Chiefs Mellinger nails it. Great article. - Page 9

RunKC · 08-25-2012, 12:48 AM

Sam Mellinger | One team looks better at QB, and it’s not Chiefs
BY SAM MELLINGER
The Kansas City Star

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/24...#storylink=cpy

You could run your finger up and down the Chiefs roster and wherever you choose to stop be fairly certain it will be on a player who looked rotten in what is traditionally the least unimportant preseason game. The frustration is real but might be fleeting.

Fifteen days separate the despair of this morning from the hope of the season opener, and that’s like two months in NFL time. But the Chiefs were absolutely throttled by the Seahawks, 44-14, and whatever the maximum amount of concern you think is appropriate for a preseason game that included no torn knees is appropriate for this one.

This was embarrassing, but there’s time for much of it to fade.

Here’s something that’s not going anywhere before the season opener, and probably not for long after: the Chiefs are four years into making up for a limited quarterback in a league full of better options.

Like, you know, Russell Wilson.

Six months ago, Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli made a point to promise better quarterback competition.

Five months ago, the Seahawks signed free agent Matt Flynn to a $19 million contract.

Four months ago, the Seahawks drafted Wilson in the third round.

They did it one pick after the Chiefs took an offensive lineman they think might play — next year. In other words: the Chiefs talked it, and the Seahawks walked it.

At a time like this, you can focus on any one of a million things to be ticked off about with the Chiefs. Brandon Flowers’ injury is showing no signs of healing, and Jalil Brown is showing no signs of being up to the job. The Chiefs didn’t force as much as one punt in until Tarvaris Jackson played the fourth quarter. Tamba Hali was called for two personal fouls. Dwayne Bowe didn’t impress, Tony Moeaki whiffed on some catches, and Andy Studebaker whiffed on some tackles.

But as much as Matt Cassel looked comfortable in the first two preseason games, he took a significant jump back in what’s supposed to be the preseason game that matters — a little bit, at least.

He completed virtually nothing but short passes, got points just once in seven possessions, and turned the ball over twice. Even when he threw a touchdown to Dexter McCluster, the celebration jump left him landing on his rear. It was like an entire evening spent highlighting his biggest weaknesses.

On the other side, Wilson was everything the Chiefs haven’t had in a quarterback in the better part of a decade. He completed 13 of 19 passes for two touchdowns and no interceptions and two brilliant scrambles for 58 yards. Even if you take away the throw to Kellen Winslow on a blown coverage, it was a terrific night.

It was the kind of night Chiefs fans thought they might get more of when Pioli talked about improving the quarterback situation.

Those hopes went from Peyton Manning to someone in the draft to signing Brady Quinn — who replaced Cassel midway through the Chiefs’ eighth possession — as some sort of stand-in for legitimate competition.

Pioli did a lot of good in the offseason. Most around the team agreed Romeo Crennel was the right choice as permanent head coach. Eric Winston is an enormous improvement at right tackle. Peyton Hillis, Kevin Boss and Stanford Routt are all promising additions.

But there was effectively nothing done at quarterback — the Chiefs actually took a step back losing Kyle Orton to free agency.

And that, again, will be a major takeaway for Chiefs fans when the team fails like this.

If Wilson wins the Seahawks’ job — and the Chiefs gave him a highlight tape — he would be one of 15 quarterbacks drafted after Pioli took over in Kansas City to be a starting quarterback when the season starts. The Chiefs passed over five of those quarterbacks.

So much of what we saw on Friday night is light enough to blow in the NFL’s temperamental breeze. What looked promising two weeks ago looks awful right now and might look promising again two weeks from now.

But games like this, when Cassel fails and quarterbacks the Chiefs passed over succeed will weigh around this team’s neck like an anvil.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/24...#storylink=cpy

**The Franchise** · 08-25-2012, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd1020

What does Cassel have to do with it? Who was the QB to end the season last year?

Because Cassel is the QB that Pioli has tied this team to.

