Chiefs Haley Ends QB Controversy - Page 2

Hammock Parties · 09-24-2009, 05:19 PM

http://kan.scout.com/2/902635.html

Thursday, after the initial report of a possible quarterback controversy came earlier this week, Todd Haley finally said the magic words that could have put it all to rest three days ago, or better yet, prevented most of it.

“I want to be clear that there’s no doubt in my mind that Matt Cassel gives us the best chance to win,” he said. “But also I will stay with what I say, that if that ever changes, I’ll stand by what I believe in - put the guys out there that have the best chance.”

There’s no debate now and not a shred of deceit in Haley’s voice when he said he thought Cassel gave the Chiefs the best chance to win. So, if he believes that, why not just come right out and say it three days ago? Why not crush any possibility of a controversy instantly? The only logical explanation is that Haley wanted to send the same message to Cassel, and more importantly the rest of his team. There are no “sacred cows.”

However, Cassel indicated Thursday that he wasn’t too bothered by anything that happened this week, and had hoped the head coach would be “in his corner.”

“It’s one of those things where I don’t read the papers,” he said. “I don’t do anything. I don’t really get involved, but he’s been consistent throughout the entire offseason, throughout the entire year…he wants to create competition, and that’s what it’s about. That’s fine with me. I’m ready for the competition if that’s what he wants to make it, but right now I do feel like coach is in my corner. He’s been very supportive of me throughout my entire time here, and we’re just trying to get better and move forward.”

Message received.

Often, coaches, general managers, and players in sports say they don’t read the paper, listen to the radio, or watch TV, at least when it pertains to them. Almost as often as they say it, they’re lying. At Carl Peterson’s farewell speech, he openly admitted he read everything that was written about him, so if Cassel, in fact, does not pay attention to the media, why not?

“I just think it’s a distraction,” he said. “It becomes a distraction, because every week there’s a different story. I learned that real early in my career, especially even going through it last year. People are going to write things and there’s always stories to be told, and it might not even be a story, but to me, in this building, the only people that really matter to me are the coaches, the players, and what I have to do on a weekly basis. Everything else doesn’t really matter.”

Finally moving past the quarterback controversy that wasn’t, the Chiefs actually have a game this weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles. On paper, Philadelphia is a team that should chew up the Chiefs and spit them out, but this Eagles team is limping into Sunday’s contest after a drubbing at the hands of the Saints in Week 2.

Quarterback Donovan McNabb, wide receiver DeSean Jackson and running back Brian Westbrook have still not practiced this week. Wide receiver Kevin Curtis and safety Quintin Demps have only practiced partially, and guard Todd Herremans and cornerback Dimitri Patterson are listed as out for Sunday. Does Haley look at Philly’s injury report? Does it change the Chiefs’ preparation?

“I think you’ve got to assume that those guys are going to be full go,” said Haley. “I think if you go into it any other way it’ll cause you problems, so I’m just assuming that all those guys will get healthy and be out there versus the Chiefs and full go.”

But if McNabb and the others don’t play, the Chiefs will be facing a team with a quarterback less experienced as a starter than Cassel, a rookie running back and a depleted receiving corps. That would level the playing field a bit. Of course, the Chiefs have their share of injuries too.

Despite being listed as a partial participant at today’s practice, Derrick Johnson said he’d be out for Sunday due to a strained groin suffered last week against Oakland. Also listed as partial participants were Cassel, Brandon Flowers, Jake O’Connell and Dwayne Bowe, who has a hamstring issue that Haley is hopeful will clear up.

Cassel, Flowers, and Brian Waters are nursing injuries they were able to overcome and play with last week, while O’Connell and Bowe’s injuries are new. It’s probably safe to say Cassel, Flowers and Waters will be just fine Sunday, but the others are question marks. They technically practiced, but so did Johnson, who isn’t playing, so don’t be shocked if Bowe or O’Connell sit out Sunday.

htismaqe · 09-24-2009, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bane_58

Well He's only 3 pro bowl o lineman,2 pro bowl wide outs,and TG away from being Joe Montana according to the Cassel-ites!!!!

Those excuses seem to work for Brodie Croyle, so why wouldn't they be equally valid for Cassel?

orange · 09-24-2009, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

If the coaches back Cassel, then it really doesn't matter what the fans and media think. It's not a controversy. Period.

What fans and media think - that's what "controversy" is.

The coaches can continue to play Cassel but don't expect the media and forums to shut up and take it.

memyselfI · 09-24-2009, 05:50 PM

The words 'best chance to win' are the kiss of death to QBs in KC. Cassel's been cursed. Poor guy, he did not deserve this.

JD10367 · 09-24-2009, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orange

I'm afraid I must disagree. Only Matt Cassel can end the controversy. He has to stop sucking and start winning.

