Chiefs Chiefs camp report: Albert still the man at left tackle

**Tribal Warfare** · 08-16-2011, 12:59 AM

Chiefs camp report: Albert still the man at left tackle
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

ST. JOSEPH | Todd Haley had a word of caution for those who believe it’s inevitable the recently signed Jared Gaither will take over from Branden Albert as the starting left tackle.

“Branden’s our left tackle,” Haley said. “He’s earned that right through his play here last year and some of the things we did. He’s working hard and it appears he’s getting better.”

Which is not to say Gaither won’t eventually take over for Albert.

“(Gaither) brings competition, and the more the better,” Haley said. “It just makes everybody better. May the best man win.”

Gaither missed all of last season because of a back injury but said he’s whole now.

“I’m 100 percent,” he said. “I look good. They gave me a great opportunity.”

Gaither, who started at left tackle in 2008 and 2009 for Baltimore, has been working as Albert’s backup in practice this week. Haley indicated the Chiefs are initially looking at Gaither on the left side so they don’t have to ask right tackle Barry Richardson to make the move if Albert is injured.

Richardson did move for one game last year in Seattle when Albert was injured. Ryan O’Callaghan filled in at right tackle that day.

“We have (Gaither) over there to increase his comfort level as much as anything else,” Haley said. “He’s a guy that played both sides. We have a number of different options with those guys, and that’s a good thing as far as I’m concerned.

“Last year we played most of the year feeling like if something happened to Branden, Barry Richardson would go (to left tackle) and then we’d plug in who we thought had a chance to be the best right tackle, Ryan O’Callaghan much of the year. We weren’t as comfortable with Ryan going to left (tackle).

“The ideal situation is if something happens to either your starting right or left tackle that you just plug in a guy and you have fewer moving parts. We’re trying to sort that out to see exactly where we are.”

Still behind schedule

The Chiefs held a practice in pads from start to finish for the second straight day. The competition was particularly fierce toward the end, when the offense ran four plays from inside the 2.

But the Chiefs continue to work at a pace slower than usual for training camp, meaning they’re behind schedule.

“I don’t know if there’s a right or a wrong,” coach Todd Haley said. “You’ve got to believe in what you’re doing and just take it step by step. It may go into the season where we’re not where we want to be. I do know if we’re well-conditioned and strong and our guys know what to do, we’ll have a chance to compete.”

A coach in uniform

Recently signed wide receiver Keary Colbert spent last season as a graduate assistant coach at USC, where he played in college. Colbert helped coach the tight ends.

“I got to learn a lot more about football,” he said. “I had to learn a lot about the run game and the line play. It was a lot different just from being a wide receiver. It was just a great experience for me.”

Colbert was a second-round pick by Carolina in 2004 and had his best NFL season as a rookie for the Panthers, catching 47 passes for five touchdowns. He never came close to matching those numbers again as he bounced to Denver, Seattle and Detroit.

He hasn’t played in the NFL since 2008 but is trying to make a comeback and is getting a good look in Chiefs camp. Colbert could always go back to coaching if he doesn’t make it with the Chiefs.

“It’s an option that I’m going to consider,” he said. “Right now, my focus is on trying to make this roster and help this team. (Coaching) gave me a good understanding of where the future might lie for me, but I’ll make that decision when it comes and hopefully it won’t be for awhile.”

The offense
A set of four goal-line plays at the end of practice brought out some intense competition. Thomas Jones had the big play for the offense, diving over the pile for a touchdown from the 1. … Tyler Palko and Terrance Copper hooked up on a couple of touchdown passes in a seven-on-seven passing drill. On one play, Copper put a nice stop-and-go move on cornerback Brandon Flowers.

The defense
Linebacker Derrick Johnson came across the field and chased running back Jamaal Charles out of bounds just short of the end zone in the goal-line drill. … Linebacker Brandon Siler and safety Reshard Langford stuffed Dexter McCluster as he attempted to hurdle the pile in the goal-line drill. … Rookie cornerback Jalil Brown broke up a couple of passes but also interfered with Jeremy Horne on another play.

Injury report
Nose tackle Anthony Toribio and linebacker Eric Bakhtiari did not practice.

Daily battle
Veteran receiver Keary Colbert is getting a significant number of snaps in practice, and it’s to the point he’s not in camp just to fill out the roster. But it’s difficult to see him making the team. Dwayne Bowe, Jerheme Urban, Jonathan Baldwin and Steve Breaston are ahead of him. Copper probably will make the team because of his special-teams skills. Horne is fast and has too much promise for the Chiefs to let him go.

Today’s schedule
The Chiefs will practice at 3 p.m.

