28BreaksAnkles wrote:Here are a few factors:
Matt Cassel -
1st game- lead the team on two crisp drives in the first game, resulting in 0 TDs.
Except for that rushing TD by Asiata on the opening drive vs Oakland. You can't penalize the QB for a goal line TD run.
28BreaksAnkles wrote:2nd game- lead the team for the first half to a decent start with effective throwing, 1 TD, and a fieldgoal. Had issues at times with continuing drives and identifying pressure, and handling pressure in the pocket.
What about that nice 20+ yard run? I thought he identified pressure just fine. He was even able to look over his shoulder on that long run which allowed him to get down and slide before he was stripped from behind.
28BreaksAnkles wrote:3rd game- Although his first drive, and ensuing gorgeous deep bomb to Cordarrelle, was a promising start, Matt struggled thereafter to move the chains, get in scoring position or build on the first drive. Matt struggled multiple times with identifying when the Chiefs were sending extra guys- and from where-.. he was constantly pressured in the pocket, and was clunky with his pocket step-up resulting in a few sacks, a fumble, and an ugly pick into double coverage..
I agree it was his most shakiest game of the preseason, but his deep passes were on target despite his struggles in other areas.
28BreaksAnkles wrote:I was just dissapointed with his performance overall on the day if you subtract the 75 yard TD to Cordarrelle - ~75yds, 0 TD, 1 INT, in 3 quarters of play??????????
It was a 53 yard TD to Patterson, and how can you subtract it? It was a beautiful ball, on target, and in stride. And if you subtract it, then I'm going to add the beautiful pass to Jennings over 2 defenders that was ruled out of bounds because Jennings didn't get his foot down. Poor effort by Jennings. And the interception wasn't a bad pass. It was probably a bad decision to throw deep into double coverage, but Simpson didn't exactly go up and fight for the ball. The play was equivalent to a 54 yard punt (on 1st down), which is much longer than the punts we're getting from Locke lately xD.
28BreaksAnkles wrote:Although he was mostly efficient in his preseason outings, he was struggling with things that a vet should not be struggling with (pocket pressure, sustaining drives)
All vets have bad games where they struggle with things they typically don't struggle with. Did you watch Manning in the Bowl this past February? It happens. The "at-a-boys" far out weigh the "oh-$hits" by Cassel so far this preseason, and I think he earned the starting job. Besides we owe it to him for making him sit behind Ponder last year xD.
28BreaksAnkles wrote:Ted -
1st game- saw limited time. Consistently was hurried, and under major pressure in the pocket. Although he made a few mistakes, he avoided any huge turnovers, or costly errors. was surprisingly efficient given the circumstances..
He held the ball too long in that 1st game and didn't take any chances. And maybe he never got credited with a turnover, but he did have that fumble down near the red zone.
28BreaksAnkles wrote:2nd game- Commanding on the field, Moved the ball
No doubt about it, one heck of a game. You never would have guessed he was a rookie. The poise, the coolness, the clutch. Pressure doesn't seem to rattle this kid and the future looks promising for us at the QB position for the 1st time in a long time. I'm most impressed with how he's handled the blitz. I bet his rating is higher vs the blitz than not.
28BreaksAnkles wrote:3rd game- although I was surprised that we didn't get to see him until the 4th, he did exactly what he needed to do.. When he ended up with the ball in the redzone, he did NOT settle for fieldgoals, or make mistakes. He threw 2 TDs... Both were good decisions
I think that has a lot to do with Norvs aggressive vertical scheme. We're actually going to see more shots at and into the end zone, and I love it. Between the conservative schemes run by Childress and Frazier, we've been deprived of watching an offense that could attack the end zone. It also helps to have QB's who can execute and both Cassel and Teddy have delivered so far. Teddy has done a lot of things right and it's more than encouraging, but I think Cassel deserves the start. Let Teddy sit, learn, and gain a little weight. If Cassel goes on one of his Ponderesque runs, then let the controversy begin.
at the play cards. That baby play card is always going to be funny.