Chiefs Cassel Succeeds Despite Chiefs - Page 6

Hammock Parties · 08-22-2009, 10:05 AM

http://kan.scout.com/2/890791.html

Now you know why Scott Pioli decided Matt Cassel was worth a second-round draft choice and $63 million of Hunt money. He can make the best out of a horrible situation and look pretty calm doing it, as if it was business as usual. You saw it Friday night against the Minnesota Vikings.

Honestly, I hate to impugn the 10 other Chiefs who lined up with Cassel for a half. Football is the ultimate team game. But there’s no question about it – Cassel was the driving force. He was the engine that made the offense go, that directed two scoring drives.

The rest of his teammates? They tried to throw a monkey wrench into the machine more often than not.

On the first play from scrimmage, tight end Sean Ryan horribly blew a block on Minnesota’s Ray Edwards while Cassel carried out a play fake. But the Chiefs got a first down because Cassel had both the presence of mind to avoid Edwards and the burst to outrun Chad Greenway to the sticks.

One snap later, Mike Goff let Kevin Williams blow right past him and straight into his quarterback’s face. Not only did Cassel dodge Williams, he ducked under a Fred Evans tackle attempt and managed to ignore Ben Leber sprinting at him, hitting tight end Jake O’Connell for a first down. Oh, why was O’Connell open? Because Leber left coverage to try and stop the scrambling quarterback.

At this point, the Chiefs were past midfield with a promising drive going. After a dive play was stuffed and Jamaal Charles fumbled, any hope of a score was completely snuffed out, of course. Cassel can't do everything.

On the Chiefs’ next drive, Cassel fired a pass down the field towards Dwayne Bowe. It was fairly obvious the ball was thrown right where it needed to be – had it been thrown further to the outside, it was an easy interception for Antoine Winfield. But Bowe slowed his route coming out of the break and the ball sailed through the window, in and out of the hands of a safety backing up the play. Snaps like that may be why Bowe still hasn’t started a game this season.

But that’s OK – on the next play, Cassel was forced to run again, this time because of Edwards (Barry Richardson’s man). The progression of the play was blown, but as he ran, Cassel not only kept his eyes downfield, he sucked up the coverage and hit Bowe in stride for another first down.

There was some issue on this play as to whether or not Cassel was over the line of scrimmage. Perhaps he was. But what’s good enough for John Elway is good enough for another guy wearing #7. A few plays later, after Cassel ran around and completed another pass, the Chiefs got on the board with a field goal.

Later, the Chiefs had a third-and-15 after Devard Darling dropped a pass and Barry Richardson was flagged for a false start (two more monkey wrenches). The Vikings pushed the pocket right into Cassel’s face, but he acted as if he were standing alone in the middle of the Metrodome and hit Charles in stride for a first down. Of course the drive was doomed by a penalty and two sacks on the next series of downs. Cassel can’t do everything.

Alright, I’ll guess I’ll give credit to Larry Johnson for an 18-yard burst and Quinten Lawrence for a 14-yard end around. It’s amazing what happens when the Chiefs run the ball a little – Cassel leads a touchdown drive.

We probably shouldn’t be too hard on the Chiefs’ offensive line and running backs. After all, it was just a week ago that the Vikings got to Peyton Manning and the Colts in the worst way. Manning was sacked three times in five dropbacks. The Colts didn’t crack the end zone and totaled just 142 yards of offense for the entire game.

What the Chiefs did – or rather, what Cassel did, mostly - looks impressive by comparison. Think about this – what happens if Damon Huard, Brodie Croyle or Tyler Thigpen are under center? Most likely, Huard curls up into a little ball as Minnesota’s pass rush crushes him like a tsunami and Croyle leaves the game after something else breaks. Thigpen, while desperately looking for Tony Gonzalez, would likely escape only to chuck the ball into the ground, at a fan or a defensive back.

I could go on, talk about how Cassel was constantly turning his head, going through his progressions like a robot and throwing with consistent accuracy, but you get the idea. It’s nothing new, however. It’s all on tape, 16 games of it, from a year ago in New England. It’s the same player, doing the same things, leading his team down the field and into the end zone.

Oh, and speaking of New England, there was one other monkey wrench in the machine Friday night – the Chiefs placed Randy Moss and Wes Welker on their inactive list. Cassel looked totally helpless without them, didn’t he?

Richardson’s Opportunity

I could probably write an entire column about the disappointing play of right tackle Barry Richardson, but a blurb will do for now. Rarely, if ever, do you actually see an attached blurb in this space, but this is a special situation.

