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Posted on Thu, Nov. 12, 2009 11:13 PM
Chiefs notebook: Game against Raiders will be emotional for Cassel
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Last season’s New England Patriots, then quarterbacked by Matt Cassel, were preparing for a December game against the Raiders in Oakland when Cassel’s father, Greg, died.
Cassel eventually played anyway, throwing four touchdown passes in a New England victory.
Now with the Chiefs, Cassel will return to Oakland for Sunday’s game against the Raiders. He said the game will be emotional for him for that reason.
“It brings back memories already,” Cassel said. “I’ve talked with my wife a little bit. It was a tough game last year. It’s a tough go anytime you lose your father, but it was a great way to honor him by getting a win out there in Oakland. I thought the team rallied around me and it was a special day in my career.
“It was such a whirlwind of emotion last year. My father passed away on a Tuesday and I got the news, and then I left for the next two days to be with my family and set up funeral arrangements. I came back and had a good discussion with coach (Bill) Belichick, and we decided I would be ready to go.”
A chance for victory
Sunday’s game, coming against another floundering foe, seems to be a realistic chance for the 1-7 Chiefs to grab a victory. Oakland is 2-6.
That’s reinforced by the game between the teams in September at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs dominated statistically but let the Raiders hang around, and Oakland scored with about a minute left and won 13-10.
Coach Todd Haley tried to stifle any talk the Chiefs will have things easy in Oakland.
“I quite honestly don’t think that way and hope nobody else thinks that way,” he said. “This is a divisional game that we have to figure out a way to win. Any of that other stuff is important to somebody else.”
Injury report
The Chiefs moved wide receiver Chris Chambers (foot) and linebacker Jovan Belcher (head) into the full participation category from practice. Safety Jon McGraw (thigh) was a full participant for the second day and probably will return to the starting lineup Sunday.
Linebacker Mike Vrabel (hip) and offensive lineman Wade Smith were listed as being limited in practice for the second straight day. Linebacker David Herron again did not practice.
To reach Adam Teicher, call 816-234-4875 or send e-mail to ateicher@kcstar.com
Posted on Thu, Nov. 12, 2009 11:13 PM
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