Do you think this team, as it sits now, can win a Superbowl with Cassel at QB?

L.A. Chieffan · 08-25-2012, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

Can you honestly sit there and tell me that you think Cassel is capable of winning a Superbowl for this team?

Why not?

jd1020 · 08-25-2012, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

Because Cassel is the QB that Pioli has tied this team to.

Do you think this team, as it sits now, can win a Superbowl with Cassel at QB?

A lot would have to go right for them to win a SB but that doesn't mean there's absolutely 0 chance they could.

Not saying we should keep him and not look for a QB but the 2011 Chiefs were 3 too many Palko starts, 2 blocked FG's, and a Bowe TD drop away from the playoffs. Anyone who thinks making the playoffs is meaningless is an idiot.

**The Bad Guy** · 08-25-2012, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.A.Chieffan

Why not?

The trolling is old. Really ****ing old.

Bewbies · 08-25-2012, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.A.Chieffan

Why not?

Have you seen Matt Cassel play football?

L.A. Chieffan · 08-25-2012, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Bad Guy

The trolling is old. Really ****ing old.

What's a matter TBG? No shiatsu this morning?

L.A. Chieffan · 08-25-2012, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bewbies

Have you seen Matt Cassel play football?

Yup, I saw him play in the probowl.

Black Bob · 08-25-2012, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

Because Cassel is the QB that Pioli has tied this team to.

Do you think this team, as it sits now, can win a Superbowl with Cassel at QB?

You gotta understand man, Pioli has tied Pioli to Cassel. Not the team. I know without a doubt Pioli believes Cassel is the one QB on this roster that can win a Superbowl. He has to believe that because he has put his job on the line.

The Chiefs will still be here if Cassel and Pioli are not. I think Pioli understands that.

Do I think we can win a Superbowl with Cassel? I dunno? Anything is possible. I do believe this is the best chance we have had since 2003 and the best team we have had since 1995.

**Bugeater** · 08-25-2012, 12:46 PM

I don't believe even for a second that Pioli's job is on the line in any way, shape or form.

DBOSHO · 08-25-2012, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.A.Chieffan

Yup, I saw him play in the probowl.

As like the 3rd alternate.

Vince youn made the probowl once. Where is he?

L.A. Chieffan · 08-25-2012, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBOSHO

As like the 3rd alternate.

Vince youn made the probowl once. Where is he?

Exactly, Cassell is better than that guy who won the national championship, picked early in the draft and had huge expectations. Goes to show you just never know.

Black Bob · 08-25-2012, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugeater

I don't believe even for a second that Pioli's job is on the line in any way, shape or form.

Watch this

http://www.kcchiefs.com/media-center...0-3fbbbaae1523

el borracho · 08-25-2012, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by el borracho

Be serious for one moment and tell me, truthfully, that you are satisfied with Matt Cassel as your QB.

Still waiting for a sincere response to this post, L.A.Chieffan. Are you satisfied with Matt Cassel as the starting QB for the KC Chiefs?

whoman69 · 08-25-2012, 01:11 PM

The good news is if the Chiefs keep playing like this, they'll have a good shot at a frachise QB in the draft.

Coogs · 08-25-2012, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.A.Chieffan

Exactly, Cassell is better than that guy who won the national championship, picked early in the draft and had huge expectations. Goes to show you just never know.

Are you sure about that?

Vince Young's stats...

http://www.pro-football-reference.co...Y/YounVi00.htm

Matt Cassel's stats...

http://www.pro-football-reference.co...C/CassMa00.htm

Vince Young won/wins more often than Cassel. I think Tennessee/Jeff Fisher realized they/he was not going to win it all with Young. And Young can not find a starting job anywhere else in the NFL. If the Chiefs were to finally figure that out with Cassel, I would assume he will not find starters work anywhere else either.

