I'd be disappointed I wasn't in Denver running McDaniels' system, which would have made the transitioning process much easier for me.
Read this AM that his new HC Todd Haley is stoked about the signing because KC is running the same system with the same terminology and Matt won't have to transition to something different. Given that, I'd rather be playing for a team Pioli just took over than for a rookie HC whose getting hung out to dry over a decision that likely wasn't his to make and a no-name rookie GM who would have fielded that call and owner Pat Bowlen would have been the guy ultimately making that level of decision.
In Denver most of the fanbase was predisposed to kick and scream over the loss of Shannahan and the object of their anger is not the guy who fired a legend and hired a rookie but the hire himself. Ditto most of them perceive cry baby Cutler as some elite pro bowl talent to be coddled and not a middle of the pack franchise starter with ongoing health and maturity issues.
The guy who eventually replaces Cutler there will have a tough road to hoe as a result. KC fans on the other hand were mildly intrigued with Thigpen but only for lack of anything else to focus positive energy on. Their angst over trading #3 for Cassel quickly turned to awe as they realized they got him and a veteran presence on a D transitioning to 3-4 for #34.
This almost could not have turned out better for Matt. Dealt prior to the offseason programs commencing, to a team with cap and cash and a solid fanbase conditioned after a couple of Herm seasons for reasonable expectations, one with midwest sensibilities and loyalties as opposed to east coast passion, a HC coming off a superbowl season, possibly a RAC coached D to back him up...
The one caveat being this GM isn't gonna pay top teir money for one good season as a pro. He's gonna point to what Brady did in NE (on the heels of a SB MVP at that) and ask Matt why he'd expect an organization committed to installing a winning system in KC should deviate from the blueprint that allowed that system to flourish in NE. He'll have to settle for an incremental deal that allows Pioli to build a team around him or he'll remain in audition mode (and while absorbing all the risk) at least a year longer. If he's as level headed as I think he is he will meet Pioli in the middle and focus his energy and attention on making KC his team and a winner. Just as Brady did in NE.
Not predicting a ring in his first season let alone 3 in his career, but he could be a player on a stable contender for the forseeable future. Pioli will provide him with at least a 3-4
year window of opportunity (support) to firmly establish himself as a quality starter. Not sure Josh is gonna be around for 3 seasons (through no fault of his own) unless he now finds a way to unload crybaby for substantial value while somehow managing to make the playoffs out of the gate... Considering what's transpired in Denver the last couple of seasons their fan base has unrealistic expectations. Crybaby started asking for a trade the day his HC and his former HC got their pink slips. He's gonna undercut his HC at every turn and with his favorite target likely suspended for the first 4 games he's gonna have issues.
Nope, KC was THE best case scenario for Cassel.
