The Patriots could have done more to protect themselves at quarterback. That I'm sure of.  

Then again, Matt Cassel could also be the answer. Although that I'm less sure of.

Sometimes I don't even make sense to myself. My flip-flops on Cassel are nothing new; they’ve been occurring since he came into the league in 2005. It’s just that no one has been paying attention (either to me, or the backup quarterback spot) until now.

Make no mistake, Cassel is a tough case. His first two years were encouraging. He was technically sound, had a good head on his shoulders and, most importantly, showed improvement from his first camp to his second one. He improved to the point where the Pats elevated him to the No. 2 spot in 2007 and left the depth chart with no veteran behind him. Unfortunately, that's the point when he seemed to flat-line. His performance in the last two preseasons was spotty, and he instilled little confidence. Then he came into last week's opener and looked the part of a legitimate NFL backup.

I have no idea which way he will go from here. He could suck. He could be fine. You can say that about most backups, of course, but the questions with Cassel are more pronounced given his resume (no starts since high school). It's going to be a great story if he proves himself capable. If not, the management at WEEI had better supply some oxygen tanks in the studio (in addition to some air freshener), because even the mild dose of second-guessing that went on this week left most of the hosts completely unhinged. If Cassel bombs, the criticism will only get worse. If he pans out, the Pats can beat their chest (again).

This week's bag has the usual rants, complaints, insults and conspiracy theories. Truly awesome stuff. I haven't had this much fun since Pat Burns tried to shove me into Sergei Samsonov's equipment bag in 1998. Meanwhile, my old chronics from 890 continue to pour in. I think I have to upgrade the number of listeners I thought I had from seven to about 16.

Drop the puck….

--

Mike,

I know I might be the only person in Patriot Nation that does not think you are a DB, but that being said how could you jinx the Pats like this. The whole month of August all you talked about was backup QB this and backup QB that. Did you have a crystal ball that had the first 15 plays of the season? I honestly think the Pats can still win the division as long as Cassel does not get hurt. Thoughts?

John

Marblehead

P.S. The Wood def. married down.

A: Cassel has to play the way he did against the Chiefs and the defense has to get back to what it was in 2003 and 2004 for the Pats to win the division, John. If Cassel is healthy but mistake-prone, they're toast. And, yes, the Wood def. settled.

--

Subj: Late-breaking theory

Mike,

Adam Schefter reported on NFL Network that Simms and Rattay were invited on Saturday -- before the Brady injury -- to come for a workout. This would lead one to believe that the coaching staff may have not been satisfied with the backup situation coming out of preseason. I think this Schefter report explains the attempt by Belichick on Monday to cover up the visit. The line I've heard on the station all week is that Belichick sees something in Cassel that we don't and we should trust his assessment. Now we've learned that Belichick just may have been looking to upgrade that position.

Jim

A: Love the theory, Jim. Sending the pair away was a statement to the quarterback and the locker room: Cassel is our guy. Besides, there was no need to give Cassel the impression someone was breathing down his neck when it’s going to take weeks for a new quarterback to get ready, anyway. If Cassel craps his pants the next two weeks, maybe Belichick will re-evaluate the situation during the bye. But for now it’s a united front.

--

Felgy,

I love you, but it seems you've caught the grade inflation bug. 17 points scored against the woeful Chiefs should result in a big fact C or even a D in my book. Two fumbles by the receivers are inexcusable. Starting a drive on the Chiefs’ 36 (in the fourth quarter) and getting no points is a huge squander, as Joe Castig would say. The defensive coughing up that long pass play near the end of the game was also inexcusable. The secondary should get an F for almost blowing the game against a team of rookies and second-year players. If the Pats play like they did against Chiefs, but are playing a good team, it's 35-10 and we're on the short end of the football.

AJ

A: I know, AJ, I’ve gone soft on you just when you need me the most. But, seriously, I can’t figure out how that game was so close. The Pats’ defensive line dominated and the offensive line won its battle decisively. Randy Moss had a huge game while Cassel completed 70 percent of his passes while not turning the ball over. The Chiefs couldn’t run the ball and their starting quarterback was knocked out of the game. And yet it came down to the last play? I still don’t get it.

