Great article.
http://kan.scout.com/2/974628.html The King of Pop Michael Jackson was best known for his astonishing stage presence and musical genius, not his football savvy. But his 1992 hit “Remember the Time” had me daydreaming about a time when the Chiefs had a legitimate franchise quarterback.
Pro Bowler Trent Green was running the helm as he led the Chiefs to their most productive offensive season in Kansas City history. It wasn’t always so lovely when we first met the journeyman quarterback Dick Vermeil assured us would be “Dangerous”.
Last season, Matt Cassel showed glimpses of staying power when Cassel put up 248 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions while leading the Chiefs to a victory over the reigning Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Cassel and Chris Chambers took over the game twice, once to tie late in the 4th quarter, then again on a 61-yard catch-and-run to solidify the victory kick by Ryan Succup in overtime.
But Cassel had many “Bad” moments last season. Cassel threw 16 touchdowns but also threw 16 interceptions while putting the ball on the ground 14 times. After firing offensive coordinator Chan Gailey and scraping the playbook just weeks before the start of the regular season, these numbers could be the result of the entire offensive unit struggling to comprehend the playbook.
After the 2001 season, in which he led the NFL in interceptions, Green became Vermeil and offensive coordinator Al Saunders’ field general. The next few seasons, Trent became a “Thriller” to watch. Green dropped his interception total to 13, and in 2003 had the fourth fewest interceptions of all quarterbacks starting 16 games when he cashed his ticket to the Pro Bowl.
Cassel often made fans want to “Scream” last season for holding the ball too long, taking 42 sacks last season. Green initially had trouble reacting to defensive pressure as well, but once comfortable in the system, Green dropped his sack total to 26.
Too often last season he displayed, and again at last months OTAs, that he is capable of rallying the troops and being the vocal leader this team needs, especially in the two minute drill. Multiple times last season, often in losses, Cassel led his team down the field in five minute drives. Unfortunately, last season’s defense turned to Swiss cheese too many times, turning praise away from Cassel’s triumphs and drawing ire to the defense.
Scott Pioli has a lot riding on Cassel after trading a second round draft pick and signing him to a 60 million dollar, 5 year contract. He helped nurture his golden egg this offseason by bringing in explosive offensive weapons such as Thomas Jones and “Speed Demon” Dexter McCluster, and adding depth to an improving offensive line in Ryan Lilja and Casey Wiegmann.
Trent Green benefited from having a truly great offensive coordinator in Saunders. Adding Charlie Wies to the coaching staff gives the Chiefs some of the brightest offensive minds in football, which should translate to better numbers for Cassel.
Analyzing the play of Cassel will not always be “Black or White”, but if Cassel fails, the Pioli 5 (Pioli, Haley, Weis, Crennel Cassel) could be hearing Clark Hunt singing “Beat It”.
