Former Chiefs QB Coach: Cassel Experiencing 'Learning Curve'

I know there are a few of us out there that believe Matt Cassel can perform like a top 10 quarterback when the rest of the offense, namely the offensive line, begins to protect him on a consistent basis.

According to former Chiefs quarterbacks coach Terry Shea, Cassel is experiencing a "learning curve" because of the new situation with new playbook, new language, new players and so on.

Shea told Roger Twibell of 610 Sports this morning that Trent Green had a great run with the Chiefs (Shea was there for five years) but when he came to the Dolphins, where Shea was a coach, the language in the offense was different even though the philosophies were the same.  That made it become a difficult transition for the 15 year veteran.

Cassel is experiencing a similar situation joining the Chiefs this season.

Shea also goes on to say that Green didn't necessarily have a strong arm but "a very accurate arm, much like Drew Brees."

He says a few things need to happen before Chiefs QB Matt Cassel can reach that level.

"I see the consistency in his mechanics and right now he has to have a chance to settle down because he's probably moving mentally before he's ready to throw because of all the sacks and pressures he's received."

Shea said the quarterback gets the "brunt" of the blame for sacks, when it's really an entire offensive concept.

"Right now," he says, "I bet he is going through a real time of decision making where he's hurrying himself.  Again, the mental part of the game for Matt is experiencing that learning curve and if [they] just give him another year of experience he might settle down and become the quarterback everybody wants him to become."

Shea also had some interesting thoughts on quarterback coaches since he is, or was, a quarterbacks coach.  Most importantly, he believes the quarterbacks coach should be a former player who knows the position.

"A quarterback coach probably has to be someone who has played the position, probably moreso than any other coaching segment of the NFL."

Of course, the Chiefs quarterbacks coach/offensive coordinator/head coach is Todd Haley.

"And one who can anticipate things for his quarterback that he needs to hear on a conscious level during the course of a game or practice."