--

Felger,

Obviously, the offense has to adjust.  While I do think they should run the ball more I also think they should revert back to the old days of the screen offense. I think all the running backs have the ability to break off a big gain, and quick outs to Welker and Moss would be effective too. This would be especially beneficial to Cassel and not force him to make many difficult throws/decisions.

Regards,

Brian

A: This is the season when we find out what Josh McDaniels is made of. I’d spread the field and throw it sideways. Scheme it up when you have to. Throw in a few surprises. Invoke the spirit of Charlie Weis. Just lining up and running it every week is not going to get it done, because teams are going to take that away and force Cassel to beat them.

--

Hey Felgy,

I’m not sure who Cassel’s agent is, but you can believe that whoever he is, he’s chirping in Matt’s ear about an opportunity that comes along once in a lifetime. Here’s a golden opportunity for him to make some real money in the NFL. He can prove himself to be a solid and serviceable NFL starter and get a job elsewhere after the season is over. It happened with Matt Schaub, why not Matt Cassel?

Always a pleasure Felgy!

Dan DeLuca

A: Off all the conspiracy theories in the history of sport, the ``contract run’’ is the most tried and true. I think I speak for all of New England when I say, go get that cash, Matt. The more dollars in his pocket in March, the better he’s done.

--

Felgy,

The last time I checked, defense still wins championships and if these guys on defense can play to their potential they can definitely win the AFC East if not return to the Super Bowl with Cassel at the helm. Thinking back to 2001, was Brady that much better than Cassel is today? This TEAM can still do this thing!

Kevin

Woburn

A: Is Brady in 2001 that much better than Cassel in 2008? Yes. Categorically. Brady flashed more in training camp and preseason than Cassel ever has. But, don’t forget, Brady was coming off a successful collegiate career at an elite program. He was 20-5 as a starter at Michigan with wins in both of his bowl appearances. Cassel hasn’t started a game since high school.

--

Felger,

Maybe it's just me but I kind of am okay with Brady out for the season.  It's made Patriots fans' Sundays a whole lot more interesting now. 

Danny

Lowell

A: It’s more interesting now, I’ll agree. But 3-6 won’t feel that compelling. They have to keep winning for the storyline to remain intriguing.

--

Felger,

You wrote in your last report card that "Gillette = worst home-field advantage in the league." Did you hear the idiots on the CBS broadcast thing said literally the opposite? In fairness, I think what they meant was that we had the best home record. Not advantage. Whatever. They’re wrong. I agree with you, although San Diego and Miami's inability to sell out opening day wasn't exactly top drawer either.

Jason Jarvis

A: What I meant is that the Pats have the worst home field advantage for a place that sells out and where the team matters. Gillette may be the quietest full stadium I’ve ever been in.

--

Hi Mike,

I’m one of those red-seat fans who left before the game was over.  My family has been going to games since 1970 in Harvard Stadium. We are die-hard fans but none of us think it is worth it to see the last 2 minutes of the game and get stuck in the parking lot for 4 hours. My first thought whenever Patriots home games are mentioned is traffic, traffic, traffic! They have never done anything to relieve the situation down there. Nothing like a 9-hour day to go see the Patriots, and that’s with us leaving with 2 minutes left!

Andy Skaff

Newburyport

A: You have a point, Andy. The days down there are just too long. But don’t you get a special parking pass and back-road access for being in the club?

--

Felger,

As a 15-year season ticket holder I take offense to your point in Tuesday's report card about fans leaving early. Gillette may be a great place to watch the game, but it has in two short years become a total nightmare in exiting the stadium and parking lot. I would go so far and say that Kraft has now made this process worse than even Sullivan Stadium on its worst days. Kraft loves to tout how he was a regular fan himself. My guess is he would sell his tickets if he had to go through what most of us do now -- which he created.

James Welch

A: Patriot Place has made an almost manageable parking situation once again brutal. I can’t say I blame you, James. It’s just all part of what has made the stadium a weak one in terms of home-field advantage.

--

Felger,

The price for my season tickets went from $89 a seat to $117 a seat. That’s an increase of 32%. Other ticket prices increased more. Signage rates, parking fees and concession prices also increased. Can someone please ask why this team is $7 million under the cap? And that was before their last roster cuts. (Fernando Bryant, John Lynch). If the Pats only spend 91% of the cap, can I get reimbursed for 9% of my season tickets?

