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| Jim Rogash / Getty Images |
| Playing for the first time in the snow, Matt Cassel had no problems conducting New England's offense Sunday. |
By the time the freezing rain had subsided and the 68,000-plus spectators had cleared the snow-covered seats of Gillette Stadium, Matt Cassel –- fresh off New England's 47-7 dismantling of the visiting Arizona Cardinals –- had a chance to reflect on his performance in likely the most adverse conditions he's ever faced as a quarterback.
"I've never played in snow before, so it was a first for me, but it actually was a lot of fun," he said.
Cassel -- born and raised in Southern California -- overcame the wintry conditions at Gillette Stadium to complete 20-of-36 passes for 345 yards and three touchdowns.
| |||||||
| Matt Cassel through 15 games | |||||||
| Weeks | Yards | TD | INT | Rating | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-5 | 910 | 3 | 4 | 82.6 | |||
| 6-10 | 1290 | 7 | 3 | 95.86 | |||
| 11-15 | 1415 | 11 | 4 | 92.4 | |||
His performance concluded a seven-game stretch in which the fourth-year QB has put together his best stretch of football, totaling 2,049 passing yards (an average of 292.7 yards per game), 14 touchdowns and four interceptions with a completion percentage over 60 and a passer rating of 93.6. He's also added 150 yards and a pair of touchdowns on the ground.
If Cassel can guide the Patriots to a win over the Bills this week (and receive some help in the form of losses by either the Ravens or Dolphins) Cassel would not only add an 11th win to his resume in what has been a remarkable first season as a starter, but find himself starting in his first playoff game.
For Cassel, it would be a fitting next chapter in a season that has produced its share of firsts for the 26-year old QB.
There was his first meaningful touchdown in the regular season, helping to lead the Patriots to a Week 1 victory over the Chiefs.
His first regular season start –- against the division rival Jets no less –- also ending in a win.
Five weeks later came his first breakout performance -– a three-touchdown display in a home win over the Broncos.
More firsts would follow.
There was his first rushing touchdown –- a 13-yard scramble up the middle that helped beat the Bills in Week 10.
The following week, his first overtime game –- a Week 11 loss to the Jets, which just so happened to be Cassel's first 400-yard passing performance.
When Cassel passed for 415 yards to help beat the Dolphins the following week, he became the first player since Billy Volek in 2004 to post consecutive 400-yard passing performances, prompting teammate Randy Moss to remark, "Matt is getting in the comfort zone. He's playing some hellified ball."
Three weeks later came the seminal moment in Cassel's season –- his first game following the death of his father. Cassel responded by throwing a career-high four touchdowns in a rain-soaked win over the Raiders.
And of course this past Sunday, where Cassel's latest performance lifted the Patriots to their first three-game winning streak of the season.
All in a year in which Cassel was written off following four preseason starts in which he totaled 165 yards, one interception and zero touchdowns in 34 pass attempts.
"A lot of people casted me out (before the season) and said that, 'This guy's not even going to make the team,'" Cassel said. "That's part of sports and that's part of football and overcoming adversities.'"
When Tom Brady's injury was determined to be season-ending, many called for the Patriots to bring in an experienced veteran to steady the ship. But New England's coaching staff stuck with Cassel, believing his intelligence, athleticism and experience in the Patriots' system could lead to success. Fifteen weeks later, Cassel is in position to pay them back with a sixth straight trip to the playoffs.
"He is ready every week, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said of Cassel. "What a tribute to him that it has paid off. He has been able to progress and the thing that he never really had before was the game experience. Now he is getting an opportunity to show what that means to him as a player. Some of the things that he made mistakes on earlier in the year, he has fixed and corrected. Now he is going out there and playing really good football."
Up next for Cassel? More firsts.
There could be his first season sweep of a division opponent next week (Buffalo), and then maybe his first start in the playoffs and perhaps his first postseason win.
And whenever Cassel's first season as a starter comes to an end, he's likely to face his most telling first of them all –- his first foray into free agency.
Week 16: Matt Cassel highlights | Highlights: Patriots 47, Cardinals 7 | Playoff picture
