Optimism vs. Pessimism

Pessimist: Thomas is gone... we're screwed
Optimist: We're going to be just fine

No we're not
Of course we are, this team is still talented.
Not talented enough to do anything, not without Tom at the reins
Remember 2001?
This is NOT 2001!
Of course not, this team is much better than the team in 2001 was.
How do you figure, we had Brady under center in 2001 - beautiful beautiful Brady
And now we have Matt Cassel
HOW IS THAT NOT A PROBLEM!?
Who was Tom Brady in 2001? A backup and a 6th round pick.
Cassel has not started a game since high school!
Bellicheck believes in him, that should be enough for us to give him a chance.
This team cannot do it without Thomas, this is not 2001.
Why not? They have two or three running backs better than all their running backs in 2001. (See comparison in post script)
So what? This is a passing team, now. They need someone who can sling the ball and throw the ball to the right receiver.
And with Moss and Welker, not to mention Jabbar Gaffney and Ben Watson, do you really think there'll be a bad option?
It doesn't matter who catches the ball, it matters who throws it. What happens when his first two reads are covered and he has to sit in the pocket.
You realize that the Pats have three Pro-Bowl offensive lineman. That's more than Brady had when he started. Cassel will have good protection, and good receivers. Plus a good line for the running game, they'll be just fine.
There's no way. They'll never make the playoffs.
They have a preposterously easy schedule: the Jets, Bills and Dolphins twice, plus the Cardinals, Raiders, 49ers, and the Rams in the next 15 games. Going 10-6 is not out of the question.
Well, they'll never be able to beat a playoff team.
Why not? They have a solid defense and they always have Bellicheck.
So what?
Best game planner in the league. Plus, has he ever made a personnel error that you can remember?
Well, no.
So you believe this team can, even without Brady, get into the playoffs?
I guess so.
And once they get into the playoffs they could really put something together and sneak into the Super Bowl?
I don' t know.
Well, that's up to you, but I think they can do it. Worst case scenario, they make the playoffs, Cassel has a decent year and the Pats trade high for a second round pick.
Well yeah, of course.
And best case scenario, they go deep in the playoffs and trade real high for a late first round pick. Or they tank the whole season and take their own first round pick real high.
Actually, I wouldn't mind seeing that Laurenitis kid in a Pats uniform.
Damn right.
But we have no idea how this is going to play out.
And how exciting is that? Every week we get a chance to see a young quarterback, potentially coming into his own and winning some games. We had the juggernaut year last year, it's time for something different.
Yeah, I guess it will be kind of fun to see how the team does every week.
That's the spirit!
And they really could pull it together for a surprise run here.
That they could. And you know how the Patriots love being the underdogs.
Yeah... YEAH! Back as the underdogs! No one believes in us! We thrive on that... oh BRING IT BABY!
GOOOOOOOOOOO PATS!


Post Script:
Brady's receivers for 2001 were :Troy Brown, David Patten, Terry Glenn (2 games), Jermaine Wiggins (TE), Rod Rutledge (TE).
Brady's running backs for 2001: Antowain Smith, Mark Edwards, Kevin Faulk, J.R. Redmond

Cassel's receivers for 2008 are: Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Jabbar Gaffney, Kelley Washington, Ben Watson (TE), David Thomas (TE)
Cassel's running backs for 2008: Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, LaMont Jordan, Kevin Faulk, Heath Evans

I'd take Cassel's supporting cast any day. If there is any chance for Cassel to make something of himself, this is his shot.

Also, the authors would like to remind you that the Patriots are your team, and if you're dropping them because Brady is gone, then stop going to games so us real fans can get in.

Written by Kyle Baxter - based on an internet conversation between Dan Zappulla and Kyle Baxter