see is the contract situation as Feeley is schedule to earn about $1.2 million this year. He's is a top notch backup and could probably be a starter for a lesser team.

However due to the fact that the Eagles may be willing to take less in a trade in order to dump the cap room, the Pats may pull the trigger and ship out some of those extra picks that have for next year's draft.

I made a comment about Feeley and still think it is a good idea. I thought he got roughed up though...Anyone have any information on his status?

I think this just says that Walter and Hoyer are better and that O'Connell was just taking up space. O'Connell failed to make completions to open receivers running across the middle, and screens, both of which are extremely important in the Patriots offense, or any other offense for that matter.

The salary cap hit is a real shame.

low-FB IQ,

I agree. I also believe Cassel had two promising drives killed last pre-season by stupid penalties.

A.J Feeley would make a perfect fit as a backup on the Patriots. That guy is much better than people may realize. I hope the Patriots take a look at him. The "undefeated season, Feeley torched the Pats defense and looked incredibly sharp. Imagine how well he could do driving the Pats offense. That guy earned a LOT of respect from me as a fan.
Sorry about O'Connell, seemed like a good kid with some promise. Don't feel great about Andrew Walter and Hoyer.

I also hope the Pats take a chance on Feely...

Being a soccer fan it would make it much easier for our Boston Breakers to keep his fiance Heather Mitts from leaving for the WPS' Philadelphia expansion team in the offseason!

:)