Matt Cassel is on an impressive streak

[KChiefs1]

http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/20711/matt-cassel-is-on-impressive-streak

Name the most efficient quarterback in the NFL over the past six weeks.

Here’s a hint, Kansas City Chiefs’ fans, it’s the guy that many of you have asked to be replaced.
<!--INLINE MUG-->
http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nfl/players/65/8644.jpg

Cassel


Yep, Matt Cassel (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=8644) is playing at a high level. In fact, Cassel has quietly become quarterback the Chiefs thought he would become when they traded for him and signed him to a $40 million contract in 2009.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, (http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/12844/ryan-cassel-under-center-of-attention) Cassel has, by far, been the most efficient quarterback in the NFL for the past month and a half. He has thrown 14 touchdowns and he has been intercepted just once. His plus-13 differential is three better than Baltimore’s Joe Flacco (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=11252), who is second in the NFL during that time span.

Cassel will never be an elite quarterback who is capable of throwing for 400 yards a game on a regular basis. But that’s not what Kansas City head coach Todd Haley and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis – who both deserve credit for the continued development of Cassel – wants Cassel to be. They want him to manage the game, not make mistakes and take advantage of the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL.

That’s the player Cassel has morphed into. He is an efficient NFL quarterback who is a reason why the Chiefs, 6-4, are atop in the AFC West. If he continues this pace, there’s no reason to think Kansas City won’t move forward with him.

Why wouldn’t they? A 14-to-1 touchdown-interception differential is exceptional. Meanwhile, (http://www.kansascity.com/2010/11/25/2472025/fate-has-smiled-upon-cassel-after.html)Cassel, a college backup, will face his college coach at USC, Pete Carroll, on Sunday in Seattle.

[Bowser]

FIRST

[Donger]

The SS was very efficient, too. But that doesn't mean that you wanted to play with them.

[Hammock Parties]

Why is this such a sick feeling?

[Bowser]

The SS was very efficient, too. But that doesn't mean that you wanted to play with them.

Cassel has received his fair share of shit on this board, but I believe this is the first time he's been compared to a genocidal death squad. Props for originality there, Donger.

[Ming the Merciless]

Why is this such a sick feeling?

It's called being wrong. You should be used it by now.

[KChiefs1]

http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/12844/ryan-cassel-under-center-of-attention


Our weekly look at quarterbacks who are under the center of attention:

MATT RYAN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=11237)

He is scheduled to make the 20th home start of his career Sunday for the Atlanta Falcons (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/atl/atlanta-falcons)against the Green Bay Packers (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/gb/green-bay-packers). With a win, he'll be 19-1 in his career at home. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the only QB who began his career in the Super Bowl era (since 1966) and won 19 of his first 20 home starts was Danny White.

Here are some other nuggets on Ryan at the Georgia Dome:

<!--INLINE MUG-->http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nfl/players/65/11237.jpg
Ryan
<!--END INLINE MUG-->• He’s won 14 straight home games, the second-longest active streak behind Tom Brady's 25
• He’s 13-0 against NFC opponents
• He has three home games with three pass TD this season (tied for NFL lead)
• He has 20 passing first downs in the fourth quarter with the score within seven points (leads NFL)
• He’s hooked up with Roddy White for a TD 13 times since 2008 (T-most for a QB-WR combo in the NFL)

MATT CASSEL (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=8644)

Highest Pass TD-Int Differential Weeks 6-11

<TABLE><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>Matt Cassel</TD><TD>+13</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Joe Flacco</TD><TD>+10</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Matt Ryan</TD><TD>+9</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Ben Roethlisberger</TD><TD>+8</TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Tom Brady</TD><TD>+8</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

How many quarterbacks have managed the game better than Cassel recently? From Weeks 6 through 11, Cassel threw 14 touchdowns to just one interception, the highest TD-Int differential in that span. The only QB in that span with a higher passer rating than Cassel’s 108.9 is Joe Flacco at 113.5. If there's a reason that's gone slightly under the radar, it might be because Cassel isn't putting up huge totals in yards. Over the last six weeks, Cassel's 237.3 yards per game ranks only 18th.

ELI MANNING (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=5526)
Manning might have to learn the same lessons his former New York Giants (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyg/new-york-giants) teammate Tiki Barber did to control his fumble issues. Manning has 38 fumbles since the start of 2007 -- only Jason Campbell (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=8440) of the Oakland Raiders (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/oak/oakland-raiders) has more among quarterbacks with 42. Manning has lost 22 of those fumbles, the most by a QB and six more than the next active quarterback -- David Garrard (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=3636) of the Jacksonville Jaguars (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/jac/jacksonville-jaguars). In total, Manning has 21 turnovers this season (16 interceptions, five fumbles lost), which is second to Brett Favre's 22.

