Problems In Evaluating Cassel … Thursday Cup O’Chiefs
Have you wondered why it’s been so long since the Chiefs developed their own quarterback?
Watching and listening to what’s happened in the last month or so with QB Matt Cassel, it’s not hard to understand why the Chiefs haven’t gone the developmental route since drafting Todd Blackledge back in 1983.
It’s not easy watching a quarterback earn his stripes. It’s a mess actually, a roller coaster that produces all the feelings that go into any amusement park ride: exhilaration, nausea, thrills, chills, fear and many more emotions.
There’s nothing easy about dealing with the trials and tribulations of an inexperienced quarterback trying to find his way. But there is an investment of time and patience that must be made by an organization if they are truly going to give their guy a chance to be the franchise quarterback.
Right now, the Chiefs seem willing to be patient. Todd Haley gave Cassel the hook last Sunday, but immediately stated that he was not going to change his starter.
Cassel has 26 games as a starting quarterback in the NFL. That’s 15 in New England last season and 11 this year. His record as a starter is 13-13. That’s better than most.
For all those who have already decided Cassel isn’t capable of being the franchise quarterback for the Chiefs, I’m here to tell you that assessment is premature. And, for all those who think Cassel is the man to eventually be the replacement for the long retired Len Dawson, I say not so fast.
Any evaluation of Cassel at this point has to take into account many factors, some of which are out of his control. The hardest part of divining whether a young quarterback is capable of leading a team is the team itself. Who is he playing with? What kind of situations is he asked to handle? What type of game plans is he given? What’s the coaching staff like? How much patience does the organization have?
After 11 games as the starting quarterback for the Chiefs, I can’t make any type of assessment of whether Cassel is the quarterback this team has sought for so long. The sample size for his performances is not big enough and there are key factors involved that have made his development and progress harder to define and grade. They are:
SACKS – Nothing destroys a young quarterback’s confidence more than getting pounded week after week by the powerful pass rushers that populate the NFL. They develop visible physical signals of the problem, like happy feet in the pocket, if they even stay in the pocket. Completion percentages fall, as the battered passer gets rid of the ball too early, or on the run.
Cassel’s completion percentage ranks among the worst passers in the league at 53.9 percent. The NFL average is 61 percent. There are times when Cassel shows nervous feet in the pocket, but he’s done a good job for the most part of fighting that and hanging in there, no matter what might be coming at him.
Only Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers (45) has been sacked more often than the 37 times that Cassel has been brought down. The NFL average is 26.3 sacks.
The QB does not get absolved of fault on the sacks, but the problems in protection are generally traceable to the bodies in front of him.
ANALYSIS: the Chiefs protection has been too poor and too inconsistent to accurately analyze Cassel’s pocket presence.
DROPPED PASSES – The Chiefs lead the NFL with 37 dropped passes and 32 of those have come on passes thrown by Cassel. No other quarterback in the league has dealt with as many dropped balls.
WR Bobby Wade is tied for the league lead in dropped passes with nine. WR Mark Bradley and WR Dwayne Bowe are tied for eighth with seven drops each. There are 16 players ranked in the top 10 among individual receivers with drops and the Chiefs are the only team with three players in that group.
Like the sacks, a quarterback does not get absolved from blame for the drops. Generally, the drops will be matched by the great catches that a receiver makes on passes that were not thrown very well. The league number crunchers have a stat they call poor throws. Cassel ranks fifth in the league in poor throws with 62. That’s behind Tony Romo of Dallas (80), Matthew Stafford of Detroit (80), Tom Brady in New England (68) and Chicago’s Jay Cutler (62). None of those quarterbacks have been sacked 37 times either.
ANALYSIS: the Chiefs have dropped far too many passes this season. Having three players in the top eight among players with the most drops is overwhelming and makes judging Cassel accuracy throwing the football a tough and unfair assignment.
INJURIES/SUSPENSION – Stability is one of the greatest helpers for a young quarterback. If the faces around him remain familiar from week-to-week, he can grow more comfortable dealing with all the other bogeys that cross his radar screen.
Cassel hasn’t had that. There were injuries along the offensive line that took LT Branden Albert and RG Mike Goff out of the starting group. C Rudy Niswanger did not miss any games, but he did miss almost two weeks of practice time.
RB Larry Johnson was suspended by the team and then released. WR Dwayne Bowe is serving out the final week of his four-game NFL suspension.
