Cassel and Whitlock = BFF's

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Sorry if repost:

Let the hate begin!

Posted on Tue, May. 26, 2009
I’m starting to get cold feet about Cassel
JASON WHITLOCK COMMENTARY

If this is an audition, it’s a very expensive one.

When Scott Pioli struck the deal for Tom Brady understudy Matt Cassel, the experts lauded Pioli for acquiring the one-year wonder for such a “reasonable” price, a second-round pick.

Three months later — with Cassel still unsigned to a long-term deal — the price tag is losing quite a bit of its discount value. In fact, you could argue that Cassel inked a rather generous prenuptial agreement and Bill Belichick unloaded a potential headache.

It appears the Chiefs have little interest in signing Matt Cassel to a long-term contract before the start of the season. Or, more likely, Pioli lost interest in signing Cassel to a long-term contract once Kansas City’s first-time general manager learned Cassel and agent David Dunn’s asking price.

Given Cassel’s and Pioli’s New England relationship, I just assumed when the Chiefs traded for Cassel, the parameters of a long-term deal were agreed upon before the trade. I assumed wrong. Or, more likely, Cassel and Dunn elevated their contract demands after perusing the Chiefs’ roster and salary-cap situation.

The Chiefs have enough salary-cap room to house, feed, clothe and entertain most of Canada. And Kansas City’s current offensive personnel would make any rational QB demand hazardous-work pay.

Whatever the cause, Pioli and Dunn can’t agree on Cassel’s worth. The rumor around the Loch Lloyd golf course is the Cassels are renting, not buying.

Can you really blame them in this economy and with a fickle housing market?

But whom should we blame for this expensive experiment?

As of right now, Cassel is scheduled to earn nearly $15 million for the 2009 season. That’s his franchise-tag number.

Had we known in February that Cassel would cost $15 million and a second-round pick for one season of play, would we still regard his acquisition as a wise move?

Of course, if he plays lights-out and proves that his one good, Randy Moss-Wes Welker-fueled season was no fluke, no one will complain about the acquisition price and no one will care what the Chiefs have to pay next season to keep him.

The problem is, I just can’t imagine him putting together a magnificent or even solid season in 2009.

Tony Gonzalez is gone. Larry Johnson is still here. Brian Waters is somewhere brooding. The Chiefs drafted a bunch of defensive linemen.

The way Pioli has assembled offensive talent (36-year-old Bobby Engram is the big-ticket free-agent signing) makes me believe he’s negotiating with Dunn and Cassel.

No offense to Cassel, but he’s a college and NFL bench-warmer who had the luxury of playing quarterback alongside the greatest offensive force (Moss) the league has seen since Jim Brown.

Last season Cassel stepped into a moving vehicle and did a good job of not running off the road. Kansas City’s offense has been stuck in neutral since Dick Vermeil left. And now the one reliable tire left on KC’s car moved to Atlanta.

This smells like 15 TDs and 20 interceptions, doesn’t it? Or maybe seven TDs, 12 interceptions and a season-ending injury halfway through the season.

It’s not even June, and I can already hear the Tyler Thigpen chants in the distance. By October, the talk-radio shows will be filled with Grbac-Gannon analogies.

The official Vegas over-under line on when I’ll write my first Jeff George column is Oct. 3. I’m playing the under if you must know.

For the record, my official position is I’d prefer to see the Chiefs draft and develop a quarterback. The Chiefs keep trying to convert backups — even Joe Montana was Steve Young’s backup in San Fran — into Super Bowl quarterbacks.

You ever break up with a girlfriend/boyfriend, date their best friend and then complain about the same problems? It’s stupid. It’s just as stupid to keep dating the exact same quarterback.

Most backup quarterbacks are backups for a good reason. They don’t marinate on the bench for eight years waiting to be discovered.

My problem with Cassel is he didn’t transfer out of USC when he was stuck behind Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. The great ones generally have massive egos that can’t be satisfied riding the pine.

Man, I hope I’m wrong about this $15 million audition.

[doomy3]

Originally Posted by BarrysKOOLAID

I have absolutely ZERO concerns about Matt Cassel. Zero. Zip, nothing, Nada. Pioli likes him, therefore, I like him. Also 11 wins, and handling almost 50 sacks as a rookie looks pretty solid on paper too. PLUS the fact that he was coached by a superior system.

Same goes for Tyson Jackson, Alex Magee, Tamba Hali standing up on the outside, Glenn Dorsey playing a little end, Tank handling the middle. ZERO.

If I have one concern, its who plays fullback. Cox is not the guy. Battle is.

How's that for an entrance ROR?