Mike Mastascusa

A: As you can tell, I got a lot of emails like this during the week. I won’t subject you to any more. Just understand: the natives are getting a bit restless. If the team tanks it this year, you’ll hear a ton of kvetching.

--

Felger,

This is what you wrote recently: ``This is one of those years (2006 was another one), where the team just seemed to be dead-set against spending money.’’ Obviously, you were wrong. According to the Washington Post, the Pats are No. 5 in terms of committed cash to players since 2000 ($694 million). Maybe next time you can comment correctly on the matter. Sorry if this comes off as a little rude, that's not the intent. But many out there believe this incorrect comment from you and take it as fact when it's not.

Thanks for your time,

Nikos A

A: You definitely didn’t come across as rude, Nikos. In fact, that was the most polite rip job I’ve ever been a part of. I'll show you rude if you like. As for your point, you’re off the mark. I never said the Pats haven’t spent money this decade. They’ve spent a lot under Kraft, just as they should have. When you're a big-market team with the highest ticket and parking prices in the league, and you have a roster worth playing for, there'd be no excuse for them NOT to be in the top 5. My point is that, THIS YEAR, they didn't throw much money around to improve the team. They retained some pieces like Moss, Washington and Bruschi. But that’s just maintaining the status quo. The outside free agent signings were almost exclusively veteran minimum guys (Sam Aiken, Jason Webster, Lewis Sanders, Tank Williams, Fernando Bryant, Victor Hobson, Marcus Pollard, Oliver Ross, Anthony Clement, John Welbourn, etc). Compared to the 2007 bonanza (Adalius Thomas, Wes Welker, Sammy Morris, Kyle Brady, Donte Stallworth, Kelley Washington and Moss), that's quite a difference. Suffice it to say, I think we all liked 2007 a lot better.

--

Felger,

I guess drugs ARE bad. Does Kevin Faulk pick up that block on the play that injured Brady? Funny how those suspensions really can kill a team.

Mike

Salem

A: I don't blame the weed, Mike. I blame the over-zealous rent-a-cop at the Cajundome who felt it would be a good idea to search Kevin's cigar pouch. I mean, really. Don't we have bigger problems in the world than whether someone has a toke at a rap concert in Louisiana?

--

Mike,

Brady is still the best. But what made Brady who he is was the hard work he put into each season. Do you think maybe, just maybe, the lack of offseason prep work did not help? Remember, we used to bash No. 11 for being on the first jet to Montana in the offseason. Just saying.

Sean

A: If Brady strained a hamstring running out of the pocket, you might have a case. But he was hurt on the kind of play that could happen on any snap to any quarterback. His conditioning had nothing to do with it.

--

Mike,

Fluke injury no doubt. But, let the second guessing begin. Stephen Neal was clearly banged up in Super Bowl, the Pats had cap money and Alan Faneca was there -- and they didn’t pursue him. Billy Yates got beat on the play forcing Brady inside and into that hit. Kevin Faulk missed the game with a suspension, great pass blocker, as opposed to Sammy Morris, who didn’t do his job. Finally, Brady held the ball too long, maybe it was not playing all pre-season and not having the pocket presence. Point is, behind every fluke is a reality.

George Cain

A: Not paying for Faneca was the reason Brady got hurt? That’s quite a leap, don’t you think, George?. Again, if I'm blaming anything, it's the goober cop in Louisiana who felt the need to save the world from Faulk's blunt.

--

Mike,

Not to be a Monday Morning Quarterback, but I always wondered why Brady never wore a knee brace.  It isn't like he is Michael Vick (thank God)! Perhaps the injury could have been avoided or limited.

Say hello to Gary for me,

Jim Medeiros

A: Okay, I'll nibble on this one just a bit. I know Brady has worn the brace at various points in his career, even though it might not have been totally necessary. At those times, the team wanted Brady to have extra stability on his front leg. Maybe they’ll get back to that next year. Oh, Hi Ger-Bear!

--

Felger,

All the other two-face fools that work for this station should all be telling you that you were completely right and they shouldn't ever doubt you again when you bring up something that should be of concern. You were definitely 100% right on when you brought up the topic of the Patriots back-up QB situation. Cassel looked good Sunday, but let's not forget it was against the Chiefs who are probably the worst team in the NFL this year and a team that also had to finish the game with its back-up QB. Again it's a pleasure listening to a voice of reason instead of the homers.

