Chiefs Chiefs notebook | Cassel a game-time decision - Page 2

**Tribal Warfare** · 09-19-2009, 02:02 AM

Chiefs notebook | Cassel a game-time decision

Cassel is game-time decision again

Chiefs coach Todd Haley stopped short Friday of a ruling on quarterback Matt Cassel, saying after the team’s practice that he still couldn’t guarantee Cassel’s sprained left knee is healthy enough for a game-day load.

Haley said he would make a decision on Cassel’s availability Sunday morning.

“That’s the safest,” Haley said. “This will be a deal where we will have to make sure they’re good to go.”

Haley said early this week that he hoped to know about Cassel’s availability earlier this week than last, when Haley decided to deactivate Cassel after a morning workout in Baltimore. Brodie Croyle started in Cassel’s place.

Cassel practiced each day this week, and he has worn a brace on his left knee during each day’s workouts. The knee has been wrapped after practices. Cassel said Thursday that he was “leaps and bounds” better than he was at the same time last week, and Haley has said he thought Cassel had made noticeable progress.

Still, Haley said Cassel might have developed some rust after leaving after three plays in the team’s third preseason game and missing its preseason finale and last week’s regular-season opener. Haley said that Cassel has taken enough snaps but that game action is a different challenge for a quarterback.

“We’ve made some pretty drastic changes around here offensively,” Haley said, “and that includes terminology. And even though he was in the meetings, it’s not quite the same when you’re out there and going through the huddle.

“I would say it set him back a little bit, and he’s got to accelerate himself and study extra and put extra time in to catch up.”

Ryan seems at home in Kansas City

After five previous teams, veteran tight end Sean Ryan seems to have adjusted his game to fit Kansas City’s plans.

Ryan is in the unexpected role as the Chiefs’ starter after an unimpressive preseason by second-year tight end Brad Cottam, and Ryan has proved himself a strong blocker and an available receiver. He had a 10-yard touchdown catch in last week’s loss to the Ravens.

He said the receiving part of his job remains a work in progress, even in his sixth season.

“Throughout my career,” he said, “what I’ve been asked to do is be a blocker. I pride myself on being a blocker, and I enjoy it. If, at some point in my career, I’m considered a great receiver, that’s a blessing, too.”

Ryan said he and Cassel spent time playing catch during the offseason, trying to establish timing and trust.

As has been the custom for each of the Chiefs’ promising tight ends, Ryan was asked Friday whether he expected to replace Tony Gonzalez.

“I can’t fill Tony Gonzalez’s shoes,” Ryan said. “(If) Tony Gonzalez wears a size 30; I wear a size 15. There’s no way I’m filling Tony Gonzalez’s shoes, and I’m not trying to do that.”

Injury report

Cornerback Brandon Flowers also will be listed, along with Cassel, as questionable for Sunday’s game. Haley wouldn’t say whether Flowers, who has an injured shoulder, would be ready by Sunday. Flowers told reporters Friday that he felt certain he would play against Oakland.

JuicesFlowing · 09-19-2009, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

He was sacked 47 times last season, and remained standing throughout.

I believe that suggests, rather than being injury prone, he's one tough SOB.

Matt McCassel.

I agree with this.

Reerun_KC · 09-19-2009, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

Yes, we know you're stupid.

Yes you are...

Reerun_KC · 09-19-2009, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

He was sacked 47 times last season, and remained standing throughout.

I believe that suggests, rather than being injury prone, he's one tough SOB.

Mark Castle.

FYP

milkman · 09-19-2009, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

FYP

Almost.

You forgot the "Mc" like in McNair, one tough SOB.

boogblaster · 09-19-2009, 08:31 AM

Croyle is due a win, hopefully if Cassel can't go Croyle gets his first W ...

Reerun_KC · 09-19-2009, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

Almost.

You forgot the "Mc" like in McNair, one tough SOB.

So Mark Castle changed his name like Chad Johnson did?

