Brady Quinn named Chiefs’ starting quarterback over Matt Cassel

Brady Quinn is officially the Kansas City Chiefs’ starting quarterback, news that ought to make certain members of the team’s fan base happy. And not just the jerks who were cheering when previous starter Matt Cassel lay on the field with what turned out to be a concussion three weeks ago.

Anyone who thinks the 1-5 Chiefs need a jolt also might approve of the move Coach Romeo Crennel announced before practice on Monday.

“I think that will get everyone’s attention,” Crennel said, “and hopefully that impacts the team, because the quarterback position is the one that has the spotlight on him.”

With Cassel still suffering effects from his concussion, Quinn started last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his first start since 2009. He did not perform particularly well in the 38-10 loss -- completing 22 of 38 passes for 180 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions -- but Crennel said he liked the quarterback’s poise and arm strength.

“When you think about changing the dynamic, what position can change the dynamic the most? That’s the quarterback position,” said Crennel, whose team had a bye this week. “So I decided that was the move I wanted to make, to try to change this team and impact this team.”

Cassel had thrown nine interceptions and only five touchdowns this season. He had also committed 14 turnovers, including five fumbles lost. Still, Crennel isn’t placing all of the blame on the former USC player.

“I’m not saying Matt Cassel is the reason we are where we are,” Crennel said. “We need to coach better and we need to play better, and if we do those things, we can be better, but my biggest deal was my gut was telling me we need to impact that team by changing that dynamic.”

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