ANALYSIS: the instability of key performers makes it that much tougher to judge Cassel and his play. Generally, bad football teams are shallow in quality depth and the ‘09 Chiefs are a perfect example of that type of team.
ROSTER SHUFFLING – Consider that among the six receivers Cassel targeted most often against Denver, four were not with the team for the opening game of the season: Wade (12), WR Lance Long (8), WR Chris Chambers (6) and TE Leonard Pope (3).
In the offense after 12 games, the second, third, sixth and ninth leading receivers were not part of the off-season program, training camp or the pre-season. Haley can talk about that being over-rated, but I don’t think we’ll see him stop having OTA sessions and training camp. There were a lot of practices and a lot of throws made to players who are not around anymore.
ANALYSIS: developing the quarterback-receiver relationship is tough for any inexperienced quarterback getting his feet wet with a new team. Make that even more difficult by changing the team on a regular basis and it’s going to take longer for the key performers in the passing game to get on the same page.
CHANGE IN OFFENSE – No other starting quarterback in the NFL had to go through what Cassel did back in early September when Haley fired offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. Now, Tampa Bay and Buffalo also fired their offensive coordinators. But they did not make as massive a change to the offense as what Haley did with the Chiefs; he basically knocked down the first and second floors of the offensive house, left the foundation and rebuilt. All this was done on the run and through the early part of the regular season, not in scrimmages and meaningless exhibition games.
ANALYSIS: Not many quarterbacks have been asked to do what Cassel has been forced to do in his second season as a starting quarterback. It makes it very tough to evaluate all of his skills. That the Chiefs have not had a consistent or productive offense should not come as a surprise given the circumstances.
The same can be said for Matt Cassel. There are qualities of a successful NFL starting quarterback that he displays on a regular basis.
But it’s far too early in the process to say that Cassel is or isn’t the franchise quarterback so desired by the Chiefs and their fans.
I know you don’t want to hear this, but everyone is going to have to be patient. Matt Cassel has shown enough that he deserves a fair chance to find success on the other end of the tunnel of development.
SIGNINGS, HONORS, INJURIES & MOVEMENT AROUND THE LEAGUE
- AFC – named Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski offensive player of the week, Jaguars LB Justin Durant defensive player of the week and Dolphins K Dan Carpenter special teams player of the week.
- NFC – named Cardinals QB Kurt Warner offensive player of the week, Packers LB Clay Matthews as defensive player of the week and Giants WR Domenik Hixon as the special teams player of the week.
- BENGALS – signed DT Shaun Smith; placed TE Chase Coffman on the injured-reserve list (ankle).
- BRONCOS – signed OT Herb Taylor; placed OT Ryan Harris on the injured-reserve list (toe).
- CHARGERS – placed DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo on the injured-reserve list (ankle); signed DT Antonio Garay from the Jets practice squad.
- COLTS – placed QB Jim Sorgi on the injured-reserve list (shoulder); re-signed OT Michael Toudouze.
- JETS – announced that QB Matt Sanchez would not play this Sunday and Kellen Clemens will start against the Buccaneers.
- PATRIOTS – placed S Bret Lockett on the injured-reserve list (groin); promoted DT Titus Adams from the practice squad.
- RAMS – placed S Oshiomogho Atogwe on the injured-reserve list (shoulder); promoted QB Mike Reilly from the practice squad.
- REDSKINS – promoted OT William Robinson from the practice squad.
- SAINTS – promoted RB Marcus Mailei and LB Anthony Waters from the practice squad.
- STEELERS – released QB Tyler Palko; promoted WR Tyler Grisham from the practice squad.
- TEXANS – placed RB Steve Slaton on the injured-reserve list (neck).
- TITANS – DT Jason Jones is out for the rest of the season after shoulder surgery on Wednesday.
- VIKINGS – placed LB E.J. Henderson on the injured-reserve list (leg); promoted TE Garrett Mills from the practice squad.
