Chiefs Chiefs’ Eric Fisher determined to bounce back after miserable half at Philadelphia - Page 2

**Tribal Warfare** · 09-24-2013, 01:16 PM

Chiefs’ Eric Fisher determined to bounce back after miserable half at Philadelphia
By TEREZ A. PAYLOR
The Kansas City Star
By the time the first half of the Chiefs’ 26-16 win over Philadelphia was over Thursday, you could understand if Eric Fisher was a little discouraged.

Sure, the Chiefs led by 10 points. But but Fisher, the rookie right tackle who was taken No. 1 overall in April’s NFL Draft, committed one holding penalty and was beaten for a sack and two hurries by Eagles linebacker Connor Barwin and defensive end Fletcher Cox in 22 first-half passing attempts by quarterback Alex Smith.

It was, perhaps, the worst half of Fisher’s three-game professional career. Pro Football Focus, which grades every NFL player in every game, assigned Fisher a three-game grade of minus-6.7, which ranks worst on the Chiefs and and 52nd out of 55 NFL tackles who have played 75 percent of their team’s snaps.

Fisher, however, is hardly the only highly touted rookie tackle dealing with a learning curve. Pro Football Focus has also assigned negative grades to the four other right tackles drafted in the first round: Jacksonville’s Luke Joeckel ranks 36th at minus-1.9 and Philadelphia’s Lane Johnson and the New York Giants’ Justin Pugh are tied for 48th at minus-5.2. San Diego’s D.J. Fluker has only played two games due to a concussion, but checks in at minus-1.4.

“It’s been tough mentally, physically, emotionally,” Fisher said of his adjustment to the NFL. “You’ve just got to keep your composure. There’s a lot that comes with this game and you roll with the punches.”

Fortunately for the Chiefs, Fisher seemed to do just that in the second half against the Eagles. He was called for one more penalty — a hold on Cox during a running play — but didn’t allow another sack, hit or hurry in 13 pass attempts. He was also a part of an offensive line that helped the Chiefs rush for 98 yards in 21 carries during the second half, effectively putting the Eagles away.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid lauded Fisher, 22, for hanging tough and showing flashes, despite his somewhat uneven transition from left to right tackle.

“I appreciate his effort out here,” Reid said. “He’s just trying to do everything the right way and he battles. Sometimes he gets in awkward positions, and he has the athletic ability and fights his way out of it. It’s not the prettiest picture, but it ends up being a productive play and I appreciate that from him. That you can work with as a coach.”

Reid said the Chiefs will also be able to bulk up Fisher’s 6-foot-7, 306-pound frame.

“Normally they put on about 10 pounds by the time you get to the next season, and he’ll do that,” Reid said, “He has a big frame that he can add some weight to. He’ll get in the weight room with Barry (Rubin) and he’ll have a whole year to do that part.”

Reid, however, stopped short of saying the extra strength alone would rectify some of the negative plays Fisher has made.

“I don’t think it’s all that,” Reid said. “Some of it is just he wants to go attack, which is a good thing — you’d rather have it that way than the other way — he wants to go attack and he’ll over settle, but he’ll learn just to kind of calm himself down a little bit.”

Guard Geoff Schwartz also noted that Fisher has been targeted because of his draft status and the presence of established veteran Branden Albert on the opposite side.

“You’ve got to think, the Eagles and any other team, really, they’re gonna come after that guy,” said Schwartz, a six-year veteran. “Are they gonna come after B.A., or are they come after Fish? They’re gonna come after the young cat. So, that’s the way it is. He knows that, we know that.”

Fisher still managed to make a few impressive plays Thursday. He had a textbook reach block that sprung running back Jamaal Charles for a 3-yard score in the second half, and also drove a linebacker 12 yards downfield on another second-half run.

“There’s definitely different things you see in there that give you hope,” Schwartz said. “Really, some of his issues have been pass blocking and that just comes with time, knowing space, knowing angles, stuff like that. There’s no worry … we’re 3-0.”

Second-year tackle Donald Stephenson hopes the Chiefs’ overall record helps Fisher shrug off his individual defeats, which he found to be the key for surviving as a rookie.

“Because you know it’s going to happen,” said Stephenson, who played in 16 games and started seven last season. “The first thing the vets told me was it’s not college — you’re going to get your butt whupped, sometimes. It’s how you handle it and how you respond. That’s what I tried to do, I just kept my head up and brought it the next game, next play.”

Stephenson and Schwartz said that’s exactly what Fisher has done, as well.

“Everybody struggles that rookie year, and he’s handling it pretty good,” Stephenson said. “He’s always in here working on days off, watching extra film … he’s already acting like a vet. That’s going to pay off for him. The effort is there.”

Fisher seems to understand that for most, the journey toward becoming a good NFL player is not an easy process.

“Everyone makes mistakes in this game,” Fisher said. “I look at the film, I look at my assignments and I learn from those mistakes and do my best to not make them again.

“Everyday, I’m going to be a stronger player.”

-King- · 09-24-2013, 02:03 PM

Gotta start running more in the first half. Bill Maas pointed out that it doesn't do a rookie tackle any favors if his first step on every play is backwards.
Posted via Mobile Device

MTG#10 · 09-24-2013, 02:03 PM

Im not worried. I wasn't happy about the pick but I have a really good feeling this kid is going to go beast mode in the near future.

**the Talking Can** · 09-24-2013, 02:04 PM

drafting OL is safe, they can play well right away

Ace Gunner · 09-24-2013, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

drafting OL is safe, they can play well right away

we don't know how good he would be if he played his normal position. certainly can't determine from playing the opposite side, but he's likely to stay there if they sign Albert.. I think they will let Albert go after the season and plug in Stephenson.

