Chiefs Clark Judge loves Matt Cassel, and so should you. - Page 3

Hammock Parties · 11-30-2010, 04:40 PM

Cassel proving to be difference-maker in K.C.

By Clark Judge
CBSSports.com Senior Writer
Nov. 30, 2010

Let's get this out of the way up front and admit what we should know -- namely, that the Kansas City Chiefs made the right move when they acquired quarterback Matt Cassel.


Matt Cassel's 2010 numbers put him among the league's elite passers. (Getty Images)

They thought they were getting someone who could stabilize the most important position in the game, and they did. They thought they were getting someone who was smart, accurate and reliable, and they did. They thought they were getting someone who could win, and they did. In short, they thought they were getting a quarterback they could trust. And they did.

Matt Cassel is having the best season of his career a year after he, the Chiefs and general manager Scott Pioli took heat for Cassel's underwhelming play -- with one local columnist so outraged that he characterized Cassel as "horrible."

Um, maybe not. Cassel has the Chiefs on top of the AFC West. He's won more games (7) in 11 starts than the club won the past two seasons (6). He hasn't lost at home. He leads the league in touchdown percentage. He's second only to Tom Brady in ratio of touchdowns-to-interceptions. And he's fourth overall in passer rating, ahead of luminaries like Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers and Matt Ryan.

"Matt Cassel keeps setting the bar higher and higher," coach Todd Haley said after Kansas City's latest victory.

I'll second that. It's not just that the Chiefs continue to win under Cassel's direction; it's what Cassel's done to put them in that position, and the envelope, please: Over his last seven starts Cassel has 18 touchdown passes and one interception. Let me repeat: 18 and 1, a ratio that is better than anyone -- including Tom Brady -- over that period, and tell me that shouldn't put this guy front and center of the national spotlight.

It should. Only it hasn't. And one reason it hasn't is because there's a lingering feeling that Kansas City is overachieving and, well, that the Chiefs will eventually get caught by San Diego anyway. I don't buy into the overachieving argument, but after watching San Diego dissect Indianapolis the other night I do believe the Chargers, not the Chiefs, are the team to beat in the AFC West -- basically because the schedule falls their way in December, a month where they have won their last 18.

But that's a projection. Let's look at what we know, and what we know is that Matt Cassel is everything Pioli and the Chiefs envisioned when they acquired him. OK, so it took offensive coordinator Charlie Weis and a system with which Cassel was comfortable for him to flourish. But that happens. It took Brees four seasons before he started to feel comfortable in San Diego.

No question about it, Cassel struggled last season, but let's be honest: There were an abundance of reasons. One was the change of offensive coordinators immediately prior to the season, with Cassel forced to learn on the fly. Another was the Chiefs' mistake-prone receivers, with Kansas City two flubs away from tying an unofficial record for most drops in a year (51). Still another was the team's inability to run the ball until Jamaal Charles stepped into the huddle midway through the schedule.

Now fast forward to 2010, with Weis refining Haley's system to add a few wrinkles that Cassel might have known or practiced when he was with New England. It was there that Cassel first became a starter, stepping into the lineup for the first time in nine years when Brady was hurt in the 2008 opener. And it was there he was supposed to flop. Only he didn't, leading the Patriots to an 11-5 finish.

Surprising? Yes. But that was the guy Kansas City thought it was getting when it traded for Cassel. And that is the guy it has.

Look, I don't know that kicked in this season, but it's hard to ignore the results. What I do know is that Haley worked with Cassel on being more precise in his drops within the pocket, and Cassel has responded. I also know that having the league's top-ranked running game -- with the Chiefs shredding Seattle for 270 yards -- has helped. And I know the emergence of wide receiver Dwayne Bowe -- one of those guys who last season looked more like a backboard than a pass catcher -- has been a huge plus.

