Chiefs Get a Patriot to Lead the Team, but is Matt Cassel Ready?

The Kansas City Chiefs started last year with young, strong armed QB, Brodie Croyle, under center. Unfortunately for the former University of Alabama star, he failed to stay healthy, a problem he's had his entire young NFL career. By the end of the year former third stringer, Tyler Thigpen, was the Chiefs starting QB.

Thigpen performed well down the stretch, ending the year with more touchdowns than interceptions. His numbers for the most part weren't spectacular, but watching him, it was evident he has the tools to be a successful QB in this league. Kansas City could have started the season with an open QB battle between their two young quarterbacks.

Enter Scott Pioli and plans change. Matt Cassel is in and it appears Thigpen and Croyle will now battle for the back-up job. Cassel appears to be an immediate upgrade over the Chiefs QB play last year. Cassel had a great year stepping in for the legendary Brady. When the Patriots QB great went down, New England fans were writing off the season. Few expected the former 7th round pick, Cassel, to come in and play so well.

There was some surprise the Patriots only received a second round pick for Vrabel and Cassel, but there was no way the Patriots could keep both QB's on the roster without destroying their salary cap. Getting a 2nd round pick for a former 7th round pick isn't bad. Losing Vrabel will hurt, but the Patriots will find a replacement, they always do.

The Chiefs now have 3 young experienced QB's on the roster, not a bad problem to have. Time will tell which of these will be the last man standing. Cassel is the starter going into the season, but he no longer has Moss, Welker, or the talented Patriots offense and coaching staff at his disposal. Will he be able to create the same kind of success in Kansas City?

Sources: CNNSI.com, Kansas City Chiefs Stats.