Spinoff: Is the Chiefs organization distancing itself from Matt Cassel?

[Dante84]

Here's the facts:

- The Chiefs have never touched the subject of acquiring a new starting Quarterback outside of Matt before this offseason.... last week, even.

- Pioli reiterated that there "will be competition at the quarterback position. (That being said, he also said that Brodie, Thigpen, and Palko were 'competition' in the past).

- Romeo has spoken out twice in the past week about potential game changers like RG3, and Peyton Manning. He has also beat the drum for Kyle Orton and what he did last season.

- A story leaked last week regarding the Chiefs' rumored interest in acquiring Peyton Manning should he be available.

- The Chiefs interviewed the top 3 QB's at the combine (Luck, RG3, Tannehill).

- On the front page of the official Chiefs website, there is an interview with Greg Cosell, who essentially says that the Chiefs can't fully compete with Cassel at the helm. Again, this is on the Chiefs website...


Those facts considered, it appears that the organization might be attempting to untie the knot between Cassel and the starting QB spot. This is a major shift from the past. It brings to light a few questions:

1. Why?
- To win the media/public back?
- To attract/retain potential free agents that don't want to play with Cassel? (Bowe, TE's, Oline)

2 Why NOW?
- What strategic advantage does it pose to float these thoughts to the public?
- Does this hurt our case in FA or the draft, by showing our hand early?

And finally,

3. Will Pioli actually sack up and make a game-changing move?

[Fat Elvis]

Originally Posted by Sofa King

To be completely honest, I've already moved on from Cassel in my head.

I honestly believe Matt will not be the starting QB for the chiefs this year.


Orton 85%
Manning 13%
RGIII < 1%
Stanzi < 1%

I think you're in for a BIG disappointment (as am I).

FWIW, I've never wanted a football player to wear the Red and Gold as much as RG3. It ain't happening, but until draft day, I can live in my own little fantasyland.

[BoneKrusher]

^^kinda like my feelings.
I've never wanted a football player NOT to wear the Red and Gold as much as Mark Castle.
but until Peyton Manning has signed elsewhere, I can live in my own little fantasyland.

[FringeNC]

The one thing that I don't understand is the talk coming from Pioli about signing Orton. Either sign him or don't. about it, unless it is only talk to appease Crennel. Crennel seems to want no part of Cassel.

I think in Pioli's mind, Cassel's struggles are because of Haley...Cassel will be the starter.

[Mr. Laz]

I'm beginning to think we will move after Payton Manning.

1. The Hunt family has be open to grabbing the veteran QB in the past

2. 31 million in cap space already and they rolled over 20 million more

3. I believe that Pioli detests the idea of trading away draft picks. He believes that the draft is the life blood of a team and it's HIS BABY. He would rather be kicked in the face then trade away a bunch of picks so his next step is Orton or Manning. They have the money for Manning

4. They haven't committed the big money to Carr or Bowe ... why? A few possible reasons: 1.) Bowe/Carr don't want to sign yet for whatever reason 2.) Chiefs just don't think they are worth it and won't overspend 3.)Chiefs are waiting for something. They could be waiting for Carr and Bowe to see their price drop after unrealistic expectations in free agency or they could be waiting to see how much money they need for Manning before signing Bowe/Carr. Signing Manning might also lead to players signing cheaper with KC.

5. cone of silence is gone ... a few years ago how shocked would everyone of been to hear anything out of Arrowhead. Now you hear the HC talk about Manning specifically.

6. Pioli and Crennel are both very familiar with Manning by playing against him so often in New England. Crennel did pretty good against him but he still has to have a pretty good feeling about how effective Manning can be.

7. Goes along with #3 ... signing Manning would allow Pioli to continue with his plan of sticking big picture and drafting a team by using front-loaded money. They can improve the team short term without screwing anything up long term.

8. lack of viable options ... Luck/RGIII will be extremely difficult. Orton and Henne might be upgrades but aren't that dramatic. If healthy, Manning brings instance viability to the offensive side of the ball for a defensive head coach.

So i think the Chiefs go after Manning ... if they can't get Manning they sign Orton.

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by FringeNC

The one thing that I don't understand is the talk coming from Pioli about signing Orton. Either sign him or don't. about it, unless it is only talk to appease Crennel. Crennel seems to want no part of Cassel.

I think in Pioli's mind, Cassel's struggles are because of Haley...Cassel will be the starter.

because they don't want to sign Orton until they have looked a Manning.


Haley WAS part of the problem on offense. The offense was never on the same page.

[FringeNC]

Originally Posted by Laz

I'm beginning to think we will move after Payton Manning.

1. The Hunt family has be open to grabbing the veteran QB in the past

2. 31 million in cap space already and they rolled over 20 million more

3. I believe that Pioli detests the idea of trading away draft picks. He believes that the draft is the life blood of a team and it's HIS BABY. He would rather be kicked in the face then trade away a bunch of picks so his next step is Orton or Manning. They have the money for Manning

4. They haven't committed the big money to Carr or Bowe ... why? A few possible reasons: 1.) Bowe/Carr don't want to sign yet for whatever reason 2.) Chiefs just don't think they are worth it and won't overspend 3.)Chiefs are waiting for something. They could be waiting for Carr and Bowe to see their price drop after unrealistic expectations in free agency or they could be waiting to see how much money they need for Manning before signing Bowe/Carr. Signing Manning might also lead to players signing cheaper with KC.

5. cone of silence is gone ... a few years ago how shocked would everyone of been to hear anything out of Arrowhead. Now you hear the HC talk about Manning specifically.

