Gretz On Cassel: Surviving The Process

[AirForceChief]

Well written, even handed article from Bob Gretz:

There’s one thing that Matt Cassel knows, and if he doesn’t then somebody should give him the information.

Len Dawson was booed by Chiefs fans. Terry Bradshaw was booed by Steelers fans. John Elway was booed by Broncos fans. Insert name of Hall of Fame quarterback and he was booed by fans of the insert name team he played for during his career.

There were some Chiefs fans back in the day that believed Dawson didn’t take enough chances with his passes, that he threw short dinks and dunks and that he did not go down the field as much as he could have, especially since he was calling the plays. His career completion percentage of 57.1 percent, his career average of 7.7 yards per attempt and his 237 TD passes to 178 interceptions look like pretty good numbers now.

But in the day, some Chiefs followers were unhappy and they let Dawson know it, firing verbal assaults from the stands at both Municipal and Arrowhead Stadiums.

That’s a simple fact of life for an NFL starting quarterback. The scene gets played out over and over around the league. Guys like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady have escaped it so far, but their careers are not over yet. They still have plenty of opportunities to throw interceptions or badly timed incompletions that will raise the vocal hackles of their fan base.

Cassel reiterated the other day that he does not read papers, watch TV sports or listen to sports talk radio. I’m sure he doesn’t spend any time on Internet sites or web forums.

“I just try to block it out,” Cassel said this week. “That is something that goes along with this job. You are always going to be tested and there is always going to be scrutiny and there is always going to be somebody saying, ‘hey, he is not good enough. He can’t do this, he can’t do that.’

“I have a job to do and right now my job is to be the quarterback of this team. I am going to go out and work hard and do everything I need to do to be productive on the field.”

If one were to take the denunciations of Cassel that have poured forth through all those media portals that he does not pay attention to, then one could make the assumption Cassel and his position as the team’s starting quarterback engenders no confidence in the Chiefs and the team’s future.

But caution should prevail in making that leap. Some unimpressed media types and a few callers to sports talk radio or posters to Internet sites do not constitute a majority of Chiefs fans. Not everyone has written him off after 15 starts for the team. While it might be more accurate to say he has not been embraced by the Chiefs Nation as a whole, it’s a stretch to paint him as the latest failure among franchise quarterbacks.

Chiefs fans for decades now have screamed and complained about the team not drafting and developing their own quarterback. Based on some of the reaction to Cassel, it’s obvious those who bled red and gold would have no more patience with a young guy than an inexperienced quarterback who came from another team. They would chew him up and spit him out in a matter of years.

And that’s the pisser in this whole thing. No position on the field requires more patience in developing a contributing player than quarterback. In fact all the other positions combined may not require the patience needed to find that franchise quarterback. Yet, it’s the position where the media, fans and even the teams struggle to deal with growth and development. It takes time to become a good quarterback, but impatience generally stops the clock dead in its tracks.

The other day Todd Haley said that as far as he’s concerned no spot on the roster is ranks ahead of another. “The inside backer in the base defense is no more important than a gunner on the punt team,” Haley said. “The more our guys think that way, the better for us.”

It’s all well and good if that kind of thinking can be created within a locker room. But everybody in that room knows, as does the head coach and his staff, the GM and his staff and the ownership family, that there is one player that IS more important, and that’s the starting quarterback.

Whether he’s a so-called franchise QB, a care-taker, a game-manager, a rookie thrown to the wolves or a grizzled veteran playing out his final NFL days, the starting quarterback is the most important player on any pro football team. No other player has a greater effect on winning or losing than the guy taking the snaps.

Consider this for a moment – Todd Haley was willing to jettison his offensive coordinator last year just 10 days before the start of the regular season because he knew the situation wasn’t going to work with Chan Gailey. Do you think if Haley thought for a minute that Cassel wasn’t up to the task, that the only quarterback the Chiefs added in the off-season would have been Tyler Palko?

Asked for areas where he’s seen improvement from his starting quarterback and Haley gets pretty vague. But Friday he identified an area that while simple, is one of the most important elements for the success of a starting quarterback.

