The Tom Brady, Matt Cassel Dilemma
January 2, 2009 – 6:04 pm
We kick off our new blog format with the NFL. Last week, our attention was focused on whether or not the Patriots would make the playoffs, and whether or not they had a legitimate arguement if they finished 11-5 and missed the playoffs. Well, the Pats beat Buffalo and finished at 11-5, but because the Jets (more on them later) lost to Miami, New England did not make the playoffs, and as I stated… they really can’t argue too much when their gaunty record was built on the back of what was widely considered a cream puff schedule. Still, it will be strange watching the postseason sans the New England Patriots for the first time since 2002.
At any rate, the focus now shifts immediately to the construction of the 2009 New England Patriots, and the future of the team’s two quarterbacks. It was widely reported this week that 3 time Super Bowl winning QB Tom Brady is running behind on his rehab and might not be available at all for the 2009 season.
According to MSNBC’s Tom Curran (a one time Providence Journal writer):
The problem began with the infection that set in soon after the Oct. 6 surgery performed by Los Angeles-based doctor Neil ElAttrache.
After the infection was detected, Brady went through six weeks of antibiotics and surgical irrigation of the infected area. The infection finally cleared but as it currently stands, both the ACL and MCL remain “loose,” the league source said. Meanwhile, scar tissue that built up in the knee as Brady’s body battled the infection is still present and might need to be surgically removed.
Additionally, because of the scar tissue, Brady’s knee doesn’t have close to full mobility, the league source said. That means the process of regaining strength in his quadriceps — the most important muscle to build up after a knee injury — hasn’t begun in earnest.
Even if Brady gets the scar tissue removed, regains greater mobility in the knee and is able to get the strength back in his quad, the looseness in the ligaments won’t go away without a second surgery, the source said. At this point, deciding to have that second surgery would cost him the 2009 season because a second surgery wouldn’t be recommended this soon after the first, especially with the current condition of the area.
If he doesn’t have a second surgery, he’ll almost certainly have to wear a brace on the knee when he returns and the area will be susceptible to another blowout, the source said.
My interpretation? Brady’s status for 2009 is dubious at best. For a team that’s built to contend now, the risk taken by losing Matt Cassel, a player who has proven that he can successfully run the Pats spread offense and who only looks to improve, to free agency is only increased by the possibility that Tom Brady’s career could really be over. Everything hinges on Brady’s decision. If he decides to have the surgery to fix the looseness in his ligaments effectively ending his 2009 season then the Pats franchise Matt Cassel and he’s your starter next year. If Brady decides to give it a go, because he’s obviously your starter if he decides to try to play in 2009, things get a little more interesting. The Pats, as stated by insider Mike Lombardi on Inside the NFL are still likely to franchise Cassel, but then do you trade him or do you keep him at an extraordinarily high salary for a back up QB knowing that Brady’s knee is extremely vulnerable.
Scenario #2 puts the Pats in a quandry, and the decision could be ultimately left up to Bill Belichick, especially considering the rumors that VP of Player Personnel Scott Pioli is being wooed by the Cleveland Browns and possibly the Kansas City Chiefs as well. If Pioli jumps ship, my guess is Bill makes the final call on this. Strangely enough, and if history is any indicator, it’s entirely possible that Belichick and the Pats could go with the younger, more mobile Cassel despite all that Brady has accomplished in New England. Remember, if Brady decides to test his knee 2009, and here’s saying he does, he’ll be 32 when the season starts and coming off a major injury. If he has surgery and skips 2009, he’ll be 33 when the 2010 season starts and fresh off a two year NFL hiatus… during which time Cassel’s comfort level and understanding of the NFL will continue to improve. Cassel, on the other hand, will be 27 for the 2009 season.
The situation at hand seems to point to a difficult and potentially controversial decision being made. At any rate, I think the Pats will definately franchise Matt Cassel… and keep him around for all of 2009. If Brady comes back in 2009 and makes it through the season without any issues, then Cassel will be allowed to hit the free agent market in 2010. If Brady goes down again, he’s done in New England and Cassel is the quarterback… but don’t be surprised if Belichick makes the quarterback position an open competition in the preseason… if Brady is even ready to go by then. I know it sounds crazy… but you never know what hand Belichick is going to play. One thing is for sure, it will certainly be an interesting off-season in New England.