JOSH FREEMAN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=12473)
<!--INLINE MUG-->
http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nfl/players/65/12473.jpg
Freeman

<!--END INLINE MUG-->Speaking of turnovers, one player who has learned from past mistakes is Josh Freeman, especially on the road. Last season, his percentage of passes that were intercepted away from home was the 3rd-highest rate at 5.7. This season, he's reduced it to 2.4 percent. That will be put to the test Sunday when he faces the Baltimore Ravens (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/bal/baltimore-ravens). Opposing quarterbacks have a passer rating of just 70.4 in games played in Baltimore -- the fifth-lowest rating entering Week 12.

[Donger]

Cassel has received his fair share of shit on this board, but I believe this is the first time he's been compared to a genocidal death squad. Props for originality there, Donger.

It could have been worse. I could have compared him to the French.

[tk13]

Well the numbers are impressive, any way you slice them. Cassel gets compared to Trent Dilfer but really his numbers are much better. Dilfer threw more INTs than TD. Even in the Super Bowl year Dilfer had 12 TD and 11 INT. It is a lot closer to Brad Johnson's Super Bowl year, 22 TD/6 INT, which was his best year.

[bishop_74]

He's a good QB... he's just not the guy you ask to win a game on the road when we get behind by 7 or more. He is what he is.

[Hammock Parties]

It's called being wrong. You should be used it by now.

I don't feel wrong, though.

Every game I watch Cassel drop back to pass and I get this uneasy feeling. Especially on third down.

I don't have confidence in him, and you'd think I would with numbers like that.

[Fritz88]

Attestment to Weis "fixing" his QB and hiding his shittiness.

[kcxiv]

Why is this such a sick feeling?

As long as he keeps playing like he did last week i am all for it. I fucking hate Matt Cassel, but its not like i dont want him to play well. He's slowly making me not hate him.

[talastan]

Attestment to Weis "fixing" his QB and hiding his shittiness.

THIS!!

[milkman]

I don't feel wrong, though.

Every game I watch Cassel drop back to pass and I get this uneasy feeling. Especially on third down.

I don't have confidence in him, and you'd think I would with numbers like that.

That is exactly the reason that stats mean jack wthout the perspective of actually watching.

If Cassel can come out and consistently play as well as he did last week, and do it at the start of games, then his actual performance would live up to the stats.

[Bowser]

Can we make the age old statement of "He's maturing before our very eyes" about Cassel yet?

[Ming the Merciless]

I don't feel wrong, though.

Every game I watch Cassel drop back to pass and I get this uneasy feeling. Especially on third down.

I don't have confidence in him, and you'd think I would with numbers like that.

Hey I hear you...His numbers exceed what he is in reality thus far. Lets just hope the reality catches up with the numbers at some point.

[Donger]

What is Cassel's completion percentage, and where does it rank?

[Thig Lyfe]

I don't think anybody on ESPN has actually watched the Chiefs play this year.

[milkman]

Can we make the age old statement of "He's maturing before our very eyes" about Cassel yet?

We might well be on the cusp of that.

[Ming the Merciless]

What is Cassel's completion percentage, and where does it rank?

Below Brett Farvre

LOL

[Cjanz]

There is absolutely no way to come to a consensus on Cassel at this point. His progress is game-by-game, and sometimes it isn't always forward progress. Until he has a 5-game streak of exemplary playing regardless of circumstance, we cannot call anything about him impressive (let alone that this has been a streak of any sort).

[CoMoChief]

I don't feel wrong, though.

Every game I watch Cassel drop back to pass and I get this uneasy feeling. Especially on third down.

I don't have confidence in him, and you'd think I would with numbers like that.

pretty much nailed it on the head IMO regarding bashing MC.

Matt Cassel can have great stats and efficiency like the ones posted in the article.....but whenever he drops back to pass in a game....I get the "oh fuck" feeling that something bad is about to happen.

In contrast, let's say Trent Green of 2003 had numbers like 11-7 TD/INT ratio.....I'd feel much more confident that he'd be able to march the offense down the field for a game winning drive. JMO.

[Bowser]

I don't think anybody on ESPN has actually watched the Chiefs play this year.

For ESPN, the world begins at the east coast, and ends at the Mississippi river, with a strange land called Los Angeles out in the mists of the unknown....

[FAX]

The problem with this deal is that avoiding interceptions doesn't mean you can move the chains when it's absolutely necessary. That's his problem.

Besides, he's gotten very lucky a few times while throwing into double or triple coverage.

It looks to me as though Haley and Weis have dumbed down the position. If true, they have a good guy for the job.

FAX

[2bikemike]

What is Cassel's completion percentage, and where does it rank?

In addition what is his 3rd down completion percentage. I would think it is not very good.

I too don't think Cassel is worth a shit. But he is doing whats asked of him as far as protecting the ball and he is not killing the team. Of the 4 losses I don't think you can lay the blame at his feet. At least not entirely.

[Bowser]

pretty much nailed it on the head IMO regarding bashing MC.