In River Falls this past week, Richardson received extensive snaps with the first-team offensive line. The Chiefs, like most of us, apparently aren’t huge Damion McIntosh fans, and knowing the youth, size and talent Richardson brings to the table, decided to give him an opportunity by starting him against the Vikings.

I’m no offensive line coach, but it’s doubtful Richardson impressed his too much Friday night. The Chiefs were counting on him to be the point man as they ran to the strong side in the first half, but all you really have to do is look at the box score – apart from one burst from Larry Johnson, KC’s running game ran into a brick wall and fell down, dazed.

When the Chiefs ran a stretch play on Johnson’s first carry, Richardson couldn’t seal Ray Edwards to the inside. Guess who dumped LJ for a two-yard loss? Edwards. Later, NFL Network’s Mike Mayock commented on how Richardson’s inability to pin Edwards to the inside made Johnson cut a run back up inside, into pursuit.

In pass protection, it was pretty clear Richardson struggled with Edwards’ speed. Cassel constantly had to step up in the pocket to avoid pressure to his right. But Edwards, who is only 268 pounds, even managed to embarrass Richardson with pure brute strength.

On the play in question, the Chiefs were in third and long, with an empty backfield. After setting up well initially, Richardson went flying and landed on his side after one well-timed shove from Edwards. Fortunately for Richardson, his quarterback was throwing the ball as this happened.

There were other things to dislike – Richardson had a false start, and looked a little slow getting off the ball on certain snaps. Immediately after Richardson was replaced by McIntosh in the second quarter, Johnson ripped off an 18-yard gain and the Chiefs scored a touchdown a few plays later.

Gee, I wonder why?

What happens if Richardson has to block Shawne Merriman? Yikes.

**Skip Towne** · 08-23-2009, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

Sure. The Patriots had protection problems last year. Cassel frequently had to run.

I am sure the fact that Cassel can make a play when things break down factored into Pioli's decision.

Still too early to tell but Matt is looking good.

salame · 08-24-2009, 02:07 AM

**SAUTO** · 08-24-2009, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pioli Zombie

Your wife and friends watched the game 7 or 8 times with you? Because that's what you said.
Posted via Mobile Device

huh? we watched specific plays 7-8 times. pretty easy with a DVR.

**Lzen** · 08-24-2009, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

I just finished rewatching the first half of this game, rewinding and replaying every snap, sometimes 7 or 8 times, and I'm here to tell you, Claythan, you don't have a ****ing clue.

Barry Richardson missed a couple of blocks in the run game, ut overal did a pretty good job.

In pass protect, he did his job.
He stayed between his man and Cassel, allowing Cassel to step up and make plays.

Overall, I think his performance rated a continued look at him into practice and the next game.

Thank you. Man, I was arguing with those guys in the game thread. If you had not watched the game and only read that thread, you would think Richardson played like garbage. I thought he did ok.

Chiefnj2 · 08-24-2009, 07:32 AM

Richardson sucked ass in the game.

**Lzen** · 08-24-2009, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Justifying his $63 million dollar contract AND a second round draft choice after a preseason game is ****ing stupid.

At some point in time, his play and the Chiefs success may prove that trading for and signing him was in the best interest of the Chiefs organization. But to make that call after two ****ing preseason games?

WTF?

About as idiotic as discounting the trade and contract after 1 preseason game, eh?

DJ's left nut · 08-24-2009, 08:34 AM

People are sticking up for Richardson's performance?

Macintosh has been the FAR better player of the two thus far. Had D-Mac put together the kind of outing that Richardson just did, people would've wanted him killed, not merely cut.

Richardson was not good. Not good at all. Johnson didn't do him any favors, but Richardson hardly looked like a guy that's going to be an NFL caliber starter.

The O-line took a pretty large step backwards and Richardson was the worst player on it, IMO. I don't think those 2 things are mere coincidence.

Hammock Parties · 08-24-2009, 08:47 AM

Richardson faces Cory Redding this week, if he starts. If he is worth anything, it's a battle he should win.

Sully · 08-25-2009, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportsshrink

You take the Chiefs of the early to mid 90's-all that supporting talent on both sides of the ball

Aside from a good ofensive line, the Chiefs of the early to mid-90s had ZERO offensive talent.
How many years was our fullback our leading receiver?

Hammock Parties · 08-25-2009, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sully

Aside from a good ofensive line, the Chiefs of the early to mid-90s had ZERO offensive talent.

That's just not true.

Willie Davis, JJ Birden, Keith Cash, Christian Okoye, Barry Word, Marcus Allen...good players for sure.

Titty Meat · 08-25-2009, 07:55 PM

You guys might want to give the 5th round pick more then 1 pre-season game before you say he sucks.

