Tom Brady Well Behind Schedule (1 Viewer)

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Like him or not, it'd be a shame for football fans to miss out on multiple years of Tom Brady's career.

This season has been great, despite Brady being out for almost all of it. The league is much better and bigger than any one player.

Have fun watching Baltimore / Miami next week. Should be riveting television...

If the Pats' VERY overrated coach could have beaten just one good team this year, they'd be playing next week. Why would anyone want to watch a team that wasn't good enough to get into the playoffs, over two teams that were?That is probably one of the dumbest things I've ever read on this site.

That's not being objective. Do you think the Ravens are disappointed to play Miami instead of New England? Do you think anyone would prefer to play New England over Miami right now? I've got Baltimore winning by 18+, and would have New England beating Baltimore by 5 if they were still in it. I doubt the concensus is much different than that, imo.

23 point swing! Never give up. You do realize that New England hasn't beaten a good non-divisional team all year, right? 0-3 against Pittsburgh, San Diego, and Indy. Your homerism is affecting your reality.

I completely agree with the criticisms of New England's performance and that there are no excuses for not making the playoffs.Saying that doesn't make Miami less of a "one and done" playoff team. Did you happen to watch the Kansas City game? And you expect that team to beat the Ravens? Obviously Vegas wouldn't have a 23 point swing between the games I mentioned, but I think its as obvious that Ravens will be favored.

 

[zed2283]

Tom Terrific should have come on down to see my buddy Dr Jim Andrews

it wasn't the doctor, it's brady's body. i had surgery the day before brady at the same place, kerlan jobe. acl replacement, both meniscus torn . kerlan jobe is on par with andrews. my new ligament is very solid, doc couldn't be more pleased with it. the 'looseness' is due to the infection, & subsequent flushing, not the ability of the doctor.what i can tell you is that this quad rehab is a mother ####### son of a #####. i am NO WHERE near back to anything resembling normal & don't really expect to be for another 3-4 months. & my normal involves a lot of drinking & sitting on my couch. little different than brady's life. at least he's gonna get married.

Don't worry, dude. Just keep going to PT, do your exercises, and listen to the doctor and it will all turn out fine. I'm currently on my second ACL go-round.

 

[Koya]

I guess all those "is Brady in the HOF already" questions might, sadly be answered - lets hope that is not the case and he still has some very productive years ahead of him. Not a fan of Brady and certainly not the Pats (but hey, when you whoop their butts and deny them history in the Super Bowl, what is there to feel but pity? ) , but it would be a shame to see the single best season at QB be his last productive one.

 

[Sinrman]

Ugh. In my main league I traded for him mid-2007 season and gave up a good bit in a push to go far into the playoffs (and failed). This injury was the first of many things that caused me to have my worst season this year. Not sure what I'll do at the QB position if he's not back...

 

[JuniorNB]

Like him or not, it'd be a shame for football fans to miss out on multiple years of Tom Brady's career.

This season has been great, despite Brady being out for almost all of it. The league is much better and bigger than any one player.

Have fun watching Baltimore / Miami next week. Should be riveting television...

If the Pats' VERY overrated coach could have beaten just one good team this year, they'd be playing next week. Why would anyone want to watch a team that wasn't good enough to get into the playoffs, over two teams that were?That is probably one of the dumbest things I've ever read on this site.

That's not being objective. Do you think the Ravens are disappointed to play Miami instead of New England? Do you think anyone would prefer to play New England over Miami right now? I've got Baltimore winning by 18+, and would have New England beating Baltimore by 5 if they were still in it. I doubt the concensus is much different than that, imo.

23 point swing! Never give up. You do realize that New England hasn't beaten a good non-divisional team all year, right? 0-3 against Pittsburgh, San Diego, and Indy. Your homerism is affecting your reality.

Obviously Vegas wouldn't have a 23 point swing between the games I mentioned, but I think its as obvious that Ravens will be favored.

And I agree with you. The AFC East didn't really have a good team in it this year. Miami did a great job of turning things around, but other than the New England massacre early on, they didn't really have that one big win that makes everyone think they're a Super Bowl contender.FYI, the Ravens would also be favored agaoinst New England. The oddsmakers are very knowledgeable and they know that Cssel and the Patriots haven't played well against a good team all year.

 

[NY/NJMFDIVER]

I"m a giants fan who was pretty vocal with the Pat hate last year, mostly due to Belichek. And while Brady can be annoying, you really have to think about this guy. He's one of the great "Rocky" stories in NFL history for my money. 6th Round draft pick who battled for college playing time gets the ball as a backup on a crap team and ends up somehow bobbing and weaving his way to the Bowl and upseting a pretty good Ram team. He then goes out and does nothing but win and last year finally put it together statistically to put together, when you factor the unbeaten regular season, the greatest quarterbacking season ever. Along the way he knocks up starlets and dates supermodels, the guy's lead a charmed life, but I can't say he hasn't earned every bit of it. I'm also curious to find out the story of the real Brady one of these days. The California rehab, the NYC living, he just seemed to be at a distance from his area, but maybe thats an outsider perspective.

I'm with bostonfred, and as a NY fan, I can't believe I'm saying it, but yes, as a football fan, I'm actually missing Tom Brady right now.

Most intriguing in this whole scenario is the Pats and Belichek, who would strike me as valuing wins today over yesterday's sentiment. Cassel looks like the man to help them win in 2009 and concievably beyond. He's younger and now healthier and the guy seemed to make it his team this year. Maybe the obvious move is to take the cap hit with Brady.