6. Pioli and Crennel are both very familiar with Manning by playing against him so often in New England. Crennel did pretty good against him but he still has to have a pretty good feeling about how effective Manning can be.

7. Goes along with #3 ... signing Manning would allow Pioli to continue with his plan of sticking big picture and drafting a team by using front-loaded money. They can improve the team short term without screwing anything up long term.

8. lack of viable options ... Luck/RGIII will be extremely difficult. Orton and Henne might be upgrades but aren't that dramatic. If healthy, Manning brings instance viability to the offensive side of the ball for a defensive head coach.

So i think the Chiefs go after Manning ... if they can't get Manning they sign Orton.

Only way we get Manning is on explicit "do it or hit the road" orders to Pioli. Pioli desperately wants to win a championship, but HE wants credit for it, not Belichick or Brady...just him. Obviously, it would be Manning and not Pioli getting the credit if we won with Manning. No upside there for Pioli.

[whoman69]

Matt Cassel will be the starter. The "competition" will be a rookie who can't compete for 2 to 3 years or a scrub like Chad Henne.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Laz

I'm beginning to think we will move after Payton Manning.

1. The Hunt family has be open to grabbing the veteran QB in the past

2. 31 million in cap space already and they rolled over 20 million more

3. I believe that Pioli detests the idea of trading away draft picks. He believes that the draft is the life blood of a team and it's HIS BABY. He would rather be kicked in the face then trade away a bunch of picks so his next step is Orton or Manning. They have the money for Manning

4. They haven't committed the big money to Carr or Bowe ... why? A few possible reasons: 1.) Bowe/Carr don't want to sign yet for whatever reason 2.) Chiefs just don't think they are worth it and won't overspend 3.)Chiefs are waiting for something. They could be waiting for Carr and Bowe to see their price drop after unrealistic expectations in free agency or they could be waiting to see how much money they need for Manning before signing Bowe/Carr. Signing Manning might also lead to players signing cheaper with KC.

5. cone of silence is gone ... a few years ago how shocked would everyone of been to hear anything out of Arrowhead. Now you hear the HC talk about Manning specifically.

6. Pioli and Crennel are both very familiar with Manning by playing against him so often in New England. Crennel did pretty good against him but he still has to have a pretty good feeling about how effective Manning can be.

7. Goes along with #3 ... signing Manning would allow Pioli to continue with his plan of sticking big picture and drafting a team by using front-loaded money. They can improve the team short term without screwing anything up long term.

8. lack of viable options ... Luck/RGIII will be extremely difficult. Orton and Henne might be upgrades but aren't that dramatic. If healthy, Manning brings instance viability to the offensive side of the ball for a defensive head coach.

So i think the Chiefs go after Manning ... if they can't get Manning they sign Orton.

Every time you post, I get a little more hope.

Either you're going to turn me back into a homer or I'm gonna be super pissed at you when Cassel is the starter next year.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Laz

because they don't want to sign Orton until they have looked a Manning.


Haley WAS part of the problem on offense. The offense was never on the same page.

To be fair to Haley (if he deserves such a thing) I think a lot of it was him (and others) constantly tweaking things to figure out what the hell was wrong with Cassel.

Haley or Cassel, chicken or egg? In the end, the combination of the two of them was toxic. One of them is now gone, when can we rid ourselves of the other?

[BoneKrusher]

Originally Posted by whoman69

Matt Cassel will be the starter. The "competition" will be a rookie who can't compete for 2 to 3 years or a scrub like Chad Henne.

you're probably right.
i hope they will resign Orton if Manning dont pan out.

Henne will be nothing more than camp fodder.

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

To be fair to Haley (if he deserves such a thing) I think a lot of it was him (and others) constantly tweaking things to figure out what the hell was wrong with Cassel.

Haley or Cassel, chicken or egg? In the end, the combination of the two of them was toxic. One of them is now gone, when can we rid ourselves of the other?

doesn't really matter

Haley couldn't make up for Cassel
Cassel couldn't make up for Haley

neither were good enough, both need to be gone.

[Coogs]

Originally Posted by Laz

4. They haven't committed the big money to Carr or Bowe ... why? A few possible reasons: 1.) Bowe/Carr don't want to sign yet for whatever reason 2.) Chiefs just don't think they are worth it and won't overspend 3.)Chiefs are waiting for something. They could be waiting for Carr and Bowe to see their price drop after unrealistic expectations in free agency or they could be waiting to see how much money they need for Manning before signing Bowe/Carr. Signing Manning might also lead to players signing cheaper with KC.

I wonder if item 4.1 has something to do with what is playing out. Last year, Fitzgerald pretty much told Arizona that they needed to upgrade the QB position if they wanted him to stay a Cardinal. And while it hasn't been publicly said, I wonder if Bowe may not be playing the same card with the Chiefs? I hope so.

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

or I'm gonna be super pissed at you when Cassel is the starter next year.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Laz

doesn't really matter

Haley couldn't make up for Cassel
Cassel couldn't make up for Haley

neither were good enough, both need to be gone.

Yep.

[HemiEd]

Originally Posted by Laz

until now it's been 100% Cassel

everything they said was 100% Cassel and every QB move they made was all about no controversy about Cassel being the starter. Hell, we even went through 2 seasons with only 2 QB's on the roster and one of those QB's was Palko!

now we have a head coach walking the line on tampering charges talking about getting another QB and the 'cone of silence' people talking to high profile QB's at the combine.

I don't know what's going to happen but the shift in attitude about the QB position is obvious.

Yeah, when you miss your own head with your hat on National TV, it is hard to hide.