Chiefs Playoff Hopes Hinge On Cassel’s Return From Appendectomy

Added on Dec 09, 2010 by Scott in

NFL

On Tuesday, the Kansas City Chiefs were sitting pretty atop the AFC West standings preparing for a crucial matchup with the second-place Chargers on Sunday. Today, they are still preparing to battle the Chargers, but now must do so without the services of starting quarterback Matt Cassel after he underwent an appendectomy on Wednesday. Unless Cassel has the recuperative powers of a superhero, it looks like Brodie Croyle will be under center when the team takes the field in San Diego.

Croyle has never won a game in his five-year career. Needless to say, subbing for Cassel, who is in the midst of a Pro Bowl worthy season, won’t be easy. Despite the Bolts’ flop last week versus Oakland, they still boast a defense that is ranked number one against the pass and in total yards allowed.

Cassel’s availability beyond Sunday is in doubt. Ben Roethlisberger took fifteen days to return from his appendectomy back in 2006. In his first game back, he threw for 141 yards, no touchdowns and a pair of interceptions and the Steelers lost 9-0 in Jacksonville.

The Chiefs remaining schedule features a trip to face the feisty St. Louis Rams before finishing up at home to play the Titans and Raiders in Weeks 16 and 17. All three games are winnable, but if Cassel can’t go or is at less than 100%, the Chiefs first playoff berth since 2006 could be in jeopardy.

During KC’s current three-game win streak, Cassel has tossed seven touchdowns and zero picks. His ability to make timely throws in the passing game is taking pressure off the league’s top rushing attack. Croyle must display poise in the pocket and deliver the ball downfield or defenses will commit to stopping the run, which will limit how much the Chiefs can accomplish on offense.

Kansas City fans might want to send Cassel a get well soon card because the prospect of Brodie Croyle leading them into the postseason isn’t very promising.

Source: NFL Fanhouse