Chiefs Teicher: Cassel needs to step up tonight against Vikings

**Tribal Warfare** · 08-21-2009, 12:25 AM

Cassel needs to step up tonight against Vikings
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

MINNEAPOLIS | Matt Cassel wanted to be the quarterback of every Chiefs fan’s dreams right from the start of training camp.

“He wants everything to happen great right now,” offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said. “He wants to be a great player right now, which is great. That’s what you want from a quarterback. But these things take time.”

Cassel hasn’t often been a star on the practice field as the Chiefs wind down the northern portion of their training camp with tonight’s preseason game at Minnesota. Between multiple turnovers, errant throws and four scoreless possessions in last week’s preseason opener against Houston, Cassel’s camp has been uneven at best.

That adds a sense of urgency for Cassel and the starting offense in tonight’s game. The Chiefs may be just the sideshow for Brett Favre’s Vikings debut, but production from their quarterback is still high on their to-do list.

Coach Todd Haley said Cassel and the rest of the starters can expect to play the first half.

“There’s always a sense of urgency,” Cassel said. “In preseason, you’re trying to go out there and score points and have some production.”

Cassel has had to learn some patience. He waited for his chance to play for four years at USC and for three more as Tom Brady’s understudy with New England before finally becoming the starter last season after Brady’s injury.

Those lessons are useful to him now.

“This is a process,” he said. “There’s a new coaching staff here, new players. We’re still trying to find what our identity is going to be. There has to be some patience there.

“There have been good days as an offense; there have been bad days as an offense. Overall, I feel comfortable where I am.”

Haley hasn’t appeared as pleased. On the practice field, he’s often had critical comments about the play of Cassel, as well as that of backups Brodie Croyle and Tyler Thigpen.

This week, Haley declined to say whether Cassel had been the best quarterback in training camp.

“This is a full-time evaluation,” Haley said. “It’s everything that’s going on. You have game situations in which one quarterback’s situation may have been a little different from another’s. The plays called may have been different. There are a lot of things that go into the equation, (so) I don’t think it’s fair (to) any of those guys to answer that question.

“It had nothing to do with my feelings towards anybody. (Cassel is) working hard. He’s into it. He cares about it. Matt is getting more and more comfortable with what we’re doing out there.”

The most recent practice session on Wednesday illustrates the up-and-down nature of Cassel’s camp. At one point, he threw back-to-back touchdown passes to Mark Bradley and Bobby Engram, the second coming on a perfectly placed throw.

Cassel also missed a big play when he missed an open Bradley deep down the field. He threw an errant swing pass for Jackie Battle that also could have resulted in a sizable gain.

“He’s just got to continue to build a rapport with this receiver group,” Gailey said. “That will come. We didn’t play him a lot (against Houston) because we realize what he is and what he’s going to be.”

Croyle emerged in camp as the most worthy backup candidate. He has a long history of injuries but stayed whole through his portion of the Houston game.

“It wasn’t as foreign as I thought it might be,” said Croyle, who hadn’t played in a game since his season-ending knee injury last October. “I had to knock off some rust at the start, but after that I felt very comfortable.”

Thigpen didn’t practice this week and probably won’t play tonight. The Chiefs don’t discuss injuries and Thigpen wouldn’t reveal it, but he appears to have either broken or bruised ribs. He landed on the ball after taking a late hit in last week’s game.

Even before the injury, Thigpen was erratic throwing from a conventional formation. The Chiefs went to a spread formation to accommodate him last year.

Thigpen indicated he was making progress.

“My biggest thing is accuracy when I’m throwing from under center,” he said. “A lot of people have that knock on me, but I really don’t see the problem there. That’s one thing Haley harped on when he first got here, and I’ve worked on that and I think all that work is paying off.”

Saccopoo · 08-21-2009, 01:17 AM

I saw a dog try to leg hump it's owner at the mailbox yesterday.

And Thigpen still indicated, besides the pre-matured ejaculation of the canine, that he was making progress - at least where throwing a World Ball sized, Whiffle Ball version of a football is needed.

salame · 08-21-2009, 01:37 AM

donkhater · 08-21-2009, 07:35 AM

No he doesn't.

IT"S PRESEASON

He just doesn't have to get hurt and run the offense.

Dayze · 08-21-2009, 07:51 AM

why does he 'have to step up'?
It’s PS; we have no idea what the coaching staff is trying to get a look at offensively.

Yeah, Teicher – he ‘has to’…..otherwise he’ll be out of a job. JFC.

GD. Teicher, go eat an AIDS sammich.

