Brady's Season Officially Over
The New England Patriots have announced that they will place quarterback Tom Brady on the injured reserve list, ending his season.
The team has announced that Brady will undergo surgery on his left knee, injured during Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Patriots issued a written statement that said: "After extensive tests this morning, it was revealed that New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's left knee, which was injured in the first quarter of yesterday's game, will require surgery. He will be placed on injured reserve and will miss the remainder of the 2008 season."
Coach Bill Belichick did not provide details about Brady's injury at a news conference, but sources had said earlier that Brady suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and perhaps other damage to his knee. He underwent an MRI exam today.
"Of course we feel badly for Tom about the injury," Belichick said at the news conference in Foxborough, Mass. "You hate to see anyone go down. Nobody has worked harder and done more for this team than Tom has, so it's a tough setback for him."
Matt Cassel inherits the starting job.
"We all just have to do our jobs," Belichick said. "That's what every player has to do. Each guy has a job to do--a coach, a player, they have a job to do. And they need to do it as well as they can. Really, that doesn't change. He played one position. He played it very well. There will be somebody else playing that position now. I have a lot of confidence in Matt and everybody else does, too. Everybody has to continue to their jobs like they always have, like they always need to."
Belichick said the Patriots had not worked out any veteran quarterbacks today, at least as of 3 p.m. Sources had said they would meet today with Chris Simms and Tim Rattay. Belichick said the team would make whatever moves at the position it deemed necessary to win, but refused to name any potential candidates to be signed.
"You never want to see a guy like Tom, who's been a mentor to me since I've been here, go down, especially with an injury," Cassel said earlier today while replacing Brady on the quarterback's weekly appearance on WEEI radio in Boston. "But it's part of this business unfortunately. You've got to step up and be ready to go. When your number is called, you just have to be ready."
Cassel is to make his first NFL start Sunday against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium.
"I think the preparation will definitely help," he said. "During the course of any given game week, normally the number two quarterback really doesn't get many reps. Going into yesterday I studied and prepared like I was the starter, but mainly it was mental. I'll have probably some more physical reps and be able to prepare and get ready to go against the Jets."
Cassel wasn't even a starter in college, backing up Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart at the University of Southern California.
"There is a number of times when I've been thinking, 'What the heck am I doing here?' " Cassel said. "It's been a long wait. But it comes down to just perseverance. You continue to push and you continue to work hard and you eventually believe that time is going to come. Yesterday was a great illustration of you keep preparing, you keep working hard because you never know when that opportunity is going to come. I woke up yesterday morning thinking, 'Oh gosh, I hope I get in late in the game. I hope we're beating them by a lot of points,' to be completely honest. Little did I know I'd be in there in the first quarter and I'd have to go down and score some points and lead the team."
The fourth-year pro is a former seventh-round draft choice.
"He was the MVP of the NFL last year," Cassel said of Brady. "He's probably going to go down as one of the top five greatest quarterbacks to ever play this game. I'm not trying to be Tom Brady. I'm just trying to be Matt Cassel and I don't know where that's going to take us right now. But I know that I'm going to be able to go out there and give 110 percent effort and try to emulate Tom on the field and off the field and go from there."
Cassel finished the game and the Patriots won, 17-10. They've won 20 straight regular season games, a league record. They've also won five straight AFC East titles, a streak that now seems in jeopardy.
Brady, a three-time Super Bowl winner, is coming off one of the best seasons that a quarterback ever has had. He threw 50 touchdown passes and only eight interceptions during the regular season last year while the Patriots went 16-0. He was named the league's most valuable player but fell short of a fourth career Super Bowl title when the Patriots were upset in the Super Bowl by the New York Giants.
He has been beset by a series of injuries beginning with the AFC title game last season, when he suffered a high ankle sprain on his right leg. He was sidelined for this entire preseason because of a sore right foot, and now comes this injury.
Brady was hurt Sunday when he was hit by Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard after delivering a throw.
"You see Tommy go down like that, you don't really know what's going on at first," Cassel said. "I've said this before: I've been here for four years and every time I've ever seen him get knocked down, he might be shaken up on the play but then all of a sudden he comes right back up. I knew it was serious when he stayed down for a little bit, for a little longer out there. When it all started to happen, the adrenaline pumped and immediately kicked in."
Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss had called Pollard's low hit on Brady a dirty play Sunday. Pollard had denied that. Belichick said he'd leave that determination to the league, which is in charge of fining players for illegal hits.
"We always taught our players that it's their responsibility to hit the quarterback above the knees and below the shoulders," Belichick said.
Following Sunday's game, Patriots players said they would rally around Cassel if Brady's injury cost him the rest of the season.
"I let him know that we have his back and we're going to go out there and do the best we can for him to try and make plays and make his job as easy as possible," wide receiver Wes Welker said. "I think he did pretty good for a guy who you all thought should have been cut. I think he did an excellent job coming in and he did really well."
Said tailback Laurence Maroney: "Tom is definitely our leader, but the team is the key factor. We need to stick together as a team and play together as team which is the key to a victory."
The Patriots will have to rely more heavily on their running game and defense. They last lost a regular season game on Dec. 20, 2006. They won their final three regular season games in 2006, all 16 last season and this season's opener.
But now, minus Brady, they're more vulnerable than they've ever been since Belichick and Brady began their Super Bowl run. Cassel looked overmatched at times during the Patriots' winless preseason.
"This is not the same New England Patriots team without Tom Brady," former cornerback Deion Sanders said on the NFL Network, for which he works as an analyst. "You can cancel the Super Bowl hopes."
The league also loses one of its most marketable players at a time when possible labor unrest is brewing and there is talk of lengthening the NFL's regular season to generate more revenue.
"He is not only the face of the New England Patriots," former 49ers and Lions coach Steve Mariucci said on the NFL Network. "He is the face of the NFL."
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo said Sunday: "You never want to see any injury. When a great player of his caliber goes down, obviously it's a lot more difficult for the league."
Belichick's teams in New England have been more resilient and adaptable than any other club in the league. Belichick could sign Vinny Testaverde, Daunte Culpepper, Simms or Rattay to back up Cassel. He could turn at some point to rookie Kevin O'Connell, a third-round draft selection last spring out of San Diego State. He could re-sign Matt Gutierrez, who was released at the end of the preseason after losing the competition for the backup job to Cassel.
"We'll do what's best for our football team," Belichick said. "I can't tell you what decisions those will or won't be. We'll evaluate our options and do what's best for the team, just like we always do."
Whatever happens, teams like the Jets and Buffalo Bills finally might have a chance to overtake the Patriots in the AFC East.
"I think it always has been wide open," Bills cornerback Jabari Greer said. "I think that we've taken that approach that no matter who's playing as we have an opportunity to win."
There was little sympathy around the league for the franchise that has been so successful and became more intensely disliked than ever last season after the spying scandal in which it was involved led to Belichick and the team being punished by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
"It's a long season," Jacksonville Jaguars Coach Jack Del Rio said at a news conference. "There are a few teams, half the teams, not real happy today and the other half are feeling pretty good. That's the way it is every Monday in this league."
By
Mark Maske
|
September 8, 2008; 3:06 PM ET
| Category:
Patriots
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Posted by: Fort Worth Bob | September 8, 2008 11:44 PM
Pollard hit was a cheap shot. Fans do not pay $300 a ticket to see a bunch of fat guys run up in doen the field. We pay to Brady, Moss, L.T., T.O., Mannings, D.McNabb, Frave, and at the time Vick. Pats will be ok, they went 18-1, they are very good football "team". Jets better watch out this week.
Posted by: DC Native | September 8, 2008 11:34 PM
It looked like a cheap shot on the replay. Pollard went straight for the knee with his helmet.
Posted by: tom | September 8, 2008 10:35 PM
Its never a good thing to have any player hurt. Its much better when all players are in top shape and not have to be injured. I wish Tom Brady A complete recovery! The Cowboys had injuries in week 1 also. I just wish "hate" would not be involved in sports. I also think Cheating should be a no no! I also dislike the thinking of any player, to injure another! LETS HAVE A CLEAN WONDERFUL SEASON! G O! C O W B O Y S
Posted by: Dallas_Fan | September 8, 2008 9:19 PM
I guess this means that Gisele will have to be on top.
Posted by: Friday Knight | September 8, 2008 9:18 PM
Patriots Admit Defeat. I cant believe it but check this out the Patriots literally gave up http://novafantasysports.com/blog/2008/09/08/tom-brady-injured
Posted by: novafantasysports.com | September 8, 2008 9:06 PM
Wow, after all of the injury reports.