So now its Mark McCastle?

milkman · 09-19-2009, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

So Mark Castle changed his name like Chad Johnson did?

So now its Mark McCastle?

Absolutely.

That way we know he's a tough SOB, see.....

**BigMeatballDave** · 09-19-2009, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

Yes, we know I'm stupid.

Deberg_1990 · 09-19-2009, 08:54 AM

HardMcCastle and McCormick. This fall on ABC!

Sweet Daddy Hate · 09-19-2009, 10:09 AM

Snake Rassle is a baaaaaaaaaad mother-
Shut Yo Mouth!

ThunderChief · 09-19-2009, 10:10 AM

It's the age old question about gimpy QBs, is it not? OR, any key injured player. You don't want to eat up a gameday roster spot if the guy goes out and can't go after a play or two, but you also want to give yourself the best chance to win.

So you weigh the up vs down sides of the decision to play the guy or let him heal another week. Pressure to win, being what it is with first year head coaches and GMs, I think Cassel will be thrown out there and hopeful that he's able to operate at near full strength.

milkman · 09-19-2009, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThunderChief

It's the age old question about gimpy QBs, is it not? OR, any key injured player. You don't want to eat up a gameday roster spot if the guy goes out and can't go after a play or two, but you also want to give yourself the best chance to win.

So you weigh the up vs down sides of the decision to play the guy or let him heal another week. Pressure to win, being what it is with first year head coaches and GMs, I think Cassel will be thrown out there and hopeful that he's able to operate at near full strength.

Well, I don't know how much pressure Pioli and Haley have to win this year.

I'm thinking they have a free pass for this season because the roster is so talent depleted, and they have to completely eliminate the stink of the last regime.

There's a ton of work to get accomplished.

**cabletech94** · 09-19-2009, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

My Prediction: Croyle time again!

I'm sure some of you heard, but I haven't seen it here yet. Yesterday on Chris and Cowboy, Bill Maas mad the prediction that the qb job was Croyle's to lose. I thought they were joking. That's what Billy Bob said. He even repeated himself.

Probably the nuttiest story IMO, EVAH!!!!

Or Billy Boy's on the sauce.

JD10367 · 09-19-2009, 01:04 PM

The way he was reportedly moving in practice, I'd think they might activate Cassel but not start him. Or they might even have him as the third, emergency, QB.

Really, though. It's in Arrowhead. It's the frickin' Raiders. Even Croyle or Thigpen should be able to beat them.

ThunderChief · 09-19-2009, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cabletech94

I'm sure some of you heard, but I haven't seen it here yet. Yesterday on Chris and Cowboy, Bill Maas mad the prediction that the qb job was Croyle's to lose. I thought they were joking. That's what Billy Bob said. He even repeated himself.

Probably the nuttiest story IMO, EVAH!!!!

Or Billy Boy's on the sauce.

Well,

That would be something. Pay out a huge multi-million $$$ contract to Cassel and then have the 2d team guy as the one to beat out? I suppose stranger things have happened in the past in the NFL.

There was this 6th rounder in NE who...(you know the rest). If Croyle becomes all that and a bag of chips, beating out Cassel, it will create long hours for Thum but the outcome is the outcome.

My way of saying, let the games begin and the best stud win. Can I get an Amen?

