By 2009, Kansas City fans were rabid for a team that could just simply compete, let alone win. New Head Coach, Todd Haley, was tasked with turning the Titanic around, especially at the quarterback position. Cassel’s lofty payday made him an easy target for harsh criticism, from the most devout to the most anonymous, there appeared to be little support.

Unfortunately, an ugly pre-season set the tone. The Chiefs were winless at 0 - 4. At the root of this ailment was a quarterback’s protection, a porous offensive line. And it came at Cassel’s expense when he sprained his knee and didn’t start on opening-day. Then came the regular season. The Chiefs sputtered. Their first win didn’t come until week 6, by then fans were frothing at the mouth, demanding change.

The Chiefs finished the season at 4 - 12, doubling their win record from the previous season. The Chiefs did not have a single player named to the Pro Bowl for the first time since 1978 and only the 3rd time in franchise history. Matt knew he had his work cut out for him. In the off-season, he kept grinding; kept training, his wife drilling him on the playbook. Fact is, there is no off-season in the NFL and if Cassel’s skin hadn’t gotten as thick and tough as kevlar already, it would have to worlds tougher and stronger…