FROM THE PAGES OF CHIEFS HISTORY
On December 10, 1961, the Dallas Texans beat the Denver Broncos 49-21 in front of 8,000 fans at the Cotton Bowl. The Texans scored early and often in this game, with seven total touchdowns. The star of the game was rookie RB/WR Frank Jackson out of SMU. Jackson scored four touchdowns in this game on runs of eight, 30 and 49 yards, and a 20-yard scoring pass from QB Cotton Davidson. With RB Abner Haynes out of the game due to injury, Jackson became the workhorse for the Dallas offense. He carried the ball 16 times for 106 yards and caught four passes for 76 yards. RB Bo Dickinson scored o n a one-yard run, and RB Johnny Robinson caught a 45-yard TD pass from Davidson. The defense contributed as well, as LB Sherrill Headrick (left) returned one of his two interceptions 31 yards for a touchdown. LB Smokey Stover also had two interceptions.
On December 10, 1967, the Chiefs beat the New York Jets 21-7 at Shea Stadium with 62,893 fans in the stands. This game was scoreless at half-time, but the Chiefs got a pair of touchdowns in the third quarter. RB Curtis McClinton scored on a one-yard run and WR Chris Burford caught an 11-yard TD pass from QB Len Dawson. They added a fourth-quarter touchdown when CB Fred Williamson (right) grabbed an interception off Jets QB Joe Namath and took it back 77 yards for a touchdown. The KC defense forced three turnovers, including a pair of interceptions by Williamson and LB Bobby Bell and allowed just 167 yards
On December 10, 1972, the Chiefs beat the Baltimore Colts 24-10 at Arrowhead Stadium. A crowd of 44,175 fans sat through weather conditions where the wind-chill was minus five degrees. The star of the day was RB Wendell Hayes, who ran for 104 yards on 19 carries and caught five passes for 55 yards, including 13-yard TD pass from QB Len Dawson. WR Otis Taylor (left) caught a 25-yard TD pass from Dawson and RB Ed Podolak scored on a five-yard run.
On December 10, 1978, the Chiefs lost to the Denver Broncos 24-3 at Mile High Stadium. The Broncos clinched the AFC West title with the victory. It was led by QB Craig Morton, who threw three touchdown passes, while completing 19 of 22 passes and at one point hit 16 straight passes. Denver TE Riley Odoms caught seven passes for 165 yards including a pair of TD passes. The Chiefs had just 199 yards in total offense and put only a FG from K Jan Stenerud on the scoreboard. QB Mike Livingston was 10 of 29 for 115 yards and an interception.
On December 10, 1989, the Chiefs beat the Green Bay Packers 21-3 at Lambeau Field. It was a big second quarter for the offense and a top-level performance by the defense that brought the Chiefs victory on the hallowed grounds of Lambeau. Steve DeBerg had touchdown passes of 11 yards to TE Jonathan Hayes and 12 yards to WR Emile Harry. Christian Okoye got the other score with a three-yard TD run, one of 38 he had in the game for a total of 131 yards. The Chiefs defense gave up just 208 yards and Lloyd Burruss has an interception of Packers QB Don Majkowski. Neil Smith, Dan Saleaumua and Albert Lewis had sacks.
On December 10, 2000, the Chiefs beat Carolina 15-14 in front of 77,481 fans at Arrowhead Stadium. Despite four turnovers, the Chiefs were able to grab a one-point victory on a fourth quarter field goal of 33 yards by K Todd Peterson. Earlier in the final period, QB Elvis Grbac and TE Tony Gonzalez combined on a six-yard TD play. Peterson had two other FGs, good from 24 and 35 yards. Grbac was 31 of 44 for 315 yards, but had two interceptions. The Chiefs defense had six sacks, as DEs Duane Clemons and Eric Hicks (right) had two each. FS Jerome Woods had an interception of Panthers QB Steve Beuerlein.
SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY …
Born on December 10, 1947 in Munising, Michigan was LB Clyde Werner. He was selected in the second round of the 1970 NFL Draft out of the University of Washington. Werner played in five seasons with the Chiefs (1970-74, 1976), appearing in 63 games, with four starts. He intercepted two passes and recovered three fumbles.
Born on December 10, 1936 in Fort Worth, Texas was QB Hunter Enis (left). He joined the original Dallas Texans for the 1960 inaguaral season, appearing in all 14 games and making one start. Enis completed 30 of 54 passes for 357 yards with one TD pass and two interceptions. He ran 12 times for minus-12 yards. Enis spent the 1961 AFL season with San Diego, and then split time in 1962 with Denver and Oakland.
I agree Bob….this is the painful rebuilding experience and we are not just developing a QB….but the whole team….even the head coach! I myself have grown weary but we all must hang in there. Better times surly are coming….it’s just difficult to see. Patience is never easy.
