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)

I could save that guy time in his write up but just simply saying this: Chiefs O-line sucks.

Didn't realize Albert and Waters both had the most penalties for their respective positions in the league.

Also makes you wonder how good Lilja really is now that Superman is not his QB.

We do need to draft OL badly. I can live with Clausen/Suh/Berry/Okung/Baluga.

Any of those will help our team.

That is all you took from the article?

Someone should keep reposting this until the dumbass mf'ers who keep saying Albert isn't a true LT STFU.

I find the Lilja info interesting. 14th best out of 64 guards. I know Manning was part of it but that's still pretty good.

I'm not overly concerned about the penalties stats.
The majority of those penalties were false starts.

Install a brand new scheme just two weeks prior to the start, and that's what you get.

I didn't read it. 1 guards played has declined for a few years now the other supposedly failed a physical, and the center is 37 years old and got thrown around like a rag doll. Forgive me for not being excited about the o-line.

I'm afraid Manning could have easily been 95% of it.

Read the ****ing thing.

It actually gives far more insight than "the O-Line sucks".

You might actually learn something.















Oh, hell, who am I kidding?

Never mind.

Nope you didn't read it.

Chiefs line still needs improvement.

Minor changes at best so far.

His run blocking skills aren't on Manning.

The comment about screen blocking with Lilja, Weigmann, and Albert is good news. With JC's wheels that could be huge.

I just read it and it was 5 minutes of my life i'll never get back. Whats the ****ing point we already knew all this.

There are a bunch of ignorami who don't know it. Good post by milkman.

My only concern about Weigmann and Lilja is their size. I'm assuming scheme will help with that. Perhaps one of the resident geniouses (CPS) can weigh in on this.

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.

I am less concerned now knowing the graded better at run blocking than pass protection.

I just hope they can pass protect adequately but if we can run the ball well that's less of an issue.

I took from it that the writer sure was busy finding reasons for Alberts fail.

I took it from your posts that you are a useless dumbass.

The only reason the writer cited for Albert's struggles was an injury at the start of the season, but in useless dumbass' mind, that's a "busy finding reasons".

Stop reading your posts and life will be better!

damn it took 5 minutes for you to read that? how long does it take for it to actually sink in?
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hmmmm how many superbowls have they won again? bad comparison
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Are you a patient sort?

Not really.

The Chargers have the talent to win a SB.
Coaching holds them back.

They're the Chiefs of the this decade.

nope, and im smart enough to not be holding my breath
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I didn't realize O''Callahan was that bad. After Mcintosh he looked like a pro bowler. I'm no football expert but I've read a lot about Saffold out of IN and he can play either right guard or right tackle, and he seems to be rising on most draft boards. Is the 36th pick too high for him?

their players have choked almost as much as the coaches IMO
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When you play not to lose, as Marty did throughout most his coaching career in the playoffs, with the Chiefs and the Chargers, then you put your players in a position where mistakes are magified.

In essense, Marty's philosophy resulted in what some would describe as players choking.

Last year, the Chargers went into that Jet game with a game plan centered on a brokedick Tomlinson.

All I want to know is, what was Norv Turner smoking?

Me, either. And you're right, Mr. spanky, after McInsuck he seemed like a Godsend.

Still, we knew we needed a right tackle. It's, frankly, amazing how far our o-line has fallen. Carl did us no favors in this regard. Nobody was in line to step up when our Big Willie and Medium-Sized Willie retired.

FAX

Your thirst for knowledge is inspiring, Mr. milkman.

ROFL

Seriously, good post. This pretty much validates your opinion of Albert which is encouraging. The rest of the line? ... not looking too good, here.

It will piss a lot of people off, but we need to spend draft picks (and probably some high ones) for linemen. We simply have to have them.

FAX

It was the o-lines fault for not winnning a super bowl? Dumbass.

At least we know this ... Ron Tepper is a CPlanet poster.

Good read MM. I think Lilja is done, JMO. Albert hopefully gets better and becomes the player he can be. We need a RT bad. Maybe Big Bad Barry will finally step.
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At least we know.....dumbasses will never consider the idea that they may be wrong.

I dobut Richardson will ever be anything. I'd be for drafting cousin ****er I guess in the later rounds.

Is Barry Richardson that giant guy we drafted?

EDIT: No ... I'm thinking of Colin Brown.

FAX

At least we know ... Milkman is still a raging prick with a big mouth.

Have I ever argued that I'm not?

I'm not sure how it's insulting if true.

It's like saying I have brown hair with some gray sneaking in.

Dane would be so proud

I'm all for drafting a RT. Just not at position #5. And not drafting a LT at #5 and moving Albert either. If we trade down somehow... our #5 and #50 for SF's #13 and #17 for example is a wash on points... then I am OK if one of those two picks is spent on a RT. No trade down, which is more likely, I would draft a RT late 2nd or eraly 3rd. JMO

If you don't agree with Laz your Danes pet. Is that all you ball lickers can come up with?

I need some help here. It is hell getting old, and not remembering things as clearly as in my younnger days. What was Alberts injury? I know his rookie year he had a leg in training camp, and then an elbow during the season, but I can not remember his injury from last season.

did i say that? just IMO its not too smart to compare situations with a team that constantly under achieves. if you want playoff disappointment do what the chargers have done
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Name the first round picks on the Colts, Giants, and Saints o-line when they won super bowls.

Not sure.

He might be alluding to that problem Albert had with with feeling a loss of energy and weak after the quick weight loss.

I thought Albert had a knee or ankle or something ... in pre-season. Remember?

EDIT: ... or in an early season game. Smith came in ... remember?

FAX

are you actually trying to say that a team CANT win with first round picks on the o line?


and to your earlier post i find it amusing that you call me a dumbass after you waded into this thread talking shit BEFORE actually you know READING THE ARTICLE
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i initially thought it was an ankle, but im not sure
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The Chiefs need to come away with good center and right tackle prospects in the draft if they truly want their offensive line to improve.

The good thing about Lilja's contract is that it's small, so that doesn't necessarily dictate that he'll be the starter. Hopefully, a younger guy (Brown) emerges this season.

Exactly.

We've added talent and we need more. This is a good start. A foundation...

heres hoping they look for younger guys to groom... but maybe we have options in brown and harris
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What is a zone blocking scheme and how does it differ from the blocking scheme that we run?

In a zone system, the linemen block an "area" rather than a specific "man". They just try to clear an area. Honestly, I think we've been running both depending on the play call.

FAX

Hmmmm

thanks FAX

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

In 2008 it was a dislocated elbow.

I've been told (although I don't know how accurate this is) that, generally, in a "zone" blocking system, you need more athletic linemen. That's why the goats brought in Wiegmann. He is/was very good in space. Whereas, in a "man" scheme, the linemen don't have to be quite as mobile.

FAX

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
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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.

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.

:facepalm:

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.

OK whatever. u win.

i know.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

LOL this is actually pretty funny.

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...

That was 1 season and I don't think it was because the line more so the decline of LT.

Possibly, although I read somewhere after LT signed with the Jets that he was moving from one of the worst run blocking OL's in the league to one of the best, so my impression is that the line has been slipping more into a pass protection first mentality in SD. I credit that to Norv Turner, who is probably one of the softest football coaches out there...

No, I posted that while your girlfriend was blowing me.Posted via Mobile Device

Well then, he was talking out of both sides of his ass, wasn't he.

Lots of holding calls on Albert and Waters too. Especially on longer runs.