I'm a guy who bought into Matt Cassel from the start.  I've been a defender.  Even when his accuracy, decisions (or lack of) and general poor play made me want to scratch my eyes out, I still root for him to succeed.  His occasional good games would give me hope.  His usual poor play did not give me that hope.  He's got a million dollar ethic and a ten cent arm.  He's a leader.  He' just not got the skill set to get it done.

OK, the realization that you have a problem is the first step.  I'm there now, much later than many of you.  But something else is happening this year (away from our favorite team) that makes me hope that help may be on the way.  For that, you have to jump.

Over in Indianapolis, the horseshoes are piss poor.  Peyton Manning's absence has exposed the Colts to be SEVERAL players short of a playoff team.  I know that Peyton is watching this unfold.  How confident can he be that, even when he gets back, this team will instantly become playoff worthy again?

After the Colts go 0-16 (or 1-15), they will have the opportunity to draft Andrew Luck.  I don't think they'll pass it up.  That leaves Peyton tutoring his successor, on a team that in my opinion will need a rebuild of at least two or three years.  By the time the Colts are ready to contend again, Luck will be ready.  Manning may want to leave.  Would you want Peyton to play his final few seasons for KC?  It would cost us.  Perhaps a first round draft pick.  Perhaps several picks.  But if you're looking for a player that could instantly transform us into a contender., he's the guy.  Assuming he comes back all right from his injury (not a given).

I'd also remind you that he's 36.  In 1992, we got another HOF QB that was 36.  That also happens to coincide with the last time we won a playoff game.  So, here's the question... would we be a player if Manning decided to take his talents elsewhere?  Who else would be in that mix?  Hey, a guy can dream, can't he?