Questions abound as KC heads into Philly

The Chiefs head to Philadelphia on Sunday still in search of their first victory under Todd Haley and the road over the next month is not an easy one. With the Giants, Cowboys, Redskins and Chargers staring at them, it could get a lot worse before it gets better. 

Add in the fact the media wanted to create a mini quarterback controversy over the past week when Haley made comments praising first game starter Brodie Croyle.   Matt Cassel will make his second straight start at QB and Haley says he believes Cassel is the guy who gives them the best chance to win, but there’s always week to week competition.

This isn’t just coach speak.  I truly believe he means it when he says if he and the staff think at any point Croyle gives them a better chance to win, despite Cassel’s big contract, sign him up, Brodie will start.  

But even with his 2 interceptions and a couple of mental blunders last week, it was clear to me, Cassel is the right guy.  He showed leadership skills, a fire you like to see and the ability to scramble despite coming off a knee injury.  He also showed rust from being out for four weeks.  It’s also clear his teammates see him as their QB.

All that said, the Chiefs face a daunting task in Philly even though Donovan McNabb is likely out.  Kevin Kolb threw for almost 400 yards in his first ever start last week against the Saints. Michael Vick will play, although in what role, no one is sure, but you can bet the Chiefs will see the Wildcat offense which Philly has run with great success so far.

The Chiefs defense will have to go without injured LB Derrick Johnson, who played very solid ball in the first two games and they’ll have to overcome the hangover of letting the Raiders rip away a victory in the final minute of the game.

Last week against an Oakland team that featured a solid running attack, KC took away the run and forced JaMarcus Russell to throw, something he couldn’t do.  Can they make the Eagles do the same and then stop the pass?  Can they get pressure with their pass rush?

Offensively the Chiefs need to repeat the ground attack they had a week ago when they piled up 173 yards rushing.  Do that and more often than not you win the game.  The offensive line also has to protect Cassel as well as they did last week against Oakland.

It’s a tall task to ask, but as Haley said this week, for the losing skid to end, players have to step up and make plays when the game is on the line.  That’s how you improve. That’s how you win.