**HemiEd** · 08-21-2009, 07:53 AM

Can someone tell me when the game will be aired on NFL channel?

thanks

donkhater · 08-21-2009, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HemiEd

Can someone tell me when the game will be aired on NFL channel?

thanks

Pretty much as soon as it ends. I think 11:00 PM EST

MVChiefFan · 08-21-2009, 09:24 AM

I love how they're just nitpicking this s***. "Cassel missed this pass, and Cassel missed that". That's like saying Kobe Bryant needs to "step up" because he missed a wide open three-pointer. Give me a freakin' break.

Just Passin' By · 08-21-2009, 09:28 AM

I find it interesting to watch how quickly reporters band together to manufacture issues. Here we've got Babb, Whitlock and Teicher all writing about the same non-reality in an effort to generate controversy.

TEX · 08-21-2009, 09:33 AM

The whole Haley / Cassel / Bowe deal is straight out of the Bill Parcells Motivation 101 Handbook. All these clowns who are making a big deal out of it are just looking for a story other than the obvious one.

Mr. Krab · 08-21-2009, 10:16 AM

Nope, Brodie Croyle needs to step up and get us Brandon Marshall!!!!!!!!!!!!

tmax63 · 08-21-2009, 10:23 AM

It's kinda funny to me how the writers have to make up shit to talk about. Read just the other day how quiet and uneventful TC was for the Chiefs this year and no big stories or controversy on or off field.

HypnotizedMonkey · 08-21-2009, 10:39 AM

I hate to quote herm.. but everything gon' be okaaay.

DrRyan · 08-21-2009, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

“My biggest thing is accuracy when I’m throwing from under center,” he said. “A lot of people have that knock on me, but I really don’t see the problem there. That’s one thing Haley harped on when he first got here, and I’ve worked on that and I think all that work is paying off.”

You really don't see the problem there? What???

The offense had to be completely changed in order for you to run it last season and you don't see a problem there?

SenselessChiefsFan · 08-21-2009, 11:48 AM

Wow... Haley was critical of the QB's.

Um.... name one position group that he hasn't said something critical about?

Seriously, he has been 'critical' of Colquitt and Succop.

There is a reason.... he is that freaking head coach..... that's what they do.... get over it.

08-21-2009, 12:25 AM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $812813	Teicher: Cassel needs to step up tonight against Vikings Cassel needs to step up tonight against Vikings By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star MINNEAPOLIS \| Matt Cassel wanted to be the quarterback of every Chiefs fan’s dreams right from the start of training camp. “He wants everything to happen great right now,” offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said. “He wants to be a great player right now, which is great. That’s what you want from a quarterback. But these things take time.” Cassel hasn’t often been a star on the practice field as the Chiefs wind down the northern portion of their training camp with tonight’s preseason game at Minnesota. Between multiple turnovers, errant throws and four scoreless possessions in last week’s preseason opener against Houston, Cassel’s camp has been uneven at best. That adds a sense of urgency for Cassel and the starting offense in tonight’s game. The Chiefs may be just the sideshow for Brett Favre’s Vikings debut, but production from their quarterback is still high on their to-do list. Coach Todd Haley said Cassel and the rest of the starters can expect to play the first half. “There’s always a sense of urgency,” Cassel said. “In preseason, you’re trying to go out there and score points and have some production.” Cassel has had to learn some patience. He waited for his chance to play for four years at USC and for three more as Tom Brady’s understudy with New England before finally becoming the starter last season after Brady’s injury. Those lessons are useful to him now. “This is a process,” he said. “There’s a new coaching staff here, new players. We’re still trying to find what our identity is going to be. There has to be some patience there. “There have been good days as an offense; there have been bad days as an offense. Overall, I feel comfortable where I am.” Haley hasn’t appeared as pleased. On the practice field, he’s often had critical comments about the play of Cassel, as well as that of backups Brodie Croyle and Tyler Thigpen. This week, Haley declined to say whether Cassel had been the best quarterback in training camp. “This is a full-time evaluation,” Haley said. “It’s everything that’s going on. You have game situations in which one quarterback’s situation may have been a little different from another’s. The plays called may have been different. There are a lot of things that go into the equation, (so) I don’t think it’s fair (to) any of those guys to answer that question. “It had nothing to do with my feelings towards anybody. (Cassel is) working hard. He’s into it. He cares about it. Matt is getting more and more comfortable with what we’re doing out there.” The most recent practice session on Wednesday illustrates the up-and-down nature of Cassel’s camp. At one point, he threw back-to-back touchdown passes to Mark Bradley and Bobby Engram, the second coming on a perfectly placed throw. Cassel also missed a big play when he missed an open Bradley deep down the field. He threw an errant swing pass for Jackie Battle that also could have resulted in a sizable gain. “He’s just got to continue to build a rapport with this receiver group,” Gailey said. “That will come. We didn’t play him a lot (against Houston) because we realize what he is and what he’s going to be.” Croyle emerged in camp as the most worthy backup candidate. He has a long history of injuries but stayed whole through his portion of the Houston game. “It wasn’t as foreign as I thought it might be,” said Croyle, who hadn’t played in a game since his season-ending knee injury last October. “I had to knock off some rust at the start, but after that I felt very comfortable.” Thigpen didn’t practice this week and probably won’t play tonight. The Chiefs don’t discuss injuries and Thigpen wouldn’t reveal it, but he appears to have either broken or bruised ribs. He landed on the ball after taking a late hit in last week’s game. Even before the injury, Thigpen was erratic throwing from a conventional formation. The Chiefs went to a spread formation to accommodate him last year. Thigpen indicated he was making progress. “My biggest thing is accuracy when I’m throwing from under center,” he said. “A lot of people have that knock on me, but I really don’t see the problem there. That’s one thing Haley harped on when he first got here, and I’ve worked on that and I think all that work is paying off.”
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08-21-2009, 01:17 AM	#2
Saccopoo Kindness in words... Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Zion Casino cash: $10025483	I saw a dog try to leg hump it's owner at the mailbox yesterday. And Thigpen still indicated, besides the pre-matured ejaculation of the canine, that he was making progress - at least where throwing a World Ball sized, Whiffle Ball version of a football is needed.
Posts: 15,450

