The Boston Globe is reporting that QB Tom Brady had successful surgery to repair his injured knee on Monday. The anticipated recovery time is about six to eight months.
Since it is October, we'll project that Brady will be ready to practice between February and April. He will be a participant in mini-camps most likely and absolutely training his butt off in the weight room.
With the team in California, Brady should expect a fair number of visits from teammates and coaches. But whatever Brady does, don't rush. There's no way you can be back to help the team this season beyond informative phone calls to your replacement, Matt Cassel. Based on his last performance, Cassel listened well.
I didn't realize it, but Cassel passed for 259 yards Sunday, a career high by far. He continues to complete passes at a high percentage and he displays a much needed short memory. Even after throwing two interceptions, Cassel threw into tight locations, putting the ball where the receivers can make plays.
Nor did I see Cassel becoming gun-shy. For the second game in a row, Cassel was under assault in the pocket. In week three, Miami sacked him four times and hit Matt much more than that. And against San Francisco Cassel absorbed five sacks. But he stood firm in the pocket and delivered everytime.
I already pointed out that Matt threw the ball away on one play and he did run with the ball a few times when his internal clock expired. Cassel is really bringing it all together. He took a huge step forward in his development against the 49ers. It will be very interesting to watch his progress through the season.
But Cassel's development will be compromised by an offensive line that isn't holding the pocket together. They've had to deal with constant blitzes as teams try to get in Cassel's head and take him out of his game. Cassel absorbed 15 sacks so far, just under four per game.
Cassel's build appears sturdy so he can take a beating, but I don't want to find out how much of a beating he can take before his body can't take anymore. Right now AFC East leader Buffalo is waiting to see if QB Trent Edwards can play Sunday after suffering a concussion against the Cardinals. Edwards has post-concussion syndrome and it is unknown when he'll be ready to play.
Sunday could be an opportunity for the Patriots to tie the Bills for the division lead if the Pats can beat the San Diego Chargers. But can the Patriots win if Cassel is knocked out of a game? Don't put that theory to the test, O-line.
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