The one where Belicose didn't put Brady on, was the one that ended the 2008 season.
I'm with BOLTDAVE, the Pats will not go undefeated in this season.
Posted by: smtpgirl | September 8, 2008 8:54 PM
These comments from New England fans are just like all the others in all the other articles. You all have the holier than thou attitude that people just get sick of so of course the response is what it is.
You can tell that you guys are just mad that you won't be successful this year and will miss rubbing it in everyones face again.
Just like when the Niners continuously cheated the salary cap to be successful, the wheel is finally turning on you guys and I hope it takes a lllloooonnngggg time (as in never) for it to come back around.
Posted by: boltdave | September 8, 2008 8:18 PM
They should just bring back Matt Gutierrez. If Cassel is good enough to start then Gutierrez can definitely start. He completly out classed Cassel in the preseason both this year and last. Belichick was an idiot for keeping Cassel over Gutierrez.
Prediction: Cassel will fold like a cheap tent and Pats will be lucky to win 8 games. Cassel barely won against
Chiefs.
Posted by: Pats101 | September 8, 2008 7:01 PM
Is anybody outside of New England really sad about this? They didn't make many friends last year with their selfish, unsportsmanlike brand of football.
Brady & Billy got their just desserts
Posted by: Roger Goodell | September 8, 2008 6:41 PM
I don't know how to win without Tom Brady, seriously check my record. What am I supposed to do now?
Posted by: Bill Belichick | September 8, 2008 6:23 PM
Can't believe the barn they built in Indianapolis.
Posted by: Arny | September 8, 2008 6:08 PM
Sorry to hear that Tom Brady will be out for the season, so early. But, I doubt this will help the Deadskins' season any, whatsoever.
Posted by: SorryBrady | September 8, 2008 6:06 PM
'the evil empire' is a tag used by those wanting, and always failing. The tag is a source of pride for those that have made victory, their only goal, and they put everyting on the line to get it, no regrets... So, if you are wanting, but cannot GET IT, then go talk to mama boys because this is a game for MEN... A NY Giants Fan who respects the Pats!
Posted by: NFLFAN | September 8, 2008 5:51 PM
This is Belichick we're talking about. He could be lying about Brady's injury.
Posted by: Tom T. | September 8, 2008 5:31 PM
I guess now they will have to cheat even more!
Posted by: Ozz | September 8, 2008 5:26 PM
My goodness some of you seriously have issues. How can you be happy that somebody could have possibly ended their career???? Are you that sad that you find joy in this? Maybe your teams just SUCK and your jealous!
Tom is an amazing athlete and he will get thru this, work as hard as he does normally to recover and then look out for next year!
And the Pats still have a shot...don't count them out yet!
Posted by: Bradyfan | September 8, 2008 5:20 PM
I think it's really sad that you people would cheer over such a potentially career ending injury. The fact that you dont like Tom Brady is due to his career stats and success but, nothing else..
I am a Patriots fan and, I was a Patriots fan before Brady was even brought on, I admire the work he is put into his career, his dreams and the NFL, not to many players get as far as he has. Wishing Tom a Speedy Recovery and M.C. as well as the rest of my Patriots one hell of a season.......Remember we all have unfinished business!
Posted by: mistical | September 8, 2008 4:49 PM
Wow. How terrible. Oh well, everyone's got a job to do.
Best of luck Brady, now you can spend your time being the father you never were to your ex-g/f's kid.
Posted by: El Chombo | September 8, 2008 4:47 PM
Hey Tom stay away from models they make you weak bro.
Posted by: HARDCORE | September 8, 2008 4:45 PM
Hey Tom stay away from models they make you weak bro.
Posted by: HARDCORE | September 8, 2008 4:44 PM
HEY DEION - THE PATRIOTS WILL PROVE YOU WRONG AND WILL GO ON TO WIN THE SUPERBOWL. TEAM BEFORE INDIVIDUAL. BRADY IS ONE PIECE TO THE PUZZLE. PATS WILL REACH DOWN AND DO IT AGAIN. NO OTHER TEAM HAS THE CONSISTENTCY TO WIN YEAR AFTER YEAR AS THE PATS. EVEN SWEETER THIS YEAR....
Posted by: PATSFAN | September 8, 2008 4:31 PM
rickb928 is right, I wouldn't write off the the Pats yet. Not with a sub .400 strength of schedule.