In the end, though, it comes back to Matt Cassel. The Chiefs had Larry Johnson to run the ball in 2007-08, and they couldn't win. They had Tony Gonzalez to catch it then, too, and they couldn't win. And they couldn't win because they didn't have someone, anyone, at quarterback to throw the right passes, avoid the big mistakes and make the smart decisions.
Now they do.

"I think he's an NFL starting quarterback you can win with and win championships with," Pioli said at training camp last summer. "Matt adjusted to a lot of change, showed his competitiveness, resiliency and his ability. Beyond the mental and emotional (aspect) and his competitiveness, he showed the physical ability to be able to win."

Pioli was right. Kansas City is not where it is today without Matt Cassel, and it's high time the club, its G.M., its head coach, its assistants and Matt Cassel himself are recognized for what is working with the Chiefs. And what is working is their quarterback.

Adding Matt Cassel not only was a good move; it was a necessary one. And it has the Chiefs where they haven't been in years. Good for them. Good for Pioli. And, most important, good for Matt Cassel.

ToxSocks · 11-30-2010, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gif Horse

Wins over NFC West teams do not prove that the Chiefs are not frauds.

They remain frauds until they make the playoffs and prove they belong in the playoffs.

That's reeruned. Frauds by what standard? WE'll probably go 11-5 and miss the playoffs.

You under estimate how hard it is to win in the NFL. No win is guaranteed, especially for a team that only won 6 games on the last 2 seasons.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 11-30-2010, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

He was good against Arizona as well.

Let's face it, guy: Matt Cassel is NOT the same player in Week 12 as he was in Week 1. He has improved throughout the season and as I've said in the past few days, at times it's been one step forward and two steps back.

But on Sunday, he looked off receivers, wasn't worried about the pass rush and play a nearly perfect game, which is something I thought he'd never accomplish. And I don't mean stats, I mean watching him play with my eyes.

I think there's a very good chance that he continues to ascend, thus proving he's a late bloomer. Worse things could happen than Matt Cassel growing into a Franchise QB at age 28.

Dane, I agree with everything but the bolded text.

I don't see how playing two games like a legit, franchise QB means he has a "very good chance" he ascends to being a legit, franchise QB consistently.

I "hope" he continues to ascend, but I need to see a lot more evidence, primarily against good teams, on the road, carrying the team, etc before I claim he will.

**007** · 11-30-2010, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

He was good against Arizona as well.

Let's face it, guy: Matt Cassel is NOT the same player in Week 12 as he was in Week 1. He has improved throughout the season and as I've said in the past few days, at times it's been one step forward and two steps back.

But on Sunday, he looked off receivers, wasn't worried about the pass rush and play a nearly perfect game, which is something I thought he'd never accomplish. And I don't mean stats, I mean watching him play with my eyes.

I think there's a very good chance that he continues to ascend, thus proving he's a late bloomer. Worse things could happen than Matt Cassel growing into a Franchise QB at age 28.

I don't disagree. He has improved as the season has progressed but, until these last two weeks, he hadn't really showed me anything that impressed me.

If we tear apart the Donkeys this week, as we should, and make an impressive showing against the Chargers, win or lose, then I will start giving him some praise.

stevieray · 11-30-2010, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gif Horse

And it has the Chiefs where they haven't been in years. Good for them. Good for Pioli. And, most important, good for Matt Cassel.

...and what about the fans who have waited for decades, Clark?

**007** · 11-30-2010, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevieray

sucks to be you.

No argument from me today. I feel like shit today.

**Ming the Merciless** · 11-30-2010, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

This is nonsense.

If they Chiefs win the division, they're not "frauds". If the Chiefs happen to make the playoffs at 11-5, they're not "frauds".

This is a young ascending team. It's not an old team put together for one last grasp.

And making the playoffs isn't a given for any team in the NFL, despite their pedigree.

Absolutely and I will go a step further. Even if they 'choke' and lose to SD and do not win the division...Guess what...

They're still NOT FRAUDS.