And then, there is a team a few hours south that should be looking for a QB for 2010. Brady to the Jets? You almost have to root for that intrigue.

 

[NY/NJMFDIVER]

I guess all those "is Brady in the HOF already" questions might, sadly be answered - lets hope that is not the case and he still has some very productive years ahead of him. Not a fan of Brady and certainly not the Pats (but hey, when you whoop their butts and deny them history in the Super Bowl, what is there to feel but pity? ) , but it would be a shame to see the single best season at QB be his last productive one.

If Aikman is in, Brady has to be in.

 

[Koya]

I"m a giants fan who was pretty vocal with the Pat hate last year, mostly due to Belichek. And while Brady can be annoying, you really have to think about this guy. He's one of the great "Rocky" stories in NFL history for my money. 6th Round draft pick who battled for college playing time gets the ball as a backup on a crap team and ends up somehow bobbing and weaving his way to the Bowl and upseting a pretty good Ram team. He then goes out and does nothing but win and last year finally put it together statistically to put together, when you factor the unbeaten regular season, the greatest quarterbacking season ever. Along the way he knocks up starlets and dates supermodels, the guy's lead a charmed life, but I can't say he hasn't earned every bit of it. I'm also curious to find out the story of the real Brady one of these days. The California rehab, the NYC living, he just seemed to be at a distance from his area, but maybe thats an outsider perspective.

I'm with bostonfred, and as a NY fan, I can't believe I'm saying it, but yes, as a football fan, I'm actually missing Tom Brady right now.

Most intriguing in this whole scenario is the Pats and Belichek, who would strike me as valuing wins today over yesterday's sentiment. Cassel looks like the man to help them win in 2009 and concievably beyond. He's younger and now healthier and the guy seemed to make it his team this year. Maybe the obvious move is to take the cap hit with Brady.

And then, there is a team a few hours south that should be looking for a QB for 2010. Brady to the Jets? You almost have to root for that intrigue.

Cassel had a nice season. He really seemed to grow into the job at the end of the year. Had some big games with nice numbers.Cassel did not make the playoffs (although he did go 11-5), and what good team did he beat, not to speak of any great team?

Brady had the greatest season by a QB ever last year on the best offensive the league has seen, perhaps ever. Brady has 3 SB rings and another SB appearance. He has beaten good teams and great teams - regular season, playoffs, super bowls.

Brady is a clear HOF and arguably a top 5 QB ever (I dont have him that high, but its arguable).

I think you give the HOF QB who, if he can come back, has 3-5 PRIME years left the chance over the young guy who looks to be pretty good.

 

[Philo Beddoe]

All a ploy. They are trying to up the trade value of Cassel.

 

[Doug B]

Upthread, some have wondered how a sportswriter might get detailed medical info about Brady. Later in the thread, David Yudkin mentioned the paparazzi that are constantly tailing Tom and Giselle. Putting two and two together: there may well be an unofficial pipeline between the paparazzi and some portion of the sports media.

The paparazzi are good for a lot more than just taking pictures -- they'll dumpster-dive (both at Brady's residences/hotel rooms and at any clinics he may attend), they'll do amateur surveillance, they'll eavesdrop, and they'll be unashamedly sneaky. Some paparazzi would think nothing of milling around a hospital ward, looking like they belong there, and leaning over the nurses-station counter to spy a look at any available medical information. Some methods may be even more cruder -- slipping $100 to a janitor or receptionist, for instance. Giselle herself could be an unwitting source if her cell-phone conversations are intercepted.

Given enough warm bodies in the form of paparazzi, you can collect lots of little individually-insignificant pieces of information about someone. Get a big enough pile of data scraps, start comparing notes, and someone's life can be made into an open book.

 

[SR388]

Tom Terrific should have come on down to see my buddy Dr Jim Andrews

it wasn't the doctor, it's brady's body. i had surgery the day before brady at the same place, kerlan jobe. acl replacement, both meniscus torn . kerlan jobe is on par with andrews. my new ligament is very solid, doc couldn't be more pleased with it. the 'looseness' is due to the infection, & subsequent flushing, not the ability of the doctor.what i can tell you is that this quad rehab is a mother ####### son of a #####. i am NO WHERE near back to anything resembling normal & don't really expect to be for another 3-4 months. & my normal involves a lot of drinking & sitting on my couch. little different than brady's life. at least he's gonna get married.

Don't worry, dude. Just keep going to PT, do your exercises, and listen to the doctor and it will all turn out fine. I'm currently on my second ACL go-round.

Um..... WTF is going on in your avatar? That better be a midget!?!?!?!

 

[SR388]

I'm convinced any QB can excel under BB.

Tom Brady = Matt Cassel = Joe Blow

 

[gman74]

Brady was a noname QB that grew to greatness under BB. This season the Patriots take a nobody named Matt Cassell and he has a great year. I don't see any reason why O'Connell or some other QB couldn't thrive in New England as well.If reports on Brady are true then I could see the Pats offering Cassell a nice contract offer to stay but I really doubt they'll slap the franchise tag on him.

No name QB? he was the starting QB at what was until Rich Rod came to town QB U

 

[NY/NJMFDIVER]

All a ploy. They are trying to up the trade value of Cassel.

Hadn't thought about it, but this might be right on the money! But whats the source on this Brady news, that would be the real determining factor.

