Chiefs ATHAN - If Cassel can't lead them, there is another - Page 4

Hammock Parties · 09-24-2010, 12:58 PM

Kolb to the Chiefs?

http://www.foxsportskansascity.com/0...24&feedID=5070

By Nicholas Athan
FoxSportsKansasCity.com/WarpaintIllustrated.com
September 24, 2010

To say that Sunday’s Chiefs game is important to quarterback Matt Cassel would be an understatement of titanic proportions. The San Francisco 49ers come into Kansas City possessing one of the better run defenses in the league. But that’s not the big story heading into the weekend. The bigger story is that if Cassel fails to impress and earn the Chiefs' third straight win, Kansas City should flirt with acquiring Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb.

When the Philadelphia Eagles visited the Chiefs in the preseason they came into Arrowhead flashing one of the best offenses in the NFC. At the helm of that offense was Kevin Kolb, the man who patiently waited for his chance behind Donovan McNabb the last three years.

McNabb was shipped to the Washington Redskins in the offseason. That move elevated Kolb to starter and put Michael Vick, the former Leavenworth detainee, as his back-up.

But in the Eagles' opening game this season at home against the Green Bay Packers, Kolb went down with a concussion. Enter Vick, who tried his best to mount a valiant comeback in the teams 27-20 loss.

A week later in Detroit, Vick led the Eagles to a 35-32 win over the Lions. On Monday his head coach, Andy Reid, said that Kolb would return as the teams starter this Sunday when the team traveled to Jacksonville to play the Jaguars.

But a day later, Reid did an about-face and Vick got the nod over the man who patiently waited his chance to guide the Eagles offense.

And that move could have repercussions in Kansas City.

In two games as the Chiefs starter, Matt Cassel has guided the team into the end zone just twice. One of them came courtesy of a long Jamaal Charles run, the other a short pass to tight end Tony Moeaki.Considering the blessed field position Cassel has enjoyed the past two games, that’s far from efficient or acceptable as a starting quarterback. And to assume the coaching staff won’t pull the plug on the Cassel experiment if he doesn’t play well Sunday, even if the Chiefs win, would be a big mistake. They might not have a choice.

We talked in clear terms that the Chiefs' opening game against the Chargers was big for this organization. When they traveled to Cleveland last Sunday, again the same was true. This was a game to show their opening victory wasn’t a fluke. And it wasn’t, because Kansas City defeated the Browns on the road.

Now Sunday against a wounded 49ers team, Cassel has to show he is indeed the leader of this offense. He’s going to have to win this game for the Chiefs at some point in the fourth quarter.

San Francisco might be 0-2, and they might be woeful as a road team, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to lay down on Sunday.

This is the game that Cassel makes a statement that he is, without question, the man to lead this team into the playoffs.

That means on Sunday he has to execute the offense to perfection. The coaching staff must be more diligent in their use of offensive personnel. They must support Cassel by surrounding him with their ten best players.

If not, Cassel could find himself on the bench when the Chiefs travel to Indianapolis in two weeks.

The Chiefs have Brodie Croyle as their back-up, but he’s never won a regular season game in five seasons. On the other hand, Kolb has had success as a starter.

In Philly, Kolb has been demoted to bench duty as he watches the more mobile Vick run the offense. An offense he thought was going to be under his direction when the season started.

I don’t subscribe to the unwritten NFL rule that if you suffer an injury, you lose your starting job. To me, the better player should always play.

But in this case, that didn’t happen. Vick isn’t better than Kolb. Sure, he’s more mobile. But as a pocket passer, there is no question that Kolb’s arm strength and accuracy are far superior to Vicks.

In his second season in Kansas City, Cassel has really never had anyone over his shoulder who threatened to take his starting job. It’s clear Croyle isn’t that guy. But the sudden availability of Kolb via trade, should have Cassel on high alert Sunday against the 49ers.

With a win Sunday, the Chiefs have a golden opportunity to move to 3-0. After the bye week they face their toughest stretch of the season with road games at Indianapolis and Houston. If they should be so fortunate to get the win against the 49ers, they’re going to need their best players on the field in order to compete in those very difficult road contests.

That means the quarterback play has to be in mid-season form. And if the coaches even remotely think that Cassel isn’t close, then the Chiefs should make a run for Kolb and get him ready for the Colts and Texans.