They would have had to have been favored to make the playoffs , and not do it in order to be frauds. NO ONE was thinking we would be in the playoff hunt....We have already beaten expectations for this team...Therefore it is IMPOSSIBLE for the Chiefs to be frauds...

Clay's continued use of that word, despite these things being pointed out to him makes him look like an utter imbecile...and a very stubborn one at that.

ToxSocks · 11-30-2010, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Dane, I agree with everything but the bolded text.

I don't see how playing two games like a legit, franchise QB means he has a "very good chance" he ascends to being a legit, franchise QB consistently.

I "hope" he continues to ascend, but I need to see a lot more evidence, primarily against good teams, on the road, carrying the team, etc before I claim he will.

Last year he couldn't make those plays against anyone. Even if it is the Donkeys, Cards and Seahags, he's still making considerable progress.

kcxiv · 11-30-2010, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guru

He only just had his most complete outing of the season and it was against the weak NFCW. Lets not crown his ass yet.

This week was probably the only week I had no complaints about the QB position.

we were playing with back ups at the RT and LT and he not only avoided terible blocking but made HUGE plays out of them. The spin out and the TD pass to Bowe. Seattle's Defense isnt that terrible and they supposedly have a good line. Cassel handled the pressure and made plays. Early in the season he wasnt really doing that. It didnt mattter who it was against. Early in the season we were winning in spite of Matt. Now its not like that.

NO one is crowning anyone yet. At least i am not, I am just saying he has played way way way above what i thought he would be at.

stevieray · 11-30-2010, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Who cares? QB's are prone to having a bad day here and there.

Having a bad day against the Chargers won't erase the progress he's made this season.

....got to give it up to Dane and Milkman, who have been extemely fair in this regard..

BigRock · 11-30-2010, 05:15 PM

Judge used to do pro-KC articles all the time, and then he turned on a dime and got all pissy once Pioli got rid of Carl's old cronies.

Scott must have taken him out to dinner.

stevieray · 11-30-2010, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guru

No argument from me today. I feel like shit today.

bummer...

Hammock Parties · 11-30-2010, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcxiv

Seattle's Defense isnt that terrible.

It's awful.

One of the worst in the league.

**Ming the Merciless** · 11-30-2010, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevieray

....got to give it up to Dane and Milkman, who have been extemely fair in this regard..

Hard not be be fair with a huge foot in your mouth and a big helping of humble pie on the table...

**OnTheWarpath15** · 11-30-2010, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Who cares? QB's are prone to having a bad day here and there.

Having a bad day against the Chargers won't erase the progress he's made this season.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Detoxing

That won't mean that he isn't making strides and getting better. SD made Manning look like ass. They're playing good all around D.

I'm expecting him to struggle against SD.

But he's getting better, and hopefully next season, he'll be ready.

I like both of you guys, but the built-in excuses already?

There's no doubt Cassel is getting better.

But until he shows he can beat a good team - or beat a good team on the road - or win a game where he has to carry the team - you know the drill - there's no evidence to suggest he'll ever be good enough.

Then again, there are people here that swear up and down that Trent Green was capable of leading this team to a Lombardi Trophy based on stats, so I guess maybe what some of you expect from the QB position has lowered drastically compared to what a franchise QB actually is.

**DeezNutz** · 11-30-2010, 05:17 PM

When I was making assertions that this team needed to be 8-8 or GTFO, many said these expectations were unreasonable.

Now, we have an opportunity to do much, much more and our expectations should accelerate, too.

That said, we've already met expectations of where this team should be in year 2, and we're almost certainly poised to exceed them.

11-30-2010, 05:15 PM	#40
BigRock Pritay Pritay Pritay Good Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: The State of Euphoria Casino cash: $715412	Judge used to do pro-KC articles all the time, and then he turned on a dime and got all pissy once Pioli got rid of Carl's old cronies. Scott must have taken him out to dinner.
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