I think most Chiefs fans would disagree with you. I don't think Cassel has sucked. Sure, occasionally, he's taken a few tongue-licks at the head. But, by and large, compared to the open-mouth, saliva-drooling, deep-throat-moaning cock-gobbling you guys are used to at quarterback, Cassel's been a decent improvement. Can he play better? Sure. Especially once he's healthy. But he's not exactly surrounded by the best and the brightest, and he's in a new system with a new coach and new players. And he's still looked better than Tom Brady, with the exception of five late minutes against Buffalo.

htismaqe · 09-24-2009, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orange

What fans and media think - that's what "controversy" is.

The coaches can continue to play Cassel but don't expect the media and forums to shut up and take it.

It doesn't matter if they shut up and take it or not. A real controversy is grounded in a dispute. There's no dispute here - Cassel is the QB until Haley decides otherwise.

What the fans and media think constitutes sensationalism but it's not possible to manufacture a controversy without a dispute.

Simply Red · 09-24-2009, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bane_58

Yes I did,but those people weren't going to decide who our QB was,so to me there opinions are shit!!!

dogmatic? sure.

htismaqe · 09-24-2009, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JD10367

I think most Chiefs fans would disagree with you. I don't think Cassel has sucked. Sure, occasionally, he's taken a few tongue-licks at the head. But, by and large, compared to the open-mouth, saliva-drooling, deep-throat-moaning cock-gobbling you guys are used to at quarterback, Cassel's been a decent improvement. Can he play better? Sure. Especially once he's healthy. But he's not exactly surrounded by the best and the brightest, and he's in a new system with a new coach and new players. And he's still looked better than Tom Brady, with the exception of five late minutes against Buffalo.

The funniest part of this is the last line - he needs to starting WINNING. I've heard the radio talking heads on WHB say the same thing.

And the guy they want to replace Cassel with hasn't WON A SINGLE GAME in a season's worth of tries.

**Bane** · 09-24-2009, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Those excuses seem to work for Brodie Croyle, so why wouldn't they be equally valid for Cassel?

To me they dont work for either guy..Its been said around here that he's only as good as who we put around him.If thats the mindset we could have brought in anybody.

orange · 09-24-2009, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

The funniest part of this is the last line - he needs to starting WINNING. I've heard the radio talking heads on WHB say the same thing.

And the guy they want to replace Cassel with hasn't WON A SINGLE GAME in a season's worth of tries.

And every 0-1 that Cassel adds to his Chiefs record removes that much difference from him and Croyle.

Simply Red · 09-24-2009, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

The funniest part of this is the last line - he needs to starting WINNING. I've heard the radio talking heads on WHB say the same thing.

And the guy they want to replace Cassel with hasn't WON A SINGLE GAME in a season's worth of tries.

how intelligent yet simple this post is.

**Bane** · 09-24-2009, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orange

And every 0-1 that Cassel adds to his Chiefs record removes that much difference from him and Croyle.

Sad but true.

htismaqe · 09-24-2009, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orange

And every 0-1 that Cassel adds to his Chiefs record removes that much difference from him and Croyle.

Wrong.

Cassel could lose every game he starts this year and still have one HUGE advantage over Croyle:

It took Brodie THREE SEASONS to amass that record because he can't stay on the ****ing field!

boogblaster · 09-24-2009, 07:00 PM

QB = Cassel for better or worse .. he's still a big improvement over anyone else ...

2bikemike · 09-24-2009, 07:31 PM

IMHO I think we will see this offense make progress as the year goes on. Cassel has had one regular season game in this offense. Haley has had Two regular season games to be HC and OC. The right side of the O-line has been in flux since I don't know when. All this media bullshit is just that bullshit. Nobody know what this offense will be at the end of the year.

I say take a deep breath and lets see what we have at the end of the year after the team has had a chance to gel.

splatbass · 09-24-2009, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2bikemike

IMHO I think we will see this offense make progress as the year goes on. Cassel has had one regular season game in this offense. Haley has had Two regular season games to be HC and OC. The right side of the O-line has been in flux since I don't know when. All this media bullshit is just that bullshit. Nobody know what this offense will be at the end of the year.

I say take a deep breath and lets see what we have at the end of the year after the team has had a chance to gel.

I agree. I think the team will get better as the season goes on. I also think this upcoming string of tough games will be good for them even if they lose. Playing against tough opponents will make them better when they get to the easier games at the end of the season.

