Coming off a well played 30-21 victory in San Francisco last week, Matt Cassel and the Patriots headed to San Diego on Sunday night to take on the Chargers. In only his fourth start since high school, Cassel's inexperience was evident early and often.
Cassel's numbers in the 30-10 beat down by the Chargers were not all that bad. He was 22 for 38, threw for 203 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. But mediocre numbers aside, Cassel looked way more lost in this one than he had in any of his other starts (save for maybe the drubbing at the hands of Miami). He appeared to lock on to a receiver, and if that first option wasn't there, tuck the ball down and try and get a yard or two. Most times he ended up on his back, behind the line of scrimmage. On fourth and goal from the Chargers' one yard line, Cassel had tight end Benjamin Watson open in the end zone. When his first option was well covered, Cassel tried to scramble out, but the San Diego rush prevented him from getting the score. If the Patriots hope to even make the playoffs this year, either Cassel will need to step up, or they will have to explore other options.
Chris Simms was available at the outset of the season, but he has since signed with the Tennessee Titans. Tim Rattay is available, with a career passer rating of 81.9. As is former Jaguars backup Quinn Gray. Another option for the Pats is third round pick Kevin O'Connell. O'Connell is backing up Cassel now, and if the starter's struggles continue, it wouldn't surprise me to see Belichick turn to the rookie. Either way, it would be a good way to get him some experience so he can serve as a capable backup to Tom Brady in the coming years.
Whatever the Patriots decide to do, they should do it soon. If Matt Cassel continues to lead the team the way he did this week, it is going to be a long season in Foxborough.
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