Pasta Little Brioni · 08-25-2009, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

People are sticking up for Richardson's performance?

Macintosh has been the FAR better player of the two thus far. Had D-Mac put together the kind of outing that Richardson just did, people would've wanted him killed, not merely cut.

Richardson was not good. Not good at all. Johnson didn't do him any favors, but Richardson hardly looked like a guy that's going to be an NFL caliber starter.

The O-line took a pretty large step backwards and Richardson was the worst player on it, IMO. I don't think those 2 things are mere coincidence.

Richardson is in his 2nd year. McIntosh is a vet. Of course the younger guy is going to get more favortism. McIntosh is what he is, Richardson could still develop into a pretty good player with time even if he isn't ready now.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 08-25-2009, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

Had D-Mac put together the kind of outing that Richardson just did, people would've wanted him killed, not merely cut.

And rightfully so, as Mac is a 30 year old vet, and Richardson was making his first start.

I've got patience for young guys to make mistakes and learn.

I have no patience for vets that can't get the job done.

Sully · 08-25-2009, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

That's just not true.

Willie Davis, JJ Birden, Keith Cash, Christian Okoye, Barry Word, Marcus Allen...good players for sure.

Wilie Davis/JJ Birden=average NFL players, at best
Christian Okoye/Barry Word= Good for VERY short periods of time, but very good for what they did, I'll concede these two.
Marcus Allen=Old when he got here. Almost exclusively a goal line/short yardage player. Not a great player by any means.

Hammock Parties · 08-25-2009, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sully

Wilie Davis/JJ Birden=average NFL players, at best
Christian Okoye/Barry Word= Good for VERY short periods of time, but very good for what they did, I'll concede these two.
Marcus Allen=Old when he got here. Almost exclusively a goal line/short yardage player. Not a great player by any means.

Allen had 700+ rushing yards in multiple seasons.

ANYWAY YOU WRONG!