08-21-2009, 01:37 AM	#3
salame Under the Sofa Join Date: Apr 2009 Casino cash: $10010607
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08-21-2009, 07:35 AM	#4
donkhater Brilliant!! Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Indiana, USA Casino cash: $10014051	No he doesn't. IT"S PRESEASON He just doesn't have to get hurt and run the offense. __________________ The welfare of humanity is always the alibi of tyrants
Posts: 3,994

08-21-2009, 07:51 AM	#5
Dayze Resident Glue Sniffer Join Date: Nov 2003 Casino cash: $5089358	why does he 'have to step up'? It’s PS; we have no idea what the coaching staff is trying to get a look at offensively. Yeah, Teicher – he ‘has to’…..otherwise he’ll be out of a job. JFC. GD. Teicher, go eat an AIDS sammich. __________________ Life is 99% inspiration, 1% Perspiration, and 1% Attention to Detial. RIP & Godspeed: Saccoppo Lonewolf Ed Fire Me Boy
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08-21-2009, 07:53 AM	#6
HemiEd Supporter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ozarks Casino cash: $3180564	Can someone tell me when the game will be aired on NFL channel? thanks
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08-21-2009, 09:24 AM	#8
MVChiefFan Veteran Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Here Casino cash: $1504975	I love how they're just nitpicking this s***. "Cassel missed this pass, and Cassel missed that". That's like saying Kobe Bryant needs to "step up" because he missed a wide open three-pointer. Give me a freakin' break. __________________ I haven’t slept for ten days straight… because that would be way too long.
Posts: 3,490

08-21-2009, 09:28 AM	#9
Just Passin' By In Search of a Life Join Date: Feb 2009 Casino cash: $5460524	I find it interesting to watch how quickly reporters band together to manufacture issues. Here we've got Babb, Whitlock and Teicher all writing about the same non-reality in an effort to generate controversy.
Posts: 69,748

08-21-2009, 09:33 AM	#10
TEX Out Gunning CP's Fandom Police Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Laguna Beach, CA Casino cash: $2263127	The whole Haley / Cassel / Bowe deal is straight out of the Bill Parcells Motivation 101 Handbook. All these clowns who are making a big deal out of it are just looking for a story other than the obvious one. __________________ "The CHIEFS, HAVE THEIR DYNASTY!" Last edited by TEX; 08-21-2009 at 09:52 AM..
Posts: 34,718

08-21-2009, 10:23 AM	#12
tmax63 Veteran Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Colorado Casino cash: $3160400	It's kinda funny to me how the writers have to make up shit to talk about. Read just the other day how quiet and uneventful TC was for the Chiefs this year and no big stories or controversy on or off field. __________________ An armed member of society is a citizen, an unarmed member is a subject.
Posts: 3,811

08-21-2009, 10:39 AM	#13
HypnotizedMonkey usually hooplah is involved Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Corpus Christi, TX Casino cash: $10004925	I hate to quote herm.. but everything gon' be okaaay.
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08-21-2009, 11:48 AM	#15
SenselessChiefsFan MVP Join Date: Nov 2008 Casino cash: $10005450	Wow... Haley was critical of the QB's. Um.... name one position group that he hasn't said something critical about? Seriously, he has been 'critical' of Colquitt and Succop. There is a reason.... he is that freaking head coach..... that's what they do.... get over it.
Posts: 5,540