Cassel stands in, delivers a win

USA TODAY, September, 2008 by Bob Velin

Life was tough enough for Matt Cassel, having to replace the NFL's reigning MVP, Tom Brady, as quarterback and leader of the New England Patriots.

If that's not enough to make a guy starting his first football game since high school quake in his cleats, Cassel was facing a living legend in Brett Favre, making his first home start for the New York Jets and 255th in a row overall.

Cassel didn't try to be Brady -- lost for the season last week with a knee injury -- or Favre. He simply wanted to run the offense, keep mistakes to a minimum and win.

He succeeded on all three counts, completing 16 of 23 passes for 165 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions, in a 19-10 victory against the Jets.

"He didn't put us in any bad situations and made...