08-25-2012, 12:48 AM
RunKC Andy Reid Supporter Join Date: Apr 2012 Casino cash: $-1410389	Mellinger nails it. Great article. Sam Mellinger \| One team looks better at QB, and it’s not Chiefs BY SAM MELLINGER The Kansas City Star Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/24...#storylink=cpy You could run your finger up and down the Chiefs roster and wherever you choose to stop be fairly certain it will be on a player who looked rotten in what is traditionally the least unimportant preseason game. The frustration is real but might be fleeting. Fifteen days separate the despair of this morning from the hope of the season opener, and that’s like two months in NFL time. But the Chiefs were absolutely throttled by the Seahawks, 44-14, and whatever the maximum amount of concern you think is appropriate for a preseason game that included no torn knees is appropriate for this one. This was embarrassing, but there’s time for much of it to fade. Here’s something that’s not going anywhere before the season opener, and probably not for long after: the Chiefs are four years into making up for a limited quarterback in a league full of better options. Like, you know, Russell Wilson. Six months ago, Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli made a point to promise better quarterback competition. Five months ago, the Seahawks signed free agent Matt Flynn to a $19 million contract. Four months ago, the Seahawks drafted Wilson in the third round. They did it one pick after the Chiefs took an offensive lineman they think might play — next year. In other words: the Chiefs talked it, and the Seahawks walked it. At a time like this, you can focus on any one of a million things to be ticked off about with the Chiefs. Brandon Flowers’ injury is showing no signs of healing, and Jalil Brown is showing no signs of being up to the job. The Chiefs didn’t force as much as one punt in until Tarvaris Jackson played the fourth quarter. Tamba Hali was called for two personal fouls. Dwayne Bowe didn’t impress, Tony Moeaki whiffed on some catches, and Andy Studebaker whiffed on some tackles. But as much as Matt Cassel looked comfortable in the first two preseason games, he took a significant jump back in what’s supposed to be the preseason game that matters — a little bit, at least. He completed virtually nothing but short passes, got points just once in seven possessions, and turned the ball over twice. Even when he threw a touchdown to Dexter McCluster, the celebration jump left him landing on his rear. It was like an entire evening spent highlighting his biggest weaknesses. On the other side, Wilson was everything the Chiefs haven’t had in a quarterback in the better part of a decade. He completed 13 of 19 passes for two touchdowns and no interceptions and two brilliant scrambles for 58 yards. Even if you take away the throw to Kellen Winslow on a blown coverage, it was a terrific night. It was the kind of night Chiefs fans thought they might get more of when Pioli talked about improving the quarterback situation. Those hopes went from Peyton Manning to someone in the draft to signing Brady Quinn — who replaced Cassel midway through the Chiefs’ eighth possession — as some sort of stand-in for legitimate competition. Pioli did a lot of good in the offseason. Most around the team agreed Romeo Crennel was the right choice as permanent head coach. Eric Winston is an enormous improvement at right tackle. Peyton Hillis, Kevin Boss and Stanford Routt are all promising additions. But there was effectively nothing done at quarterback — the Chiefs actually took a step back losing Kyle Orton to free agency. And that, again, will be a major takeaway for Chiefs fans when the team fails like this. If Wilson wins the Seahawks’ job — and the Chiefs gave him a highlight tape — he would be one of 15 quarterbacks drafted after Pioli took over in Kansas City to be a starting quarterback when the season starts. The Chiefs passed over five of those quarterbacks. So much of what we saw on Friday night is light enough to blow in the NFL’s temperamental breeze. What looked promising two weeks ago looks awful right now and might look promising again two weeks from now. But games like this, when Cassel fails and quarterbacks the Chiefs passed over succeed will weigh around this team’s neck like an anvil. Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/24...#storylink=cpy
Posts: 52,059

08-25-2012, 12:46 PM	#129
Bugeater The Maintenance Guy Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Renovated Bugeater Estate Casino cash: $3992680	I don't believe even for a second that Pioli's job is on the line in any way, shape or form.
Posts: 70,546