Did Tom Brady just reveal breaking news to the NFL world? The New England Patriots might have just revealed the worst kept secret in the league. As Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder continues to struggle to start the year, Brady said in a press conference that Matt Cassel will likely be the starter come Week 4.
In his post-practice press conference, Brady spoke with reporters about his relationship with other quarterbacks in the league like Brian Hoyer and Cassel, both former Patriots backups. Hoyer has officially been named the starting quarterback for the second week in a row for the Cleveland Browns, while Cassel continues to play backup to Ponder, but maybe not for long.
"I'm friends with both those guys," Brady said, via NFL.com. "Matt Cassel, who may be starting this weekend. Brian, I text back and forth."
Wait, say that again. As far as everyone knows, Ponder is still the starting quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings. The quarterback revealed he is fighting a set of injured ribs, but made no notice of his lack of availability for the coming weekend. Does Brady know something the supposed "NFL Insiders" do not? Maybe Cassel dropped a hint on Brady.
The news of a benching would not come as a surprise to Vikings fans after the team lost to the Cleveland Browns. However, the blame cannot solely be placed on Ponder. The quarterback went 25-of-42 in passing for 228 yards and an interception, but he was sacked six times throughout the game. Ponder spent most time on field running for his life as the offense line continues to struggle with protection. Adrian Peterson echoed his belief that Ponder is not the reason for the 0-3 start.
"I got his back. He scored two touchdowns and kept us in the game," Peterson said, via the Pioneer Press. "They were cheering him when he scored and booing him when a pass wasn't as good as they wanted it."
Ponder's poor performance left fans chanting Cassel's name towards the end of the game. It is only natural that blame is placed on the quarterback of an 0-3 team. Peterson believes it is a total team issue, not just a quarterback issue.
"We have a mature bunch with great leaders," Peterson said. "We know these games that we lost, we know how they played out, and so we just have to stay confident and keep swinging, but just swinging a lot better. We'll be OK."
There is a chance that Brady spoiled the secret in Minnesota. If asked again, expect Brady to deny the claim, but the statement is out there. Until a decision is made, the Vikings will have to fight this rumor along with the one that Minnesota is looking to trade for Josh Freeman prior to the deadline.
