Last week, in a 38-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins, O'Connell came on to replace Cassel with 6:05 remaining. He was in for only two series, but looked surprisingly comfortable and in command, completing 3 of 4 passes for 25 yards - hardly the impetus for a quarterback controversy, but a sign that O'Connell could be in the Patriots' plans this season.
"It has kind of been talked about that they want to try to get me in," said O'Connell, "hopefully, when we're up by a lot, just because every snap I can get in there is a plus for me as far as learning and continuing to grow."
According to O'Connell, being one heartbeat away from quarterbacking a team that many picked to be a Super Bowl contender hasn't changed his season.
"My preparation hasn't changed too much, but just my mentality of being one snap away," said O'Connell. "You got to prepare like you're going to play every week, and if you don't, it's a blessing because Matt was able to go the whole time."
It's easy to see why any NFL team would like O'Connell. He is 6 feet 5 inches, 225 pounds, with a rocket arm and natural running ability. He played high school basketball with current University of Arizona star Chase Budinger, who is expected to be an NBA draft lottery pick.
While those physical attributes are impressive, it's O'Connell's intangible qualities that leave an impression. O'Connell, who hails from Carlsbad, Calif., may never play like Brady, but he has more in common with him than just California roots.
The 23-year-old carries an air of quiet confidence. He is articulate but not outspoken. He is focused but has fun. He knows his place as a rookie in the locker room, but when he steps into the huddle, he knows his place is as a leader.
"He loves to compete," said San Diego State coach Chuck Long. "He got to the point where he would come over to the sideline and say, 'Coach, I can do this; I can get this done.' We would call the play he wanted, and he would get it done.
"He was a guy so confident in his ability, especially as a runner. He knew as a runner he could beat everybody on the field. It was like, 'Don't worry if no one gets open, I'll just beat you with my legs.' "
They liked what they saw