Matt Cassel can have great stats and efficiency like the ones posted in the article.....but whenever he drops back to pass in a game....I get the "oh fuck" feeling that something bad is about to happen.

In contrast, let's say Trent Green of 2003 had numbers like 11-7 TD/INT ratio.....I'd feel much more confident that he'd be able to march the offense down the field for a game winning drive. JMO.

Cassel definitely panics if his first two guys aren't open. He gets happy feet WAY too often.

That being said, he has played leaps and bounds better this last month than he did the first month of the season.

[Ming the Merciless]

It looks to me as though Haley and Weis have dumbed down the position. If true, they have a good guy for the job.


I think they will open things up more and more....I have really high hopes. Please god do not let my high hopes be completely dashed in Seattle.

[bobbything]

Every game I watch Cassel drop back to pass and I get this uneasy feeling. Especially on third down.
That's because his stats mask the fact that he's horrible on 3rd down. One of the league's worst. And this team faces a lot of 3rd downs.

[Pants]

That is exactly the reason that stats mean jack wthout the perspective of actually watching.

If Cassel can come out and consistently play as well as he did last week, and do it at the start of games, then his actual performance would live up to the stats.

He actually stepped up in the pocket in the face of pressure last week. I about shat my pants.

[milkman]

He actually stepped up in the pocket in the face of pressure last week. I about shat my pants.

Better you than him.

[Ming the Merciless]

That's because his stats mask the fact that he's horrible on 3rd down. One of the league's worst. And this team faces a lot of 3rd downs.

I completely agree...It seems (to me) like we have been pretty predictable (run, run, pass on 3rd). I think they key to this is to mix it up and open the offense MORE not less. I am hoping that we open things up in Seattle if the weather isn't too shitty.

[milkman]

That's because his stats mask the fact that he's horrible on 3rd down. One of the league's worst. And this team faces a lot of 3rd downs.

That's true.

But the thing that I saw last week was a team that started the game something like 1 of 6 on third down attempts and finished the game something like 5 of 11, which means that 4 of their last 5 attempts were successful.

That is as good, no better, than at any other time during the season.

That's a hopeful stat, and Cassel was a reason for that.

[Pants]

Better you than him.

LMAO

[Bane]

Pioli and Haley will not stand for him just managing the game and playing not to lose like he has been.He will not be in KC next year playing like that.He will be benched soon /CP Stupid mother****ers.

[Ming the Merciless]

Pioli and Haley will not stand for him just managing the game and playing not to lose like he has been.He will not be in KC next year playing like that.He will be benched soon /CP Stupid mother****ers.

:clap:

[bobbything]

That's true.

But the thing that I saw last week was a team that started the game something like 1 of 6 on third down attempts and finished the game something like 5 of 11, which means that 4 of their last 5 attempts were successful.

That is as good, no better, than at any other time during the season.

That's a hopeful stat, and Cassel was a reason for that.
You're right. Last week, we were much better on 3rd down, and Cassel played very, very well. Though, I'm going to hold in my orgasm until he can be more consistent.

The Denver game was no game to judge him on.

The Arizona game was, by far, his most complete. I thought he played well in the Houston game too. And put the team in a position to win in the Oakland and Buffalo game; even if he was part of the reason for it being so close to begin with.

Though, as far as complete games, Arizona has been his finest outing.

If he finishes out the season like this, I'll shit myself with joy because it means that this team will probably have won the division.

That's what you can look at thus far. If we had converted just a few %'s more on 3rd down this year, we're probably looking at 8-2 vs. 6-4.

[Ming the Merciless]

You're right. Last week, we were much better on 3rd down, and Cassel played very, very well. Though, I'm going to hold in my orgasm until he can be more consistent.



If we win in Seattle and MC plays a good game can we all simulgasm togther?

[milkman]

You're right. Last week, we were much better on 3rd down, and Cassel played very, very well. Though, I'm going to hold in my orgasm until he can be more consistent.

The Denver game was no game to judge him on.

The Arizona game was, by far, his most complete. I thought he played well in the Houston game too. And put the team in a position to win in the Oakland and Buffalo game; even if he was part of the reason for it being so close to begin with.

Though, as far as complete games, Arizona has been his finest outing.

If he finishes out the season like this, I'll shit myself with joy because it means that this team will probably have won the division.

That's what you can look at thus far. If we had converted just a few %'s more on 3rd down this year, we're probably looking at 8-2 vs. 6-4.

I'm not ready to call hiim good yet, and he did that against Arizona, which isn't really an accomplishment.

But it was an actual positive performance, and maybe there's a chance he can build on that.

Since I think he's going to be around next year, regardless of what others think, I have to hope that was the first real sign of growth, and not simply a mirage.

[Warrior5]

In addition what is his 3rd down completion percentage. I would think it is not very good.

