Matt Cassel started today's game against the Patriots with a sharp opening drive, completing all four of his passes on the drive for 75 yards and a 25-yard touchdown pass to tailback Matt Asiata.
But he has cooled off considerably since then, completing just four of his past nine passes for 17 yards and throwing a pair of interceptions as the Vikings have fallen behind, 17-7, to the visitors.
The first interception came in the first quarter, when Cassel tried to connect with wide receiver Jarius Wright on a deep ball. Wright got inside positioning on cornerback Kyle Arrington, but when Cassel led Wright toward the middle of the field, safety Devin McCourty ranged to pick off the pass. He returned it 60 yards to the Minnesota 1-yard line, setting up Steven Ridley's touchdown run.
In the second quarter, Cassel threw another pick to cornerback Darrelle Revis. The quarterback had plenty of time to scan the field, but he appeared to lock onto wide receiver Greg Jennings, who is still looking for his first catch of the day and the 500th of his career. Revis was running stride for stride with Jennings and made an easy interception when Cassel's pass got away from him.
The Patriots would cash in that interception for a touchdown, too, and lead as halftime nears.
