A not-so-Brady sequel
Speculation is rampant that Patriots quarterback Tom Brady suffered a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and will be lost for the season, though the Pats and their medical staff have yet to fully evaluate the injury. Brady -- at left, being tackled by Bernard Pollard -- is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his left knee today.
So, the team that went 18-0 last year before losing in the Super Bowl now has Matt Cassel as the starting quarterback for the foreseeable future, which certainly alters the outlook for the AFC East, at least over the short term. The Patriots reportedly are already in contact with free agent Chris Simms, who would give them a veteran alternative as well as some much-needed depth at the quarterback position.
We may get to see how much the balance of power has changed in the division when the New York Jets host the Patriots at the Meadowlands on Sunday. The Jets added Brett Favre and the Pats lost Tom Brady. You can probably do the math.
AP photo
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Comments
I turned on ESPN and the NFL Network yesterday, just looking to hear what the national media thought of Flacco, and all I heard about was Brady. Who cares? So someone else gets a shot at the superbowl in the AFC this year. There was more than 1 injury yesterday, although probably none this devistating to a team. Cassell looked alright, but 2 points, 1) He was playing the Chiefs, they may have a 4 win season this year, 2) They prepared for Brady, and we in Baltimore know that the backup is the most popular guy in town for about 3 weeks or so.
LETS GO FLAC-CO
Posted by: Steve | September 8, 2008 8:48 AM
I will go on the record with the Pats going 10-6 without Brady. He is a fine player but imho a bit overated. The Pats still have a fine offensive line, plenty of weapons, good schemes and a solid defense.
Posted by: Jeff V. | September 8, 2008 9:32 AM
I guess we'll see how much of a genius Bill Bellichek is without his 4-time pro bowl quarterback.
Posted by: Martin G. | September 8, 2008 5:13 PM
I'm a Pats fan and I'm devastated! Brady is a hall of fame talent and a classact. But hopefully they can make the best of things and compete with Cassel, Moss, Welker, Maroney, and the strong defense. I think they'll finish 11-5 and make a playoff run. Belichick is a tremendous coach and motivator and he'll hang up all the articles that are writing the Pats off.
Posted by: Ryan | September 8, 2008 6:11 PM