It doesn’t matter whether Matt Cassel starts at quarterback this week for the Kansas City Chiefs. You heard me right, it doesn’t matter if Matt Cassel starts at quarterback this week for the Chiefs when they host the Oakland Raiders in their home opener.
Why would I say that? It’s simple really. Whether it’s Matt Cassel or Brodie Croyle behind center when the Chiefs take the field, if they don’t find a running game this week, it won’t matter against the Raiders. In week one against the Ravens, Kansas City managed just 29 yards on the ground on 17 attempts, second worst in the NFL.
Larry Johnson carried the ball 11 times for 20 yards with his longest run going for seven. That won’t do it if KC wants to win. That won’t do it if the Chiefs want to control the football and have more than 20 minutes of possession time in the game and that won’t do it if the line wants to protect either Cassel or Croyle from being constantly harassed while trying to throw the ball.
While there’s every indication the Chiefs believe that Cassel will be the QB on Sunday, it’s quite apparent the Chiefs need more weapons on offense. Johnson’s yet to convince me he’s anything close to the runner he once was and the Chiefs haven’t got running back depth like the Patriots for example, who have a group of solid but not great performers.
Coach Todd Haley is still looking for a combination of receivers who’ll work, which is why Bobby Wade was signed. Haley hopes he’ll be available this week. He says Wade needs to know enough of the offense to help them if he’s to be activated.
Bottom line, against a Raider defense that looked improved with Richard Seymour plugging up the middle, the Chiefs will have to run the ball to be successful on Sunday.
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