Kansas City Chiefs: The Slow Preseason Starts of Quarterback Matt Cassel

Kansas City Chiefs fans are likely asking "what gives?" when it comes to quarterback Matt Cassel's slow starts in each of his three preseasons with the franchise.  

Cassel hasn't been even a hair above average, posting as many turnovers (four) as touchdown passes in his nearly three full preseasons under the Todd Haley-led Chiefs.  

But Cassel's preseason play has been proven not to dictate his regular-season performances, as Cassel notched his best year as a pro in 2010 and garnered a Pro Bowl Bid after a so-so preseason.  More importantly, Cassel posted a 27-to-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio and catalyzed the Chiefs' AFC West Championship run.  

So what contributes to Cassel's slow starts in the preseason?  There is no singular answer we can turn towards to attribute Cassel's play to, but it certainly seems as though a few factors do contribute.

Let's start with the fact that Cassel has faced one challenge that no other quarterback has had to in the past two-plus years: having to learn and execute the offensive systems of four different coordinators.  

This year, Cassel has yet another new mentor, as former offensive line coach Bill Muir was promoted to the coordinator slot after Charlie Weis' departure to the University of Florida.  Sure the design of the offensive systems haven't changed dramatically, but with each coordinator comes a new set of terminology wrinkles, preferences and approaches to playing offensive football.  

Cassel isn't the only player who has had to learn each new system, as all of his offensive mates have been subjected to the same circumstances, but no player is more integral to an offense's efficiency than the quarterback.  Learning a new system takes time and repetition—Cassel's poor play in the preseason may be proof in the pudding of that.  

Along with Cassel's new coordinator, he also has a new position coach.  Respected QB-guru Jim Zorn was brought in to tutor Cassel and his quarterback companions, and he will work with Muir and Haley to lead the offensive attack in KC.  Zorn became available after the Ravens decided having Zorn and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron working in such close concert with QB Joe Flacco was not in the best interest of the player or the team.  

Often times in football, engaging the quarterback with one voice proves to be the best way to function, as it builds comfort, trust and confidence between the player and his coach.  With Muir and Zorn in the fold, Cassel will already turn to two strong voices this season, and add to that that head coach Todd Haley will still play a role in the offensive operation, and Cassel is seemingly juggling three different voices.  

Haley remains oddly mum on just who is calling the plays in Kansas City—with he and Muir being the most likely candidates—but it surely appears that Cassel won't be led by just one voice in 2011.  

Beyond sorting out who will be talking to Cassel when and about what, one more difficulty of having multiple coaches being involved with a quarterback—and thus, the offensive game plan—is that each coach will develop a list of play calls he likes best.  Ultimately, having a unified list of plays that both the quarterback and the staff like best will allow the Chiefs to operate as smoothly and proficiently as possible in 2011.  

Without an answer from Haley about just how the offensive operation is working, we can only surmise that it may be a factor that is affecting Cassel thus far in the preseason, but keep an eye on this throughout the year.

Lastly, Cassel's performance is in part related to the players around him.  Yes, the quarterback is responsible for making his teammates better, but he cannot go at it alone.  In last night's dud performance versus St. Louis, Cassel looked uncomfortable in the pocket because the Rams were hot on his trail all night.  

The entire offense, particularly tackles Brandon Albert and Barry Richardson, will need to fortify the layers of protection for Cassel and give him the time he needs to work.  In 2010, the Chiefs' offensive line was up to the task, and time will tell if they can do the same in 2011.  

Regardless of how Matt Cassel performs in the Chiefs' final tune-up (assuming he plays) before they kick-off the 2011 season, Chiefs' fans needn't feel that their season will be for naught based on the preseason body of work of their franchise quarterback.  

The preseason is a prime opportunity for teams, coaches, and players to iron out their adjustments and learn from their mistakes.  In this truncated 2011 offseason, it's likely that the entire NFL will start slower than usual, so Chiefs' fans who are worried about their thus-far-sputtering offense are not alone. 

The Chiefs' will sport a bulls-eye all year as the defending division champs, and Cassel's ability to work through his preseason struggles and repeat his performance of a year ago will go a long way towards another AFC West crown.