09-24-2009, 05:19 PM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $750478	Haley Ends QB Controversy http://kan.scout.com/2/902635.html Thursday, after the initial report of a possible quarterback controversy came earlier this week, Todd Haley finally said the magic words that could have put it all to rest three days ago, or better yet, prevented most of it. “I want to be clear that there’s no doubt in my mind that Matt Cassel gives us the best chance to win,” he said. “But also I will stay with what I say, that if that ever changes, I’ll stand by what I believe in - put the guys out there that have the best chance.” There’s no debate now and not a shred of deceit in Haley’s voice when he said he thought Cassel gave the Chiefs the best chance to win. So, if he believes that, why not just come right out and say it three days ago? Why not crush any possibility of a controversy instantly? The only logical explanation is that Haley wanted to send the same message to Cassel, and more importantly the rest of his team. There are no “sacred cows.” However, Cassel indicated Thursday that he wasn’t too bothered by anything that happened this week, and had hoped the head coach would be “in his corner.” “It’s one of those things where I don’t read the papers,” he said. “I don’t do anything. I don’t really get involved, but he’s been consistent throughout the entire offseason, throughout the entire year…he wants to create competition, and that’s what it’s about. That’s fine with me. I’m ready for the competition if that’s what he wants to make it, but right now I do feel like coach is in my corner. He’s been very supportive of me throughout my entire time here, and we’re just trying to get better and move forward.” Message received. Often, coaches, general managers, and players in sports say they don’t read the paper, listen to the radio, or watch TV, at least when it pertains to them. Almost as often as they say it, they’re lying. At Carl Peterson’s farewell speech, he openly admitted he read everything that was written about him, so if Cassel, in fact, does not pay attention to the media, why not? “I just think it’s a distraction,” he said. “It becomes a distraction, because every week there’s a different story. I learned that real early in my career, especially even going through it last year. People are going to write things and there’s always stories to be told, and it might not even be a story, but to me, in this building, the only people that really matter to me are the coaches, the players, and what I have to do on a weekly basis. Everything else doesn’t really matter.” Finally moving past the quarterback controversy that wasn’t, the Chiefs actually have a game this weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles. On paper, Philadelphia is a team that should chew up the Chiefs and spit them out, but this Eagles team is limping into Sunday’s contest after a drubbing at the hands of the Saints in Week 2. Quarterback Donovan McNabb, wide receiver DeSean Jackson and running back Brian Westbrook have still not practiced this week. Wide receiver Kevin Curtis and safety Quintin Demps have only practiced partially, and guard Todd Herremans and cornerback Dimitri Patterson are listed as out for Sunday. Does Haley look at Philly’s injury report? Does it change the Chiefs’ preparation? “I think you’ve got to assume that those guys are going to be full go,” said Haley. “I think if you go into it any other way it’ll cause you problems, so I’m just assuming that all those guys will get healthy and be out there versus the Chiefs and full go.” But if McNabb and the others don’t play, the Chiefs will be facing a team with a quarterback less experienced as a starter than Cassel, a rookie running back and a depleted receiving corps. That would level the playing field a bit. Of course, the Chiefs have their share of injuries too. Despite being listed as a partial participant at today’s practice, Derrick Johnson said he’d be out for Sunday due to a strained groin suffered last week against Oakland. Also listed as partial participants were Cassel, Brandon Flowers, Jake O’Connell and Dwayne Bowe, who has a hamstring issue that Haley is hopeful will clear up. Cassel, Flowers, and Brian Waters are nursing injuries they were able to overcome and play with last week, while O’Connell and Bowe’s injuries are new. It’s probably safe to say Cassel, Flowers and Waters will be just fine Sunday, but the others are question marks. They technically practiced, but so did Johnson, who isn’t playing, so don’t be shocked if Bowe or O’Connell sit out Sunday.
Posts: 297,571

09-24-2009, 05:50 PM	#18
memyselfI CHANGEd your mind yet???? Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Lunatics Anonymous Casino cash: $10005234	The words 'best chance to win' are the kiss of death to QBs in KC. Cassel's been cursed. Poor guy, he did not deserve this. __________________ Meet the new boss same as the old boss. BigChiefDave:"Anyone who thought we would only be in Iraq for a few years is either stoned or just stoopid." "It is unknowable how long that conflict will last. It could last 6 days, 6 wks. I doubt 6 mths." Rummy 2/7/03
Posts: 32,000

09-24-2009, 07:00 PM	#28
boogblaster MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Verdigris Valley Campsite Casino cash: $10004900	QB = Cassel for better or worse .. he's still a big improvement over anyone else ... __________________ WR or S please
Posts: 10,305

09-24-2009, 07:31 PM	#29
2bikemike Born to Ride Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NWA Casino cash: $-1224623	IMHO I think we will see this offense make progress as the year goes on. Cassel has had one regular season game in this offense. Haley has had Two regular season games to be HC and OC. The right side of the O-line has been in flux since I don't know when. All this media bullshit is just that bullshit. Nobody know what this offense will be at the end of the year. I say take a deep breath and lets see what we have at the end of the year after the team has had a chance to gel.
Posts: 16,422