 

[David Yudkin]

I'm convinced any QB can excel under BB. Tom Brady = Matt Cassel = Joe Blow

That would explain why Drew Bledsoe (who ranks in the Top 10-15 in most major passing categories) went 5-13 with Belichick as head coach averaging roughly 200 pasing yards and 1 TD per game.

 

[David Yudkin]

All a ploy. They are trying to up the trade value of Cassel.

Hadn't thought about it, but this might be right on the money! But whats the source on this Brady news, that would be the real determining factor.

The Pats have not said anything about Brady. AI mean NOTHING about him, so unless there is a plot to leak information to one reporter and no one else this seems fishy. And it the article says it's an NFL source not a team source.

 

[NY/NJMFDIVER]

I"m a giants fan who was pretty vocal with the Pat hate last year, mostly due to Belichek. And while Brady can be annoying, you really have to think about this guy. He's one of the great "Rocky" stories in NFL history for my money. 6th Round draft pick who battled for college playing time gets the ball as a backup on a crap team and ends up somehow bobbing and weaving his way to the Bowl and upseting a pretty good Ram team. He then goes out and does nothing but win and last year finally put it together statistically to put together, when you factor the unbeaten regular season, the greatest quarterbacking season ever. Along the way he knocks up starlets and dates supermodels, the guy's lead a charmed life, but I can't say he hasn't earned every bit of it. I'm also curious to find out the story of the real Brady one of these days. The California rehab, the NYC living, he just seemed to be at a distance from his area, but maybe thats an outsider perspective.

I'm with bostonfred, and as a NY fan, I can't believe I'm saying it, but yes, as a football fan, I'm actually missing Tom Brady right now.

Most intriguing in this whole scenario is the Pats and Belichek, who would strike me as valuing wins today over yesterday's sentiment. Cassel looks like the man to help them win in 2009 and concievably beyond. He's younger and now healthier and the guy seemed to make it his team this year. Maybe the obvious move is to take the cap hit with Brady.

And then, there is a team a few hours south that should be looking for a QB for 2010. Brady to the Jets? You almost have to root for that intrigue.

Cassel had a nice season. He really seemed to grow into the job at the end of the year. Had some big games with nice numbers.Cassel did not make the playoffs (although he did go 11-5), and what good team did he beat, not to speak of any great team?

Brady had the greatest season by a QB ever last year on the best offensive the league has seen, perhaps ever. Brady has 3 SB rings and another SB appearance. He has beaten good teams and great teams - regular season, playoffs, super bowls.

Brady is a clear HOF and arguably a top 5 QB ever (I dont have him that high, but its arguable).

I think you give the HOF QB who, if he can come back, has 3-5 PRIME years left the chance over the young guy who looks to be pretty good.

If he sits out his age 33 season, and then accounting for whatever time he'd need to get back up to speed IF he can and WANTS to play in 2010 seems a whole lot of ifs, but I hear very much what you're saying. A prime at that point? Maybe 2 years on what is sounding like a shaky knee?I don't know, its a very tough call here, would never doubt or deny that one.

 

[SR388]

I'm convinced any QB can excel under BB. Tom Brady = Matt Cassel = Joe Blow

That would explain why Drew Bledsoe (who ranks in the Top 10-15 in most major passing categories) went 5-13 with Belichick as head coach averaging roughly 200 pasing yards and 1 TD per game.

Joe Blow >>>> Drew BledsoeObviously I wasn't being entirely serious. Relax.

 

[Vladislav Tretiak]

Like him or not, it'd be a shame for football fans to miss out on multiple years of Tom Brady's career.

This season has been great, despite Brady being out for almost all of it. The league is much better and bigger than any one player.

Have fun watching Baltimore / Miami next week. Should be riveting television...

If the Pats' VERY overrated coach could have beaten just one good team this year, they'd be playing next week. Why would anyone want to watch a team that wasn't good enough to get into the playoffs, over two teams that were?That is probably one of the dumbest things I've ever read on this site.

That's not being objective. Do you think the Ravens are disappointed to play Miami instead of New England? Do you think anyone would prefer to play New England over Miami right now? I've got Baltimore winning by 18+, and would have New England beating Baltimore by 5 if they were still in it. I doubt the concensus is much different than that, imo.

Really? You're giving 18 points to Miami?I'm in.

 

[phthalatemagic]

Like him or not, it'd be a shame for football fans to miss out on multiple years of Tom Brady's career.

There's really no reason to keep Brady around IMO. Cassell is going to be a great one and Brady = Bledsoe at this point. Get what you can for him and move on.

 

[Koya]

I"m a giants fan who was pretty vocal with the Pat hate last year, mostly due to Belichek. And while Brady can be annoying, you really have to think about this guy. He's one of the great "Rocky" stories in NFL history for my money. 6th Round draft pick who battled for college playing time gets the ball as a backup on a crap team and ends up somehow bobbing and weaving his way to the Bowl and upseting a pretty good Ram team. He then goes out and does nothing but win and last year finally put it together statistically to put together, when you factor the unbeaten regular season, the greatest quarterbacking season ever. Along the way he knocks up starlets and dates supermodels, the guy's lead a charmed life, but I can't say he hasn't earned every bit of it. I'm also curious to find out the story of the real Brady one of these days. The California rehab, the NYC living, he just seemed to be at a distance from his area, but maybe thats an outsider perspective.

