Tom Brady's Competitive Fire Still There, But Patriots' Backup QB Options Strong

The position of most reverence in New England also happens to be the last stop on my journey through the Patriots’ roster.

After a heavily-truncated 2008 campaign, Tom Brady returns in rare form to the field.

Many have speculated the possibility of a repeat of his astounding numbers in 2007. Regardless of the likelihood (or lack thereof) of another record-breaking season, he quelled any burning questions about his confidence in his knee when he hurled multiple passes down field to Randy Moss and Joey Galloway in the preseason opener against Philadelphia.

The look of intense concentration in his eyes before the game, coupled with his utter infuriation at the lone interception he threw, both showed that his competitive fire hasn’t burned out in his 12 months off the field.

He even expressed regret that he was untouched by the Eagles’ front seven, saying he wished someone would just “blast [him]” so he could remember what it feels like. He got his wish, as he was tossed and thrown to the ground by Cincinnati Bengals’ linebacker Keith Rivers. Later, defensive end Robert Geathers took Brady’s words to heart and nailed him to the ground with a vicious sack.

The question remains: what happens if Brady’s knee wears out or gets hit again and he needs to sit out a couple of weeks? Who can the Patriots fall back on?

As usual, the depth chart is filled out with a veritable who’s-who of late-round draft picks. Julian Edelman, Kevin O’Connell, Brian Hoyer, and Andrew Walter will all compete for time at quarterback.

They once had Matt Cassel, who led the team to an 11-5 record in 2008, to fall back on. His lack of presence could (but hopefully won’t) be felt in 2009. Even he was once an unproven quarterback drafted in the seventh round, and in the Patriots’ system, he earned himself a starting job and a nice contract. Could be the talent, could be the coaching.

Probably, I think, a bit of both.

With that, let’s look at the depth of quarterbacks at New England’s disposal. God forbid anything happens to Brady and we haven’t at least taken a peak at what’s underneath.

Edelman is listed as a wide receiver on the Pats’ roster, but he figures to be more of a utility player, lining up on occasion as the quarterback in New England’s wildcat packages. His speed combined with his experience as a quarterback both make him a dangerous threat wherever he lines up. He proved that point as a slot receiver and kick returner, even returning a punt for a touchdown in New England’s preseason opener.

Brian Hoyer of Michigan State is in the upper echelon of all-time Michigan State quarterbacks. Despite this fact, he went undrafted in 2009. He entered the market as a free agent and was quickly picked up by New England almost immediately after the draft. His less-than-impressive senior season could be attributed to Michigan’s run-heavy offense and also to several drops by his receivers. He went 11-of-19 in the preseason game versus the Bengals, so he could surely improve.

Andrew Walter is a fifth-year quarterback, having been traded over from New England’s recent farm team, the Oakland Raiders. Drafted early in the third round in the 2005 draft, his opportunities were few and far between in Oakland. He was a third-stringer his rookie year and was given an opportunity to succeed when the team benched starting quarterback Aaron Brooks in Week 1 of the 2006 season. He threw only three touchdowns versus 13 interceptions in eight starts. In two games in 2008, he threw three interceptions and no touchdowns. His setbacks in the past figure to fuel his fire in the competition for a roster spot.

O’Connell is also a quick guy, who was known for his scrambling abilities in college, setting numerous school records for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. Though he only threw six passes last season, mostly in garbage time, he has the skill set necessary to be a leader, and an accurate enough arm to get the job done in New England’s offense. Whether or not he’ll be able to quickly grasp New England’s complex scheme will be essential in determining whether he’ll earn a spot on the roster.

I figure that either Walter or Hoyer will be cut to trim their quarterback depth chart down to three bodies. Edelman will make the team as a wide receiver, but as mentioned above, he possesses the skills to be an excellent option in the wildcat, though the Patriots figure to use that much less with Brady back behind center; why willingly reduce the quality of your quarterback?

Obviously, the depth chart suffered a huge loss when Matt Cassel was traded to Kansas City, but the confidence the Patriots’ front office showed in Tom Brady makes me confident that he’s ready to go.

If Brady is feeling 100 percent come Sept. 14, the Patriots won’t need to worry about a back-up. They’ll have their field general back.