Matt Cassel recalls playing in 60 mph Buffalo winds: “You couldn't throw a pass 10 yards”

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Matt Cassel's weekly Patriots story keeps getting better. After last week's tale of how Wes Welker schemed his "foot" press conference to troll Rex Ryan, the former Patriots quarterback shared one his favorite memories from playing the Bills in Buffalo. 

In 2008, when Cassel had to take over for the injured Tom Brady for a full season and led the Patriots to an 11-5 record, New England traveled to Buffalo for a Week 16 matchup that was expected to have severe weather conditions. 

"The night before the game, (Bill) Belichick comes in, we had an elaborate game plan, about 112 plays," Cassel said on Patriots Pregame Live. "And so we sit in this meeting thinking we’re going to go over the offensive game plan, and the next thing I know, he says, ‘Alright, we’re gonna go with these 10 run plays and maybe we get some screens for you,’ and I’m like ‘What’s going on?’ 60 mph winds are expected for the game.

"There was sleet, there was snow, you could not throw a pass 10 yards that way," he said. "They’re holding up the goal post with ropes, we threw I think eight passes and rushed the ball like crazy."

The Patriots ended up winning the game 13-0 and Cassel indeed threw just eight passes, completing six for just 78 yards. LaMont Jordan and Sammy Morris combined for 44 carries on the day for 149 yards and a touchdown. Perhaps Cassel's most impressive showing of the day came on a quick kick.

"The best part of the game was they let me do a ‘quick kick’ on third down because we were backed up. I kicked the ball maybe 20 yards but the wind took it another 40. I’ve got a 60-yard average people!"

He wasn't kidding either. According to Pro Football Reference, Cassel's punt went 57 yards. 

After what Cassel called the craziest experience of his career, the Patriots flew out of Buffalo the same day in those brutal winds and Tedy Bruschi did his best to keep the mood light on the plane. 

"We flew out after the game! Tedy (Bruschi) was playing Blaze of Glory (by Bon Jovi) on his boom box in the plane ride," he said. "I can’t believe we took off in it."

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