I'm with bostonfred, and as a NY fan, I can't believe I'm saying it, but yes, as a football fan, I'm actually missing Tom Brady right now.

Most intriguing in this whole scenario is the Pats and Belichek, who would strike me as valuing wins today over yesterday's sentiment. Cassel looks like the man to help them win in 2009 and concievably beyond. He's younger and now healthier and the guy seemed to make it his team this year. Maybe the obvious move is to take the cap hit with Brady.

And then, there is a team a few hours south that should be looking for a QB for 2010. Brady to the Jets? You almost have to root for that intrigue.

Cassel had a nice season. He really seemed to grow into the job at the end of the year. Had some big games with nice numbers.Cassel did not make the playoffs (although he did go 11-5), and what good team did he beat, not to speak of any great team?

Brady had the greatest season by a QB ever last year on the best offensive the league has seen, perhaps ever. Brady has 3 SB rings and another SB appearance. He has beaten good teams and great teams - regular season, playoffs, super bowls.

Brady is a clear HOF and arguably a top 5 QB ever (I dont have him that high, but its arguable).

I think you give the HOF QB who, if he can come back, has 3-5 PRIME years left the chance over the young guy who looks to be pretty good.

If he sits out his age 33 season, and then accounting for whatever time he'd need to get back up to speed IF he can and WANTS to play in 2010 seems a whole lot of ifs, but I hear very much what you're saying. A prime at that point? Maybe 2 years on what is sounding like a shaky knee?I don't know, its a very tough call here, would never doubt or deny that one.

I thought he was a year younger, so I was thinking 32-35 as still prime years for a non mobile QB. Either way, if I knew that I could have Tom Brady from 32-38 or Cassel's full career, Im going with the former. Could easily see two SBs in that time with the right team around him. We don't know if Cassel has enough for one... or anything close to it.

 

[CowboyFan]

I'm convinced any QB can excel under BB. Tom Brady = Matt Cassel = Joe Blow

That would explain why Drew Bledsoe (who ranks in the Top 10-15 in most major passing categories) went 5-13 with Belichick as head coach averaging roughly 200 pasing yards and 1 TD per game.

The original premise is overblown, but don't forget that Moss made Dante Stuffedpepper an all-star. Brady went from a gamer and winner with average stats (nothing wrong with that, see Aikmen) to the greatest season by a QB ever when Moss came to town. Cassel needs to cash in HUGE (and flip some coin back to Brady), then he will at least have a fat checkbook to make him feel good when he becomes the next Salisbury.

 

[NY/NJMFDIVER]

I"m a giants fan who was pretty vocal with the Pat hate last year, mostly due to Belichek. And while Brady can be annoying, you really have to think about this guy. He's one of the great "Rocky" stories in NFL history for my money. 6th Round draft pick who battled for college playing time gets the ball as a backup on a crap team and ends up somehow bobbing and weaving his way to the Bowl and upseting a pretty good Ram team. He then goes out and does nothing but win and last year finally put it together statistically to put together, when you factor the unbeaten regular season, the greatest quarterbacking season ever. Along the way he knocks up starlets and dates supermodels, the guy's lead a charmed life, but I can't say he hasn't earned every bit of it. I'm also curious to find out the story of the real Brady one of these days. The California rehab, the NYC living, he just seemed to be at a distance from his area, but maybe thats an outsider perspective.

I'm with bostonfred, and as a NY fan, I can't believe I'm saying it, but yes, as a football fan, I'm actually missing Tom Brady right now.

Most intriguing in this whole scenario is the Pats and Belichek, who would strike me as valuing wins today over yesterday's sentiment. Cassel looks like the man to help them win in 2009 and concievably beyond. He's younger and now healthier and the guy seemed to make it his team this year. Maybe the obvious move is to take the cap hit with Brady.

And then, there is a team a few hours south that should be looking for a QB for 2010. Brady to the Jets? You almost have to root for that intrigue.

Cassel had a nice season. He really seemed to grow into the job at the end of the year. Had some big games with nice numbers.Cassel did not make the playoffs (although he did go 11-5), and what good team did he beat, not to speak of any great team?

Brady had the greatest season by a QB ever last year on the best offensive the league has seen, perhaps ever. Brady has 3 SB rings and another SB appearance. He has beaten good teams and great teams - regular season, playoffs, super bowls.

Brady is a clear HOF and arguably a top 5 QB ever (I dont have him that high, but its arguable).

I think you give the HOF QB who, if he can come back, has 3-5 PRIME years left the chance over the young guy who looks to be pretty good.

If he sits out his age 33 season, and then accounting for whatever time he'd need to get back up to speed IF he can and WANTS to play in 2010 seems a whole lot of ifs, but I hear very much what you're saying. A prime at that point? Maybe 2 years on what is sounding like a shaky knee?I don't know, its a very tough call here, would never doubt or deny that one.

I thought he was a year younger, so I was thinking 32-35 as still prime years for a non mobile QB. Either way, if I knew that I could have Tom Brady from 32-38 or Cassel's full career, Im going with the former. Could easily see two SBs in that time with the right team around him. We don't know if Cassel has enough for one... or anything close to it.

Very true, but Cassel missing the postseason is a very rare anomoly and oddity rather than a consideration of his play. And I thought he was a zero after the San Diego game, but the Pats would have been the last team I wanted to play in the AFC right now, and running the table is tough, but I don't think there's anyone they couldn't have beaten. But if they stay loyal to Brady, I couldn't begin to fault them, and I think things will most likely play out as you wish.