“When he comes off the field, what he says he saw generally ends up being what it was,” Haley said. “I think that’s a real good quality to have. Even subtle things within a game, you’ll say to him why did you do this, and he’ll say this linebacker did this, the receiver stumbled, or that receiver was short, the safety did this.

“Generally it’s pretty spot on what he sees. He sees the whole field. That was something that Kurt (Warner) was phenomenal at. A quarterback has to have great vision. Matt sees what’s happening.”

Today’s game is built around the quarterbacks, and the teams that have great ones do everything they can to keep them and provide them with weapons. Those that don’t have the top-line quarterbacks are constantly searching for a player who can play the position well enough that he’s not an impediment to winning.

These are all facts of football life. Head coaches and the quarterbacks themselves know it better than anybody, but they seldom will address or recognize that point in public. The pressure is tough enough without adding more fuel to the fire with your own hose.

That’s why if you’ve listened to any of Cassel’s press conferences over the last two seasons you know that they were filled with clichés, pat and rehearsed answers, and few moments of real insight of him, the position or the team. That’s all done on purpose. Cassel can’t do anything about his name being in the headlines, but he can make sure it’s not there because of something that came out of his mouth.

Still, every so often a bit of the real Cassel leaks out. The competitor in him sneaks out of the cage and makes an appearance before he’s coaxed back into the shadows. It happened this week when Cassel was asked if he likes to prove critics wrong.

“It is always nice to have that happen but at the same time, I don’t play this game for the people that are against me and think that I can’t do it,” said Cassel. “I play the game for the people that have always believed in me. I play that game for my family, for my wife, for my mother so it really comes down to that. There are going to be people, no matter where you go or what you do, there are going to be people who look at you and say, ‘you can’t do it’.”

The tone of his voice, the jut of his jaw and the fire in his eyes as he answered the question gave away the fact that while it’s not the No. 1 motivating factor for him, the chance to show everyone he can be a successful NFL quarterback – including the naysayers – is part of what drives him.

At this point in time, we don’t know where Matt Cassel’s future will take him or the Chiefs. There have been flashes of talent and skill that indicate he has some of the necessary qualities. There have also been moments when his failures have indicated he’s not nearly consistent enough right now to lead a team to a winning season.

That’s what makes the Monday night game against San Diego so important. It’s a benchmark for the team, but especially for Cassel. Last year, the Chargers rolled into Arrowhead Stadium in October and embarrassed the Chiefs and made Cassel look very bad. San Diego won by 30 points and Cassel completed just 10 of 25 passes (40 percent) for 97 yards (3.88 yards per attempt), one TD and three interceptions. It produced a passer rating of 25.3, one of his lowest ratings of the season and his 30 games as an NFL starting quarterback.

Cassel did not get much in the way of help in that first meeting with the Chargers. He was sacked five times, the offense generated just 203 total yards and Bobby Wade was the leading receiver, catching four passes for 66 yards.

The second time the teams met last season was not much better, as the Chargers won by 29 points in San Diego. Cassel was marginally better, hitting 19 of 31 passes (61.3 percent) for 178 yards (5.74 yards per attempt), one TD and one interception.

“Once you start winning ball games and you start playing well and the team starts playing well that takes care of itself,” Cassel said.

Monday night is but one leg of a 16-segment marathon for the Chiefs and Cassel. As he was quick to say the other day, “It is week one of 16 games. I don’t think this is our Super Bowl,” Cassel said.

But it’s a huge night for Matt Cassel, because it’s a huge season for him. He must establish that he has the consistency and the ability to lead the Chiefs to winning performances. The time is now.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by TRR

Haha! Always a class act and excellent reply.

Dane's definition of success..."3500 yards passing, 24 TDs, 11 INT's on a 6-10 team". Oh and don't forget that 2,000 yards as a backup in 5 games that solidified Green as a can't miss, legitimate starter.

As always...stay classy and continue to conduct yourself as a 50 year old adult! LOL!
Posted via Mobile Device

I'm not ****ing 50 years old, you ****ing jerkoff.

But clearly, you were right and Mike Martz, Dick Vermeil and Norv Turner were wrong.



Go fist yourself, Dumbass.

