The Back-up Plan

Over the weekend, after every analyst and reporter suggested who the Patriots should sign as a back-up to Matt Cassel (someone even suggested Jeff George. Jeff George!), New England brought Matt Gutierrez back into the fold. First he was signed to the practice squad, but quickly was elevated to the active roster. He was the emergency quarterback Sunday and almost became the back-up.

Late in the first half, Matt Cassel took a hit from Jets LB Bryan Thomas. Even though he was hit high, Cassel came up limping. It probably led to a few "Oh what the hell? We're gonna lose another one?!!?!?" exclamations from Pats fans.

Fortunately Cassel was just nicked up and finished the game. But not before cameras showed rookie Kevin O'Connell throwing warm-up passes, raising the blood pressure of Patriot Nation.

When Bill Belichick promoted Cassel to starter instead of signing a veteran, Belichick said it was because Matt was familiar with the system. That line of thinking also explains the return of Gutierrez. The offense has a read-and-react passing game. Based on coverages, the receivers will change their route and the quarterback must be on the same page. A veteran can't just come in and pick up this system.

For now, the hierarchy is Cassel, O'Connell, and Gutierrez. A trio of passers with two pairs double letters in their names (two Matts, Cassel, Gutierrez, and O'Connell). They're short on game experience, but experience with the offense means more than years in the league.