New England Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel addresses the media during his locker room interview on Thursday, October 30, 2008.
Q: How is the preparation for the Indianapolis Colts going this week?
MC: We are getting there. We are in the second day of preparation and we have our work cut out for us. We are just going out there and trying to get better.
Q: What stands out to you with the Colts' defense?
MC: I think the thing that stands out is their speed. They have speed on that side of the ball from the defensive linemen to the linebackers to the secondary. We have to be up to the challenge and match that speed early and often.
Q: Do you feel like this team is starting to click right now?
MC: You never know. It is midseason right now and you hope each and every week that you get better. I feel like we are growing as a team and an offensive unit. Hopefully, we will continue to make strides.
Q: The Indianapolis Colts are not playing like we are used to seeing them play? What differences do you see in them this season?
MC: When we watch them on film, they are still the same. Maybe they haven't caught the breaks that they have before. They are a great team. They have great veteran leadership. It's the same players we have played against in the past and we are expecting a tough game this weekend.
Q: People always liked to see the 'Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning matchup' with this game. Does that have any impact on you going into this game?
MC: No, we are going out with the intent of winning the game. I am preparing and getting ready. I am sure this offense, defense and the whole team is getting ready to role.
Q: What do you see from Peyton Manning?
MC: He is one of the best in the game; he has been for a long time. He is a guy that has been consistent. As a quarterback, that is what you look for - consistency. He obviously does a great job year in and year out. He is a guy that a lot quarterbacks, especially young guys, look up to because he has been at such a high level for such a long time.
Q: Are you starting to feel more comfortable as you continue to gain experience?
MC: You try to. I feel like I continue to grow as a quarterback and continue to get more comfortable week in and week out.
Q: What was tough about your touchdown pass to running back Kevin Faulk last week against the St. Louis Rams?
MC: It was just something we had worked on in practice. Thankfully, we were able to execute it when it came up in the game.
Q: Can you talk about how you have grown as a quarterback since you became the starter?
MC: As a quarterback and a young guy, you step in, especially in this role, and with the high-pressure situation that it is with the guy I am replacing. Obviously, at first you are a little taken back by it and you have to gather yourself. As you move forward, get more comfortable and win some games, you start to understand that we are fully capable of winning games around here. You just try to build on that.
Q: As an individual, does it make you feel good that you are filling in admirably?
MC: Of course it makes you feel good. It makes you feel good to win games because that is what we are here to do - win games. As an individual, that makes you feel good especially for the fact that you are being accountable to your teammates.
Q: From what you have seen from the Indianapolis Colts' defense on tape, how do they compare with other defenses you have faced this year?
MC: Like I said before, a lot of it comes down to speed. Every aspect of the game is speed from the defensive linemen, linebackers to the secondary. We are going to have to match their speed and be up for the challenge this week.
Q: Last week, you discussed working on your pocket presence and your internal clock. How has that been going?
MC: It was good. The offensive line did a great job and was able to give me adequate time just to be able to go through my reads, step up in the pocket and do that. We continue to work on that each and every week.
