Chiefs O-Line analysis - Page 5

milkman · 03-20-2010, 08:34 AM

Saw this posted eleswhere.
Took a quick look around and didn't see it here.
If it's repost, then that's just too damn bad.

Frankie gets to give me shit, though, if it is.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/3...-line-analysis

With the addition of what should be two new starters, I thought I would give you a few facts that the public is not aware of, along with some personal reflection on my part.

The Chiefs have made some positive moves this past week, but the team knows a lot more has to be done. They need a right tackle and depth.

I thought I would expand a bit and give some statistics you will rarely see anywhere.

First of all, this OL was bad last year, but that's in the past.

Lets look at the starters at this point.

BRANDEN ALBERT

Albert did not have the greatest of seasons in this year's rankings. His overall ranking was in the bottom 20 percent among offensive tackles in the league. He gave up seven sacks and 18 QB pressures playing left tackle. He was also guilty of being called for 13 penalties—that was more than any tackle in football.

I think a lot of the problem with Albert was that he played hurt. He started the year injured but was still willing to play. One would have to wonder if that in any way hindered his performance. I believe it did.

Albert is too gifted to not succeed at that position. We have not seen Albert at his best.

As a straight-ahead run blocker, at the line, he has average strength. It's when he's on the move that he is most dangerous.

At Virginia, Albert pulled frequently from his left guard position. The longer he ran, the bigger the impact. He was a BEAST when it came to blocking on the move—I mean he exploded into guys on the second level and drove them into the ground. That was the big reason for his success—his explosion on the move.

I would think that with Charles and Jones, who are better in space, Albert should find more confidence that will help him from being measured only by his ability to pass block. If healthy, he'll get a lot better. He has the feet to protect the quarterback.

One more note about Albert: Many have said that he was a natural guard in college and that he didn't play tackle because Eugene Monroe was better. That is totally untrue. The reason he played guard is because Monroe refused to. Albert made that move inside because he was an unselfish player. So before people jump to conclusions, they shouldn't speak at all unless they know the whole story.

The people involved in this falsehood were fellow divisional "bashers" not Chief bloggers

BRIAN WATERS

Waters had a very poor season as well, mostly because of aging. He ranked 20th amongst players at his position, and most of the reason he was that high was because of his excellent pass protection. For the season, he was charged with only giving up one sack. In addition, when blocking straight ahead, he opened a few holes. But his mobility is the problem at this point in his career.

His other problems? Penalties.

Like Albert, he was the most penalized player at his position in the game.

Despite those figures he's still a very good player—just not one of the best anymore.

CASEY WEIGMANN

Weigmann ranked 23rd out of the 32 starting offensive centers last year. At his age, his better years are behind him, but that doesn't mean he can't play. He was only slightly better at pass blocking than Niswanger, but he graded out much better as a run blocker.

Weigman, of course, played in a zone-blocking scheme in Denver and played extremely well these past few years, proving that he was not as washed up as the Chiefs thought. He still excels in making line calls and adjustments, and he can still pull.

Remember those classic sweeps that Priest Holmes ran under Vermeil? It was Weigmann that was the first guy down the field, not Roaf or Shields. The problem now, however, is how much does he have left?

RYAN LILJA

Well, we all know his story, so I won't repeat it. Lilja graded out at 14th at offensive guard—which is very good. It is by far the best grade of any Chief lineman last year.

Despite being 290 pounds, it is his run blocking that stood out more than his pass protection. He was in the top five out of 64 guards when it came to screen blocking—great news for the Chiefs with both Albert and Weigmann excelling in that area.

He did not give up many sacks, but you have to take into account the quarterback that was behind him all these years.

Indianapolis usually leads the NFL in pass protection, but its not because the line is that talented. It's because they have Peyton Manning. It is Manning's intelligence, ability to get rid of the ball quickly, short drops, making quick reads, and throwing the ball away that skewed their stats favorably.

Without a doubt though, Lilja will play as well as Cassel plays, which means that Cassel needs to play well.

RYAN O'CALLIGHAN

Do you really want to know? I didn't think so.