[Dave Lane]

Originally Posted by TRR

Haha! Always a class act and excellent reply.

Dane's definition of success..."3500 yards passing, 24 TDs, 11 INT's on a 6-10 team". Oh and don't forget that 2,000 yards as a backup in 5 games that solidified Green as a can't miss, legitimate starter.

As always...stay classy and continue to conduct yourself as a 50 year old adult! LOL!
Posted via Mobile Device

Rep and to finish the rep comment his act is growing increasingly old.

[-King-]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I'm not ****ing 50 years old, you ****ing jerkoff.

But clearly, you were right and Mike Martz, Dick Vermeil and Norv Turner were wrong.



Go fist yourself, Dumbass.

You're always talking shit when people use that "Pioli knows more than you because he's a GM" argument, then you go an use that same argument about Martz, Vermeil and Turner?


You're falling off Mr. Dane McCloud.

[Rain Man]

I remember being disappointed that we signed that backup Priest Holmes when we could've had Charlie Garner.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by KcChiefsKing

You're always talking shit when people use that "Pioli knows more than you because he's a GM" argument, then you go an use that same argument about Martz, Vermeil and Turner?


You're falling off Mr. Dane McCloud.

Oh, just **** you.

This punk was 16 years old in 1998 and I'm certain he didn't watch a ****ing Redskins game that season.

Trent Green was clearly NFL starting QB material when he signed his 4 year, $16 million dollar deal with St. Louis in 1999. His preseason stats were phenomenal and had he not been injured, his season would have have been just as phenomenal.

When he returned a year later to start in place of Kurt Warner, again, his numbers were phenomenal. To think otherwise is just plain uninformed and dumb.

And furthermore, since you clearly don't know the history that I've laid out for you. Mike Martz was Trent Green's QB Coach in Washington and once hired in St. Louis to be there OC, he convinced Vermeil and the St. Louis front office to sign Green. Green did not disappoint on the field and later brought them the #12 overall selection.

That has absolutely NOTHING to do with my disapproval of Scott Pioli's horrific personnel decisions while serving as the GM in Kansas City.

Got it?

Oh, and Trent Green does NOT equal Matt ****ing Cassel.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by Dave Lane

Rep and to finish the rep comment his act is growing increasingly old.

Don't you have some churches to protest somewhere?

You know what's gotten old, Dave?

You and your stupid ass comments.

[Brock]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

I remember being disappointed that we signed that backup Priest Holmes when we could've had Charlie Garner.

Me too.

[milkman]

Originally Posted by doomy3

To address your last point, the reason Dorsey has gotten such a leash is because he was the guy many of the "draftubators" wanted. Much like the way guys like Dejuan Morgan are given so much time. Same with Albert, who has been less than spectacular for a first-round tackle. It isn't because of ability or anything like that IMO, but is because they liked them predraft.

You are right though about a rookie QB. Those people who want a first round QB, no matter who it is, would definitely be patient with him. In fact, we'd probably see a lot of the same excuses that they blast people for making for Cassel (lack of talent around him, drops, bad OL, bad play calling, etc.) Yes, I realize that Cassel isn't a rookie and should have the same learning curve, so save that rhetoric TTC, etc.

I think that anyone has been around here for anytime knows that I am Albert's biggest supporter.

And I have been patient with his development because he's undergone more change than any lineman drafted before has.

But even I have acknowledged that this is the year he has to take that huge step forward in his progression, and have been critical of his play in this preseason.

I would expect that is exactly how I would have treated a drafted QB, whether it was Sanchez, who I believe will be a franchise QB, or Jimmy Clausen, who I have never bought into.

[milkman]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Wow, you're memory is fading quickly.



There was NO shock here on CP. As a matter of fact, I started a few threads before Free Agency began asking the following question:

Trent Green & Priest Holmes or Trent Dilfer & Deuce McCallister?

People seemed split because Deuce was a fan favorite at #12 overall and Dilfer had just won the Super Bowl.

It was evident from the day that Vermeil and Saunders were hired that their top priority was Trent Green. They gave a little lip service about Elvis but as soon as he opted out, EVERYONE knew Green was coming.

