Cassel says he’s progressed since replacing Brady

FOXBOROUGH, Mass.—Matt Cassel says he’s developed in several areas since taking over as quarterback of the Patriots after Tom Brady’s season-ending knee injury.

He said Thursday he’s made progress in adjusting to the high speed of the game and in identifying different formations that opposing defenses use.

New England had a bye last weekend and leaves for the West Coast on Friday where Cassel will get a chance to test that growth against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Wide receiver Randy Moss has said Cassel needs to believe in himself, and Cassel said Thursday that he’s never lacked confidence. It also helps him to know that his coaches wouldn’t make him the starting quarterback if they didn’t have confidence in him.