Compared to himself out of that system. That's the whole point. Cassel was much, much better in that system than in other systems, especially considering he was getting full-time first-team reps with other teams for entire offseasons in the other systems. FreeBrady is leagues better than Cassel, but he, too, would be worse out of that system (not Cassel-bad, but not as great as he is with the Pats). He is helped by that system, no doubt. It is the absolute perfect system for him, and he is probably the absolute perfect quarterback for that system. The both need each other, which is why FreeBrady is the only guy constantly being extended through this whole run of Pats dominance. Not since Montana with Walsh has there been a better marriage of system and QB than Bill and FreeBrady. I'm not saying FreeBrady wouldn't be great outside that system, but I highly doubt he would be one of the all-time best with another team. If Bledsoe never got hurt, or they didn't win that Superbowl (thanks to the Tuck Game), there might be a different story completely for the guy. Imagine if he was the one that got let go instead of Bledsoe and he ended up with the Bills (then) or Cowboys (then) or...gulp...Browns. Yikes!