Why The NFL Needs Tom Brady AND The Patriots

The big stories this week in the NFL, as we know are Tom Brady and Vince Young. Both have knee injuries. Tom Brady, however, is out for the season. We all know who he is, and what he means to the NFL.

Now Brady is out. Matt Cassel is in. With all due respect to the Patriots, Tom Brady, and Pats' fans, Matt Cassel is not the man for the job in New England. The offense and team is built around Tom Brady. The man and quarterback in Matt Cassel is not the leader or veteran that Tom Brady is.

I am not discrediting the fact that he has Belichick behind him. Belichick is a hall-of-fame coach that can turn any player around. Unfortunately, it takes more than a season to change the make-up of a quarterback.

The Patriots will  get back into the playoffs. I don't think that they will get very far though. Maybe I'm wrong. Heck, I hope I'm wrong. The Patriots not being in the playoffs is like the 4th of July without burgers, it's like peanut butter without jelly, the NFL needs the Patriots.

Now, also, the week 9 match-up between Indianapolis and New England won't have the same ring without Brady. Manning versus Cassel? No, it doesn't sound right, and it never will. As long as Brady is out, the NFL won't be the same, let alone the Patriots.

Here's hoping for a quick recovery, in the name of the game, in the name of sportsmanship, and in the name of humanity.

I still think that Cassel will crack. He won't do as well as Brady. The fans in New England, however, don't need to hit the panic button yet. Keep in mind you still have number 81 at wide receiver, and you still have the genius in the hooded sweatshirt.

I won't be cheering for the Pats, but I sure hope they get back to the playoffs, Brady or no Brady.