And as to the concern that he is incapable of hitting a receiver in stride??? He either throws it behind or too far in front of the receivers.
He did this last year with the Pat’s too.
This is a God Given Talent. You can’t learn to lead them properly, and it can’t be coached.
60 Million Dollar Bust!
Pioli so far is a Bust!
He conducts himself like the Scared Kid in his first “Big Job”.
How has this team improved since Pioli took over?
Haley sucks too!
If Haley losses either the Bengals or the Bills Games… Then Changes Must Be Made!!! Maybe you don’t fire Haley…but changes must be made!!
How has this team improved since Haley took over?
Nice that Clark has already prepared an excuse for the Blackout – “December, bad teams, economy, etc.” – Keep fielding LOSERS and it will be every home game.
30Million+ every year + asset appreciation – and you still give us losers every year! How about making less than 30M yr for a couple of years, and fielding a WINNER for once? You still would get the asset appreciation.
Until then – You are tagged as: “Content with Losing!”
Amazaing.
Bob lays out the analysis process for us in a methodical, step-by-step way, and we still figure we have a better criteria. What I’ve seen is the same toughness and refuse-to-give-up mentality that makes truly successful quarterbacks. The success in 2008 that Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan had last year were flukes. How are their performances this year? I just watched Flacco make bad decision after bad decision on Monday night. Ryan’s out, after a sophomore slump then injury. I’m proud of Cassel and his fighting spirit. At the Broncos game, I saw catchable balls dropped, routes cut off, taking routes and blocking assignments off, and dashes to the sideline rather than getting hit. You want somebody to blame? Line up the Chiefs receivers.
If I’m Cassel and read this column, I’d have to seriously think about asking Bob Gretz to represent me in my next round of negotiation with management. Bob builds a case better than most agents I’ve heard, read about and seen!
Lots of food for thought and consideration here. For me, I’ve been convinced to back off on my criticism of Cassel for the time being BUT like most fans and even owners, our patience is on a short leash.
We need more talent at every position.
Until then, this is just a mental exercise in bitching.
Husteak,
Bob clearly addresses your ‘hit in stride’ theory by saying all the receivers he is using now he does not have a rapport with and has not had enough reps. You need to pay more attention.
Plus your vitriol is clearly misdirected.
ThunderChief, way to hit it. I actually support Cassel over what is left on the team. Gretz’s article was on target. Only two things missing. First Cassel is as inaccurate as any QB who is keeping his job. He has been that way since day one and I do not believe it is the shock of playing for the vaulted Chiefs or Haley. He just doens not hit the receiver in stride. Secondly, and I consider the most telling, I do not see the spark. Elway was not good his first year but every once in a while you saw something. I call it the spark, he would make one play and you say man he has got it. Cassel has not shown that to me yet. A dependable, serviceable QB with proper supporting cast around him but no wow factor. He will do but that is all.
I agree, it’s way to early to judge him, this whole team, with the exception of a very few positions is average and below, Green, if I remember correctly was not exactly stellar his first year or two either, I will wait til at least next year to see what form this team shapes up to be, we already knew this year was a wash, listening to the afternoon sports radio goons in KC would have us all believe we have no hope for anything!
I’ve debated the Cassel thing way too much…so I won’t do it today. I will simply say this: Right now, he’s the best QB on our roster.
I would add, though…that maybe having a good QB coach might help this young man to improve on the things he needs to improve upon.
I agree it is too early to judge Cassel but it interesting to compare his work with Thigpen last year. They put in an offense mid-season with the same or worse o-line as this year and no better receivers and he had a string of pretty good games. Of course Thigpen had TG but if TG is the only difference between them maybe we should have kept TG and used the 2nd round pick we traded for Cassel on a receiver. We will see if he can reach the Trent Green level.
[...] Problems In Evaluating Cassel … Thursday Cup O’Chiefs from Bob Gretz [...]
A side issue on the Cassel situation. Anyone old enough Archie Manning in NO? He had skills and could have been among the best if he had not been in NO. The management in NO continually got the worst draft picks, guys who did not deliver. No free agency in those day (if I remember) so all the could get was trades for picks or guys off the street. Anyway Archie is known for his sons not for his play. Please I do not campare Cassel to any Manning but the Chiefs management blew this year as far as providing 22 starters for offense and defense. Next year many of you are hoping for some sort of massive acquisition of talent, it may happen but the tiger does not usually change his stripes, does he? No he has a plan and sticks to it, win or lose.
