On the Eve of Destruction

I remember back to 2001 when franchise quarterback Drew Bledsoe took a woeful hit against the New York Jets. Bledsoe was tossed out of bounds, and rendered virtually useless. In marched a young backup quarterback by the name of Tom Brady. I'm sure you know the rest of the story.

This is not 2001. This isn't even close. When Tom Brady went down in yesterday's Season Opener against Kansas City with what is assumed to be a season-ending knee injury, the hopes of Patriot Country turned its eyes to Matt Cassel. Did I mention that this isn't 2001? Cassel, a backup his entire career, has never had the spotlight shone solely on him. He's always had someone who deferred the attention -- whether it be Carson Palmer at USC, or the aforementioned Brady in New England. This will be a true test of Cassel's skill, poise and endurance, should he hang onto the starting job.

Enough about Matt Cassel. This is about Brady, the reigning NFL MVP, the three-time Super Bowl Champion, heralded by many as the greatest quarterback to grace the gridiron. Perhaps fans around New England and the country in general will now realize just how good he is.

I woke up this morning with a taste of bitterness in my mouth. This was a taste that was sadly familiar. I remember having it only one other time -- the morning of February 4, 2008. Some of you may remember it as the morning following Super Bowl XLII.

I'll reserve judgment, anger and depression until after Brady's MRI results have been released. Needless -- and pointless -- to say, Brady's streak of consecutive games started is in jeopardy.


Written by Dan Zappulla.