When prepartion meets opportunity...

2008 - in the first game of the regular season, safety Bernard Pollard collides with quarterback Brady’s lower leg, tearing the ligaments in Brady’s left knee. With Brady out for the remainder of the season, Cassel’s opportunity to finally take the reins had presented itself. Luck. It’s when preparation meets opportunity.

And Cassel was prepared as was a merciless media. Cassel drove the Patriots to eleven wins and five losses. It was a playoff-quality season. Naysayers were in shock. Cassel’s stock soared. Coach Belichick’s judgment of Cassel’s character had paid dividends. Despite this, Coach Belichick had to keep his dynasty’s best interest in mind. Some tough decisions were to be made…