Matt Cassel Sounds Ready

During yesterday’s Kansas City Chiefs media blitz, Matt Cassel talked to the folks at 810 and he sounded like a guy who is ready to take a step forward this season.

“I have pushed myself both physically and mentally, said Cassel. ” I’m prepared. You never know what is going to happen but I have done all the prep work to get myself ready to go. I do except to have a good year this year.”

Hard work is a great start but it doesn’t always translate to success on the field. For Cassel to move forward he is going to have to correct some of the flaws in his game that he showed in 2009. It sounds like Cassel has worked at identifying his weaknesses.

“For me this year it is about playing smarter. I need to know when the play is over and throw the ball away and move on to the next play,” said Cassel.

Cassel had a rough time last season. Part of it was due to the lack of a running game early in the year and anyone who was paying attention could tell that the offensive line was not great. Still, Cassel often held on to the ball too long and tried to make things happen when the play was busted. While it is great that Cassel is a competitor and doesn’t want to give up, he needs to know when to throw in the towel and get rid of the ball. Failing to do so last season led to sacks, strips and turnovers, something the Chiefs need to limit if they hope to move forward this season.

Cassel thinks the he is ready to take the next step.

“I have pushed myself both physically and mentally. I’m prepared. You never know what is going to happen but I have done all the prep work to get myself ready to go. I do except to have a good year this year.”

Let’s hope he is right.