More on the NFL
The other big story (outside of the NFL Playoffs) of course, is the whole Brett Favre saga that is going down in New York. The firing of Eric Mangini has opened the flood gates of criticism towards Favre, who’s abysmal play down the stretch is being singled out as the real reason the Jets didn’t make the playoffs. And it’s not just the tenacious New York media that is going after Favre. It’s his own teammates. Running back Thomas Jones, for one, thought Favre should have been benched late in the season for throwing too many interceptions. Others have basically said that Favre was distant anti-social teammate. Former NY Jet quarterback Chad Pennington, the guy who Favre replaced, leading Miami to the playoffs, and beating the Jets in the seasons final game in order to do so didn’t help matters for either Mangini or Favre.
My take on all of this nonsense? Favre did himself no favors by playing poorly and at times recklessly down the stretch… although he should get some credit for playing hurt… and he certainly didn’t help his cause by approaching his teammates the way that he did. Surprisingly, this is not the first time Favre has had issues with teammates (Javon Walker’s contract dispute and his unwillingness to ‘tutor’ Aaron Rodgers come to mind). What we need to remember here is this. The Jets were a 4-12 team last year. Yes, they made a lot of moves in the offseason to improve the team, but should anybody have expected much more than a 9-7 season. I suppose if the team hadn’t gotten off to such a hot start things would have ended differently, but when it was all said and done the Jets were what I thought they’d be when they picked up Favre. A challenger for the division, and a potential playoff team… nothing more. The blame that is being laid at the feet of Mangini and Favre now… mostly a product of the unrealistic expectations placed on this team when they knocked off the then unbeated Tennessee Titans. Overlooked in all of this is the gamble the Jets front office took placing the franchise in the hands of a quarterback who’s pushing 40 and who’s desire to play football at all was questionable, at best. It appears that gamble is in the process of blowing up in their face.
In other New England Patriot related NFL news, Patriots middle linebacker Jerod Mayo was named the 2008 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year for his stellar play in the middle of the Patriots complex 3-4 defense. Mayo, whose speed and defensive tenacity I noticed in his signature game against the NY Jets back in Week 11 will be a staple on the New England defense for years to come… especially considering that the Pats linebacker corps is aging. As a matter of fact, Mayo lead the team in tackles as a rookie with 128… 100 of which were solo joints. So… congratulations to Jerod Mayo for a stellar season. Also, kudos… ehh I hate doing this… to Peyton Manning for winning the NFL MVP award this week, his third. 2008 wasn’t Manning’s best statistical season, but he’s the reason that the Colts are in the playoffs. With an average defense and a non-existent running game… everything fell on Manning’s shoulders and he delivered… single handedly winning games for the Colts on more than one occasion, and proving… that despite the make-up of the rest of the team, a great NFL quarterback is often times the difference maker.
Finally, before we move on to other things… here are my picks for Wild Card Weekend. Home team is in CAPS.
Atlanta (-2) over ARIZONA - Yeah, I know that Matt Ryan is a rookie quarterback, and the Falcons are stronger at home, but they went 11-5 in the very tough NFC South. Arizona beat up on the putrid NFC West, and hasn’t proven that they can run the ball or stop the run consistently. Atlanta is one of the best rushing teams in the NFL and will control the clock in Phoenix. Falcons 27 Cardinals 21
Indianapolis (Pick) over SAN DIEGO - San Diego is hot… but then again so are the Colts, who have finally returned to health and are probably the most dangerous team in the AFC Playoffs simply because they have the best quarterback in the NFL behind center. The Chargers have given Indy trouble over the years, but there’s a reason they’re 8-8… well… 9-7…they really beat Denver twice. LT and Antonio Gates are banged up… the Chargers are just happy to be here. Colts 34 Chargers 24
Baltimore (-3.5) over MIAMI - The Ravens mollywopped the Dolphins earlier in the year and squashed the wildcat offense that had confused so many others. Ray Lewis is the face of the Ravens D, but safety Ed Reed is the true difference maker. His versatility allows Baltimore to experiment with their scheme because he’s good enough to cover any mistakes and has great ball hawking instincts built on the back of religious film study. Everybody is talking about Miami’s resurgence, and the Ravens are going overlooked. Look out. Ravens 24 Dolphins 10
Philadelphia (+3) over MINNESOTA - The Eagles are just simply better than their record indicates. This team has a history of fucking up early on in the year, getting hot late and then rallying in the postseason. Plus, I question how good of a team Minnesota really is. However, there are two X-factors at work in Minny’s favor… the home crowd… it can get very loud in the Metrodome… and Adrien Peterson. If the Eagles can’t slow down Purple Jesus, and put all the pressure on Tavaris Jackson, they’re toast. I like the Eagles, but this pick is tenuous at best. Philadelphia 21 Minnesota 17
MLB
Moving on to baseball, there’s been little action on the Yankees front since the signing of Mark Teixeira last week. The rival Red Sox, however, have made a couple moves of note in picking up RHP Brad Penny and C Josh Bard. Bard figures to be insurance in the event the Sox can’t come to an agreement with free agent and team captain Jason Varitek. The Penny signing, however, could pay dividends for the Sox… provided that Penny returns to the form that he showed as a 16 game winner and an All-Star with the Dodgers in ‘06 and ‘07. Boston only had to pony up $5 million, which will prove to be a bargain if Penny can contribute. The Sox also made an attempt to swing a deal with the Florida Marlins for one time farmhand Hanley Ramirez, but as one would expect, those talks went nowhere quick… as the Marlins would have to be complete idiots to trade Ramirez, one of the game’s most talented young players.