The trade would be risky and it would be a very difficult move for Kansas City Chiefs General Manager Scott Pioli. But this is a win now league, and this organization has to show the players they're intent on rebuilding a winner in Kansas City. Adding Kolb would help do just that.

It would also serve notice to the rest of the teams in the AFC West that the Chiefs are the team to beat in 2010.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 09-24-2010, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

Which sucks because;

I've never seen such an easy regular season schedule

The team, sans one position, is playing competent across the board and inspired in key areas.

The competence of the team, sans one position, coupled with the easy schedule moves this team out of the top of the draft and away from acquiring blockbuster talent.

Being a Chiefs fan, to paraphrase the great Percival Cox, is like signing up for an eternal tandem bike ride all along the banks of the River Styx.

Art Vader · 09-24-2010, 03:28 PM

I'm hoping for the offense to magically start clicking one of these games, then they could have something to build upon, but I'd say if Cassel plays super-poorly in the first half of this game and we're losing by a bunch, bench him.

If Croyle(who we know is not the guy) could do something similar to what Gradkowski did last week to show that it is possible to be successful with the tools we have on this offense, it would shine a brighter light on the below-average skills of Cassel, then we could make a play for Kolb.

That being said, Vick is all over the field... he could go down on any play, so I don't see Kolb going anywhere.

The answer is elsewhere, and admitting failure on the Cassel Project would leave a huge dent in Pioli's track-record/ego, so the QB change won't come if Pioli can't convince himself to make the it. Unfortunately for him, he's running out of time to deal with that personal situation without massive scrutiny.

Change IS coming... Cassel starts playing well, or Cassel takes a seat.

Mr. Vader

Hammock Parties · 09-24-2010, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gblowfish

They won't have to pay a rookie QB as much as they're paying Cassel, especially if they draft a QB in the 2nd or 3rd round.

Oh, jesus. Can that actually happen?

TRR · 09-24-2010, 03:46 PM

Nevermind the fact that the Eagles saying they WILL NOT trade Kolb.
Posted via Mobile Device

talastan · 09-24-2010, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gblowfish

They won't have to pay a rookie QB as much as they're paying Cassel, especially if they draft a QB in the 2nd or 3rd round.

If $$$ is the reason why we don't draft a first rounder if we are looking at QB then piss on the FO. While the risk is high the reward is even higher IMO. Mallett depending on how he stands up this weekend would look good in Red 'n' Gold IMO.

Art Vader · 09-24-2010, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRR

Nevermind the fact that the Eagles saying they WILL NOT trade Kolb.
Posted via Mobile Device

Sure they said it, but do you truly believe it? That stance could very well be a bargaining tactic to raise teams' offers. The whole Reid flip flop on Vick starting shows me that there's too much going on over there to believe anything.

Mr. Laz · 09-24-2010, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by talastan

If $$$ is the reason why we don't draft a first rounder if we are looking at QB then piss on the FO. While the risk is high the reward is even higher IMO. Mallett depending on how he stands up this weekend would look good in Red 'n' Gold IMO.

the next draft should have some kind of roster slotting system so drafting a QB in the 1st round shouldn't cost as much.

it also means that the top picks will have more value ... of course as soon as we win a few games the picks at the top of the draft are going to be uber valuable.

That said i still think we could soon be 3-3 even if we do find a way to beat the 49ers. I don't see us beating the colts,texans or jags.

Mr. Laz · 09-24-2010, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Art Vader

Sure they said it, but do you truly believe it? That stance could very well be a bargaining tactic to raise teams' offers. The whole Reid flip flop on Vick starting shows me that there's too much going on over there to believe anything.

Atlanta all over again ... let the illusion that vick get them to trade away a quality QB(Schaub) only to have Vick implode and then they end up looking for another QB.

Philly would be foolish to trade Kolb right now.

TRR · 09-24-2010, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Art Vader

Sure they said it, but do you truly believe it? That stance could very well be a bargaining tactic to raise teams' offers. The whole Reid flip flop on Vick starting shows me that there's too much going on over there to believe anything.

Absolutely they do. Reid and the Eagles put too much time and $$ into Kolb. Reid would also be an idiot to put the franchise in Vicks hands...One of the most unstable players in the game. He is one strike away from never playing in the NFL again.

If the Eagles were to trade Kolb, it would only be for a Ricky Williams type trade anyways which Pioli would NEVER get involved in.