75 Monday’s high temperature in St. Joseph. Today’s expected high is 86 degrees.

2 Number of field goals combined for Chiefs and Ravens last weekend (both by Baltimore)

0 Number of touchdowns combined for Chiefs and Ravens last weekend

**Tribal Warfare** · 08-16-2011, 01:31 AM

IMO, Albert will be given enough rope if he actually shows he has improved, but if he's still inconsistent with his passblocking duties then he needs to go back to his original position on the line the at OG and let Gaither anchor the spot. Which is why I'm calling bullshit and Haley(coachspeak) citing Albert is secure as the main man at LT.

BigRock · 08-16-2011, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

Which is why I'm calling bullshit and Haley(coachspeak) citing Albert is secure as the main man at LT.

Saying "May the best man win" doesn't really suggest much security.

**Tribal Warfare** · 08-16-2011, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRock

Saying "May the best man win" doesn't really suggest much security.

if you read the Q &A it painted a slightly more defining point about Albert.

**BigMeatballDave** · 08-16-2011, 01:45 AM

It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

I wonder if they are firm on Richardson at RT?

**Tribal Warfare** · 08-16-2011, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

I wonder if they are firm on Richardson at RT?

the may the best man win statement was directed at more at Richardson/O'Callaghan than Albert IMO

hunter121 · 08-16-2011, 02:24 AM

It'll be interesting.

kcxiv · 08-16-2011, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

IMO, Albert will be given enough rope if he actually shows he has improved, but if he's still inconsistent with his passblocking duties then he needs to go back to his original position on the line the at OG and let Gaither anchor the spot. Which is why I'm calling bullshit and Haley(coachspeak) citing Albert is secure as the main man at LT.

HIs original position has always been LT. He only played Guard in college because they had Monroe established at his college and that guy is pretty freaking good. I remember hearing that he was always supposed to be a left tackle, He just can play anywhere on the line.

Hog's Gone Fishin · 08-16-2011, 03:38 AM

A healthy Gaither sitting the bench waiting for an injury is laughable. He's got way too much talent. He'll be our LT and Albert will be guard. Book it.

**Tribal Warfare** · 08-16-2011, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcxiv

HIs original position has always been LT. He only played Guard in college because they had Monroe established at his college and that guy is pretty freaking good. I remember hearing that he was always supposed to be a left tackle, He just can play anywhere on the line.

He's an all-world OG, and as it stands a very average LT. Thus, the position he's better utilized in would Guard if he doesn't improve.

**MahiMike** · 08-16-2011, 05:50 AM

We're suddenly deep at OL.

patteeu · 08-16-2011, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

the may the best man win statement was directed at more at Richardson/O'Callaghan than Albert IMO

I'm with BigRock on this, unless the article is distorting what Haley said in the press conference (which I didn't hear).

**Dave Lane** · 08-16-2011, 06:20 AM

The dreaded vote of confidence.

durtyrute · 08-16-2011, 07:22 AM

I hope they don't move BA to right tackle, in my opinion that would be a really stupid move and could possibly set him back a couple of years. If you are going to move him move him back to guard and find someone else to replace B Rich.

Sofa King · 08-16-2011, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Lane

The dreaded vote of confidence.

This.

It's almost inevitable now.