But hey, who's counting.
Posted by: The numbers | September 8, 2008 4:27 PM
Brady out with a bum knee, P.Manning now playing with one - the AFC elites have made room for the scrubs this year. It should be an interesting season.
Posted by: Big Ben is next | September 8, 2008 4:22 PM
still a pats fan
Posted by: shiansae | September 8, 2008 4:21 PM
Just goes to show, all that belligerent taunting that the Pats did to teams last year "make defensive player very determine"..I feel bad for Brady who may not be the best mechanical QB, but he's the best overall QB..I remember all the cheap talk those guys would spew last year- not wise, Grasshopper!!
Posted by: frak | September 8, 2008 4:19 PM
This is the best news.
Posted by: Manning | September 8, 2008 4:17 PM
Much too early to write off the Pats, gang. Now is time to see if the team concept can extend to the QB position.
And remember, Tom Terrific got his job when the indestructible Drew Bledsoe went down. Let's see what Cassel has this week before we hit the emergency button...
ps- I'm hopeful. Randy Moss makes any quarterback look good a few times a game. And it is just half the game...
Posted by: rickb928 | September 8, 2008 4:14 PM
No one should rejoice in an athlete - any athlete - getting injured.
And it was fun beating Brady when he was pretty much at his best.
Good luck to Matt Cassell and we'll see him on the field.
Posted by: Jim Nash | September 8, 2008 4:10 PM
Honestly, I wish my gang green had a chance to face the Pats at full strength. Regardless of what happens (and as much as I hate to admit it), it is a loss for fans who want to beat 'the evil empire' at full strength. When all is said and done, the Pats are still a ridiculously stacked team, but the Bills might be the team to beat in the AFC East now that Brady's out.
Posted by: JetsFan | September 8, 2008 4:02 PM
Who cares
Posted by: Anonymous | September 8, 2008 4:01 PM
no super bowl for u guys!
Posted by: NFLMEX | September 8, 2008 4:01 PM
What's with all the secrecy??? Jeez ...
Posted by: Dick Nixon | September 8, 2008 3:57 PM
The karma is a little late for supporting Bush versus Kerry in the 2004 election. Maybe Brady can lend his support to McBush from his hospital bed.
Posted by: More Karma | September 8, 2008 3:53 PM
It improves the Jets chances but I would prefer a healthy Tom to beat. The Pats will still win 10 games and make it to the playoffs. Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game.
Posted by: Jet Fan | September 8, 2008 3:52 PM
I am only now become a huge Pats fan. Go Cassell! Win the SB! Tom Brady Who???
Posted by: Gene | September 8, 2008 3:49 PM
Dictionary Definition of Kharma; for last years lack of sportsmanship and decency.
Posted by: BelliDick | September 8, 2008 3:46 PM
Have some dignity. Gloating over someone's injury is sick. Regardless of what you think about the Patriots, Tom Brady is a tremendous quarterback and the fact he'll be out for the year is a loss to all real NFL fans. Players only get so many years, and losing one to an injury when it's a hall of famer like Brady is really awful. You have to be big enough to wish that Michaelangelo was still out there painting church ceilings, even if he's not painting yours.
Posted by: Rory | September 8, 2008 3:41 PM
even during surgery, he's still more effective than Jason Campbell
Posted by: coach | September 8, 2008 3:40 PM
5 extra months of supermodels instead of DEs and LBs? This cloud is lined with something better than silver...
Posted by: Don't feel sorry for him | September 8, 2008 3:38 PM
Hey Karma, you are a pathetic football fan. Well I take that back, you're not even a football fan. It's obvious that you don't have a life!!
Posted by: Joe | September 8, 2008 3:33 PM
Ha Ha
Posted by: Karma | September 8, 2008 3:23 PM
Hopefully he can recover (and I'm not an NE fan). Sadly, many QBs with leg injuries are effectively done--others such as Brunell come to mind...
Posted by: Karolus | September 8, 2008 3:23 PM
WELL NO SENSE IN WATCHING FOOTBALL THIS YEAR
Posted by: NEW YORK | September 8, 2008 3:22 PM
Thank goodness he was on my fantasy roster last year and not this year!
Posted by: football_mp | September 8, 2008 3:20 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
Glad to see this "dynasty", built on a foundation of fraud, Is finally going to go down the drain. Good riddance. Go G-Men !!!!