Why would we want Kolb anyway. Draft a damn QB or get a solidified starting caliber QB or both. Not another unknown.
Posted via Mobile Device

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-24-2010, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

Atlanta all over again ... let the illusion that vick get them to trade away a quality QB(Schaub) only to have Vick implode and then they end up looking for another QB.

Philly would be foolish to trade Kolb right now.

Mike Kafka

Art Vader · 09-24-2010, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRR

Absolutely they do. Reid and the Eagles put too much time and $$ into Kolb. Reid would also be an idiot to put the franchise in Vicks hands...One of the most unstable players in the game. He is one strike away from never playing in the NFL again.

If the Eagles were to trade Kolb, it would only be for a Ricky Williams type trade anyways which Pioli would NEVER get involved in.

Why would we want Kolb anyway. Draft a damn QB or get a solidified starting caliber QB or both. Not another unknown.
Posted via Mobile Device

I totally agree. I said he wasn't going anywhere..
not talking necessarily KC getting him, I don't see Pioli doing it either.. but if somebody made an OUTSTANDING offer I think they would consider it, shit they traded away McNabb to a division rival, then so easily handed the starting job over to Vick. I just can't believe that there's no chance at all. maybe 5%. lol

el borracho · 09-24-2010, 06:23 PM

Best case scenario for 2010:
1. Cassel continues to suck inexcusably
2. Chiefs keep winning despite Cassel
3. Chiefs draft a legit QB early in the draft in 2011

p.s. Yes, I know it would be best if Cassel were a legit QB but that is obviously not the case.

**MahiMike** · 09-24-2010, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

Ridiculous.

Stick with Cassel through this year.

If you want a change at QB then grab one in the draft in the first round. Use the 1st, 2nd and 3rd round picks to move in the first round to get the guy you want.

Anyone that still wants to draft and train a QB, needs to think real hard. This is the best coaching staff we've ever had. How long do you think they're gonna be here? 2 yrs? 3? That's simply not enough time to draft a QB and train him.

58-4ever · 09-24-2010, 06:24 PM

I really don't think Reid will part with either of those QBs.

Brock · 09-24-2010, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MahiMike

Anyone that still wants to draft and train a QB, needs to think real hard. This is the best coaching staff we've ever had. How long do you think they're gonna be here? 2 yrs? 3? That's simply not enough time to draft a QB and train him.

Where are they going to go?