 

[Michael Brown]

I'm convinced any QB can excel under BB.

Tom Brady = Matt Cassel = Joe Blow

That would explain why Drew Bledsoe (who ranks in the Top 10-15 in most major passing categories) went 5-13 with Belichick as head coach averaging roughly 200 pasing yards and 1 TD per game.

The original premise is overblown, but don't forget that Moss the Minnesota offensive line made Dante Stuffedpepper an all-star. Brady went from a gamer and winner with average stats (nothing wrong with that, see Aikmen) to the greatest season by a QB ever when Moss came to town. Cassel needs to cash in HUGE (and flip some coin back to Brady), then he will at least have a fat checkbook to make him feel good when he becomes the next Salisbury.

Fixed for accuracy. I didn't see Moss turning any Oakland QBs into Pro Bowlers during his tenure there. And aside from the TDs, Moss was very average in 2004 which is arguably Culpepper's greatest season (and one of the best QB seasons ever). So I don't buy the "Moss makes the QB" angle entirely. He obviously helps a lot, but let's not pretend Culpepper stunk without him. And let's not pretend that Brady (who made 3 Pro Bowls, won 3 Super Bowls, 2 Super Bowl MVPs, led the league in TD passes in 2002, yardage in 2005, and averaged 26 TD and 3,700 yards per year before Moss got there) was merely average without Randy.

 

[bcr8f]

Fixed for accuracy. I didn't see Moss turning any Oakland QBs into Pro Bowlers during his tenure there. And aside from the TDs, Moss was very average in 2004 which is arguably Culpepper's greatest season (and one of the best QB seasons ever). So I don't buy the "Moss makes the QB" angle entirely. He obviously helps a lot, but let's not pretend Culpepper stunk without him. And let's not pretend that Brady (who made 3 Pro Bowls, won 3 Super Bowls, 2 Super Bowl MVPs, led the league in TD passes in 2002, yardage in 2005, and averaged 26 TD and 3,700 yards per year before Moss got there) was merely average without Randy.

Culpepper was good even when Moss was hurt but stunk the year after he left. Even before the injury and I still don't understand why he dropped off so much.

 

[Godsbrother]

Brady was a noname QB that grew to greatness under BB. This season the Patriots take a nobody named Matt Cassell and he has a great year. I don't see any reason why O'Connell or some other QB couldn't thrive in New England as well.If reports on Brady are true then I could see the Pats offering Cassell a nice contract offer to stay but I really doubt they'll slap the franchise tag on him.

No name QB? he was the starting QB at what was until Rich Rod came to town QB U

Brady was a 6th round draft pick in 2000 with 198 players taken before him. He certainly wasn't very highly regarded coming out of college.

 

[Koya]

Just heard on espn radio in new York that he was actually ahead of schedule and that the pats would look to trade him even if they franchise him first. Per peter king.

 

[PMENFAN]

Brady is cooked..missing two years with a degenerative knee doesn't bode well..as for Cassel, does he really want to babysit the position for Brady until 2010?! Does he want to put in all the hard work of this season and next,only to have the job given back to Brady? No way..I wouldn't want any part of that if I'm Cassel. NE is a team in transition, they need to completely revamp that defense, they're simply too old and too slow...Pioli is said to be a free agent and will be elsewhere in 2009...If I'm Cassel, I'd leave town on the next flight and never look back..they won't franchise him, can't afford to put $14 mil in his pockets with all the other money they have tied into Brady..and Cassel can make MORE than that $14 mil on the open market ( Detroit, Jets, Vikings, Chiefs, etc)and he'd never have to look over his shoulder wondering when Brady is coming back .

Really? A team that lost their starting QB and RB, both starting guards for portions, their starting safeties (Tank went down in the preseason), their best defensive player in AT, and their defensive captain for 4 games, had to pull in Seau and Colvin to fill holes because they also lost 3 backup LB's. Yet, they still went 11-5. Yes, they missed the playoffs. Still, quite a good season in my view. Are there changes in line for the off season? Surely. there always are. A complete revamping? I don't think so. Cassell? He's got options. Obviously the coaching in NE has served him well. Put it this way. How many players have left NE and achieved close to their prior production? Yes, that goes to Belichick. Easily more than $14 million? I don't see that, but it's possible. I mean the Lions did keep Matt Millen for what 6 years; while they steadily got worse, and worse. So, we'll see. Funny thing, but back after week one the Pats were fools for not doing something else to protect their team at the QB position. Seriously, can O'Connell step in and play similarly? He's as athletic, throws the ball as well, and is younger and cheaper. I fully expect the Pats to franchise and trade Cassel for a #1 pick, and go into next season w/ O'Connell as the B/U. No way do they let him walk without compensation. He's got the tools, and will excel in the right situation. But, let's see where he lands. Lots of great QB's falter because of poor coaching. The NFL is a coaches league, and the Pats have one of the best.

 

[Uber]

Just heard on espn radio in new York that he was actually ahead of schedule and that the pats would look to trade him even if they franchise him first. Per peter king.

Huh?

 

[Koya]

Just heard on espn radio in new York that he was actually ahead of schedule and that the pats would look to trade him even if they franchise him first. Per peter king.

Huh?

