Why are you so sure that the Chiefs will take a QB? Go and dip into their forums and you'll see that the majority would rather see Thigpen get a full season starting than throw away draft picks and an enormous amount of money at a QB who played well in eight games throwing to two of the league's best receivers. Indeed a number of them fully believe that Thigpen is better than Cassel. If they go with Thigpen and he fails, no great loss in terms of cash or draft picks. If Cassel goes there and is a bust it sets them back another couple of years.

Miami was in desperate need of a QB this time last year, yet they didn't go for a QB number one.

And that panned out very favourably indeed. I though Pennington had something when he was at the Jets. A clear case of fitting in to the right team I would say.

I don't get all the hype over Cassel. Yes, he stepped up to the mark well over the course of the season. But he had a pretty decent team to step into. A tough act to follow thats for sure but that is why Cassel is there as No2 QB, to do just that. Whether he is actually any good only time will tell, especially if he goes to another team. At the end of the day, he was part of a team that did not qualify for the play offs. I see sense in the fact that the Pats will get rid of Cassel on the basis that Brady will be fit for the season and their young QB will step up to be No2. Makes sense really.

Further to my earlier posts:

Cassel - 16 games / 21 TD / 11 INT / Sacked 47 times (Most in the league)

Thigpen - 14 games / 18 TD / 12 INT/ Sacked 26 times

Now compare the O-lines, receivers, coaching staff, whatever on the Pats and the Chiefs. New England is superior in every dept and yet these two still come out with similar stats.

One would cost draft picks and a commitment of around $50million, probably $10million of that guaranteed.

The other is costing close to the league minimum in monies and exactly zero in draft picks.

Pioli is a sensible man. I would be ASTONISHED if he does this deal.

No, Ben. Cassel is the second-coming.

47 times.

30 in the first 8 weeks while the team recovered from injuries in the OL.

If you look around you'll see that people are saying Cassel could and should have had more TDs but for 3 drops from Randy Moss as well as 2 from Watson and 2 from Gaffney.

Next reason: Thigpen plays in a player friendly stadium with little weather problems.

Cassel played 3 games in Foxboro to end the season. Heavy Rain. Followed by ice in the evening with snow showers. Final home game vs Arizona. Snow. He gets 3/4 TDs in that game.

Week 17. The strongest winds in a game ever. Completes 6/8 with 1 drop from Moss and 1 spike. Only 80 yards but in that weather, the running game took hold.

And you say compare receivers.

Bowe is their Number one. Moss is out number one.
Welker is our number two. Gonzalez is their number 2. Both are used as a safety net.

3rd receiver: Watson/Gaffney for the Pats, average 30 between them. Bradley had 30 receptions for the Chiefs.

Obviously the Pats use a lot of screens on the RBs as well as some quick passes to them. Faulk had 58 receptions for that.

I notice that you've missed out some stats on the QBs.

Completion Percentage: Thigpen - 54.8 % Cassel - 63.4%
Thigpen: 6.5yds per sack. Cassel 4.5yds per sack
Cassel -7.2 ypc. Thigpen - 6.2 ypc

Cassel 89.4 rating. Thigpen 76.0 rating.

Cassel is much superior to Thigpen after their first years as starter. Cassel improved game-on-game, Thigpen levelled off as the end of the season came.

I'd personally take a swap of first rounders anyway and then grab a conditional pick from them. Trade down, get some picks and sort out an awful pass rush.

Glad you've seen sense.

I don't care how stupid you all think it is, nor do I want to kill this thread with this discussion, but i'll be right as I have been on the majority of Patriots stuff this season.

Here's one for you guys ... who should be or deserves to be the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. While the Steelers are in talks with Harrison on a new contract, a situation that I understand the Cowboys are watching closely in view of DeMarcus Ware being a free agent soon enough unless they sort out a contract for him .. would you consider one of these deserving of that title? As it seems clear one of them may become that top paid player ....

I split it into 3:

Front-Line: Albert Haynesworth
LB: James Harrison
Secondary: Nnamdi Asomugha.

Ware would be very close to Harrison though. And in terms of importance, Joey Porter would be as well.

Disagree on Porter, however good he was last season.

Doubt he'll still be in Miami after next year.

Haynesworth is another one in a contract wrangle ... so you are saying you cannot split the three as they play in different positions?

I think different positions are worth different amounts of money.

Jaz, what would you say the Cowboys need most from the draft as I've carried on into the 2nd round and got to pick 52 and you are on the clock. I'm stuck for the main thing you want.

Peace and harmony.

Don't think either are draft eligible this year though :p

;)

They can always rely on the guy they get out of the Reality TV show ;)

Is that a trick question as you guys know far more about it than me ....

But I like Saxon's answer. Very funny, but how true?

IF TO does go, then a WR to replace him. I don't know an awful lot about the D or O lines enough to be able to comment sensibly so I won't go there. The TO situation does cause an awful lot of controversy on the Dallas forums sites that I've been reading ....

The other thing makes me wonder whether Romo is up to it after last season or will the removal of TO clear more than we think ... such a talented team I think that have really under achieved.

Looking forward to seeing some more of Felix Jones and Choice next season. Found them to be very exciting new players ...

Honestly, as good as he is, TO out would help Romo as a leader, which a QB needs to be.

I think it would be a good thing in Dallas and I would be more inclined to bet on a deep play-off run if they get rid of TO.

Have you seen Missouri late in the year? They have weather problems and the turf there frequently looks awful.
Don't think you can count that Arizona game. I still say the Cards mailed that one in.

The performance in Buffalo I did think was very impressive though. Being fair you shouldn't forget Cassel had a couple of useful runs in that game too.

BTW please don't think either I or Ben are saying that Thigpen is going to Canton, we're just pointing out that it isn't the worst tactic in the world for the Chiefs to go with him given issues with the cap, retaining draft picks, etc.

That doesn't mean someone else isn't capable of ponying up what I'd say is a daft amount to go and get Cassel.

I just clicked on 'go to first unread post' and it landed me on this.

Seriously.

How is that mock draft coming along, Paul? :)

BTW four years ago the second QB taken in the draft (Aaron Rodgers) dropped from being a possible #1 overall to being taken #24. I don't think that happens again, but I wouldn't be surprised if Sanchez drops out of the top 10 (I don't think he should be in the first round, but that's just my opinion).

Plenty of other good players at other positions if you don't like Sanchez.

:eek:

Less than New England, yes.... but it's still the midwest. It's not nice during the winter.

:D ;)