Wow... 19 pages. that was quick... lol
I'm sure this was discussed. Here's why I like Cassel:
Belichick was coming off a tumultuous season from dealing with questions on spygate, when Brady goes down with a season injury. There's no doubt the biggest question facing Belichick from the media -- "Can you win without Brady?" (You were all reading the same headlines... lol ).
Cassel had to be under tremendous pressure dealing with media questions that come with questions, whether he's a career backup or future franchise player. Who would expect the Patriots to go as far as they did. According to the media, 2008 proved to be Belichick's best coaching job of his career. I have to agree.
There is no question a QB will be better when he plays for a talented offense. Then again, QBs generally have less than spectacular years. Looking over the team's game stats, Cassel was stacked 47 times, while Thigpen was sacked 26. Cassel put up some good numbers. Considering, he was successful in 1st and 3rd down situations -- solid in the redzone -- He had a low turnover rate. In addition, he had game winning TDs.
I can see why NE fans were unhappy losing him -- Cassel moved the offense.
Hope you found your guy.
Passes Completed, Rank
2008 NFL 327 (9-- 85)
Pass Attempts
2008 NFL 516 (9)
Passing Yds
2008 NFL 3693 (8)
Passing TD
2008 NFL 21 (10)
Passer Rating
2008 NFL 89.4 (10)
Sacked
2008 NFL 47 (1-- 60)
Sacked Yds Lost
2008 NFL 219 (7)
Passing Yds/Game
2008 NFL 230.8 (10)
Pass Intercept. %
2008 NFL 2.1% (7)
http://www.pro-football-reference.co...Ma00_games.htm