Bob

Eat Providence, RI

A: Here’s a hint. Whenever I include a gratuitous, suck-up email like this one, I’m about to get killed….

--

Subj: Backups ARE important, and Felger sucks

Dale and Holley,

Felger is the worst back up at WEEI. Please stop putting him on.

Adam Spates

A: You wouldn’t believe how many people emailed in with the exact same joke. Great minds think alike, right?

--

Subj: Oh Man, Felger is a friggin tool

Dale and Holley,

Has he ever actually played a sport or is he just one of those pathetic wannabees that was always too small/slow/stupid to play, so he just wrote about it? Good Lord, he is a tool. Such an elitist ass.

Jason Renda

A: Jason, I’ve always said that if I had size, speed, strength, agility, dedication, toughness and work ethic I would have been a tremendous athlete. Because my hand-eye coordination is special.

--

Holley,

Why do you waste your breath arguing with Felger? He's a card-carrying idiot who does not know the first thing about football. Did he watch the Vikings or Raiders Monday night and still think Cassel is the worst QB in the NFL? Nice job WEEI management with the Felger hire. You guys are the Bobby Grier of the radio world.

Mike

A: Hey, that Kevin Faulk pick turned out to be okay. And by the way, the Red Sox are selling those idiot cards for $5 a pop.

--

Holley,

What did you do to deserve working with Felger? Good luck. It was Felger who jinxed the Pats -- someway, somehow! Just don't get him going about hockey. We don't need the Bruins jinxed before the season!

Thanks,

A: So now the Bruins are my fault, too?

--

Subject: Felger! Argh! My brain hurts!

Mr. Felger,

What you continue to say about the back-up quarterback situation is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response to Mr. Holley were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone tuning into The Dale and Holley Program is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

Jason Henry

A: And it all sounded so good when I practiced it in the mirror before coming in….

--

Subj: Make them stop!

Dale and Holley,

That opening segment was the most annoying 20 minutes in the history of sports talk radio. Normally, I would blame Felger, since he is always annoying, but Holley shares in the blame also. We finally get a good signal in Maine, and now this crap. I never thought I’d look forward to the flash.

Dick

Kennebunkport

A: How did Wallace do?

--

Dale and Holley,

Mr. Felger was on this topic before it became the number one issue in Boston sports fans' minds. Everyone (especially Dale) dismissed him offhand and even ridiculed him for wasting time on a seemingly irrelevant topic. But as soon as Brady went down and I emerged from my shock, I thought of Felger, and how everyone on this station should be kissing his ass and apologizing for ripping him these past couple of weeks. Mr. Holley, you should admit you were wrong for considering the back-up QB position as largely unimportant. Way to go, Felger. Your prescience is laudable.

Matt

Vermont

A: I needed another pick-me-up.

--

Michael,

I don’t think James Sanders took a bad angle on that long pass play up the middle. I think he was trying to make a play on the ball. He got baited and bit, which is even worse.  Unless he smartens up he could be a serious liability.

Steve T

The Cape

A: I still think either Sanders or Brandon Meriweather has to step up for this defense to be great. We have yet to really see it from either.

--

Felger,

I agree that the Sanders play was beyond brutal. He was also asleep on the earlier touchdown pass across the middle. Helps to hear you're cautiously optimistic about the season. I'm sure you give them a chance with your "buddy" Favre going Sunday. Would make a victory that much sweeter.

Ted

A: Here’s all you need to know about Favre. No one can say with any certainty what quarterback on Sunday is going to make more mistakes. The first-ballot Hall of Famer? Or the kid who hasn’t started in over eight years? Could go either way.

--

DBMF,

Is your mail bag supposed to be a carbon copy of The Sports Guy?  (Last week) it read like it could have been cut and pasted from his mail bag. The excerpt in question: ``….and a paragraph in which I somehow manage to include the words `Charlie Weis’ and `sex tape.' Good times!’’ Good times?  Come on Felgy get your own moniker you fraud.