Actually I thought he did OK, but looks are deceiving. He finished 57th. He played less than 850 snaps and still gave up nine sacks and was responsible for 24 QB pressures. His run blocking was just as bad, and he got flagged a lot to boot. Its very clear with this guy—bad starter, but decent, experienced backup.

As for the backups, well, if everything was great in Kansas City most of the guys mentioned would be the backups. Niswanger provides depth at center. Ndukwe played out of position at tackle, but is really their depth at guard. After that, all bets are off.

So where does that leave the Chiefs?

They need to get a stud right tackle for sure and a few guys they can groom for the immediate future.

Many people now feel that Bulaga and Okung don't seem to fit at this point.

But they're wrong.

Both of those guys are outstanding run blockers and would be great right tackles. In addition, that player would provide depth at left tackle, should Albert get hurt. Last year, they played the season without one.

No matter how you slice it, the Chiefs now have a better line, and that's good news.

But it's not rebuilt yet. We'll see where they are after draft days.

(Props to HG at HoTC)

**SAUTO** · 03-20-2010, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billay

I'm saying there are impact players at 5. You can draft a guy like cousin ****er in the later rounds who will be just as good as the shit drafted in the top 10 it will just take more time.

when did i say that we should draft an oline at 5 ? and i thought the guy ****ed his sister? its starting to seem like you want us to draft this guy which coming from you is understandable
Posted via Mobile Device

Coogs · 03-20-2010, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilson8

In 2009 the injury was an ankle for week 6 and 7.

In 2008 it was a dislocated elbow.

OK, Thanks. And wasn't Albert significantly better the last half of the season? Which would make the injury thing sort of a non-issue.

TheGuardian · 03-20-2010, 12:36 PM

I read through all this crap and can't get that time back so I'll make a few comments -

The Chargers are NOT that talented. That's been a myth for a while. It's not coaching that holds them back it's the fact that that team gets to win a lot of games playing in a weak division and when they face playoff teams they get their shit pushed in. Rivers is a good QB but really overrated by some on this board. Some even state shit like "I'd take him over Brees" when Brees is CLEARLY the superior player. That is NOT even a discussion.

Albert is a TRUE left tackle. His feet are fantastic. However he was injured early and also trying to get used to playing at a new weight. The last 4-5 games of the season he was dominate. However because some people don't watch the games they just kept saying "Albert sucks, we have to replace him" without even seeing he was playing at a very high level to close out the season.

We do badly need a right tackle. I have a feeling if we don't upgrade that spot before camp all season I'm going to be punching myself in the nuts watching that RT spot.

Deberg_1990 · 03-20-2010, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGuardian

The Chargers are NOT that talented. That's been a myth for a while. It's not coaching that holds them back it's the fact that that team gets to win a lot of games playing in a weak division and when they face playoff teams they get their shit pushed in. Rivers is a good QB but really overrated by some on this board.

Unreal the amount of garbage that gets said around here.

Not saying they are the best team in the NFL, but they are clearly pretty talented.

TheGuardian · 03-20-2010, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

Unreal the amount of garbage that gets said around here.

Not saying they are the best team in the NFL, but they are clearly pretty talented.

Yes like saying the Chargers are deep and talented all over. Their record is more a reflection of the state of the AFC West for the past several years, not how great the Chargers are. Their secondary is weak, their linebackers are average and Jamal Williams is gone now and wasn't that great last year. Merriman hasn't been the same since he dropped his roid use and Phillips isn't so hot without Merriman on roids.

So what do they have? Vincent Jackson, Darren Sproles who is nothing more than a change of pace back, and Phillip Rivers.

So no, they aren't that talented.

Deberg_1990 · 03-20-2010, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGuardian

Yes like saying the Chargers are deep and talented all over. Their record is more a reflection of the state of the AFC West for the past several years, not how great the Chargers are. Their secondary is weak, their linebackers are average and Jamal Williams is gone now and wasn't that great last year. Merriman hasn't been the same since he dropped his roid use and Phillips isn't so hot without Merriman on roids.

