That's something that didn't happen at USC, creating doubts that have dogged him his entire pro career, until now. The theory was that if Cassel wasn't good enough to start in college, why would he be good enough to start in the NFL?
"I think everyone thought that the normal progression would be from Carson to Matt [Cassel], and then that spring we picked Matt Leinart," said Chow, now offensive coordinator at UCLA after spending three seasons as offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans.
"Matt [Cassel] never had a chance to play. Back in Tennessee, I told him, 'When the draft is over, if you're not drafted, we'll call and get you a free agent contract.' I'm sitting in my office during the [2005] draft and someone says, 'The Pats took your boy.' What foresight by the Patriots. They knew what they were doing."
The Patriots had foresight, but only a seer could have foreseen the change in fortune for Cassel, Palmer, and Leinart.
Palmer, a two-time Pro Bowler, started four of the first five games of the season for Cincinnati, but hasn't played since Oct. 5 because of a right elbow injury. Leinart, who started 11 games for the Arizona Cardinals as a rookie in 2006 and the first five last year before breaking his collarbone, lost his starting job to Kurt Warner. Leinart has thrown just two passes this season for the NFC West-leading Cardinals.
Palmer, a close friend of Cassel's, said he's enjoyed Cassel's success.
"I watch all his games," said Palmer. "I try to make sure I keep up with it. He deserves it. He's a guy that's always worked hard, and it's fun to watch."
Chow called watching Cassel, who will make his 10th start of the season Sunday, throw the tying touchdown pass to Randy Moss eight days ago against the New York Jets "a thrill."
But even Chow acknowledges he has been surprised at how Cassel, who became the first quarterback to throw for 400 yards and rush for more than 60 (62) in a game in the Patriots' 34-31 overtime loss to the Jets, has developed while filling in for Tom Brady.