Thanks,

Ball

Southie

A: I had no idea it was a Simmons thing. Honestly, I thought it was a Rob Bradford thing -- and I have no problem stealing from him. But I’m going to change my moniker, as you suggest. From now on, I'm going to go with, ``Hey now!'' That’s from Hank Kingsley and the ``Larry Sanders Show.'' It may not be mine, but at least it's not Bradford's.

--

Mike,

Congratulations on becoming a two-income household again. Frank (Mallicoat) is a great guy and a complete gentleman with the ladies, so no worries.

Jim the chronic emailer

P.S. -- Other cougars: Linda Evans, Joan Collins, and Bo Derek.

A: First of all, Jim, those are GILFs, not cougars. Come on, kid. Second of all, I’ve got my eyes on Mallicoat, believe me. Third and most importantly, yes, the Wood is once again earning! I was getting sick of her sitting around the house drinking beer and watching baseball games.

--

Subj: Hanz and Franz must be….

   ... rolling over in their graves right now. You finally get your wish -- to see if Matt Cassel can lead the Pats to the playoffs. It just came a year late.

Be good.

Jay,

Boston

A: Irony of irony, my former chronic friend. On the old show I argued incessantly that the Pats would be a deep playoff team if Cassel had to play quarterback. Of course, I've since changed course on Cassel about eight times. Get back to me next week for the latest.

--

Felgy,

It’s Mark in the Car. You didn’t forget me that quickly did you? Your best and most loyal caller from the ``feeder station'' down the dial?  I’ve been listening all summer and laughing at you. You clown. I'm entering your sports blogger contest so show me some love. We have a history together Felgy!

Mark in the Car (in the office near the water cooler)

A: Mark is so chronic that guys like Jim and Jay look at him and say, ``Dude, get a life.'' And while we’re on chronics, I’d like to send out a message through the grapevine to one of our own (I picture you guys IMing each other all night, so I think I’ve come to the right place). I need to get in touch with Mike in Needham. He called me on D + C a couple of weeks ago and I cut him off with a rude comment. Come back to the family, Mike!

--

Felger you DB!

 I honestly can't believe you’re shocked that the studios at EEI smell like a petting zoo. If I were you I'd have been more surprised that Jason Wolfe and Julie Kahn haven't set up a booth where you can buy waffle cones full of seeds and oats so you can hand-feed the hosts between sports flashes. And how they made a bit out of you butchering one promo when Pete has been sounding like outtakes from The Miracle Worker for years is beyond me. Now, aside from your imbecilic jihad on the Pats backup QB position, I think you’re pretty fair with your analysis, as you were down the dial. I think half the humanoids who listen to EEI are one step above lobe fish on the fan evolutionary scale and that anything that may shake their delusional worship of the local squads (with the obvious exception the Bruins) upsets their pro wrestling sensibilities and gives them an ice cream headache. Don't stop keeping it real and stock up on the Lysol.

Mike,

Attleboro

A: Now THAT’S entertainment!

--

Felger

How many similarities do you see b/w this years Pats team and the '02 Rams? I seem to remember everyone thinking that the Rams would be fine in '02 and contend for the Super Bowl. But they went 7-9 and didn't make the playoffs. Marshall Faulk is on record saying his team never recovered. Plus Kurt Warner had a nagging thumb injury all season. Hmmm.

Mo

Watertown

A: I don’t see any similarities yet, Mo. Get back to me in a month or two. I will say this, though: the common thread with the Super Bowl hangover teams is injuries. Rich Gannon missed time in Oakland in 2003; Steve Smith, Stephen Davis and DeShaun Foster got banged up for Carolina in 2004; Donavan McNabb was out two months for Philadelphia in 2005 and you mentioned the Rams injuries. If you believe in trends, what happened to Brady on Sunday makes sense.

--

Felger,

I was not able to contribute to the cougar discussion last month on the morning show, but after watching the republican convention, I got to thinking, would you do McCain's wife? My personal opinion is that she's a babe.

Andrew Patterson

A: Negative on Cindy McCain. I think she’s creepy looking. On the other hand, Sarah Palin, as I’ve said before, is all woman. And I feel that way despite her nut-job views. Here’s one: She apparently belongs to one of these churches that believe they can ``pray the gay’’ out of homosexuals. Like gays have been possessed by the devil or something. Or that they have disease that needs curing. They have classes and seminars and whatnot. Amazing. Meanwhile, Barack’s church isn’t exactly what we’re looking for, either, is it? And people wonder why I’m an independent.

