Patriots Look at Simms, Maybe Others

With the reports that Tom Brady’s season is over, the Patriots have begun looking at other options at quarterback.  According to Al Michaels of NBC, free agent quarterback Chris Simms is coming in for a workout and physical tomorrow.

There has also been a lot of inquiry about Daunte Culpepper, who “retired” on Thursday, saying he didn’t want to wait for one of his fellow starting quarterbacks to get a serious injury.  There has also been speculation about the ancient Vinny Testaverde, as well as possibly bringing back Matt Gutierrez.

While the Patriots need to bring in another arm, what needs to be clear, is that Matt Cassel is the starter.  He really looked poised and calm today, but with the pressure of an able quarterback behind him, that could change.  Culpepper and Simms would be an intimidating prescence, so I would consider staying away from them.  I think the Patriots have moved past Gutierrez, so I don’t think he will be an option.

So, based on my beliefs, this leaves veteran Vinny Testaverde as the best option.  I understand that he has too many years under his belt, but he already knows the system, he can serve as a mentor to Cassel, and if he had to play, he could lead the team.  Plus, Cassel would see him more as a calming figure than a guy who will threaten his job.

Back in 2001, following the Bledsoe injury, Bill Belichick turned to the team and said, “Tom’s our quarterback now, and we’re going with it.”

That’s the situation now.  Matt Cassel is the Patriots’ starting quarterback now, and in my opinion, increasing the pressure on him won’t help.