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On January 12, 2001, Dick Vermeil was named head coach of the Kansas City Cheifs replacing Gunther Cunningham. He traded for QB Trent Green and acguired RB Priest Holmes. In his first season, the Chiefs went 6-10. But we know the story doesn't end there. Over the next two years the Chiefs improved. In 2002, they were 8-8 and in 2003, they were 13-3.

On February 6, 2009, Todd Haley accepted the head coaching position for the Chiefs and replaced Herm Edwards. QB Matt Cassel was traded in and the organization let go of TE Tony Gonzalez. The Chiefs went 4-12. So, what's in store for this season?

Each year QB Trent Green improved. With this in mind, I would like to look at QB Matt Cassel in comparison to Green and look at his potential as a Chief.

1st Year Stats as a Chief

Green:   3,783 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, but also 24 interceptions

Cassel: 2,924 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, 16 interceptions

2nd Year Stats as a Chief 

Green:  3,690 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and only 13 int's

Cassel: ????????

Trent Green ( 1993 / Round: 8 / Pick: 222) - In 2001, Green had RB Priest Holmes, TE Tony Gonzalez,  WR's Derrick Alexander and Snoop Minnis. In 2002, we added WR's Eddie Kennison and Johnnie Morton and WR/KR Dante Hall emerged. Our Offensive Coordinator was Al Saunders. Brillant mind but no Superbowls.

Matt Cassel (2005/ Round: 7/ Pick 230) - In 2009, Cassel had RB Jamaal Charles, WR Dewayne Bowe and Chris Chambers and TE Leonard Pope. In 2010, we add RB Thomas Jones, WR/RB Dexter McCluster, WR Jerheme Urban, and TE Tony Moeaki to the mix. Our Offensive Coordinator is Charlie Weis. Brillant mind with 3 Superbowl Championships.

I love Trent Green and Matt Cassel has a lot of work to do to be anywhere near as beloved or respected as Green is in Kansas City. Green was probably more accurate than Cassel is, but No. 7 definately has some weapons and a better OC. The receivers have to be more consistent and WR Dewayne Bowe's offseason schedule seems to be a sign that they are taking things seriously. The keys to Kansas City's success are the offensive line, Cassel's developmet under Weis and the defense. If those components come together, the Chiefs have a chance to be fierce and to surpirse a lot people. Plus, we have two great running backs! RUN DAT ROCK!!!

Cassel MUST improve this year! Everything seems to be in place for this team to reestablish the Chiefs as legit. Our QB has to show us that he is the guy; that he's worth the money; that Kansas City fans can finally stop waiting, whinning and wondering when the universe will shift and we can finally kick some ass instead of our gettin ours asses kicked!! CARPE DIEM, KC!!! CARPE DIEM!!

Thoughts???

Chris Chambers 61-yd catch (via LifeGreg)