When Cassel started for the Pats, I don't think he had started a game since high school and there had to be a reason for that: he simply isn't good, as evidenced by his play since then. As far as making those around you better, Manning has done that far better than Brady. Brady has never had to make his teammates better because he's been surrounded by far better players, especially on defense.
Yeah he played at USC behind Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. Then played in the NFL behind Tom Brady. Now, he has a 6 year 62 million dollar contract. Where the hell are the other two QB's? He plays for an average team but won AFC offensive player of the month just last November. I think he is better than you think although his team stinks, yet went to the playoffs last year. Not trying to make Cassel something that he isn't just defending him because you think he simply isn't good.
Look, no one is saying Peyton is not worth all the accolades and attention he gets, he deserves it. They have been #1/#2 interchangeable for years now. I'm just so sick of hearing about how Brady had a MUCH better team. It ain't true. They are so close you can rename them Sox/Yanks. So enough with it.