Bill Belichick just wrapped up his Tuesday conference call and said in no uncertain terms that Matt Cassel is the New England Patriots' quarterback.

Asked if he's confident Cassel can lead the Pats going forward, Belichick quickly said "yes."

Asked if there's any quarterback controversy, as media and fans have begun to wonder if it might be worth putting rookie Kevin O'Connell under center, Belichick said, "Matt's our starting quarterback. He gives us the best chance to win. He's our quarterback."

He went on to say that the team must play better in all areas, and the coaches must coach better as well.

Also on the call, Belichick said there's a "less than one percent chance" that New England will complete a trade today, the NFL's trading deadline, and that there's a "pretty good chance" the team will begin the clock on offensive linemen Stephen Neal and Oliver Ross, both of whom began are currently on the physically unable to perform lists.