Huh what, repeating what I heard... that he was progressing well and all. Then again, just read this:http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3796019

Who knows. Patriot Games. Again.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Now that I think about it, much of this could be deductive reasoning and reporting. Brady, as we all know, is hounded by the media and papparazzi, as we constantly see him getting followed by a cavalcade of cameramen.We also know the typical recovery cycle for folks post surgery, both in terms of their medical appointments and their physical therapy and rehab schedules. While the Patriots aren't talking about Brady, those following him around could very easily be tracking where he's been going.If Brady is spending a lot of time going to his surgeons and specialists and no time going to workout or team functions, that might not fit with the recovery timeline that others would have gone through.Translated into English, if people know that it takes X amount of time for a player to ramp up post surgery from a certain point and Brady is not doing anything past that point, he could very well be having more issues than are getting reported. I have not seen anything to indicate that Brady is doing any physical rehabbing of his knee yet (I suppose he could be but we haven't seen it yet) and he had his injury in Sept and surgery in Oct.If you remember some of the other players that had press conference, put together videotapes, conducted workouts for teams, etc. those folks were always showing themselves doing things . . . working out, running, cutting, etc. And most of those players were deemed not fully healthy yet or limited. We haven't seen Brady doing much of anything yet.Pats will have 2 months to evaluate and assess this situation, and if we don't see Brady even trying to do anything by then I suspect they will have to keep Cassel.

you honestly wouldn't see him doing much yet anyway. i have yet to run on the treadmill. if you watched my pt sessions, you'd be very bored. massage, e-stim, various stepping up/down exercises, 1 leg squats, monster steps forward & back, leg press, curls. spin on the cycle. the funnest exercise is when i balance on an inflated disc & throw a weighted ball into a rebounder. good times.

 

[Mr Capicollo]

The Pats should sue Gisele for giving their boy the clap.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

I think the Pats and AFC East had the benefit of an easy schedule this year. While 11-5 is impressive they were 2-4 against playoff teams, the two wins coming against Arizona and Miami. The big question to me is even if Brady does return in 2009 has the Pats championship window closed? Brady will be 32 at the start of the 2009 season and many of their leaders/best players will be nearing the end or beyond their peak years in 2009:

32+

Bruschi 36

Harrison 36

Mike Vrabel 34

Kevin Faulk 33

Adalius Thomas 32

Randy Moss 32

 

[puckalicious]

Like him or not, it'd be a shame for football fans to miss out on multiple years of Tom Brady's career.

This season has been great, despite Brady being out for almost all of it. The league is much better and bigger than any one player.

Have fun watching Baltimore / Miami next week. Should be riveting television...

If the Pats' VERY overrated coach could have beaten just one good team this year, they'd be playing next week. Why would anyone want to watch a team that wasn't good enough to get into the playoffs, over two teams that were?That is probably one of the dumbest things I've ever read on this site.

That's not being objective. Do you think the Ravens are disappointed to play Miami instead of New England? Do you think anyone would prefer to play New England over Miami right now? I've got Baltimore winning by 18+, and would have New England beating Baltimore by 5 if they were still in it. I doubt the concensus is much different than that, imo.

I don't know the answer to this, but how many playoff games are ever won by 18+ points?

Brady was a noname QB that grew to greatness under BB. This season the Patriots take a nobody named Matt Cassell and he has a great year. I don't see any reason why O'Connell or some other QB couldn't thrive in New England as well.If reports on Brady are true then I could see the Pats offering Cassell a nice contract offer to stay but I really doubt they'll slap the franchise tag on him.

No name QB? he was the starting QB at what was until Rich Rod came to town QB U

QB U? Sure while at UM they were decent. Tell me how many rings Brian Griese, Todd Collins, Elvis Grbac, Demetrius Brown/Michael Taylor, Jim Harbaugh, Chris Zurbrugg, and Steve Smith have?? Only 1 that I know of off the top of my head (Griese). None of these guys were great by any stretch of the imagination. Brady will be the only QB from UM in the HOF from the modern era (some guy from the 20's is in there).

 

[JamesTheScot]

Also, I don't see why he can't get it done now and play in September 9 months later. I'm googling "ACL and MCL surgery recovery time" and see "regular folks" saying 6 month to a year recovery time. They're not millionaires with the best doctors in the world and the best trainers running their physical therapy.

I think the issue with the "looseness" would be whether or not it will correct on it's own (or with rehab) or instead require a complete surgical do-over. If it takes a couple of months of conservative rehab before they determine that he needs another surgical correction, that would put him behind for an '09 return.While I'm not a huge Peter King fan, his willingness to flat out contradict another journalist by saying that Brady's doctors are saying he's right on schedule makes me a little suspicious of the initial report.I also kinda wonder how a league source has all the medical details sufficient to contradict what Brady's docs are supposedly saying.

 

[CowboyFan]

I'm convinced any QB can excel under BB.

Tom Brady = Matt Cassel = Joe Blow

That would explain why Drew Bledsoe (who ranks in the Top 10-15 in most major passing categories) went 5-13 with Belichick as head coach averaging roughly 200 pasing yards and 1 TD per game.

The original premise is overblown, but don't forget that Moss the Minnesota offensive line made Dante Stuffedpepper an all-star. Brady went from a gamer and winner with average stats (nothing wrong with that, see Aikmen) to the greatest season by a QB ever when Moss came to town. Cassel needs to cash in HUGE (and flip some coin back to Brady), then he will at least have a fat checkbook to make him feel good when he becomes the next Salisbury.