Justin D,
You watch ANY Patriots games last year?
Same thing as this year. Receivers are under/over thrown, and the ball is held onto for way too long. It’s a pattern.
If I am angry with the Whole of the Chiefs organization – Then how is my vitriol misdirected?
Re: “Bob clearly addresses your ‘hit in stride’ theory”
I do my own thinking. I don’t need sports/news casters to do it for me.
Geez – You must think the Stimulus worked, and the Health Care bill will be GREAT for America. As that is what is being said on the evening news.
Just say you “Disagree”.?.?
el cid,
I agree whole heartedly on your first post. I do not see a Wow factor in Cassel either.
Good article, Bob. Its the most “on the mark” article you’ve penned in some time.
I believe the smartest way to groom a young QB is to get pieces built around him & have him sit behind a vet for a year or two while some key talent is acquired for the offense…specifically a respectable O-line (doesn’t have to be great), serviceable RB corp & a deep threat WR. A TE, & possession WR are much easier to find.
Good article, Bob. Its the most “on the mark” article you’ve penned in some time.
I believe the smartest way to groom a young QB is to get pieces built around him & have him sit behind a vet for a year or two while some key talent is acquired for the offense…specifically a respectable O-line (doesn’t have to be great), serviceable RB corp & a deep threat WR. A TE, & possession WR are much easier to find.
Cassell hasn’t had ANY of these things with us. He had them with the Patriots & he was developing. Give him the same things here & he will continue to do so.
TimR ??? do you want a new QB to sit and learn or sit Cassel or what? Only question “he was developing.”, really, do not think so. He was what he is, do not recall a up side in NE. He had good receivers and a good line but….. maybe I missed his developing side.
All I can say about this matter is….U guys keep holding your breath on Cassel and this huge offseason of acqusitions and ye will surely die!……….LMAO…..Pioli is not gonna give money 2 big tyme FA’s. He is going 2 try and build ths team thru the draft and if he picks another bunch of losers in the draft he will either sell the illusion of players need time or blame the coaching staff. Better yet Pioli doesnt have 2 make excuses for his mistakes, as fans we do them for him…..lol….Go Chiefs(whenever we decide 2 get some real winners apart of this organization)!
Quick answer: A good QB coach and receivers who are committed to fnishing their routes, and an opportunity to work with the SAME corps of receivers from training camp forward. Till then, NOBODY knows.
Do we get to blame anyone because the players who were here for OTAs and training camp do not play now? Just wondering because a 5′7″ Long is such a definite upgrade over all those guys. It is always nice to have a WR who is shorter than most CBs in the NFL, what a find.
Great articel!! Way too may things going on with the TEAM as a Whole to throw baby out with bathwater.. Cassel has the tools and smarts to be very good QB. Recievers need to help out by coming backto ball. BOTH sides of the line need to better job. it appears to me that, Clancy P is not the answer at DC and we need OC..haley has had very tough job–he was handed years and years of bad management
ok, I will say this only one more time for the haters
Cassel IS our future, he IS our leader…The same anti cassel people are those that were anti TRINT….remember? calling trent trint…in front of his kids….
Sorry folks, but cassel is here to stay, I hate all this idea that kc made a mistake, hey guys we have to spend a certain amount anyway, this was LOW LOW risk based on our cap space…front loaded, if he turns into a successful QB which he will…we will have MASSIVE cap room in 2011 and beyond.
hate on him and us supporters all you want…but its too early much like when trent had holmes/gonzo/and an actual OL…
What has cassel had? the worst drop rate among recievers in the nfl, his top reciever OUT with a suspension, his top 4 targets ALL signed DURING the season…And his TOP TARGET…Is Jamaal Charles…hes basically the only good player on offense…so…Cassel deserves LONGER….
cant believe people havent seen cassel lead comebacks against good teams, and not turn the ball over except for a rough 2 week stretch….
compare trent’s INT numbers…he had 24 year one……………
touch pass TD’s, no real offense to speak of, he makes things happen…
its almost sickening how fast everyone gives up on the guy when we havent had ANY LUCK with QB’s in 25 years…seriously people, patience is the key here
anytine you want to REAM Cassel, go look at what trent had to throw to year one, and the fact that he was BROUGHT OVER BECAUSE HE KNEW THE OFFENSE!!!!!!! much like Cassel…so honestly…it takes time…look at matt ryan, is he now rick mirer? a one year wonder?
