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Originally Posted by Sylvanfan
I really don't know what the Chiefs are trying to do on offence though, as they are a complete mess right now. They need to upgrade the entire unit, so I suppose the best place to start is the line. After that they can find some backs and receivers. Pointless to draft a QB this year as they're financially married to Cassel and he'd just end up busting behind the current line anyways. They're still at least a 2 year project.
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I think the Chiefs O-line takes too much blame for the poor play of the QB. Many people assume that the success of the passing game is the result of an elite group up front. That is not the case in the NFL. A QB that has great timing, anticipation, and makes good decisions protects the O-line from mistakes and breakdowns. If the QB can't read the blitz before the snap, sense where the pressure is coming from, move in the pocket, or deliver the ball to the right receiver it will appear that his O-line is not giving him the time he needs to deliver the ball effectively. In reality it is the QB who is at fault for not reading the play and setting up his protection accordingly, staying or moving within the pocket and delivering the ball accurately to the right receiver.
Look at the Patriots O-line with Brady under center and then the following year with Cassel under center. Big difference for that O-line with Brady who is pretty much the perfect example of an elite QB and Cassel who should be on the practice squad.
The Chiefs O-line has done a pretty good job of protecting Cassel this year and giving him time to deliver the ball. Cassel won't move in the pocket or stand up and deliver the ball under pressure. He tucks his head and runs instead of delivering the ball down field and taking a shot. Cassel will never be a good QB if he won't stay in the pocket to pass the ball down field. I was even impressed with Alex Smith's ability to stay in the pocket under pressure and deliver the ball yesterday knowing full well he was going to get creamed. I guess that is the difference between the first overall pick and a scrub like Cassel.
Too bad the Chiefs invested so much money into Matt Cassel. They will never get any better on offense with him under center. He simply doesn't have the physical or mental ability to be an average NFL QB never mind an elite one. Hopefully Pioli learns from his mistake of making a business decision based on emotion.