Fixed for accuracy. I didn't see Moss turning any Oakland QBs into Pro Bowlers during his tenure there. And aside from the TDs, Moss was very average in 2004 which is arguably Culpepper's greatest season (and one of the best QB seasons ever). So I don't buy the "Moss makes the QB" angle entirely. He obviously helps a lot, but let's not pretend Culpepper stunk without him. And let's not pretend that Brady (who made 3 Pro Bowls, won 3 Super Bowls, 2 Super Bowl MVPs, led the league in TD passes in 2002, yardage in 2005, and averaged 26 TD and 3,700 yards per year before Moss got there) was merely average without Randy.

If by "fixed for accuracy" you mean "totally missed the point" or "don't understand at all", then you nailed it. Ask some raider fans how much effort Randy put in when he was in Oakland. Culpepper was average at best (pre-injuries), but Moss made him a pro bowler. Brady has been talked-up for years as a future HOFer, not be cause of stats, because he is a winner. Gaudy stats weren't even on the list of Brady's "qualities" BEFORE last year.Cassel's motto ought to be CASH IN NOW, in a couple years, fans of some team, some where, will be trying to figure out why their team gave up so much for Cassel, but he will be laughing all the way to the bank.

 

[Uber]

Just heard on espn radio in new York that he was actually ahead of schedule and that the pats would look to trade him even if they franchise him first. Per peter king.

Huh?

Huh what, repeating what I heard... that he was progressing well and all.

I doubt you heard that Brady is ahead of schedule, and the Patriots will trade him even if they have to franchise tag him.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Just heard on espn radio in new York that he was actually ahead of schedule and that the pats would look to trade him even if they franchise him first. Per peter king.

Huh?

Huh what, repeating what I heard... that he was progressing well and all.

I doubt you heard that Brady is ahead of schedule, and the Patriots will trade him even if they have to franchise tag him.

Peter King says he's ahead of schedulehttp://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/12/28/...eport-on-brady/

 

[JuniorNB]

So, at this point, we know for certain that he is either behind schedule or ahead of schedule. Does anyone else find it strange that no one is claiming that he is perfectly on schedule? Something's fishy.

 

[greenline]

So, at this point, we know for certain that he is either behind schedule or ahead of schedule. Does anyone else find it strange that no one is claiming that he is perfectly on schedule? Something's fishy.

12.29.08 3:47 pm ET Greenline reports that despite previous claims of Tom Brady's rehab being both behind or ahead of schedule, neither are true. Brady is exactly on schedule and will be ready exactly in time for mini-camp. **Our View** Greenline has no credibility in terms of Brady's rehab but we are going to have to believe him as he is the first source to publicly make this claim.

 

[Uber]

Just heard on espn radio in new York that he was actually ahead of schedule and that the pats would look to trade him even if they franchise him first. Per peter king.

Huh?

Huh what, repeating what I heard... that he was progressing well and all.

I doubt you heard that Brady is ahead of schedule, and the Patriots will trade him even if they have to franchise tag him.

Peter King says he's ahead of schedulehttp://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/12/28/...eport-on-brady/

Right. Did he say that the Patriots are going to franchise tag and trade him? Right.

 

[David Yudkin]

Also, I don't see why he can't get it done now and play in September 9 months later. I'm googling "ACL and MCL surgery recovery time" and see "regular folks" saying 6 month to a year recovery time. They're not millionaires with the best doctors in the world and the best trainers running their physical therapy.

I think the issue with the "looseness" would be whether or not it will correct on it's own (or with rehab) or instead require a complete surgical do-over. If it takes a couple of months of conservative rehab before they determine that he needs another surgical correction, that would put him behind for an '09 return.While I'm not a huge Peter King fan, his willingness to flat out contradict another journalist by saying that Brady's doctors are saying he's right on schedule makes me a little suspicious of the initial report.I also kinda wonder how a league source has all the medical details sufficient to contradict what Brady's docs are supposedly saying.

From what I have heard, if Brady needs more surgery it sounds like they would have to let the infected area completely heal in addition to letting whatever things they attached recover enough to redo the procedure. It doesn't sound like that is something than can go in and redo immediately, so I believe they are including the wait to do the procedure to the recovery period and concluding that Brady would not be able to get on the field in 2009.As for the dueling heads in the media, as I mentioned earlier Tom Curran is normally a no nonsense guy that would not meet the profile of someone that would greatly distort a news item or fabricate sources or information. I suspect that there are elements of truth to both sides of this argument.Those saying he is on or ahead of schedule likely need to add the caveat "provided he continues healing and does not need additional surgery." Those suggesting he is behind schedule likely need to add the proviso "should he continue to have scarring and inflammation issues and ends up requiring more surgery." So I suppose each side at this point could be "right."

 

[zed2283]

Tom Terrific should have come on down to see my buddy Dr Jim Andrews

it wasn't the doctor, it's brady's body. i had surgery the day before brady at the same place, kerlan jobe. acl replacement, both meniscus torn . kerlan jobe is on par with andrews. my new ligament is very solid, doc couldn't be more pleased with it. the 'looseness' is due to the infection, & subsequent flushing, not the ability of the doctor.what i can tell you is that this quad rehab is a mother ####### son of a #####. i am NO WHERE near back to anything resembling normal & don't really expect to be for another 3-4 months. & my normal involves a lot of drinking & sitting on my couch. little different than brady's life. at least he's gonna get married.

