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2011 Season
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Home: 3-5
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7-9
Win 1
Will 2012 Be
Matt Cassel's Last Year
By Susie Hodson
Chief Concerns
In 2008, Matt Cassel became the Patriots' starting quarterback when, ironically, former Chiefs' safety Bernard Pollard knocked out Tom Brady out half way through the first quarter of the first game of the year. Brady was placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the year with a torn ACL. That year, the Patriots went 11-5 – barely missing the playoffs.
On February 28, 2009, Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel were traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. Matt was signed to a six-year contract worth $62.7 million dollars. Admittedly, I raised my eyebrow at that amount of money for a second-string quarterback. As I live in Missouri, I just thought to myself, "Okay, Matt. I live in Missouri. Show me you're worth that kind of money."
He didn't show me anything until 2010.
In 2010, Matt Cassel had a phenomenal season that started off with a 21-14 victory over the San Diego Chargers in the opening week's Monday Night Football game in Arrowhead. Due to his form during the month of November, Cassel was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Month. He completed 90 of 144 passes (62.5%) for 1,111 yards and an NFL-leading 12 touchdowns, with just one interception. He had a 111.2% quarterback rating for the month.
On December 8, 2010, Cassel underwent an emergency appendectomy. The Chiefs were forced to start backup Brodie Croyle and lost the game 31-0 against the San Diego Chagers. Cassel would return the next two games and led the Chiefs to landslide wins over both the St. Louis Rams in the Governor's Cup and then at home against the Tennessee Titans. The 34-14 win over the Titans, along with a loss by the Chargers to the Bengals, helped the Chiefs clinch the division title. This was the first Chiefs playoff game in four years and the first home playoff game since 2003 – the last time the Chiefs won the AFC West.
Last year wasn't so hot for Matt Cassel. He lead our Chiefs to a 4-4 record. During the first two games, Cassel only tossed one touchdown. Those first two games were blowout losses. In the second game, Cassel threw three interceptions. Matt finally led the Chiefs to their first win against the Minnesota Vikings on October 2, in which he threw for 260 yards and one touchdown. The next week, he led the Chiefs to a comeback victory against the Colts. The Colts jumped to a 17-0 lead, but Cassel threw four touchdowns and 257 yards with no interceptions to lead the Chiefs to a 28-24 win. After the game, Cassel had a 138.9 quarterback rating. In Week Ten against the Denver Broncos, he injured his hand. He was replaced by by backup Tyler Palko, and had surgery his injured hand on November 14. On November 21, he was placed on injured reserve, ending his season.
One thing I truly like about Romeo Crennel is that he will not hesitate to yank the quarterback if he doesn't feel like he's doing his job. Chief Concerns' Stephen Brown quoted a fan on our Facebook page who said, "The problem with Cassel, and I think others have said as much, is Cassel's stats are misleading. Sure, Cassel had 27 touchdowns against only seven interceptions. But what were the stats against GOOD teams? When the Chiefs are rolling, Cassel puts up nice stats, but if asked to carry it in a clutch game, Cassel chokes more than not."
Matt, I've been on your bandwagon since the Chiefs signed you. Yes, I admittedly relinquished my driver's seat and went to the back, but I never gave up on you. Scott Pioli signed a plethora of weapons to assist you this year and give you the protection that you so desperately need. Show me that you're the quarterback that I'd like you to be.
Rob Gerster
Well let me say first of all that Dontari Poe is now a Chief. Since that is a fact, I will be in his corner hoping that he exceeds my wildest dreams in his football career. Story
Mike Buckman
It is said that football games are won and lost in the trenches. For the Chiefs, this has been a sore spot for the past several seasons. Story
Michael Settle
We're entering the dark days of the off-season. A time filled with agonizing baseball highlights, and a craving thirst for all things football related.
Rob Gerster
Last week, our own Steve Brown posted a comment made by Glen Dorsey. His (Dorsey's) comments were diected at the many pundits who clamored throughout the draft that the Chiefs' record in drafting defensive linemen was best described as spotty. Story
Mike Settle
Dexter McCluster is the self proclaimed "OW," meaning "offensive weapon." But his lack of dependability and consistency could have him searching for a new team in 2012. Story
Stephen Brown – Chief Concerns
Is point differential evidence that Matt Cassel isn’t doing his job? It was used on 610’s The Danny Parkins Show today as possible proof. I disagree. Story
