Don't hate Cassel

The Kansas City Star first reported that Matt Cassel has agreed to a long-term deal with the Chiefs to be their quarterback thru at least 2014. Cassel will reportedly earn in excess of $10 million per year, after having only one full season of playing experience. Not professional experience, but PLAYING experience. John Clayton stated “Cassel is believed to be the only quarterback in NFL history to start an NFL game without starting a game in college.” This didn’t just happen overnight. All the pieces just happened to fall right into place.

The New England Patriots took a chance on even drafting the QB out of USC who was the backup to both Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. Again I repeat: "without starting a game in college."

Bernard Pollard decided to be the hero and take out Tom Brady for the entire ’08 season.

Cassel played admirably as a Brady’s fill-in, leading to a $14 million 1 year franchise tag. At the time, nobody expected the Patriots to start ’09 with two 8-figure quarterbacks.

Scott Pioli leaves NE for the same position with the Kansas City Chiefs. By the way, finding a quarterback was his first priority. He just happened to love Matt Cassel, and was able to lure Mike Vrabel and Cassel from NE for a 2^nd round draft pick.

Now the Chiefs have a new head coach in former Arizona offensive coordinator Todd Haley. His work with helping the Cardinals and Kurt Warner to the Super Bowl should only benefit Cassel in KC. A lot of folks want to hate on Cassel but the guy was always in the right place at the right time. Like the classic saying goes: “don't hate the player, hate the game.” photo by Rich Sugg @ Kansas City Star