NBA
Bizzarre news out of the NBA this week… as it appears the Celtics could be interested in perennial malcontent and antiwinner Stephon Marbury as the answer to the team’s back-up point guard spot. Eddie House has done a servicable job relieving the ever improving Rajon Rondo, but House adds more value as a spot up shooter… not a ball handler and distributor. Obviously, Marbury is a great talent… but would he also has a history of losing… and there is real potential that Steph could become a club house malcontent… and that’s true no matter where he goes. Here’s the flip side, and why I think this could actually work. Marbury is the perfect answer to spelling not only Rondo… but also Ray Allen… as Steph can play alongside Rondo at times and assume the role of a two guard. The problem with Marbury has never been his ability to score… but rather his ability to create plays for his teammates. Playing the point with the subs… Marbury would probably be the first or second offensive option depending on who Doc leaves out there with him. Steph is a perfect solution to the C’s needs on the court… it also gets Tony Allen out of the rotation… if he’s willing to accept a role coming off the bench. A big if… but here’s why I think it will work. Marbury is going to get his money… none of this can happen unless the Knicks buy him out of his contract… so he gets paid regardless. With no long term deal, Steph needs to prove himself worthy of a contract when he hits the open market again after the season. What better place to do it than with a team that will be playing in the national spotlight and making a run at a second consecutive NBA title. My money is on Starbury behaving himself and working to fit in with the C’s…
While they’re at it the Celtics should probably try to grab Joe Smith too…
And for your entertainment we’ve got an NBA on ESPN commercial featuring Paul Pierce sleeping with the NBA Championship trophy.
College Basketball
In local college basketball news, the Providence College Friars knocked off St. John’s in their Big East opener, 75-54. Randall Hanke played exceptionally well leading the team with 17 points and shooting 7 of 10 from the field.
The University of Rhode Island Rams also won their only match-up this week defeating Farleigh Dickenson, 95-80 in a game that was by all accounts, closer than the final score would indicate. URI improves to 9-4 on the season. The Rams face off with Akron today at the Ryan Center before heading to Toledo and opening up their A-10 season against St. Joe’s next Saturday in Philly.
The Rams will need continued excellent shooting from Jim Baron in order to make a run at the NCAA Tournament this season… as you can see… teams need to keep an eye on Baron no matter where he is… in the arena!
R.I.P.
Moving away from sports… Rhode Islanders are saddened to learn that nationally esteemed state Senator Claiborne Pell passed away on New Years Day at the age of 90. Born in 1918, Pell was a US Senator from 1960 to 1997 and was known as a champion for the poor. His “Pell Grants”, federal grant money used to help students pay for their college education, is probably his greatest accomplishment. Pell was also instrumental in championing the arts and the development of high speed rail infrastructure. His service to the citizens of Rhode Island and to the United States will be remembered fondly.
Hip Hop
Here are the videos released this week.
We kick it off with the second video from Statik Selektah off Stick 2 The Script. “Get Out The Way” features Bun B and Corey Mo and is one of the better tracks off Statik’s sophmore LP.
Here’s Strong Arm Steady’s latest “Night After Night (Stripper Pole)”. Not a big fan of the song… but the video is worth a look for obvious reasons.
Funny Videos
And we wrap up this week’s review with David Letterman’s Top 10 George Bush moments… yes, this man has been our President for the last 8 years. We’re lucky the United States still exists…
