Backup QB Kevin O'Connell waived by New England Patriots
by MaPatsFan on Aug 30, 2009 6:28 PM EDT
in New England Patriots News
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PrintIn what I can only term a surprise move, the Patriots have waived backup QB Kevin O'Connell. My first thought was, "Huh? Has Belichick had a sudden breakdown?" Normally I'm all for "In Belichick We Trust" and fully realize he's smarter than me when it comes to this stuff. But after Brady's right shoulder was drilled into the ground by Albert Haynesworth (a perfectly legal tackle, btw), I'm left a bit confused as to the decision making process of the Patriots' FO.
This leaves Andrew Walter and rookie Brian Hoyer to round out the QB spot. Yes, Julian Edelman has played QB in college (along with every other position it seems), but I'm not sure we'd see Julian under center. O'Connell struggled against Washington, but I didn't think he was that bad. This would appear to open the door to two possibilities: there's confidence in Andrew Walter OR the Patriots are going after a veteran QB to take the backup spot.
The Patriots organization is not stupid; there is most definitely something in play here. They are not simply waiving O'Connell without a plan. If it's a veteran, who might it be? Where does O'Connell end up? Maybe KC? Maybe Denver? More to come on this one...
Props to shoein and bforce3 for their heads up report and links.
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Makes me wonder
If the Patriots are content with keeping Walter as the #2, Hoyer on the practice squad, and using that last roster spot to keep a player they believe wouldn’t make it through waivers?
He'd have to survive waivers...
and even after bad preseason form, he’s still an ex-Pats QB and a third-round draft pick. Unlikely nobody would want him, even if he’s only picked up by the Jets or the ’Phins or the Bills to spill his guts about the NE playbook.
Taken from the other board... RE: Brady.
What I’m worried about is that this is sign Brady is injured badly, and the Pats are seeking another team’s backup to be a starter here – whoever loses out at the Browns or one of the Bucs or a play at AJ Feeley.
What I’m hoping for is that they’re convinced Walter is a solid #2 QB and that Edelman is an option to replace O’Connel’s wheels.
Maybe keep an eye on the Browns or Bucs or Eagles boards for news about their QBs for any trade information?
it makes my stomach sick to think about brady being injured … again.
though this move would be in contrast to BB’s move last year where he decided not to go with a veteran and kept cassel.
Cassel
Depends how you view the move to get Andre Walter. Walter was not only a vet, but a starter on another team, which suggests he didn’t consider O’Connel quite starting calibre yet. But if it were, say, a choice between AJ Feeley and Andrew Walter starting, well, I know who carved up the Pats secondary, and it wasn’t Walter.
by Comedic.Sans on Aug 30, 2009 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions
AJ Feely is certainly a play
Reiss is talking about it as well.
Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit
Cf. Welker
I had no idea about that Licht guy’s connection to the Eagles, I just know Belichick has a penchant for going out and getting opposition guys who’ve torched his gameplan – Wes Welker comes to mind. Feeley just happens to be a guy who strikes me as being starter-worthy, but behind one of the premier QBs around, and now perhaps below another certain freak-of-nature QB who I’m sure Andy Reid would want to get on the field.
by Comedic.Sans on Aug 31, 2009 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions
That's bad and good ...
Love Bruschi, but he was struggling this preseason. Makes room for one of the younger guys trying to make the team. I like the virtual Vrable replica in Nincovich, he’s been reasonably productive this preseason. Paris Lenon, not completely sure about him yet, but could be a keeper for the season. I’ll miss Tedy though. What a great Patriot he’s been. Top notch, all the way, Fare well Tedy !!!
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