Fantasy Football Search 2010 Bust: Matt Cassel

Player: Matt Cassel
Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Position: QB

At the beginning of last season I told everyone that Matt Cassel was a product of the system.  After being traded to the Chiefs and becoming a full-time starts, Cassel was strikingly disappointing.  In 15 games last season Cassel threw for 2914 yards, 16 TDs, and 16 INTs.  That was in stark contrast to his 2008 season of 3693, 21 TDs, and 11 INTs.  You expect improvement and instead Cassel regressed. 

Regression was not unexpected going to Chiefs, but with a great runningback core and wide receivers like Dwayne Bowe, Chris Chambers and up and coming Lance Long, he wasn't short of talent.  Part of Cassel's problem is his inability to avoid the sack.  Granted the Chiefs offensive line isn't the best and got him sacked 42 times last season, even in New England he was sacked 47 times.  That is bad for fantasy managers and football in general. 

The Chiefs will look to deploy a unbalanced running attack with Jamaal Charles and throw out more two tight end sets for that purpose and to protect Cassel.  Cassel will not achieve 20 TDs, nor will he get 3000 yards.  Expect him to develop into a ball control quarterback this season and only expect more than 25-30 passes in games where the Chiefs are getting lit up.