Patriot's Pre-Season

OK...so I'm one of those that take almost NO STOCK WHATSOEVER in NFL Pre-Season games. None. They don't count, and they are for the coaches to work their magic. For me...the Average Joe, who is a football fan...this is just a month earlier that I get to watch football. Albeit watching it half-assed.

It's no secret that I'm a tried and true Patriots fan. That fact, and after reading the previous paragraph, I must admit...I'm starting to become a little worried about the Patriots this year. I have been a big fan of Matt Cassell since he joined the Patriots. He's had some really incredible "tutoring" in his college and pro career, and I have always had high hopes for him. I'm starting to question that now. Why am I worried? Because I'm still stuck between thinking that Brady/Bellicheck are playing "games" with Brady's injured right foot, to them hiding a more serious injury. Maybe it's just that I like, and am used to, seeing Brady, in the pre-season games, leading scoring drives. Maybe it's just me playing devil's advocate. But I'm a little worried.

Let's try this scenario: Brady's ankle/foot injury is real, and a little bit more involved than has been let on to thus far. He misses...let's just say, for conversation's sake, 3 weeks of the regular season. His backup must play those 3 games. First...who will his backup be? I personally think it'll still be Cassell. But it doesn't matter, because none of the 3 backups have been impressive thus far. But could Cassell, Gutierrez, or O'Connell lead the Patriots past the Chiefs, Jets, and Dolphins...before their early bye week??? Hmmmmmmmmmmm...those should be 3 wins. If Brady was out until week 5...could they start the season 0-3? Each of them have had good moments in Preseason, but each of them have also had some really ugly minutes.

And I'm not pinning all of this on the backup QB's. Thus far...the Defense, Special Teams, and even Offensive Line...are either banged up, or just not playing well. And what's up with Wes Welker? He's my Stud Fantasy Football pick...is he "really" hurt??? He took a hell of a hit!

I guess we shall see, when the season starts. I'm not a "Bandwagoner"...I'll support and love the Pat's no matter what happens. But I'm starting to get a little bit nervous.