Don't worry, dude. Just keep going to PT, do your exercises, and listen to the doctor and it will all turn out fine. I'm currently on my second ACL go-round.

Um..... WTF is going on in your avatar? That better be a midget!?!?!?!

And WhoTF are you?

 

[JamesTheScot]

I have not seen anything to indicate that Brady is doing any physical rehabbing of his knee yet (I suppose he could be but we haven't seen it yet) and he had his injury in Sept and surgery in Oct.

IIRC, Dilfer was on Mike N Mike or one of the other shows this morning stating that he doesn't buy into this article. According to him, he talks to Brady from time to time and Brady has on several occasions told him that he was headed to or from "rehab" when Dilfer catches him on the phone. He said he doesn't talk to Brady about the knee but that Brady drops things like that from time to time in regular conversation.Of course, Brady may not be wanting to say "I just rolled off of Giselle and her anorexic ### won't keep food in the fridge so I'm running to the corner market for a hoagie" so take it with a grain of salt.I'm not all that worried yet. Brady isn't a runningback and can do plenty of damage from within the pocket. I'm not going to panic if his knee isn't 100% at the start of training camp. Neither was Manning's this preseason and he's our MVP. Brady's a right-hander, isn't he?

 

[JamesTheScot]

Just heard on espn radio in new York that he was actually ahead of schedule and that the pats would look to trade him even if they franchise him first. Per peter king.

Huh?

Huh what, repeating what I heard... that he was progressing well and all.

I doubt you heard that Brady is ahead of schedule, and the Patriots will trade him even if they have to franchise tag him.

I heard the same report. Brady is progressing well and the Pats will franchise Cassell and then try and trade him.If Brady isn't giving the Pats enough info to their liking, I could see them floating this story to force Brady to be more forthcoming with details about his recovery. With enough media clamor and speculation, I think Brady would be tempted to hand the info over to the Pats and let them handle the press conferences.

 

[The Goat]

Like him or not, it'd be a shame for football fans to miss out on multiple years of Tom Brady's career.

This season has been great, despite Brady being out for almost all of it. The league is much better and bigger than any one player.

What a crock of BS. How can anyone say that the loss of Tom Brady has been good for football? The guy had the most dominating season for a QB in history. He goes out with a Supermodel for crying out loud. Basically the poster boy for the NFL... The modern day Joe Namath. If you don't like him, fine. But don't deny that his loss isn't a loss for the NFL as well.Have fun watching Baltimore / Miami next week. Should be riveting television...

While I agree that Tom Brady's injury isn't something that should be wished on anyone, elitist attitudes like that are the reason Patriots fans are among the most hated in sports. Regarding the Miami/Baltimore game, maybe if New England had watched a few more games like that, they would have known what to do when the Giants repeatedly punched them in the mouth last February. Have fun watching your team embark on a riveting round of golf next week.

 

[JamesTheScot]

that Brady's doctors are saying he's right on schedule makes me a little suspicious of the initial report.

Didnt King just report "Sources close to Brady" and not "Bradys doctors".??? Big big big difference if so.

Um, possibly. I thought the radio spot said his Dr's but I could be wrong. Either way, who knows? I wouldn't place a bet on this one either way. I'll just wait and see what happens at mini-camp.

 

[NE_REVIVAL]

Like him or not, it'd be a shame for football fans to miss out on multiple years of Tom Brady's career.

There's really no reason to keep Brady around IMO. Cassell is going to be a great one and Brady = Bledsoe at this point. Get what you can for him and move on.

WOW, you have got to be joking, right?

 

[Bri]

Also, I don't see why he can't get it done now and play in September 9 months later. I'm googling "ACL and MCL surgery recovery time" and see "regular folks" saying 6 month to a year recovery time. They're not millionaires with the best doctors in the world and the best trainers running their physical therapy.

I think the issue with the "looseness" would be whether or not it will correct on it's own (or with rehab) or instead require a complete surgical do-over. If it takes a couple of months of conservative rehab before they determine that he needs another surgical correction, that would put him behind for an '09 return.While I'm not a huge Peter King fan, his willingness to flat out contradict another journalist by saying that Brady's doctors are saying he's right on schedule makes me a little suspicious of the initial report.I also kinda wonder how a league source has all the medical details sufficient to contradict what Brady's docs are supposedly saying.

sounds foolish-I think you're right but, in my experience, it's either a solid surgery and the joint is solid or it's not. I've had my share of knee surgeries and been told let's wait (until the insurance checks clear)and see. Those needed to be redone. When it was a good surgery it was obvious. Hopefully Tom goes to Andrews or some other highly respected doc and gets a 2nd opinion. Then hopefully he acts quickly. There's still plenty of time for the 09 season and I can't imagine a surgery weighing on your mind is a fun thought.

 

[cstu]

Like him or not, it'd be a shame for football fans to miss out on multiple years of Tom Brady's career.

There's really no reason to keep Brady around IMO. Cassell is going to be a great one and Brady = Bledsoe at this point. Get what you can for him and move on.

WOW, you have got to be joking, right?

The issue is really whether Brady will be 100% next year.If there really concern about Brady knee not being right in 2009 then it's something to consider. Yes, there's a $10M cap hit but he's 32 next year and his contract only goes two more seasons through 2010. Cassel could have a long-term deal signed for a more reasonable price and the Pats will get some much needed talent at other positions.