So what do they have? Vincent Jackson, Darren Sproles who is nothing more than a change of pace back, and Phillip Rivers.

So no, they aren't that talented.

OK whatever. u win.

TheGuardian · 03-20-2010, 12:51 PM

i know.

orange · 03-20-2010, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

One more note about Albert: Many have said that he was a natural guard in college and that he didn't play tackle because Eugene Monroe was better. That is totally untrue. The reason he played guard is because Monroe refused to. Albert made that move inside because he was an unselfish player. So before people jump to conclusions, they shouldn't speak at all unless they know the whole story.

If you keep posting that often enough, maybe time will warp and it will become true.
High school career
Monroe played at Plainfield High School in Plainfield, New Jersey. He was a SuperPrep All-American, a Parade All-American and All-USA by USA Today. Monroe was a two-time First-team All-State lineman after going the final 25 games of his career without allowing a quarterback sack. Monroe was considered a five-star recruit by Rivals.com and was ranked first among the top offensive tackle prospects in 2005.[1]

Considered only a two-star recruit by Rivals.com, Albert was not ranked among the nations top recruits.[2] Because he had played football for only one season, but also because of Albert's poor grades, the University of Virginia was the only school to offer Albert a scholarship.[1]

College career
Still struggling academically, Albert spent the 2004 season at Hargrave Military Academy. He played football and was able to obtain a qualifying grade-point average and standardized test score.

Monroe was recruited for the position, and he never lost it. Albert was an afterthought who filled in for Monroe two games without making a fool of himself.
And by the way, while the Brick was still there: As a freshman at the University of Virginia, Monroe played left tackle and right guard and played in every game.

You're entitled to your woody for Albert - that's a matter of opinion. But facts are facts.

Rasputin · 03-20-2010, 01:56 PM

I think Barry Richardson should be the RT. He is huge and powerfull. I know he is a raw tallent and needs work but I wouldn't give up on him. I think he will prove himself valuable on this team. He is still a young prospect much to learn, yet I have faith in him to do it.

milkman · 03-20-2010, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orange

If you keep posting that often enough, maybe time will warp and it will become true.
High school career

Monroe played at Plainfield High School in Plainfield, New Jersey. He was a SuperPrep All-American, a Parade All-American and All-USA by USA Today. Monroe was a two-time First-team All-State lineman after going the final 25 games of his career without allowing a quarterback sack. Monroe was considered a five-star recruit by Rivals.com and was ranked first among the top offensive tackle prospects in 2005.[1]

Considered only a two-star recruit by Rivals.com, Albert was not ranked among the nations top recruits.[2] Because he had played football for only one season, but also because of Albert's poor grades, the University of Virginia was the only school to offer Albert a scholarship.[1]

College career
Still struggling academically, Albert spent the 2004 season at Hargrave Military Academy. He played football and was able to obtain a qualifying grade-point average and standardized test score.

Monroe was recruited for the position, and he never lost it. Albert was an afterthought who filled in for Monroe two games without making a fool of himself.
And by the way, while the Brick was still there: As a freshman at the University of Virginia, Monroe played left tackle and right guard and played in every game.

You're entitled to your woody for Albert - that's a matter of opinion. But facts are facts.

And you can post all the bullshit you want.

Al Groh said that Albert was set to start at LT, but an inury to Albert's replacement at LG changed the plan, and Monroe didn't have Albert's mobility to move in space, an attribute his offense needed.

I have no link.
Just an interview I heard.

Them's the facts.

**BigMeatballDave** · 03-20-2010, 02:18 PM

Yes, because he's a moron.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

That is all you took from the article?

Posted via Mobile Device

orange · 03-20-2010, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

And you can post all the bullshit you want.

Al Groh said that Albert was set to start at LT, but an inury to Albert's replacement at LG changed the plan, and Monroe didn't have Albert's mobility to move in space, an attribute his offense needed.

I have no link.
Just an interview I heard.

Them's the facts.

Al Groh you say?