09-24-2010, 12:58 PM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $3200478	ATHAN - If Cassel can't lead them, there is another Kolb to the Chiefs? http://www.foxsportskansascity.com/0...24&feedID=5070 By Nicholas Athan FoxSportsKansasCity.com/WarpaintIllustrated.com September 24, 2010 To say that Sunday’s Chiefs game is important to quarterback Matt Cassel would be an understatement of titanic proportions. The San Francisco 49ers come into Kansas City possessing one of the better run defenses in the league. But that’s not the big story heading into the weekend. The bigger story is that if Cassel fails to impress and earn the Chiefs' third straight win, Kansas City should flirt with acquiring Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb. When the Philadelphia Eagles visited the Chiefs in the preseason they came into Arrowhead flashing one of the best offenses in the NFC. At the helm of that offense was Kevin Kolb, the man who patiently waited for his chance behind Donovan McNabb the last three years. McNabb was shipped to the Washington Redskins in the offseason. That move elevated Kolb to starter and put Michael Vick, the former Leavenworth detainee, as his back-up. But in the Eagles' opening game this season at home against the Green Bay Packers, Kolb went down with a concussion. Enter Vick, who tried his best to mount a valiant comeback in the teams 27-20 loss. A week later in Detroit, Vick led the Eagles to a 35-32 win over the Lions. On Monday his head coach, Andy Reid, said that Kolb would return as the teams starter this Sunday when the team traveled to Jacksonville to play the Jaguars. But a day later, Reid did an about-face and Vick got the nod over the man who patiently waited his chance to guide the Eagles offense. And that move could have repercussions in Kansas City. In two games as the Chiefs starter, Matt Cassel has guided the team into the end zone just twice. One of them came courtesy of a long Jamaal Charles run, the other a short pass to tight end Tony Moeaki.Considering the blessed field position Cassel has enjoyed the past two games, that’s far from efficient or acceptable as a starting quarterback. And to assume the coaching staff won’t pull the plug on the Cassel experiment if he doesn’t play well Sunday, even if the Chiefs win, would be a big mistake. They might not have a choice. We talked in clear terms that the Chiefs' opening game against the Chargers was big for this organization. When they traveled to Cleveland last Sunday, again the same was true. This was a game to show their opening victory wasn’t a fluke. And it wasn’t, because Kansas City defeated the Browns on the road. Now Sunday against a wounded 49ers team, Cassel has to show he is indeed the leader of this offense. He’s going to have to win this game for the Chiefs at some point in the fourth quarter. San Francisco might be 0-2, and they might be woeful as a road team, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to lay down on Sunday. This is the game that Cassel makes a statement that he is, without question, the man to lead this team into the playoffs. That means on Sunday he has to execute the offense to perfection. The coaching staff must be more diligent in their use of offensive personnel. They must support Cassel by surrounding him with their ten best players. If not, Cassel could find himself on the bench when the Chiefs travel to Indianapolis in two weeks. The Chiefs have Brodie Croyle as their back-up, but he’s never won a regular season game in five seasons. On the other hand, Kolb has had success as a starter. In Philly, Kolb has been demoted to bench duty as he watches the more mobile Vick run the offense. An offense he thought was going to be under his direction when the season started. I don’t subscribe to the unwritten NFL rule that if you suffer an injury, you lose your starting job. To me, the better player should always play. But in this case, that didn’t happen. Vick isn’t better than Kolb. Sure, he’s more mobile. But as a pocket passer, there is no question that Kolb’s arm strength and accuracy are far superior to Vicks. In his second season in Kansas City, Cassel has really never had anyone over his shoulder who threatened to take his starting job. It’s clear Croyle isn’t that guy. But the sudden availability of Kolb via trade, should have Cassel on high alert Sunday against the 49ers. With a win Sunday, the Chiefs have a golden opportunity to move to 3-0. After the bye week they face their toughest stretch of the season with road games at Indianapolis and Houston. If they should be so fortunate to get the win against the 49ers, they’re going to need their best players on the field in order to compete in those very difficult road contests. That means the quarterback play has to be in mid-season form. And if the coaches even remotely think that Cassel isn’t close, then the Chiefs should make a run for Kolb and get him ready for the Colts and Texans. The trade would be risky and it would be a very difficult move for Kansas City Chiefs General Manager Scott Pioli. But this is a win now league, and this organization has to show the players they're intent on rebuilding a winner in Kansas City. Adding Kolb would help do just that. It would also serve notice to the rest of the teams in the AFC West that the Chiefs are the team to beat in 2010.
Posts: 285,982

09-24-2010, 03:28 PM	#47
Art Vader Geronimo! Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Krug Park Casino cash: $10006752	I'm hoping for the offense to magically start clicking one of these games, then they could have something to build upon, but I'd say if Cassel plays super-poorly in the first half of this game and we're losing by a bunch, bench him. If Croyle(who we know is not the guy) could do something similar to what Gradkowski did last week to show that it is possible to be successful with the tools we have on this offense, it would shine a brighter light on the below-average skills of Cassel, then we could make a play for Kolb. That being said, Vick is all over the field... he could go down on any play, so I don't see Kolb going anywhere. The answer is elsewhere, and admitting failure on the Cassel Project would leave a huge dent in Pioli's track-record/ego, so the QB change won't come if Pioli can't convince himself to make the it. Unfortunately for him, he's running out of time to deal with that personal situation without massive scrutiny. Change IS coming... Cassel starts playing well, or Cassel takes a seat. Mr. Vader
Posts: 600

09-24-2010, 03:46 PM	#49
TRR The Priest and I Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: CO Casino cash: $9860185	Nevermind the fact that the Eagles saying they WILL NOT trade Kolb. Posted via Mobile Device
Posts: 7,265

09-24-2010, 06:23 PM	#57
el borracho In Pat We Trust Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Albuquerque, NM Casino cash: $4889148	Best case scenario for 2010: 1. Cassel continues to suck inexcusably 2. Chiefs keep winning despite Cassel 3. Chiefs draft a legit QB early in the draft in 2011 p.s. Yes, I know it would be best if Cassel were a legit QB but that is obviously not the case.
Posts: 11,983

09-24-2010, 06:24 PM	#59
58-4ever The Collective Unconscious Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: The OP Casino cash: $9470422	I really don't think Reid will part with either of those QBs.
Posts: 10,433