Top 10 Quarterbacks in Patriots history

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5. Matt Cassel

Tenure: 2005-2008

Record as starter: 10-5

Quick look at stats: 62.9 percent completion rate, 3,946 yards, 23 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 88.2 rating

Although he was a backup for the entirety of his collegiate career at USC, Cassel was a coveted quarterback in the 2005 NFL Draft. The Patriots nabbed him in the seventh round, and Cassel responded positively by beating out veterans Rohan Davey and Chris Redman for the No. 3 spot behind Flutie in 2005.

A strong preseason propelled Cassel to the backup role in 2006. After injuries to Josh Miller and Ken Walter, Cassel proved his worth to the team by assuming holder responsibilities for rookie kicker Stephen Gostkowski.

Key stats to know about for Patriots vs. Jets

After Tom Brady went down for the year in the 2008 season opener, Cassel took hold of the starting job, weathering the try-outs of Chris Simms and Tim Rattay. Cassel played as well as anyone could have asked that year, completing 63.4 percent of his passes for 3,693 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 picks, good for a 89.4 rating. You can’t blame the Patriots’ missing out on the playoffs with an 11-5 record on Cassel

The Patriots traded Cassel to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2009 offseason, but he is always remembered fondly in New England. 2008 could have been an utter and complete disaster had Cassel not come of age before our eyes, and that’s why he gets slotted at No. 5 in this ranking.

Next: 4. Steve Grogan