09-19-2009, 02:02 AM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2997187	Chiefs notebook \| Cassel a game-time decision Chiefs notebook \| Cassel a game-time decision Cassel is game-time decision again Chiefs coach Todd Haley stopped short Friday of a ruling on quarterback Matt Cassel, saying after the team’s practice that he still couldn’t guarantee Cassel’s sprained left knee is healthy enough for a game-day load. Haley said he would make a decision on Cassel’s availability Sunday morning. “That’s the safest,” Haley said. “This will be a deal where we will have to make sure they’re good to go.” Haley said early this week that he hoped to know about Cassel’s availability earlier this week than last, when Haley decided to deactivate Cassel after a morning workout in Baltimore. Brodie Croyle started in Cassel’s place. Cassel practiced each day this week, and he has worn a brace on his left knee during each day’s workouts. The knee has been wrapped after practices. Cassel said Thursday that he was “leaps and bounds” better than he was at the same time last week, and Haley has said he thought Cassel had made noticeable progress. Still, Haley said Cassel might have developed some rust after leaving after three plays in the team’s third preseason game and missing its preseason finale and last week’s regular-season opener. Haley said that Cassel has taken enough snaps but that game action is a different challenge for a quarterback. “We’ve made some pretty drastic changes around here offensively,” Haley said, “and that includes terminology. And even though he was in the meetings, it’s not quite the same when you’re out there and going through the huddle. “I would say it set him back a little bit, and he’s got to accelerate himself and study extra and put extra time in to catch up.” Ryan seems at home in Kansas City After five previous teams, veteran tight end Sean Ryan seems to have adjusted his game to fit Kansas City’s plans. Ryan is in the unexpected role as the Chiefs’ starter after an unimpressive preseason by second-year tight end Brad Cottam, and Ryan has proved himself a strong blocker and an available receiver. He had a 10-yard touchdown catch in last week’s loss to the Ravens. He said the receiving part of his job remains a work in progress, even in his sixth season. “Throughout my career,” he said, “what I’ve been asked to do is be a blocker. I pride myself on being a blocker, and I enjoy it. If, at some point in my career, I’m considered a great receiver, that’s a blessing, too.” Ryan said he and Cassel spent time playing catch during the offseason, trying to establish timing and trust. As has been the custom for each of the Chiefs’ promising tight ends, Ryan was asked Friday whether he expected to replace Tony Gonzalez. “I can’t fill Tony Gonzalez’s shoes,” Ryan said. “(If) Tony Gonzalez wears a size 30; I wear a size 15. There’s no way I’m filling Tony Gonzalez’s shoes, and I’m not trying to do that.” Injury report Cornerback Brandon Flowers also will be listed, along with Cassel, as questionable for Sunday’s game. Haley wouldn’t say whether Flowers, who has an injured shoulder, would be ready by Sunday. Flowers told reporters Friday that he felt certain he would play against Oakland.
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09-19-2009, 08:31 AM	#20
boogblaster MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Verdigris Valley Campsite Casino cash: $10004900	Croyle is due a win, hopefully if Cassel can't go Croyle gets his first W ... __________________ WR or S please
Posts: 10,305

09-19-2009, 08:54 AM	#24
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $104454	HardMcCastle and McCormick. This fall on ABC!
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09-19-2009, 10:09 AM	#25
Sweet Daddy Hate Unsparing Join Date: Aug 2008 Casino cash: $10004900	Snake Rassle is a baaaaaaaaaad mother- Shut Yo Mouth! __________________ 1. Merciless, severe. 2. Given freely and generously. 100% refusal to overrate 20 year Head Coaches with ZERO **ing rings as a Head Coach. CP's Official Professor of 'Dem Blues for 2019/2020!**
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09-19-2009, 10:10 AM	#26
ThunderChief Starter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: N Florida Casino cash: $10004900	It's the age old question about gimpy QBs, is it not? OR, any key injured player. You don't want to eat up a gameday roster spot if the guy goes out and can't go after a play or two, but you also want to give yourself the best chance to win. So you weigh the up vs down sides of the decision to play the guy or let him heal another week. Pressure to win, being what it is with first year head coaches and GMs, I think Cassel will be thrown out there and hopeful that he's able to operate at near full strength.
Posts: 70

09-19-2009, 01:04 PM	#29
JD10367 Cheaterlover* Join Date: May 2009 Location: RI Casino cash: $10010716	The way he was reportedly moving in practice, I'd think they might activate Cassel but not start him. Or they might even have him as the third, emergency, QB. Really, though. It's in Arrowhead. It's the frickin' Raiders. Even Croyle or Thigpen should be able to beat them.
Posts: 12,916