You're not concerned about any of those things, but you're concerned about the fullback position?

[BarrySPAMAID]

Originally Posted by doomy3

You're not concerned about any of those things, but you're concerned about the fullback position?

I know? Isnt that crazy? I am still a new user, so there are restrictions to my profile, so when I can illustrate WHY I think Batlle should be the fullback, I will.

Having said that, Matt Cassel will be just fine. Jot that one down.

[doomy3]

Originally Posted by BarrysKOOLAID

I know? Isnt that crazy? I am still a new user, so there are restrictions to my profile, so when I can illustrate WHY I think Batlle should be the fullback, I will.

Having said that, Matt Cassel will be just fine. Jot that one down.

I agree that Cassel will be just fine. It strikes me as odd, however, that you are worried about the fullback position, a position that doesn't matter much, above all else.

I would say we have some pretty big needs at pass rush, Oline, and having another playmaker or 2 on offense.

[MoreLemonPledge]

Originally Posted by StcChief

I guess Fatlock gave up on George ever becoming a Chiefs so time to move on.

No, unfortunately. Mentioned him in his last column.

[BarrySPAMAID]

Originally Posted by doomy3

I agree that Cassel will be just fine. It strikes me as odd, however, that you are worried about the fullback position, a position that doesn't matter much, above all else.

I would say we have some pretty big needs at pass rush, Oline, and having another playmaker or 2 on offense.

I agree that there are plenty of needs. I bring up the fullback position because I think it IS an important position. Having another playmaker or two on offense is still a possibiltiy. It is May, and I really doubt this current roster is the one we will see on opening day. I do see Jackie Battle as one of those playmakers too though.

[Just Passin' By]

Originally Posted by BarrysKOOLAID

I agree that there are plenty of needs. I bring up the fullback position because I think it IS an important position. Having another playmaker or two on offense is still a possibiltiy. It is May, and I really doubt this current roster is the one we will see on opening day. I do see Jackie Battle as one of those playmakers too though.

You might want to take a look at the use of the fullback in both New England and Arizona last season. Hell, as of right now, New England doesn't even have a fullback listed on the roster.

[BarrySPAMAID]

Originally Posted by Just Passin' By

You might want to take a look at the use of the fullback in both New England and Arizona last season. Hell, as of right now, New England doesn't even have a fullback listed on the roster.

ya, I see where your going with this. But we also have been lead to believe that this offense will be much different.

This will not be New England, or Arizona's offense. I really doubt Cassel throws as many passes this year. Haley knows he has to play to the strengths of this offense, and they are still trying to figure out what they have.

Again, If I wasnt restricted due to being a new member, I could illustrate my Jackie Battle arguement further with a couple of links. The kid has game, and size. He would be the greatest secret weapon a playcaller could want. My hope is that Haley see's this. I'm talking about a talented player, that can hit the seams. We seen him play in the Jets game, and he scored. Remember?

[Titty Meat]

The Packers didn't sign Aaron Rogers to a contract until the start of the season?

[milkman]

Originally Posted by Just Passin' By

Ehhh..... I think I've been pretty fair and objective about the Chiefs while I've been posting on this board.

Don't mind RoR.

We like having other fans here to kick around.

[milkman]

Originally Posted by BarrysKOOLAID

I know? Isnt that crazy? I am still a new user, so there are restrictions to my profile, so when I can illustrate WHY I think Batlle should be the fullback, I will.

Having said that, Matt Cassel will be just fine. Jot that one down.

Can't wait.

You'll get the full milkman rant about the stupidity of your posts for a change.

[DeezNutz]

Originally Posted by BarrysKOOLAID

I agree that there are plenty of needs. I bring up the fullback position because I think it IS an important position. Having another playmaker or two on offense is still a possibiltiy. It is May, and I really doubt this current roster is the one we will see on opening day. I do see Jackie Battle as one of those playmakers too though.

Fullback and playmaker, huh...

[BarrySPAMAID]

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

Fullback and playmaker, huh...

Ok, actually, I am laughing now...

Ahem....

Tony Richardson? Carry On.

[Titty Meat]

lol Jackie Battle a playmaker. On the Scout Team?

[DeezNutz]

Originally Posted by BarrysKOOLAID

Ok, actually, I am laughing now...

Ahem....

Tony Richardson? Carry On.

True.

If we'd only had another TE or OG, he really would have been able to shine.

[BarrySPAMAID]

Originally Posted by billay

lol Jackie Battle a playmaker. On the Scout Team?

This was one Herms BIGGEST flaws that was not spoken about much as far as I'm concerned. This kid needs to be on the field.

Jackie can play.