Quarterback Matt Casseladmits he's still learning on the job, but feels more and more confident with each passing week.
“I think I’ve had the vote of confidence from the coaching staff all along, otherwise I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in,” Cassel told the Boston Globe.
Cassel could sure use some help from his running game. With fresh legs heading into the midway point of the season, Sammy Morrishopes to provide that spark.
“The overall key is maintaining possession,” Morris told the Providence Journal.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Patriots are unhappy with their own performance and are looking to turn things around Monday night against Denver.
“I don’t think you can say we’ve performed up to the level we would have liked,” linebacker Adalius Thomastold the Boston Herald.
The Broncos will certainly test that defensive front. Healthy in 2008, Jay Cutler is off to a great start and will likely take chances down the field against New England's secondary.
“He looks very good,” head coach Bill Belichicktold the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
Cassel may have to engage in a shootout with Cutler on Monday night, which could be advantageous to the Broncos. Cassel hopes he can correct his mistakes from last Sunday in time for the next game.
“You look at about five or six different plays in which if it goes in a different direction, then the game might be a little bit different,” Cassel told the Quincy Patriot Ledger.
Quick hits
The Broncos are hoping newly-acquired tight end Chad Mustard, who signed with the team prior to last week's game against Jacksonville, can contribute against New England.
“I’m in the best condition I’ve been in since May,” Mustard told the Denver Post.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Brandon Marshall is working on a new technique to cut down on his fumbles.
“It’s nothing special. It’s just kind of training your brain to hold on to the ball,” Marshall told the Post.