Its all overreacting to a terrible football team that cant be carried by cassel alone
I find it sad….especially when we have MUCH more pressing needs, a 2nd back, a full OL, some WR’s, a TE..oh RIGHT, and about 8 starters on D.
Cassel needs to gain a lot more pratice in throwing to his rec. on routes…..
Example—–Drew Brese , Montana , etc.—- He is miles off , from developing his eye- hand cordnation …I hate to see recievers taking the blame on dropped passes ,,but when they ALLL get dropped then _there is a need for a closer look .. He looks like he & Wade & some of the receivers are playing back lot football , where you run down & try & get OPEN …Can’t do that in game time NFL.!!!!!!!!!!
If you don’t throw to receivers in route’s , then it’s no more than a ” HAIL MARY ” or check down to TE or blocking FB for relief .
ALL – all this does is leave the QB standing back there waiting for his new found 350 Lb friends to roll around on the ground with .
He can’t find anyone open on almost every play ,that means there is something wrong or there is a need for glasses ?????????
Can’t really blame the chiefs for not wanting to develop their own QB after the Todd Blackledge fiasco. The chiefs passed up on some very good NFL QBs to select that stiff. As for Cassell, the red flags went up for me when I discovered that he had never started at QB anywhere at any level his entire life. And the Chiefs make him their franchise QB after taking over for an injured Tom Brady. Hmmmm.
I wish we could get past Cassel. He is what he is. Durable, adequate if surrounded by adequate support, and not very accurate (study any film you can find). The Chiefs, Scott Pioli, made him the franchise, 63 mil QB. I am not sure Haley even had a voice in it. So we all need to get over it. He is one guy in 22 starters and, brother, some of them a pretty sad on their own.
Finally Bob you write a clear logical and well thought article about Cassell. This is very good work compared to you emotional tirade of him after the Broncos game. Now you sound like a sports reporter. All your points are true. Really their isn’t much else to add to that. Cassell definately deserves a chance to be the franchise guy. He’s shown in New England that with good supporting cast he can win games. He’s already won and started more games than the former franchise Brodie Croyle.
Cassell will be fine once he has a better o-line and more explosive receivers around him. What the Chiefs are doing is no different than the Lions drafting Stafford and paying him a bunch of money. The only difference is we invest that money in a guy that has had sucess in this league and they invested in a guy that has yet prove he can be successful in this league.
Bob and alex k both of you hit it right on the spot. For Chief historians remember when Dawson first came to the team even though he had been in the league for a few years his mechanics were flawed. Fortunately, he had a coach in Stram who had worked with him and was able to straighten them out. Now Dawson had his ups and downs as well and yanked out of games by Stram but he was able to persevere by the talent that was placed around him.
Green had outside of Gonzalez and Holmes (TE and RB) the worst core of receivers in his first year. Everybody including Whitlock wanted to run TRINT Green out of town. However, Vermeil was familiar with Green and was able to upgrade the offense where the Chiefs made Sundays entertaining even when they lost.
Cassell had had to undergo too many changes in his short time here. Changing coordinators right at the end of exhibiton season and uprooting the whole offense. Let’s not forget when the change was made Cassell was injured in the Seahawks game so he didn’t get a chance to grasp the system smoothly. Receivers who don’t play every game but can’t catch the ball. A line which has played below average. Mix in Pioli didn’t get him talent to succeed makes it difficult to evaluate him. I think if Cassell can have a QB coach work on the mechanics along with an OC that will have a paln from the OTAs and training camp, and if Pioli remembers that his investment is only as good as the team surrounding him then the Chiefs will take off next year. If Hunt, Pioli, and Haley don’t realize this then the Chiefs will still be trying to develop another QB in 2011 or 2012 and Haley, Pioli and Cassell out of KC.
el cid – I was referring to the ideal process for developing a qb that you draft…not our situation with Cassel. And yes, he was developing through playing time as ANY player does.
I personally dont see how you guys can say he was successful last year in NE, did they make the playoffs? That’s a step backwards for NE. Anyway, I dont think that he is as good as everyone wants him to be. He has had a lot more crap games then Thigpen had last year and with the same team.