Defending the Cassel: With Matt Holding Down the Fort, It's Not All Bad for K.C.

There is no doubt that the NFL is a quarterback-driven league. Marquee quarterbacks sell tickets, excite fans, and are given the most praise—and blame. Consequently, the quarterback is one of the most analyzed and talked about positions in football. There are countless QB story lines unfolding this season in the NFL, and while many are being greeted with cautious optimism (Brett Favre is going to have a winning record, right?), there is one QB who just can’t shake off the uncertainty surrounding him. That would be Matt Cassel of the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite his success in New England, the criticisms of Cassel are seemingly endless. They include the inability to throw an accurate deep pass, hanging on to the ball too long in the pocket, going through his progressions too slowly, having never started a game in college, remaining unproven as a starter in the pros...and the list goes on. Whenever his name is mentioned, it stirs up doubts. To many NFL minds, Cassel is stil...