I too don't think Cassel is worth a shit. But he is doing whats asked of him as far as protecting the ball and he is not killing the team. Of the 4 losses I don't think you can lay the blame at his feet. At least not entirely.

59.5 completion % (27th in the league); not surprising with so many doinks, sideliners, and moon launches he's thrown this year. I know he's had some good games this year, but the man is simply not a consistently accurate passer.

Can't find his 3rd down completion percentage...

[Awesome Aric]

Cassel still blows, don't try and convince yourselves anything different.

[Braincase]

Matt C. could win 4 Superbowls for the Chiefs, and there would still be a vocal minority screaming to replace him.

[Fish]

Cassel will never be an elite quarterback who is capable of throwing for 400 yards a game on a regular basis. .
.
.
They want him to manage the game, not make mistakes and take advantage of the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL.

That’s the player Cassel has morphed into. He is an efficient NFL quarterback

The bolded sentence says it all. Cassel is finally living up to painfully low expectations by minimizing any risk whatsoever in the passing game. Hooray.

But I just can't bring myself to get all bubbly for Cassel just because he's not screwing things up. Mainly because playing that way will only get you so far. It's working great this year at home against teams with losing records. And I'm very thankful for that. I'm enjoying the shit out of seeing that. But I'm going to remain very reserved until I see him do anything other than piss himself against quality teams in situations that require more than the barest of game management and efficiency. Being efficient is great and all, but that's not the attribute you first think about when you think of elite QBs. In fact, many times efficiency and lack of turnovers are knowingly sacrificed for aggressive drives when points are absolutely necessary to win. And I have very little confidence in Cassel when it comes to situations like that. And that's pretty significant.

[4th and Long]

Matt C. could win 4 Superbowls for the Chiefs, and there would still be a vocal minority screaming to replace him.
Mhmm.

[LaChapelle]

Up his trade value
on other team's message boards
they have the power

[Thig Lyfe]

The bolded sentence says it all. Cassel is finally living up to painfully low expectations by minimizing any risk whatsoever in the passing game. Hooray.

But I just can't bring myself to get all bubbly for Cassel just because he's not screwing things up. Mainly because playing that way will only get you so far. It's working great this year at home against teams with losing records. And I'm very thankful for that. I'm enjoying the shit out of seeing that. But I'm going to remain very reserved until I see him do anything other than piss himself against quality teams in situations that require more than the barest of game management and efficiency. Being efficient is great and all, but that's not the attribute you first think about when you think of elite QBs. In fact, many times efficiency and lack of turnovers are knowingly sacrificed for aggressive drives when points are absolutely necessary to win. And I have very little confidence in Cassel when it comes to situations like that. And that's pretty significant.

http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/images/Management_Challenges_For_Small_Associations/agreed.gif

[Ming the Merciless]

The bolded sentence says it all. Cassel is finally living up to painfully low expectations


I just cant get on the bandwagon with this train of thought. There is a grey area between throwing for 400 yards every game and 'painfully low expectations.' Cassel seems like he is improving, he is finally doing the job....What makes people think he can't get better? I mean maybe he can't...Maybe he is at his pinnacle right now....But how would anyone know this? He is pretty young, in the prime of his life.....With a new OC...Improving team....I just don;t get why people wanted to give up on him back in April...and then even now people still want to give up on him after seeing improvements....Let the kid play!

[KChiefs1]

Cassel looked better the last game...let's hope he builds on that.

[TheGuardian]

Last week Cassel had, IMO, his best game ever as a Chief. Not numbers wise, but everything he did looked fantastic. His pocket awareness, footwork, velocity, he went through his reads, avoided pressure, etc. He only threw for like 198 yards but I don't think he threw a bad pass the entire day. If he can go into Seattle and play similarly, I will say he has in fact probably turned the corner.

So this weekend is a pretty big game for him IMO. Lead us to a big road win. And yes, it is big because we have to have it to stay ahead of San Diego right now.

[KcFaNiNJerZeY]

Matt Casselroll def had his best game as a Chief, I didn't see any over throwing Charles, or the bad passes I usually see. I know against Denver he seemed like he just wouldn't throw the ball away but I didn't see that last week. Why is Chambers so terrible?

[Pioli Zombie]

Stats alone. Guh! Yeah sure. Forget Manning, Brees, and Brady. Matt Cassel is the most efficient qb in the NFL...on Planet Shithead.

[JD10367]

Once again I'll point out that I washed Cassel's balls for over a year here, and everyone blasted me for it, and when I finally turned to the Dark Side and went against him he started playing lights-out. Yes, I take all the credit.

As for his impressive streak, I don't think most real Chiefs fans give a shit. The only "impressive streak" they're concerned with is the possible bacon-strip Cassel might put in his tighty-whities in a big playoff game. He's been the most efficent QB in the past six weeks? Then how come they lost three of them, and in the fourth they barely beat Buffalo? It's nice to get some confident numbers in October, but I'll hold off on sculpting Cassel's bust for Canton until I see him do it when it matters most.