08-16-2011, 12:59 AM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $752813	Chiefs camp report: Albert still the man at left tackle Chiefs camp report: Albert still the man at left tackle By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star ST. JOSEPH \| Todd Haley had a word of caution for those who believe it’s inevitable the recently signed Jared Gaither will take over from Branden Albert as the starting left tackle. “Branden’s our left tackle,” Haley said. “He’s earned that right through his play here last year and some of the things we did. He’s working hard and it appears he’s getting better.” Which is not to say Gaither won’t eventually take over for Albert. “(Gaither) brings competition, and the more the better,” Haley said. “It just makes everybody better. May the best man win.” Gaither missed all of last season because of a back injury but said he’s whole now. “I’m 100 percent,” he said. “I look good. They gave me a great opportunity.” Gaither, who started at left tackle in 2008 and 2009 for Baltimore, has been working as Albert’s backup in practice this week. Haley indicated the Chiefs are initially looking at Gaither on the left side so they don’t have to ask right tackle Barry Richardson to make the move if Albert is injured. Richardson did move for one game last year in Seattle when Albert was injured. Ryan O’Callaghan filled in at right tackle that day. “We have (Gaither) over there to increase his comfort level as much as anything else,” Haley said. “He’s a guy that played both sides. We have a number of different options with those guys, and that’s a good thing as far as I’m concerned. “Last year we played most of the year feeling like if something happened to Branden, Barry Richardson would go (to left tackle) and then we’d plug in who we thought had a chance to be the best right tackle, Ryan O’Callaghan much of the year. We weren’t as comfortable with Ryan going to left (tackle). “The ideal situation is if something happens to either your starting right or left tackle that you just plug in a guy and you have fewer moving parts. We’re trying to sort that out to see exactly where we are.” Still behind schedule The Chiefs held a practice in pads from start to finish for the second straight day. The competition was particularly fierce toward the end, when the offense ran four plays from inside the 2. But the Chiefs continue to work at a pace slower than usual for training camp, meaning they’re behind schedule. “I don’t know if there’s a right or a wrong,” coach Todd Haley said. “You’ve got to believe in what you’re doing and just take it step by step. It may go into the season where we’re not where we want to be. I do know if we’re well-conditioned and strong and our guys know what to do, we’ll have a chance to compete.” A coach in uniform Recently signed wide receiver Keary Colbert spent last season as a graduate assistant coach at USC, where he played in college. Colbert helped coach the tight ends. “I got to learn a lot more about football,” he said. “I had to learn a lot about the run game and the line play. It was a lot different just from being a wide receiver. It was just a great experience for me.” Colbert was a second-round pick by Carolina in 2004 and had his best NFL season as a rookie for the Panthers, catching 47 passes for five touchdowns. He never came close to matching those numbers again as he bounced to Denver, Seattle and Detroit. He hasn’t played in the NFL since 2008 but is trying to make a comeback and is getting a good look in Chiefs camp. Colbert could always go back to coaching if he doesn’t make it with the Chiefs. “It’s an option that I’m going to consider,” he said. “Right now, my focus is on trying to make this roster and help this team. (Coaching) gave me a good understanding of where the future might lie for me, but I’ll make that decision when it comes and hopefully it won’t be for awhile.” The offense A set of four goal-line plays at the end of practice brought out some intense competition. Thomas Jones had the big play for the offense, diving over the pile for a touchdown from the 1. … Tyler Palko and Terrance Copper hooked up on a couple of touchdown passes in a seven-on-seven passing drill. On one play, Copper put a nice stop-and-go move on cornerback Brandon Flowers. The defense Linebacker Derrick Johnson came across the field and chased running back Jamaal Charles out of bounds just short of the end zone in the goal-line drill. … Linebacker Brandon Siler and safety Reshard Langford stuffed Dexter McCluster as he attempted to hurdle the pile in the goal-line drill. … Rookie cornerback Jalil Brown broke up a couple of passes but also interfered with Jeremy Horne on another play. Injury report Nose tackle Anthony Toribio and linebacker Eric Bakhtiari did not practice. Daily battle Veteran receiver Keary Colbert is getting a significant number of snaps in practice, and it’s to the point he’s not in camp just to fill out the roster. But it’s difficult to see him making the team. Dwayne Bowe, Jerheme Urban, Jonathan Baldwin and Steve Breaston are ahead of him. Copper probably will make the team because of his special-teams skills. Horne is fast and has too much promise for the Chiefs to let him go. Today’s schedule The Chiefs will practice at 3 p.m. 75 Monday’s high temperature in St. Joseph. Today’s expected high is 86 degrees. 2 Number of field goals combined for Chiefs and Ravens last weekend (both by Baltimore) 0 Number of touchdowns combined for Chiefs and Ravens last weekend
Posts: 42,130

08-16-2011, 01:31 AM	#2
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $752813	IMO, Albert will be given enough rope if he actually shows he has improved, but if he's still inconsistent with his passblocking duties then he needs to go back to his original position on the line the at OG and let Gaither anchor the spot. Which is why I'm calling bullshit and Haley(coachspeak) citing Albert is secure as the main man at LT. __________________
Posts: 42,130

08-16-2011, 01:45 AM	#5
BigMeatballDave GBM 8-12-15 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Dayton, Oh. Casino cash: $10052154	It'll be interesting to see how this plays out. I wonder if they are firm on Richardson at RT?
Posts: 59,997

08-16-2011, 02:24 AM	#7
hunter121 Rookie Join Date: Mar 2011 Casino cash: $10004900	It'll be interesting.
Posts: 21

08-16-2011, 03:38 AM	#9
Hog's Gone Fishin Fish are scared of me Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1550477	A healthy Gaither sitting the bench waiting for an injury is laughable. He's got way too much talent. He'll be our LT and Albert will be guard. Book it.
Posts: 40,374

08-16-2011, 05:50 AM	#11
MahiMike He's Mahomie! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Jax, FL Casino cash: $10023443	We're suddenly deep at OL. __________________ 99.9%
Posts: 17,387

08-16-2011, 06:20 AM	#13
Dave Lane Space Cadet and Aczabel Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Kanab, UT, USA Casino cash: $9333275 VARSITY	The dreaded vote of confidence. __________________ Thanks, Trump for the civics lesson. We are learning so much about RICO, espionage, sedition, impeachment, the 25th Amendment, order of succession, nepotism, separation of powers, 1st Amendment, obstruction of justice, the emoluments clause, conflicts of interest, collusion, sanctions, oligarchs, money laundering and so much more.
Posts: 40,584

08-16-2011, 07:22 AM	#14
durtyrute MVP Join Date: Mar 2011 Casino cash: $8146085	I hope they don't move BA to right tackle, in my opinion that would be a really stupid move and could possibly set him back a couple of years. If you are going to move him move him back to guard and find someone else to replace B Rich.
Posts: 5,831