08-22-2009, 10:05 AM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4700478	Cassel Succeeds Despite Chiefs http://kan.scout.com/2/890791.html Now you know why Scott Pioli decided Matt Cassel was worth a second-round draft choice and $63 million of Hunt money. He can make the best out of a horrible situation and look pretty calm doing it, as if it was business as usual. You saw it Friday night against the Minnesota Vikings. Honestly, I hate to impugn the 10 other Chiefs who lined up with Cassel for a half. Football is the ultimate team game. But there’s no question about it – Cassel was the driving force. He was the engine that made the offense go, that directed two scoring drives. The rest of his teammates? They tried to throw a monkey wrench into the machine more often than not. On the first play from scrimmage, tight end Sean Ryan horribly blew a block on Minnesota’s Ray Edwards while Cassel carried out a play fake. But the Chiefs got a first down because Cassel had both the presence of mind to avoid Edwards and the burst to outrun Chad Greenway to the sticks. One snap later, Mike Goff let Kevin Williams blow right past him and straight into his quarterback’s face. Not only did Cassel dodge Williams, he ducked under a Fred Evans tackle attempt and managed to ignore Ben Leber sprinting at him, hitting tight end Jake O’Connell for a first down. Oh, why was O’Connell open? Because Leber left coverage to try and stop the scrambling quarterback. At this point, the Chiefs were past midfield with a promising drive going. After a dive play was stuffed and Jamaal Charles fumbled, any hope of a score was completely snuffed out, of course. Cassel can't do everything. On the Chiefs’ next drive, Cassel fired a pass down the field towards Dwayne Bowe. It was fairly obvious the ball was thrown right where it needed to be – had it been thrown further to the outside, it was an easy interception for Antoine Winfield. But Bowe slowed his route coming out of the break and the ball sailed through the window, in and out of the hands of a safety backing up the play. Snaps like that may be why Bowe still hasn’t started a game this season. But that’s OK – on the next play, Cassel was forced to run again, this time because of Edwards (Barry Richardson’s man). The progression of the play was blown, but as he ran, Cassel not only kept his eyes downfield, he sucked up the coverage and hit Bowe in stride for another first down. There was some issue on this play as to whether or not Cassel was over the line of scrimmage. Perhaps he was. But what’s good enough for John Elway is good enough for another guy wearing #7. A few plays later, after Cassel ran around and completed another pass, the Chiefs got on the board with a field goal. Later, the Chiefs had a third-and-15 after Devard Darling dropped a pass and Barry Richardson was flagged for a false start (two more monkey wrenches). The Vikings pushed the pocket right into Cassel’s face, but he acted as if he were standing alone in the middle of the Metrodome and hit Charles in stride for a first down. Of course the drive was doomed by a penalty and two sacks on the next series of downs. Cassel can’t do everything. Alright, I’ll guess I’ll give credit to Larry Johnson for an 18-yard burst and Quinten Lawrence for a 14-yard end around. It’s amazing what happens when the Chiefs run the ball a little – Cassel leads a touchdown drive. We probably shouldn’t be too hard on the Chiefs’ offensive line and running backs. After all, it was just a week ago that the Vikings got to Peyton Manning and the Colts in the worst way. Manning was sacked three times in five dropbacks. The Colts didn’t crack the end zone and totaled just 142 yards of offense for the entire game. What the Chiefs did – or rather, what Cassel did, mostly - looks impressive by comparison. Think about this – what happens if Damon Huard, Brodie Croyle or Tyler Thigpen are under center? Most likely, Huard curls up into a little ball as Minnesota’s pass rush crushes him like a tsunami and Croyle leaves the game after something else breaks. Thigpen, while desperately looking for Tony Gonzalez, would likely escape only to chuck the ball into the ground, at a fan or a defensive back. I could go on, talk about how Cassel was constantly turning his head, going through his progressions like a robot and throwing with consistent accuracy, but you get the idea. It’s nothing new, however. It’s all on tape, 16 games of it, from a year ago in New England. It’s the same player, doing the same things, leading his team down the field and into the end zone. Oh, and speaking of New England, there was one other monkey wrench in the machine Friday night – the Chiefs placed Randy Moss and Wes Welker on their inactive list. Cassel looked totally helpless without them, didn’t he? Richardson’s Opportunity I could probably write an entire column about the disappointing play of right tackle Barry Richardson, but a blurb will do for now. Rarely, if ever, do you actually see an attached blurb in this space, but this is a special situation. In River Falls this past week, Richardson received extensive snaps with the first-team offensive line. The Chiefs, like most of us, apparently aren’t huge Damion McIntosh fans, and knowing the youth, size and talent Richardson brings to the table, decided to give him an opportunity by starting him against the Vikings. I’m no offensive line coach, but it’s doubtful Richardson impressed his too much Friday night. The Chiefs were counting on him to be the point man as they ran to the strong side in the first half, but all you really have to do is look at the box score – apart from one burst from Larry Johnson, KC’s running game ran into a brick wall and fell down, dazed. When the Chiefs ran a stretch play on Johnson’s first carry, Richardson couldn’t seal Ray Edwards to the inside. Guess who dumped LJ for a two-yard loss? Edwards. Later, NFL Network’s Mike Mayock commented on how Richardson’s inability to pin Edwards to the inside made Johnson cut a run back up inside, into pursuit. In pass protection, it was pretty clear Richardson struggled with Edwards’ speed. Cassel constantly had to step up in the pocket to avoid pressure to his right. But Edwards, who is only 268 pounds, even managed to embarrass Richardson with pure brute strength. On the play in question, the Chiefs were in third and long, with an empty backfield. After setting up well initially, Richardson went flying and landed on his side after one well-timed shove from Edwards. Fortunately for Richardson, his quarterback was throwing the ball as this happened. There were other things to dislike – Richardson had a false start, and looked a little slow getting off the ball on certain snaps. Immediately after Richardson was replaced by McIntosh in the second quarter, Johnson ripped off an 18-yard gain and the Chiefs scored a touchdown a few plays later. Gee, I wonder why? What happens if Richardson has to block Shawne Merriman? Yikes.
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08-24-2009, 02:07 AM	#77
salame Under the Sofa Join Date: Apr 2009 Casino cash: $10010607
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08-24-2009, 07:32 AM	#80
Chiefnj2 In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2007 Casino cash: $7873688	Richardson sucked ass in the game. __________________ Mismanaging the clock.
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08-24-2009, 08:34 AM	#82
DJ's left nut Sauntering Vaguely Downwards Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Columbia, Mo Casino cash: $2989099	People are sticking up for Richardson's performance? Macintosh has been the FAR better player of the two thus far. Had D-Mac put together the kind of outing that Richardson just did, people would've wanted him killed, not merely cut. Richardson was not good. Not good at all. Johnson didn't do him any favors, but Richardson hardly looked like a guy that's going to be an NFL caliber starter. The O-line took a pretty large step backwards and Richardson was the worst player on it, IMO. I don't think those 2 things are mere coincidence.
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08-24-2009, 08:47 AM	#83
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4700478	Richardson faces Cory Redding this week, if he starts. If he is worth anything, it's a battle he should win. __________________ Chiefs game films
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08-25-2009, 07:55 PM	#86
Titty Meat Inmem 2.0 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: My house Casino cash: $2267558	You guys might want to give the 5th round pick more then 1 pre-season game before you say he sucks.
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