Running Blog: MNF Week 8 (SD v KC)

8:49 PM: Jaws just said that Matt Cassel was one of the best in the business at delivering throws with arm strength and accuracy... That may be one of most outlandish statements I've ever heard. That's like saying Dan Connolly is one of the best in the business at returning kicks. Just because he did it one time doesn't mean he's suddenly Devin Hester.

9:03 PM: Todd Haley (and his casual get-up) challenge the ruling on the field of a fumble by Dexter McCluster. If your forearm is down before the ball comes out, the runner is ruled down. If the buttocks is down before the ball comes out, the runner is also ruled down. Turns out, though, a new NFL rule states that if both parts are down before the ball comes out, the call is a fumble.

9:43 PM: Because I was so interested by what Jaws said earlier, I decided to look at Cassel's stats this year coming into tonight. In games against real teams (sorry Vikings and Colts, you don't count), those being the Chargers, Raiders, Bills and Lions, Cassel's stats were: 147 yards passing/game, 3 TDs, 7 Ints, and a 1-3 record. That's good for a 58.2 passer rating. That sounds pretty elite to me.

10:00PM: Offensive Pass Interference? Jaws hit this one on the head: "What's a catch, what's pass interference? I don't know, let them play".

10:15 P.M.: Has Cassel completed a pass tonight, or this year for that matter, when teams have rushed more than 4? I sure as hell haven't seen it tonight. Bad QBs always have trouble when any type of pressure is put on them. Also, where is 2008-10 Philip Rivers? Anytime you want to show up would be fine with me.

10:46 P.M.: Surprise, surprise the Chargers rush 5 and Cassel tries to force a ball into Dwayne Bowe for an interception. Cassel now 1 of his last 8.

11:40 PM: Patrick Crayton should have 75 speed rating in Madden. Nice breakaway burst.