--

Dear Michael,

So you don’t think there are repercussions for promoting Gay marriage? The Herald and Globe are going out of business! God will not be mocked! Sodom and Gomorrah deserve an apology if God doesn’t destroy the USA, now that it is controlled by radical and hostile (gay) lobbyists. In Bible prophecy, the USA is not in power at end times. You should Google bible prophecy and read it over your coffee when you are bored with sports.

God Bless

Robert

A: I thought the Globe was going out of business because it sucks while the Herald was still reeling from the losses of George Kimball and Michael Gee. And does Bible prophecy say anything about the USA’s chances with a hot, right-wing zealot cougar as Vice President?

--

Hey Felgy,

Hurricane Hanna has got me thinking. Hannah Storm is a total cougar, don't you agree?

Nelson

Wichita Falls, TX

A: Oh my goodness, yes.

--

Sub: You d-bag

Hey Felger!

I was just corrected by my waitress at lunch for my mispronunciation of Chipotle.  Thanks for that.

Mike

Grafton

A: Blame producer-boy Igy. I begged him to give that read to Meter.

--

Michael.

We have been lobbying very hard for your permanent spot in the WEEI line-up, but to no avail. With all the regular hosts back from vacation, we were crestfallen to think we wouldn't hear you on-air again for a while. BUT WAIT, news has reached the West Coast that you will be hosting the football show on Sundays! The girls in Big Sur will be listening.

Come surf with us!

Jess from Big Sur

A: Pictures, please. mfelger@weei.com

--

DILF boy,

I told you the tampons would fold in the first week of September. You said no and still stuck to your boy Joe Maddon, the google-eyed doofus of Tampa. They were a little league team telling each other in the clubhouse we can do this! DOY! You thought they were up for a pennant race? LOL! Now it's go time and you’re not so smart, are you mate? Wear your 200-dollar Raybans on the beach because that's the only Rays you'll be pumping. Here comes the cold misty morning of Thursday when you admit defeat, Tampa tout.

With cherished thoughts and bitterness,

Patrick

A: Patrick sent this email before Paplebon blew it on Tuesday, so the Sox didn’t quite make it into first place. Sorry, Patrick. Never count your Maddons before they’re hatched. As my 890 chronics will attest, I predicted the Rays as the wild card team in April (with the Sox winning the division). Not bad for a douche bag, jerk weed, Mr. Baseball idiot. Adjectives supplied courtesy of Dale and Holley.

--

Felger,

I called the whiner line and called you a douche bag today but I have to admit I enjoyed your article. I agree that if Cassel can limit the mistakes and be a game manager like Brady was in 2001, there is no reason why this team cannot go far, even win the Super Bowl. I also agree with what you said about a rule prohibiting hitting QBs in the knees. They are the worst type of hits. Pollard's hit was not really against the rules per se, but I think any hit in the knees while you are crawling on the ground is a cheap shot. Oh by the way, you aren't crazy. JD Drew is a (wimp).

Rich

Tampa, FL

A: So I ask: It’s it possible to be a douche bag, and then NOT be a douche bag?

--

Hey Felger,

I think it's completely within reason for me to expect nothing less than a Barstoolsports.com shout-out in every mailbag. I can either write this email every week or you could just mention Barstool in a response to somebody else's email. I just think the good people at the Stool deserve such an honorable endorsement from such a man as yourself.

Thank you,

Eamon

Saco, ME

A: Couldn’t agree more. It’s the greatest website in the history of the internet. Just last week they honored the Wood’s return to the workforce with an anchor-babe showdown with a Ch. 5 gal. I’ll tell you people the same thing I told El Presidente: if they did a ``guess that ass’’ anchor babe showdown, it wouldn’t even be close. The Wood’s tush is network quality.

--

WEEI,

I'm not as worried about Cassel taking over for Brady as I am with the fact that since Felger has come back to WEEI, I've agreed with him on a regular basis! Ugh!

Nick on the Blackberry

A: Nick, it's a problem millions of listeners across New England have been dealing with for weeks. Hey now!

--

That’s all I’ve got for now, folks.

Send more questions to mfelger@weei.com and catch my act nightly on Comcast Sportsnet.