[tk13]

Once again I'll point out that I washed Cassel's balls for over a year here, and everyone blasted me for it, and when I finally turned to the Dark Side and went against him he started playing lights-out. Yes, I take all the credit.

As for his impressive streak, I don't think most real Chiefs fans give a shit. The only "impressive streak" they're concerned with is the possible bacon-strip Cassel might put in his tighty-whities in a big playoff game. He's been the most efficent QB in the past six weeks? Then how come they lost three of them, and in the fourth they barely beat Buffalo? It's nice to get some confident numbers in October, but I'll hold off on sculpting Cassel's bust for Canton until I see him do it when it matters most.

The funny thing is the game he looked really really shaky was the Buffalo game, and we still won. The defense completely melted down against Houston and Denver... and the Oakland loss was a complete team effort to screw that up.

[bowener]

Cassel still blows, don't try and convince yourselves anything different.

You're boring. Try harder.

[RealSNR]

Brian Griese once had a season where he played 10 games and had a 19 TD - 4 INT ratio.

Sure didn't make him the kind of QB to build a franchise around.

[Pioli Zombie]

Cassel has no urine.

[RedThat]

Which quarterback in the NFL is going to throw for 400 yards on a regular basis?
Lets be real here.

The statement in that article is somewhat flawed.

[RedThat]

Last week Cassel had, IMO, his best game ever as a Chief. Not numbers wise, but everything he did looked fantastic. His pocket awareness, footwork, velocity, he went through his reads, avoided pressure, etc. He only threw for like 198 yards but I don't think he threw a bad pass the entire day. If he can go into Seattle and play similarly, I will say he has in fact probably turned the corner.

So this weekend is a pretty big game for him IMO. Lead us to a big road win. And yes, it is big because we have to have it to stay ahead of San Diego right now.

Thats so true. I agree with all of what you're saying. Stats are somewhat smoke and mirrors at times. But when you actually pay attention to the detail of his play as you mentioned, you can see improvement.

[stevieray]

Which quarterback in the NFL is going to throw for 400 yards on a regular basis?
Lets be real here.

The statement in that article is somewhat flawed.

..Rivers threw for four hundy at Arrowhead. they still lost.

[Thig Lyfe]

..Rivers threw for four hundy at Arrowhead. they still lost.

Therefore, all quarterbacks capable of throwing for 400 yards are worse than Cassel.

[Pitt Gorilla]

Cassel is learning. He didn't get "real" reps in college. Isn't this exactly the type of player we want in KC? He's simply going to get better and better as he gets more experience.

[Thig Lyfe]

Cassel is learning. He didn't get "real" reps in college. Isn't this exactly the type of player we want in KC? He's simply going to get better and better as he gets more experience.

His ceiling is "Doesn't poop his pants all the time." That's not the type of player we want in KC, unless we don't want them to win a Super Bowl.

[Halfcan]

matt has put up great numbers-just needs to learn to throw it away when nobody is open

[Reerun_KC]

Which quarterback in the NFL is going to throw for 400 yards on a regular basis?
Lets be real here.

The statement in that article is somewhat flawed.

IT happens when your behind and playing catchup.. As long as the Chiefs are running for 160+ per game.... Cassel will never throw for 400 yards...

Its one of those arguements that make you :spock: when people bring it up... It a paper mache arguement....

[kcmaxwell]

The SS was very efficient, too. But that doesn't mean that you wanted to play with them.

OMG Rep!!

[BigMeatballDave]

Cassel is learning. He didn't get "real" reps in college. Isn't this exactly the type of player we want in KC? He's simply going to get better and better as he gets more experience.Too bad he's 28 instead of 23.

[stevieray]

Therefore, all quarterbacks capable of throwing for 400 yards are worse than Cassel.

:spock:

[Reerun_KC]

:spock:

Man the hate logic is starting to look like this....

http://www.foxnews.com/images/238226/1_61_110906_train_derailment.jpg

[Ming the Merciless]

His ceiling is "Doesn't poop his pants all the time." That's not the type of player we want in KC

Either your assessment of his ceiling is wrong, or he is playing above his ceiling.....Because even YOU have to admit he has more than done this.

[JD10367]

In 2008 with the Patriots, he had a completion % of 63, with 21 TDs and 11 INTs and a QB rating of 89.4. He was on a very strong team where he was familiar with the offense.

In 2009 with the Chiefs, he had a completion % of 55, with 16 TDs and 16 INTs and a QB rating of under 70. He was on a fairly bad team where he was unfamiliar with the offense.

In 2010 with the Chiefs, so far he has a completion % of 59.5 with 18 TDs and 4 INTs and a QB rating over 96. He is on a better team where he's more familiar with the offense.

So the question still remains: are these trends due to Cassel, or due to the team(s) around him? Optimists say it's because Cassel has skills. Pessimists say it's because of the team around him, not him. This question could apply to just about any QB, from Romo to Cutler to Flacco to Sanchez to whoever.

