Romeo Crennel Will Bench Chiefs Players, Including Matt Cassel, For Turnovers

by Doug Kyed on Sat, Nov 10, 2012 at 6:54PM

Romeo Crennel is finally doing something about all of the Chiefs’ turnovers nine weeks into the season.

The Kansas City head coach said that he will bench any player for a turnover Monday night against the Steelers — and that includes quarterback Matt Cassel and star running back Jamaal Charles according to Randy Covitz of the Kansas City Star. Crennel gave some clarifications to his remarks. If there’s an interception, he will only bench Cassel for Ricky Stanzi if the turnover is Cassel’s fault, not if it’s on a tipped ball, and if Charles is benched for fumbling, it will only be for a limited time.

“I have to impart on them the importance of protecting the ball for this team,” Crennel said. “And sometimes to get that done, you basically have to threaten them. If you fumble it, I’m going to take you out of the game.”

The Chiefs lead the NFL in turnovers this season with 29 giveaways. They have 14 interceptions and 15 lost fumbles. Backup quarterback Brady Quinn is out for Monday’s game, so if Cassel is benched for Stanzi, there will be no third option under center.

Photo via Facebook/KansasCityChiefs