Teicher: Albert shaping up at tackle for Chiefs

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by keg in kc

This is basically the way I feel about it, in a nutshell: if they're in an obvious passing situation, I expect Cassel to be hurried and/or hit, and if they're in a short yardage situation, I expect that they'll have trouble running the ball. I think the plays that they do make (and they will make some...) are going to have to be the result of scheme and playcall, because I don't think this is a unit that can just line up over the ball and do what they want to the defense. It is not a strong offensive line. They have not yet shown any ability to consistently pass protect, and while they're better with the run then they are the pass, I think Charles' uncanny tendency to generate yards after contact creates a kind of mirage as far as their ability to run block goes. I think Jones' numbers (right now @ 3 ypc) are more indicative of the line's quality.

Those are good points and concerns. I still believe Cassel is a LOT more responsible for pass protection problems than the other way around. He doesn't find hot reads. He doesn't know how to move around in the pocket to buy time. The only way to protect him is to have a perfect pocket, and no o-line should be expected to do that every play of the game. The line isn't great, but they have been pretty consistent this preseason in giving Cassel his one or two reads. When Cassel can't find a read, he needs to learn how to extend the play. Sadly, he probably never will. The o-line could be much better particularly in the middle, but I don't see them as a liability.

As for Jones, I don't think the line is suited for him. I think he's there moreso to be a big body option. This o-line is built to block on the second level. Lilja and Albert are terrific second level blockers. Wiegmann's good too. And Waters isn't half bad. They're not great power blockers and can get outmatched, but in terms of blocking for speed backs, our line is actually very well built to do it. That's why Charles and McCluster are thriving and Jones is not.

That's what I've seen. Maybe I'm jaded. Maybe I expect too much. But I just don't feel good about the line at this point.

I also don't feel good about the quarterback, either. Which for me is a separate issue.

I hope in a month I look like an idiot for being at all concerned.

We need major upgrades. We need a Center with a little more balance (but athleticism should be the bigger priority). We need a RT with the same credentials. And we need Asamoah to eventually start. But they're going to be good run blockers for Charles/McCluster and they're adequate enough to get some momentum in the passing game, if only we had a QB who made them better instead of making them worse.