Given the recent history of losing in KC, I think the fans won't be satisfied until they see Cassel lead an over-.500 team into the playoffs and win a game or two... or, at least, not be the reason they lose the game. If the Chiefs make the playoffs and Cassel plays balls to the wall but the D collapses and they lose, most fans won't run Cassel out of town. On the other hand, if he ends the season with a three-pick performance where he's making bad decisions... different story.

The NFL is a "what have you done for me lately?" league. No one will care how pretty his stats are if the Chiefs are one-and-done; likewise, no one will care if he plays half-ass for the remainder of the season if the Chiefs make the playoffs and he leads them to victories.

[GloryDayz]

"Matt Cassel is on an impressive streak"

So are my intestinal bacteria… ROFL LMAO

[Hammock Parties]

BEEN STANDIN' AROUND SUCKIN' ON MY BIG OL' CHILI DOG!!!!BEEN STANDIN' AROUND SUCKIN' ON MY BIG OL' CHILI DOG!!!!BEEN STANDIN' AROUND SUCKIN' ON MY BIG OL' CHILI DOG!!!!BEEN STANDIN' AROUND SUCKIN' ON MY BIG OL' CHILI DOG!!!!BEEN STANDIN' AROUND SUCKIN' ON MY BIG OL' CHILI DOG!!!!BEEN STANDIN' AROUND SUCKIN' ON MY BIG OL' CHILI DOG!!!!BEEN STANDIN' AROUND SUCKIN' ON MY BIG OL' CHILI DOG!!!!BEEN STANDIN' AROUND SUCKIN' ON MY BIG OL' CHILI DOG!!!!BEEN STANDIN' AROUND SUCKIN' ON MY BIG OL' CHILI DOG!!!!BEEN STANDIN' AROUND SUCKIN' ON MY BIG OL' CHILI DOG!!!!BEEN STANDIN' AROUND SUCKIN' ON MY BIG OL' CHILI DOG!!!!BEEN STANDIN' AROUND SUCKIN' ON MY BIG OL' CHILI DOG!!!!BEEN STANDIN' AROUND SUCKIN' ON MY BIG OL' CHILI DOG!!!!BEEN STANDIN' AROUND SUCKIN' ON MY BIG OL' CHILI DOG!!!!BEEN STANDIN' AROUND SUCKIN' ON MY BIG OL' CHILI DOG!!!!BEEN STANDIN' AROUND SUCKIN' ON MY BIG OL' CHILI DOG!!!!BEEN STANDIN' AROUND SUCKIN' ON MY BIG OL' CHILI DOG!!!!BEEN STANDIN' AROUND SUCKIN' ON MY BIG OL' CHILI DOG!!!!BEEN STANDIN' AROUND SUCKIN' ON MY BIG OL' CHILI DOG!!!!

http://i54.tinypic.com/208a2i8.jpg

[Reerun_KC]

GoChiefs has his dupe account going tonight...

[Reerun_KC]

ROFL

[Hammock Parties]

10-1 that's Mr. Kotter.

[Brianfo]

Want him to tell me how my ass tastes. Could change next week, but so far, he has been EpicFail. LMAO. BWAAHAAA!

[TinyEvel]

Cassel frustrates the he'll out of me throughout a game, but Im glad to see him improving. However, I'd be interested to see how many of those TDs were mracle "feet down" moves by Bowe and (Tucker?) and catch and longer runs by Dexter and Bowe.

[CrazyHorse]

Cassel frustrates the he'll out of me throughout a game, but Im glad to see him improving. However, I'd be interested to see how many of those TDs were mracle "feet down" moves by Bowe and (Tucker?) and catch and longer runs by Dexter and Bowe.

You'd be interested because you'd be happier to be bitching about him? Circus catches are made every week regardless who the QB.

The real miracle would be this place looking for the positives with our players as hard as they look for the positives for players of other teams.

Like Sanchez. That dude blows. But I see one post after another about how much better he is than our own guy.

I dont know if you are one of those guys or not. Im just venting. Sorry if I come off the wrong way.

[shocked]

Too bad he's 28 instead of 23.

Sorry, but its not the age its the mileage.

For 27, he's probably got the lowest mileage on him in NFL history.

Same way that guys like Kurt Warner or Rich Gannon can have career years at age 37 or whatever.

[milkman]

Sorry, but its not the age its the mileage.

For 27, he's probably got the lowest mileage on him in NFL history.

Same way that guys like Kurt Warner or Rich Gannon can have career years at age 37 or whatever.

LJ was low mileage.

[cdcox]

Yeah, he's playing better, but the Arizona game was against the worst team in the league, at home. All his numbers against Denver were in garbage time. He was part of the blame for leaving 21 points on the field in the first half against Oakalnd. Some of you are getting way ahead of yourselves. Let's see if he can play like well against a bad team on the road. I'm not at all convinced he is someone that can take us to the level where we are thinking about going to the Super Bowl every year.

