By ROBERT LEE
Journal Sports Writer

FOXBORO -- Matt Cassel failed to lead the Patriots on a touchdown drive during the preseason, but yesterday when it mattered more, Cassel did exactly that, leading the Patriots on an improbable 10-play, 98-yard drive that he capped off with a 10-yard pass to Randy Moss which gave New England a 7-0 lead.

Cassel, a seventh round draft choice out of Southern California in 2005, replaced All-Pro quarterback Tom Brady after Brady injured his left knee with 7:27 remaining in the first quarter when he was tackled by blitzing Kansas City safety Bernard Pollard.

Earlier in the drive, Cassel completed a 51-yard pass to Moss on 3rd and 11 from the Pats' own one-yard line which kept the drive alive.

That reception gave Moss 13,014 career receiving yards and moved him ahead of Jimmy Smith for 13th most in NFL history. Moss's touchdown reception was 126th TD of career which ties him with Jim Brown for eighth on the NFL all-time touchdown list.