"We saw Eugene as the natural heir apparent," Groh said. "Behind 'Brick,' he was only going to play so much, but he was going to get a taste of it and be ready to go.

"Then, the second or third day of his first spring practice, he dislocated his knee. So, he missed the whole spring and was severely impeded by it over the course of the next season."

Monroe was so ineffective early in the season that he lost his starting job to Zak Stair, although he got his job back for the last month of the season and started six games overall.

Doctors had cleared Monroe to begin the 2006 season, "but, frankly, if we had a way to look into the future and known how much he was going to be impeded, we probably wouldn't have played him," Groh said.

http://www.roanoke.com/sports/uvafootball/wb/202396

So Monroe played the whole season with an injury. Do you suppose that might have affected his mobility? Fortunately, when he couldn't get it done, Groh was able to turn to his first choice ~~Branden Albert~~ Zak Stair to start in his place.

THEM'S the facts.

Titty Meat · 03-20-2010, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCD

Yes, because he's a moron.
Posted via Mobile Device

You used your 10 minute break at McDonalds to log in and talk trash? You renegade.

Hammock Parties · 03-20-2010, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billay

You used your 10 minute break at McDonalds to log in and talk trash? You renegade.

LOL this is actually pretty funny.

DaWolf · 03-20-2010, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billay

I'm trying to remember what 1st pick San Diego has on the o-line. I know they have a franchise QB and a bunch of playmakers. Hmmmm.

They're also a one dimensional team that can't run the ball. That's why when they ran into a D like the Jets, they did nothing...

03-20-2010, 08:34 AM
milkman Dumbass! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Leading the Marty bashing Casino cash: $10029395	O-Line analysis Saw this posted eleswhere. Took a quick look around and didn't see it here. If it's repost, then that's just too damn bad. Frankie gets to give me shit, though, if it is. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/3...-line-analysis With the addition of what should be two new starters, I thought I would give you a few facts that the public is not aware of, along with some personal reflection on my part. The Chiefs have made some positive moves this past week, but the team knows a lot more has to be done. They need a right tackle and depth. I thought I would expand a bit and give some statistics you will rarely see anywhere. First of all, this OL was bad last year, but that's in the past. Lets look at the starters at this point. BRANDEN ALBERT Albert did not have the greatest of seasons in this year's rankings. His overall ranking was in the bottom 20 percent among offensive tackles in the league. He gave up seven sacks and 18 QB pressures playing left tackle. He was also guilty of being called for 13 penalties—that was more than any tackle in football. I think a lot of the problem with Albert was that he played hurt. He started the year injured but was still willing to play. One would have to wonder if that in any way hindered his performance. I believe it did. Albert is too gifted to not succeed at that position. We have not seen Albert at his best. As a straight-ahead run blocker, at the line, he has average strength. It's when he's on the move that he is most dangerous. At Virginia, Albert pulled frequently from his left guard position. The longer he ran, the bigger the impact. He was a BEAST when it came to blocking on the move—I mean he exploded into guys on the second level and drove them into the ground. That was the big reason for his success—his explosion on the move. I would think that with Charles and Jones, who are better in space, Albert should find more confidence that will help him from being measured only by his ability to pass block. If healthy, he'll get a lot better. He has the feet to protect the quarterback. One more note about Albert: Many have said that he was a natural guard in college and that he didn't play tackle because Eugene Monroe was better. That is totally untrue. The reason he played guard is because Monroe refused to. Albert made that move inside because he was an unselfish player. So before people jump to conclusions, they shouldn't speak at all unless they know the whole story. The people involved in this falsehood were fellow divisional "bashers" not Chief bloggers BRIAN WATERS Waters had a very poor season as well, mostly because of aging. He ranked 20th amongst players at his position, and most of the reason he was that high was because of his excellent pass protection. For the season, he was charged with only giving up one sack. In addition, when blocking straight ahead, he opened a few holes. But his mobility is the problem at this point in his career. His other problems? Penalties. Like Albert, he was the most penalized player at his position in the game. Despite those figures he's still a very good player—just not one of the best anymore. CASEY WEIGMANN Weigmann ranked 23rd out of the 32 starting offensive centers last year. At his age, his better years are behind him, but that doesn't mean he can't play. He was only slightly better at pass blocking than Niswanger, but he graded out much better as a run blocker. Weigman, of course, played in a zone-blocking scheme in Denver and played extremely well these past few years, proving that he was not as washed up as the Chiefs thought. He still excels in making line calls and adjustments, and he can still pull. Remember those classic sweeps that Priest Holmes ran under Vermeil? It was Weigmann that was the first guy down the field, not Roaf or Shields. The problem now, however, is how much does he have left? RYAN LILJA Well, we all know his story, so I won't repeat it. Lilja graded out at 14th at offensive guard—which is very good. It is by far the best grade of any Chief lineman last year. Despite being 290 pounds, it is his run blocking that stood out more than his pass protection. He was in the top five out of 64 guards when it came to screen blocking—great news for the Chiefs with both Albert and Weigmann excelling in that area. He did not give up many sacks, but you have to take into account the quarterback that was behind him all these years. Indianapolis usually leads the NFL in pass protection, but its not because the line is that talented. It's because they have Peyton Manning. It is Manning's intelligence, ability to get rid of the ball quickly, short drops, making quick reads, and throwing the ball away that skewed their stats favorably. Without a doubt though, Lilja will play as well as Cassel plays, which means that Cassel needs to play well. RYAN O'CALLIGHAN Do you really want to know? I didn't think so. Actually I thought he did OK, but looks are deceiving. He finished 57th. He played less than 850 snaps and still gave up nine sacks and was responsible for 24 QB pressures. His run blocking was just as bad, and he got flagged a lot to boot. Its very clear with this guy—bad starter, but decent, experienced backup. As for the backups, well, if everything was great in Kansas City most of the guys mentioned would be the backups. Niswanger provides depth at center. Ndukwe played out of position at tackle, but is really their depth at guard. After that, all bets are off. So where does that leave the Chiefs? They need to get a stud right tackle for sure and a few guys they can groom for the immediate future. Many people now feel that Bulaga and Okung don't seem to fit at this point. But they're wrong. Both of those guys are outstanding run blockers and would be great right tackles. In addition, that player would provide depth at left tackle, should Albert get hurt. Last year, they played the season without one. No matter how you slice it, the Chiefs now have a better line, and that's good news. But it's not rebuilt yet. We'll see where they are after draft days. (Props to HG at HoTC)
Posts: 70,769