[cdcox]

Sorry, but its not the age its the mileage.

For 27, he's probably got the lowest mileage on him in NFL history.

Same way that guys like Kurt Warner or Rich Gannon can have career years at age 37 or whatever.

Mileage has very little to do with QB play. Favre had a great year last season despite the mileage. Elway's high mileage didn't affect him too much his last two years. It has a lot more to do with having the right kind of body/mentality that can allow you to go out there and play despite the fact you don't bounce back from the normal aches and pains as easily as you once did.

[CaliforniaChief]

I'm still not sure about Cassel, which is a slight improvement over when I was sure he was a disaster.

I will say what I AM sure of. If he doesn't turn out to be our QB for years to come, it will squarely be for the reason that Cassel just doesn't have it. We will absolutely get the most we can out of him with our coaching staff, which makes me feel better.

[TheGuardian]

Yeah, he's playing better, but the Arizona game was against the worst team in the league, at home. All his numbers against Denver were in garbage time. He was part of the blame for leaving 21 points on the field in the first half against Oakalnd. Some of you are getting way ahead of yourselves. Let's see if he can play like well against a bad team on the road. I'm not at all convinced he is someone that can take us to the level where we are thinking about going to the Super Bowl every year.

Your post is riddled with stupid. But to address the one for this weekend, Seattle is actually very tough at home. Much like us, but sucks on the road. So if we win in Seattle it will actually be a pretty solid win in that regard.

[cdcox]

Your post is riddled with stupid. But to address the one for this weekend, Seattle is actually very tough at home. Much like us, but sucks on the road. So if we win in Seattle it will actually be a pretty solid win in that regard.

Ok, tell me what they have done at home that is so impressive?

Beat San Francisco? Sorry, not impressed.
Beat Arizona? ZZZZZZZZ.
Beat San Diego? Yes, because SD is stupid enough to give up not one, but two KO returns for TDs. They were out gained by about 250 yards. That doesn't impress me.
Neither does laying down aginst the Giants.

Very tough at home. Very tough.

[Hammock Parties]

We should at least look at a win in Seattle as progress.

If Cassel can't pull it off there's no hope for Dec. 12 in San Diego.

This game is a warmup.

[cdcox]

We should at least look at a win in Seattle as progress.

If Cassel can't pull it off there's no hope for Dec. 12 in San Diego.

This game is a warmup.

We're evaluating a QB, not talking about the overall progress of the team. Regardless if we win or lose, Cassel can look good or bad. We are not talking about stats. He put up good stats against Denver, while looking bad. Last week he looked good against a very bad team in comfortable territory. He should be expected to look good on a consistent basis. This isn't a very big challenge. He should clear it easily.

[Hammock Parties]

This is a challenge for him. He failed miserably in Oakland and Denver.

Baby steps.

[jd1020]

If Cassel can continue to look like he did in the pocket against the Cardinals then I'll take him as a starter. I don't think I saw one play where he was rushed and he started to shake in his boots. He actually looked like a NFL QB. Accuracy can be fixed with foot work but balls to stand in the face of a pass rush can't. Lets hope he can continue to play the way he did against Arizona.

[cdcox]

When I was not in favor of trading for him from the Patriots, I expected him to play fine against weaker teams. These aren't the games by which you judge a QB. He's still in the hole compared the expectations I had for him when he came to the Chiefs, and I didn't want him then.

[Shogun]

I only have one comment on the matter.

http://spiritwaterblood.com/pix/you-can-lead-a-donkey-to-water.jpg

[cdcox]

If Cassel can continue to look like he did in the pocket against the Cardinals then I'll take him as a starter. I don't think I saw one play where he was rushed and he started to shake in his boots. He actually looked like a NFL QB. Accuracy can be fixed with foot work but balls to stand in the face of a pass rush can't. Lets hope he can continue to play the way he did against Arizona.

Progress noted, but emphasis added.

[jd1020]

Progress noted, but emphasis added.

Your empasis doesnt make any sense. Are you trying to say that a Cardinals player collapsing your pocket is different from a Steelers player?

[stevieray]

top 1500 football players in the country. there is no slouch game.

please stop pretending otherwise.

[cdcox]

Your empasis doesnt make any sense. Are you trying to say that a Cardinals player collapsing your pocket is different from a Steelers player?

Yes. I guarantee you he'd get hit multiple times against the Steelers. If he steps into the pocket, those SOBs are going to make him pay for that. It is a hell of a lot easier to step into a pocket when you've had good experiences all day than if you've had bad ones.

It's also easier to step into the pocket when you have a guy open against weak coverage, than if you are uncertain about where the ball will go because Troy P is so damn fast.

