Chiefs coach Haley denies QB controversy, says Cassel will start
KANSAS CITY - Regardless of whether the Chiefs have a quarterback controversy brewing - and coach Todd Haley denied they do yesterday - they do have certainty over the identity of their starting passer Sunday, which is quite a change these days.
Matt Cassel will go for the Chiefs, but Haley didn't back off comments he made Tuesday that Cassel has to play well to keep his starting spot. Haley indicated he was just sending the same message about his quarterback that he would regarding a player at another position.
"There is not a quarterback controversy," Haley said. "My message is going to continue to be consistent to you guys."
Defending the Wildcat
Now that the Eagles have shown no reluctance to use the Wildcat, opposing teams will have to spend time defending all the possibilities. And now Michael Vick is another option and his background is much different than DeSean Jackson, Brian Westbrook or Jeremy Maclin.
"You don't always know what skills those guys have other than what you've seen them play at their position," Todd Haley said. "Obviously, a guy like [Vick] probably throws I would think better than any of them. That adds another dimension to it with his ability to run and throw."
Something to aim for
Todd Haley is just starting out as an NFL coach, but the Eagles present an offensive system that he would like his team to have at some point.
"Eventually, yes," Haley said. "Eventually, we're not there yet. Eventually that is the way you would like to operate: up-tempo, continuing to press the defense and keep them on their heels . . . It's clear that they've been in a system for an extended period of time and they integrate guys in and they do a great job coaching and having players ready every week."
Injury report
The Chiefs listed Matt Cassel (knee), cornerback Brandon Flowers (shoulder), guard Brian Waters (ankle), linebacker Derrick Johnson (groin) and tight end Jake O'Connell (ankle) as being limited in practice.
