Matt Cassel Injury: Kansas City Chiefs Are in Good Hands with Tyler Palko

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley reported that Matt Cassel's injured hand will require surgery, and could likely sideline their starting quarterback the rest of the year.

On the surface, this sounds like a major blow to the Chiefs, already reeling again following their second consecutive defeat at the hands of a cellar-dwelling NFL team.

But if Sunday's game against Denver is any indication, this isn't the fat lady singing on Kansas City's season; in fact, it could be its resurrection.

The proof is in Kansas City's no-huddle drive with Tyler Palko under center. Not having moved the ball all day, the Chiefs strung together five consecutive completions in less than 90 seconds to reach field-goal range. Palko's play in two minutes far outstripped what Cassel accomplished in the other 58.

To call Cassel's production this season inadequate would be generous. Aside from a three-game stretch against the broken Chargers, Colts and Vikings, the Chiefs quarterback's best game was a 71.8 rating against Miami.

Put another way, Cassel currently ranks 24th among quarterbacks. Colt McCoy, Matt Moore and Kevin Kolb all posted better numbers this season. Benched Denver quarterback Kyle Orton ranks 25th.

Cassel's woes are not solely his to own. Kansas City's offensive line hasn't gotten the job done, allowing 22 sacks in nine games. Opponents sacked Cassel only 26 times in the regular season.

This is the greatest indictment against Cassel, though. In those final two minutes, the Chiefs looked like a team with a purpose again. The line held against Denver's defense; receivers found openings and moved the ball with ease. This offense found the rhythm and discipline they lacked with Cassel behind center.

Down 10 points with less than two minutes left and no timeouts, this team rallied around Palko.