With Cassell's success, does it make you look at Brady any less?

Singapore
December 15, 2008 9:35pm CST
Ok, first off I'm a huge Patriots fan, and an even bigger Tom Brady fan, so don't crucify me for what I'm about to write. Tom Brady has always been regarded by those so called critics as a "system" quarterback, as opposed to Peyton Manning who is, as they say, a QB who calls his own plays or w/e. Fans like me, will always say TB is NOT a system QB, rather he is a GREAT one, with all the moxie necessary to succeed, not to mention being clutch. This year however, with TB's season ending injury, we have seen the Pat's SYSTEM at work. The same system which converted a former 6th round draft pick to a future HOF, is now making wonders to a former 7th round draft pick, and a career backup QB, into a potential probowler, and THE hottest free agent available when the season ends. Granted the Pats have got two unbelievable talents at WR, and a good O-line, still having all the tools necessary will not make a successful QB, just ask Vince Young, or Matt Leinart. The QB still must play the game, and that is where the system and coaching helps. Which now begs the question, do you think less of Brady, now that another QB has stepped in his shoes, and guided the Pats with at least a chance to make this year's playoffs? As a fan, I say he still is the best :0), but removing the cloud of bias in my brain, I will have to say yes, I think less of him now :o( ... Your thoughts guys.
1 response
thorgrym
@thorgrym (675)
• United States
16 Dec 08
I certainly don't think any less of Brady as a result of Cassel's success. Cassel is good in his own right. Of course, Cassel and Brady both had the benefit of watching a talented QB (Cassel watched Brady, Brady watched Bledsoe) work under the direction of a genius head coach with a system that you either buy into or rebel against. The difference? Brady stepped up and fit into the offense more quickly than Cassel. Brady found success with a talented core of receivers but without any true stars. Cassel walked into an offense that has Moss and Welker and still took some time to get into the system...or more correctly, the offense took more time to adjust to Cassel's strengths. Both Brady and Cassel are talented QB's that work well with the system. Some QB's are talented players that work well around a system. Neither Brady nor Cassel is a glory hound...they want what is best for the team. Rather than thinking less of Brady due to Cassel's success, I look at the team as a better organization that can plug players in to key positions and still put together a winning record. Belichick's system with Bledsoe at QB - good enough to make the playoffs as wild card. Belichick's system with Brady at QB - good enough to win a Super Bowl after getting to the playoffs and taking over after injury to Bledsoe, win two more Super Bowls, and go undefeated for a season with better receivers than the team has ever had under Belichick. Belichick's system with Cassel at QB - good enough to be 9-5 with a chance to make the playoffs. Looking at that comparison, there is no doubt that the system works. There is also no doubt that Brady is still better than both Bledsoe and Cassel, system or not.