[TimeForWasp]

http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/images/Management_Challenges_For_Small_Associations/agreed.gif

The thing is that I see is, All the other qbs in the league were starters on their college team for at least 1 year and most of them probably their whole college career ( I actually have no idea bout that) But cassel has only started for however many games he did for the Pats and now in his second year for us. so that is the equivalent to being in his junior year in college, except older and more classroom lessons and watching lessons. Less body damage and improving every week. Why do you chose not to believe our coaches.


Just sayin

[TheGuardian]

Yes. I guarantee you he'd get hit multiple times against the Steelers. If he steps into the pocket, those SOBs are going to make him pay for that. It is a hell of a lot easier to step into a pocket when you've had good experiences all day than if you've had bad ones.

It's also easier to step into the pocket when you have a guy open against weak coverage, than if you are uncertain about where the ball will go because Troy P is so damn fast.

I've read some stupid shit on here in my time.........

[Pioli Zombie]

Ok, judgeth me noteth. Whilest I know that Victoria Justice doesn't "technically" turn 18 until February, if anyuth if you have had the pleasure to see Victorious lately I thinketh you would agreeth that she, right know, has the most fucketh potential, in Show Business. In fact, I would right now. That is all. And Cassel sucketh.

[Micjones]

For all intents and purposes he's a three year starter.
The guy really hasn't started since High School. Why is everyone so sure he can't continue to improve? He already has...

2009: 18 TD/18 INT
2010: 18 TD/4 INT

Taking care of the ball is HUGE for QB's in this league.

[LaChapelle]

If he could hit Charles or McCluster in stride
the Cassel frustration would boil over into gun play

[Chiefs Pantalones]

We should at least look at a win in Seattle as progress.

If Cassel can't pull it off there's no hope for Dec. 12 in San Diego.

This game is a warmup.

Not so warm without Flowers

[Reerun_KC]

Not so warm without Flowers

Actually I dont think we will miss a beat... I feel flowers was a target lately...

Houston abused him... Jacoby Ford with the game on the line owner him and his family... Brandon Llyod and the Denver WR's thanked him for career days..

he made one play last weekend during the AZ game, other than that, they were completing passess on him all day...

Flowers absence isnt going to be the difference in this game...

[cdcox]

I've read some stupid shit on here in my time.........

If Cassel were to go play on a college team or a high school team I imagine he could have been stepping up in the pocket fine all year.

Is it easier as a receiver to go across the middle vs a pro team, a college team, a high school team, or a pop warner team? They are all going to hit you.

The level of competition makes a huge difference. And there is a huge difference between the Arizona defense and the Pittsburgh defense.

Do you disagree with this?

[Baby Lee]

It's called being wrong. You should be used it by now.

Quoted before pwnmoar starts his 'I'm not saying he's the greatest, I'm just saying be patient' bullshit.

[Reerun_KC]

Finally a flag.

[Rausch]

I've read some stupid shit on here in my time.........

....but this would not be part of my report.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Oh look; a dumbass from ESPN wrote some horseshit for idiots.

[BigMeatballDave]

I just cant get on the bandwagon with this train of thought. There is a grey area between throwing for 400 yards every game and 'painfully low expectations.' Cassel seems like he is improving, he is finally doing the job....What makes people think he can't get better? I mean maybe he can't...Maybe he is at his pinnacle right now....But how would anyone know this? He is pretty young, in the prime of his life.....With a new OC...Improving team....I just don;t get why people wanted to give up on him back in April...and then even now people still want to give up on him after seeing improvements....Let the kid play!Kid? He's 28. This isnt a 23 yo you're coddling.

[Pioli Zombie]

Ass Cattle is putting together the greatest garbage time statistics I have ever seen from a QB in my life.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Ass Cattle is putting together the greatest garbage time statistics I have ever seen from a QB in my life.LMAO

[Bane]

Matt Cassel is taking KC to the mother****ing SB.Get on board! His twitter page is the shit biotches.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Matt Cassel is taking a shit on KC, biotches.

Fxd!:thumb:

[Bane]

Fxd!:thumb:

I'm just trying something new......:evil:

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

I'm just trying something new......:evil:

I wonder where Matt Cassel touched Reerun, and if Reerun would point to it on the doll for us?

[Reerun_KC]

I wonder where Matt Cassel touched Reerun, and if Reerun would point to it on the doll for us?

:spock:

how orginal.... Your lameness knows no bounds....

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

:spock:

how orginal.... Your lameness knows no bounds....

Awesome retort, Fido.

[SDChiefs]

I hate cassel and believe he wont amount to anything more than a serviceable qb but... he has exceded my expectations and he's playing fairly well. Not lights out but he seems to be capable of winning with talent around him so I can't hate on him too bad. As long as he keeps progressing im ok with him.

[jd1020]

When will Cassel start a game in the playoffs to break this "impressive streak?"

[J Diddy]

:spock:

how orginal.... Your lameness knows no bounds....

I mean no disrespect, but have you been asked this before?