Joey Porter Is Not Impressed With Matt Cassel

It's good to see Joey Porter hasn't lost his ability to smack-talk opponents. Actually, at this point, I think it's the only ability he hasn't lost. Probably because that's the one aspect of his game that doesn't have to worry about being blocked one-on-one by running backs and tight ends.

Either way, this week Porter has chosen Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel as his target (or as he calls it, his "huckleberry"), and I suppose that's a step up from the kickers and punters he was going after the first two weeks of the season.

Of course, I think it would be far more entertaining for all of us if he chose a guy that might actually respond. Someone like Rodney Harrison or Randy Moss, but, whatever. On to the smack.

"it'll be good to go out and get our first victory. I just know [Cassel] is not a Tom Brady,'' said Porter, when asked how difficult it will be to prepare for a quarterback he has never seen.
"If it's not Tom Brady, it shouldn't be that hard. . . . They won last week, but it's not like they were putting up the crazy 40 points they were when they had Tom.

"So, it's a different offense, it's a different team without Tom there. I don't care what anybody says. It's not the same team without Brady.''

On one hand, Porter is absolutely correct. Matt Cassel is not Tom Brady, and since he's not Tom Brady it's true the Patriots aren't going to put up "the crazy 40 points they were when they had Tom." *

However, when your team is 0-2 on the season, and 2-21 over its previous 23 games, are you really in a position to go into a game and proclaim to the world that it shouldn't be that hard to prepare for? Or pretty much guarantee a win? Especially since the team the Patriots beat in week two (with Matt Cassel) is the same team that beat Porter's Dolphins in week one? Of course you're not. But that's what makes him Joey Porter. And that's why we love him.

*They haven't played the Dolphins yet, so they still could put up 40 points.

Latest NFL Photos

Seattle Seahawks' Koren Robinson, left, talks with coach Mike Holmgren in an NFL football practice Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008, in Renton, Wash. Robinson gets no chance to ease in from unemployed to leading role with the Seahawks. One day after Seattle reacquired its formerly troubled No. 1 draft to bolster a position that has lost six players to injury, Robinson is a leading receiver and kick returner for Sunday's game against St. Louis. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Seattle Seahawks' Keary Colbert catches a pass in an NFL football practice Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008, in Renton, Wash. The Seahawks traded for Colbert on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Seattle Seahawks' Koren Robinson heads toward a drill during NFL football practice Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008, in Renton, Wash. Robinson gets no chance to ease in from unemployed to leading role with the Seahawks. One day after Seattle reacquired its formerly troubled No. 1 draft pick to bolster a position that has lost six players to injury, Robinson is a leading receiver and kick returner for Sunday's game against St. Louis.(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Seattle Seahawks' Koren Robinson runs through a drill in an NFL football practice Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008, in Renton, Wash. Robinson gets no chance to ease in from unemployed to leading role with the Seahawks. One day after Seattle reacquired its formerly troubled No. 1 draft to bolster a position that has lost six players to injury, Robinson is a leading receiver and kick returner for Sunday's game against St. Louis. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Seattle Seahawks' Koren Robinson, right, leaps up and against strength and conditioning coach Mike Clark as Robinson practices a jubilation move in an NFL football practice Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008, in Renton, Wash. Robinson gets no chance to ease in from unemployed to leading role with the Seahawks. One day after Seattle reacquired its former top draft pick to bolster a position that has lost six players to injury, Robinson is a leading receiver and kick returner for Sunday's game against St. Louis. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Seattle Seahawks' Koren Robinson, right, walks with new teammate Deion Branch during an NFL football practice Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008, in Renton, Wash. Robinson gets no chance to ease in from unemployed to leading role with the Seahawks. One day after Seattle reacquired its formerly troubled No. 1 draft choice to bolster a position that has lost six players to injury, Robinson is a leading receiver and kick-returner for Sunday's game against St. Louis. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Chicago Bears Nathan Vasher, left, stretches with Charles Tillman as the team warms up before practice at Halas Hall, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008 in Lake Forest, Ill. If record-setting return specialist Devin Hester does not play due to a rib injury, Vasher would likely play a bigger role in the return game. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)

Chicago Bears' Danieal Manning takes the field as the team warms up before football practice at Halas Hall, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008 in Lake Forest, Ill. With safety Brandon McGowan to undergo season-ending surgery on his left ankle and Devin Hester possibly out, Manning will likely be a busier man against Tampa Bay. He'll return to the nickel back role on defense and could be the primary kickoff return man. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)

Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith talks with defensive tackle Tommie Harris as the team warms up before practice Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008 in Lake Forest, Ill. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)