Chiefs Clark Judge loves Matt Cassel, and so should you. - Page 5

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.

**DaneMcCloud** · 11-30-2010, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

No question that this league is schedule driven.

Winning begets confidence, so this might off-set some of the challenges that are bound to occur next year. Plus, we're still allowed to participate in the draft, and I believe we're allowed to be involved in FA, possibly (with many variables here).

A rush backer, NT, center and WR (not to mention depth) should help to overcome any fear of the Chiefs "falling back to earth" because of the 2011 schedule.

ToxSocks · 11-30-2010, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

And I've said as much. He has made progress.

Is it enough?

We won't know until he either plays at this level in a huge game, or on the road, without a running game, etc.

Otherwise, we're right back to square one:

I don't want to HOPE this team can count on its QB.

I want to KNOW if this team can count on its QB.

Eh, Can't really argue with you about that. When I came into this season, I had NO HOPE at all for Matt Cassel. He was terrible. The worst actually.

But he's getting better. And now i can actually have some faith in him.

I honestly don't think we'll see what you want to see until next season. He's getting better, but I don't think he's ready to carry the team yet.

It looks to me like he's finally understanding the offense, knowing where players are supposed to be. And his footwork has improved.

I never thought i would see his accuracy improve. I was wrong.

All I can do is hope that continues to grow, because he'll be back next season.

kcxiv · 11-30-2010, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd1020

How arent we? We've played 2 terrible teams 2 weeks in a row and we ran it down their throat. Thats how we've won all year.

Because we now have a quarter back that can throw the ball we now have a WR. that the Quarterback believes in. I dont know about you, but that is ****ing HUGE.

Games against the Chargers and Browns, we didnt have that, we relied strickly on our running game. When we dropped back to throw the ball EVERYONE i mean EVERYOne cringed. Was it a sack or a interception is what we thought. WE arent the same team, and if you think we are, open your ****ing eyes.

**DeezNutz** · 11-30-2010, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

That doesn't mean that because I mis-judged their abilities, that whatever happens from here on out is gravy because they've met/exceeded expectations.

We have to take advantage of a golden opportunity, and it will be a damn shame if we don't.

There are some similarities here to the arguments about the "evaluation year" in '09. Some were pissed at a wasted year, while some saw it was an unavoidable step.

Overall, I'm going to be happy about this team's progress in '10. If we piss away these final 5 games and an opportunity at the playoffs, however, I will be worried about next year, when our schedule will certainly be dramatically more difficult.

Oh, and SD isn't going to go away because they have a pretty important position on lock.

(not trying to start stuffs)

**DeezNutz** · 11-30-2010, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

A rush backer, NT, center and WR (not to mention depth) should help to overcome any fear of the Chiefs "falling back to earth" because of the 2011 schedule.

This looks like the type of Christmas list I sometimes assembled as a kid--far reaching.

patteeu · 11-30-2010, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcxiv

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.

I don't think Seattle's defensive line was very good. I agree that Cassel did a good job of avoiding what little pressure they did get though.

**Ming the Merciless** · 11-30-2010, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Are you kidding?

People here were talking playoffs weeks ago.

People said there was no way we'd lose to Oakland or Denver.

People continue to think our remaining home games are gimmes.

Well the exception doesn't make the rule.

The few homer morons don't mean the team is 'overhyped' in reality.

jd1020 · 11-30-2010, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcxiv

Because we now have a quarter back that can throw the ball we now have a WR. that the Quarterback believes in. I dont know about you, but that is ****ing HUGE.

Games against the Chargers and Browns, we didnt have that, we relied strickly on our running game. When we dropped back to throw the ball EVERYONE i mean EVERYOne cringed. Was it a sack or a interception is what we thought. WE arent the same team, and if you think we are, open your ****ing eyes.

My eyes are wide open. I've seen a comfortable QB taking advantage of a #1 run offense the last 2 weeks against god awful defenses. Denver stuffed the run 3 weeks ago and Cassel couldnt get 1 first down. We dont know what we have yet. All we know is that there is a POTENTIAL for something. Every player that is drafted has ****in POTENTIAL.

Hoover · 11-30-2010, 05:30 PM

I love how we all want the Chiefs to develop a young QB, and then when it actually starts to happen before our eyes we have a bunch of jag bags who bitch because well he sucked at the start of season, or sucked all of last season.

