So much has changed for the Dolphins and Patriots since the last time they played in Week 3.
The Dolphins are in the playoff mix after "inventing" a new offense called the "Wildcat." The Patriots are trying to stay afloat despite a rash of injuries throughout their defense and to starting running back Laurence Maroney.
But the biggest difference has been the development of Matt Cassel. Just ask the Dolphins.
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Was Matt Cassel's Week 11 breakout a fluke or a sign?
(US Presswire)
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"He's the biggest difference to me," Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said. "He's becoming more comfortable, he's making more plays, he's putting the ball down and running it, he's doing some things that way."
Said Dolphins defensive back Renaldo Hill: "I think his confidence has really taken off. It's his offense and he's running it very well. He's moving the chains. That's something I think we didn't see a lot of last time. He's managing the game much better and you can tell his confidence level is high. We're definitely going to see a different Matt Cassel and we just need to be prepared."
The last time Cassel faced the Dolphins it was his second NFL start, and he passed for 131 yards, one touchdown and one interception. But his confidence is obviously better now since he's 5-4 as a starter and coming off a career performance against the Jets when he passed for 400 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 62 yards.
He has the Dolphins attention, and Fantasy owners appear ready to take notice. This is the type of performance we expected when Cassel took over for Tom Brady (knee) -- maybe not at this high of a level, but close since he plays with Randy Moss and Wes Welker.
Instead, Cassel had been mediocre until the Jets game. He had a good game against Denver in Week 7 with three touchdowns, but prior to last week, had not passed for 300 yards in a game. The Broncos game was also his only game with multiple touchdown passes.
It's been hard for Fantasy owners to trust Cassel, but this is a good week to find out if he can play at a high level or if last week was a fluke. He has a good matchup against the Dolphins, who are No. 20 in pass defense with 222.6 yards per game allowed with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
But Cassel has struggled on the road this year. He has only one touchdown and four interceptions in four road games while averaging 208 yards per game.
Since the bye weeks are over, you don't have to start Cassel unless you are in a desperate situation at quarterback. There are other sleepers quarterbacks with better matchups who could be available in your leagues in Jeff Garcia (at DET), Marc Bulger (vs. CHI), Jason Campbell (at SEA) and Shaun Hill (at DAL).
We'll put Cassel in the sleeper category also but expect him to come down from last week's performance since he's on the road and out of his comfort zone. He will make plays, just not enough to be a top 12 Fantasy option.
Let's remember, the common link in his two best games this year was the fact that Denver (No. 29) and the Jets (No. 28) are two of the worst pass defenses in the NFL, and Cassel was at home. When he faced a poor pass defense on the road at San Diego (No. 32) in Week 6 he passed for 203 yards, no touchdowns and one interception.
But Cassel thinks he has turned the corner with the Jets game. He said he is a different quarterback from the last time he played Miami.
"I feel like I have grown up a little bit," Cassel said. "I have seen a little bit more and know my role a little bit better. I feel like I am a little bit more confident in what I am doing."
He is right that he has improved, but that doesn't make him a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback. Use caution when starting Cassel this week because he could let you down.
Even after that stellar game against the Jets, Cassel still has a lot to prove.