NO ONE was surprised or shocked, although a very small minority of us (Milkman included) preferred Drew Brees at the time at #12 and not Green or the Deuce.

Actually, Dane,while I can't remember what I hoped for in terms of QB, I'm pretty sure I didn't want to see the Chiefs draft Brees.

I discussed a number of times in the last couple years how wrong I was on that front.

And like Rainman and TC, I also wanted to see Charlie Garner in KC, rather than Holmes.

I've been right more than I've been wrong, but those are two glaring examples of times that I've been wrong.

[DBOSHO]

So basically which and will be there when we pick hopefully around 10th-12th

Just off the top of my head id say buffalo, maybe Cleveland, maybe Washington(for post-mcnabb future) maybe jax if garrard has a bad year, will be shopping for qbs. im prob forgetting someone.

Locker
Gabbert
Mallett
K Moore
Keenum

Id like to see the chiefs take a chance on any of these unless cassel plays well, although we will prob draft line or lb.

[DaneMcCloud]

Originally Posted by milkman

Actually, Dane,while I can't remember what I hoped for in terms of QB, I'm pretty sure I didn't want to see the Chiefs draft Brees.

I discussed a number of times in the last couple years how wrong I was on that front.

And like Rainman and TC, I also wanted to see Charlie Garner in KC, rather than Holmes.

I've been right more than I've been wrong, but those are two glaring examples of times that I've been wrong.

My apologies. I thought you were in the Brees camp.

As for Garner, no one is exactly "right or wrong" because he did lead the Raiders to the 2002 Super Bowl. He wasn't Priest but he was effective in the dink and dunk (Stink and Stunk).

If the archives worked, you'd see that I was hugely in favor of Priest Holmes because of his 1,000 yard plus yards in Baltimore and his ability out of the backfield to catch passes. He reminded me of a modern day James Brooks, but with more talent.

It's a damn shame his body couldn't hold up.

[Baby Lee]

Originally Posted by AirForceChief

Asked for areas where he’s seen improvement from his starting quarterback and Haley gets pretty vague. But Friday he identified an area that while simple, is one of the most important elements for the success of a starting quarterback.

“When he comes off the field, what he says he saw generally ends up being what it was,” Haley said. “I think that’s a real good quality to have. Even subtle things within a game, you’ll say to him why did you do this, and he’ll say this linebacker did this, the receiver stumbled, or that receiver was short, the safety did this.

This says to me that Cassel runs his plays from the POV of 'why shouldn't I throw this pass? Why shouldn't I throw that pass? Ohh!! Checkdown in the flat is open!!'

[milkman]

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

This says to me that Cassel runs his plays from the POV of 'why shouldn't I throw this pass? Why shouldn't I throw that pass? Ohh!! Checkdown in the flat is open!!'

All that quote tells me is that if you hold onto the ball long enough due to indecisiveness, you're going to see evertything eventually.

Comparing his vision to Warner's, who saw the whole field from the snap, and who made quick decisions is laughable, and a coach trying to blow smoke up our skirts.

[Baby Lee]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

I'd love to hear from some other old-timers on this. I really don't recall a lot of people - or any people - saying that Trent Green was an established quarterback when we traded for him. I recall mostly shock. I wish we could do more effective searches of old threads, but I think maybe the threads from that era all died.

I think it was more Martz seeing him as the prototypical QB for his system and placing faith in that judgment. He was certainly performing it in Washington, in the 99 preseason pre-injury, and in 2000.

That and Vermiel's hard-on. The assessment was sorely tested in 2001, then he grew on us in 2002.

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

I think it was more Martz seeing him as the prototypical QB for his system and placing faith in that judgment. He was certainly performing it in Washington, in the 99 preseason pre-injury, and in 2000.

That and Vermiel's hard-on. The assessment was sorely tested in 2001, then he grew on us in 2002.

IIRC Martz was hired because of the similarity between his offense and the Coryell offense that DV wanted to emulate.

The offense needed not only a pure passer but a thinker. The irony to me was how much they believed in Green, and even after he'd established himself, they really didn't give him the authority to audible and TAKE the offense...