03-20-2010, 12:36 PM	#63
TheGuardian MVP Join Date: Mar 2009 Casino cash: $8245299	I read through all this crap and can't get that time back so I'll make a few comments - The Chargers are NOT that talented. That's been a myth for a while. It's not coaching that holds them back it's the fact that that team gets to win a lot of games playing in a weak division and when they face playoff teams they get their shit pushed in. Rivers is a good QB but really overrated by some on this board. Some even state shit like "I'd take him over Brees" when Brees is CLEARLY the superior player. That is NOT even a discussion. Albert is a TRUE left tackle. His feet are fantastic. However he was injured early and also trying to get used to playing at a new weight. The last 4-5 games of the season he was dominate. However because some people don't watch the games they just kept saying "Albert sucks, we have to replace him" without even seeing he was playing at a very high level to close out the season. We do badly need a right tackle. I have a feeling if we don't upgrade that spot before camp all season I'm going to be punching myself in the nuts watching that RT spot.
Posts: 7,850

03-20-2010, 12:51 PM	#67
TheGuardian MVP Join Date: Mar 2009 Casino cash: $8245299	i know.
Posts: 7,850

03-20-2010, 01:56 PM	#69
Rasputin Tip of the hat LIV Champs Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ks Casino cash: $3065421	I think Barry Richardson should be the RT. He is huge and powerfull. I know he is a raw tallent and needs work but I wouldn't give up on him. I think he will prove himself valuable on this team. He is still a young prospect much to learn, yet I have faith in him to do it.
Posts: 54,988