Face it, some of you would have never had the patience to coach guys like Payton Manning, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Matt Ryan, and basically any other QB

The position takes time to learn in the NFL, and here we have Matt Cassel entering into the prime of his career and people want to bitch about it because they just hate to be proved wrong. I know, I know, its easy always being the guy who finds fault with everything.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 11-30-2010, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcxiv

For me it does. I didnt expect this to be a fun season to watch. It hass been. We have been in every single game going into the 4th quarter, hell we been tied or had the lead in every single game outside of the Denver game going into the 4th quarter.

Do i want this team to do more? absolutely, am i going to rant moan and groan if they dont? Nope.

There's no way to say this nicely, or sugar coat it, so...

I guess that this team, and their performance means more to than others than it does to you.

With that said, if I thought this team wasn't capable of making the playoffs or making a run, then yeah, I wouldn't be all that upset.

But I believe this team CAN, if they play to their potential.

So I'll be damned if I lower my expectations now, when the team should be raising theirs.

Hammock Parties · 11-30-2010, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd1020

Denver stuffed the run 3 weeks ago and Cassel couldnt get 1 first down. We dont know what we have yet.

This x1000.

I will say, however, that the opening drive against Seattle, which featured almost 0 contribution from the running game, gives me hope.

If Cassel can take pressure off the running game like that consistently there's no telling how good the offense might be.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 11-30-2010, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pawnmower

Well the exception doesn't make the rule.

The few homer morons don't mean the team is 'overhyped' in reality.

A few?

C'mon, man.

ToxSocks · 11-30-2010, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

This looks like the type of Christmas list I sometimes assembled as a kid--far reaching.

How so?

These are obvious needs that can't and won't be overlooked. I don't think we'll get that NT that we're looking for, but im positive we'll see a OLB and a WR in the first 2 rounds.

I think we'll see:

OLB
WR
C
RB
S

For sure.

**007** · 11-30-2010, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcxiv

Because we now have a quarter back that can throw the ball we now have a WR. that the Quarterback believes in. I dont know about you, but that is ****ing HUGE.

Games against the Chargers and Browns, we didnt have that, we relied strickly on our running game. When we dropped back to throw the ball EVERYONE i mean EVERYOne cringed. Was it a sack or a interception is what we thought. WE arent the same team, and if you think we are, open your ****ing eyes.

I think you actually mean, was it a dropped pass or poorly thrown.

**DaneMcCloud** · 11-30-2010, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patteeu

I think that over time, this can be remedied both through improvement in the pass protection and continued toughening of Matt Cassel's mind, but I don't think it's completely accomplished yet. What the past few weeks have done though is demonstrate that it's not a matter of a weak arm or poor mechanics or inability to process more than one receiver.

I'm really beginning to believe that Matt Cassel's biggest problem comes from sitting on the bench for seven consecutive years.

In many ways, it's like the guy is a third year player. I didn't want to admit it last year because in reality, it's a silly notion to think that a 28 year old is a third year player. But he wasn't recruited to play at USC because he sucked and he wasn't drafted by the Patriots because he sucked and he wasn't traded to the Chiefs because he sucked.

I think the guy has the genuine ability to be a solid if not spectacular NFL QB, but what he's needed desperately is playing time.

Look, I wouldn't be as high on him if he was playing at the same level as last year or even through the first six games but he's moved beyond that. And while he's most certain to have one bad game down the stretch (if not two), he appears to be a guy that learns from mistakes, forgets and moves on.

Regardless of stats, he still has a ways to go but if the Chiefs can finish 4-1 and possibly hit the playoffs, the guy will be an even better QB in 2011.

11-30-2010, 05:30 PM	#69
Hoover Rufus Dawes Jr. Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $-2091821	I love how we all want the Chiefs to develop a young QB, and then when it actually starts to happen before our eyes we have a bunch of jag bags who bitch because well he sucked at the start of season, or sucked all of last season. Face it, some of you would have never had the patience to coach guys like Payton Manning, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Matt Ryan, and basically any other QB The position takes time to learn in the NFL, and here we have Matt Cassel entering into the prime of his career and people want to bitch about it because they just hate to be proved wrong. I know, I know, its easy always being the guy who finds fault with everything.
Posts: 18,022