Red Gorilla · 09-24-2013, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ace Gunner

we don't know how good he would be if he played his normal position. certainly can't determine from playing the opposite side, but he's likely to stay there if they sign Albert.. I think they will let Albert go after the season and plug in Stephenson.

Yep

**gblowfish** · 09-24-2013, 02:29 PM

NYG have some nasty DE's, so I worry about Fisher on Sunday.

But....

G-Men have a rookie tackle too, and Hali and Houston will abuse him as well.
So, that could be a wash.

**the Talking Can** · 09-24-2013, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ace Gunner

we don't know how good he would be if he played his normal position. certainly can't determine from playing the opposite side, but he's likely to stay there if they sign Albert.. I think they will let Albert go after the season and plug in Stephenson.

don't care, they drafted him to play RT...that's his job, and they chose him to do it...with the #1 pick in the draft

Albert moved from guard to tackle played brilliantly as a rookie on a much shittier team...

fisher is the worst RT in the league, it's ok for people to expect better...no excuses are required

**gblowfish** · 09-24-2013, 02:34 PM

Fisher has a good work ethic. I think he's going to be fine, once he figures it out. It's a big jump from Central Michigan to the NFL. Even last week, he played much better in the second half. So we'll see. I just hope he doesn't get Smith killed.

Ebolapox · 09-24-2013, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

Just wow.

it's a nice safe position to pick, yeah?

Red Gorilla · 09-24-2013, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTG#10

Im not worried. I wasn't happy about the pick but I have a really good feeling this kid is going to go beast mode in the near future.

Good post. I think most of the haters want to see him fail because we didn't draft who they wanted.

jettio · 09-24-2013, 02:42 PM

I think this O-line might do a better job overall if they got to do more runblocking early in the game.

They have been great in the 4th quarter of the last 2 games running the ball on clock draining drives.

Seems to me they would not be on their heels so much on passing plays early in the game, if they had a chance to hit their opponents with some run blocking early.

Dayze · 09-24-2013, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCD

Only a half?

no shit right there

BigCatDaddy · 09-24-2013, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

Just wow.

But but tackles are safe and contribute right away!

**The Franchise** · 09-24-2013, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -King-

Gotta start running more in the first half. Bill Maas pointed out that it doesn't do a rookie tackle any favors if his first step on every play is backwards.
Posted via Mobile Device

This. It's not good for the oline period when the DEs can pin their ears back every play.

Dayze · 09-24-2013, 02:47 PM

folded arms guy gets me every time.

09-24-2013, 01:16 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3007187	Chiefs’ Eric Fisher determined to bounce back after miserable half at Philadelphia Chiefs’ Eric Fisher determined to bounce back after miserable half at Philadelphia By TEREZ A. PAYLOR The Kansas City Star By the time the first half of the Chiefs’ 26-16 win over Philadelphia was over Thursday, you could understand if Eric Fisher was a little discouraged. Sure, the Chiefs led by 10 points. But but Fisher, the rookie right tackle who was taken No. 1 overall in April’s NFL Draft, committed one holding penalty and was beaten for a sack and two hurries by Eagles linebacker Connor Barwin and defensive end Fletcher Cox in 22 first-half passing attempts by quarterback Alex Smith. It was, perhaps, the worst half of Fisher’s three-game professional career. Pro Football Focus, which grades every NFL player in every game, assigned Fisher a three-game grade of minus-6.7, which ranks worst on the Chiefs and and 52nd out of 55 NFL tackles who have played 75 percent of their team’s snaps. Fisher, however, is hardly the only highly touted rookie tackle dealing with a learning curve. Pro Football Focus has also assigned negative grades to the four other right tackles drafted in the first round: Jacksonville’s Luke Joeckel ranks 36th at minus-1.9 and Philadelphia’s Lane Johnson and the New York Giants’ Justin Pugh are tied for 48th at minus-5.2. San Diego’s D.J. Fluker has only played two games due to a concussion, but checks in at minus-1.4. “It’s been tough mentally, physically, emotionally,” Fisher said of his adjustment to the NFL. “You’ve just got to keep your composure. There’s a lot that comes with this game and you roll with the punches.” Fortunately for the Chiefs, Fisher seemed to do just that in the second half against the Eagles. He was called for one more penalty — a hold on Cox during a running play — but didn’t allow another sack, hit or hurry in 13 pass attempts. He was also a part of an offensive line that helped the Chiefs rush for 98 yards in 21 carries during the second half, effectively putting the Eagles away. Chiefs coach Andy Reid lauded Fisher, 22, for hanging tough and showing flashes, despite his somewhat uneven transition from left to right tackle. “I appreciate his effort out here,” Reid said. “He’s just trying to do everything the right way and he battles. Sometimes he gets in awkward positions, and he has the athletic ability and fights his way out of it. It’s not the prettiest picture, but it ends up being a productive play and I appreciate that from him. That you can work with as a coach.” Reid said the Chiefs will also be able to bulk up Fisher’s 6-foot-7, 306-pound frame. “Normally they put on about 10 pounds by the time you get to the next season, and he’ll do that,” Reid said, “He has a big frame that he can add some weight to. He’ll get in the weight room with Barry (Rubin) and he’ll have a whole year to do that part.” Reid, however, stopped short of saying the extra strength alone would rectify some of the negative plays Fisher has made. “I don’t think it’s all that,” Reid said. “Some of it is just he wants to go attack, which is a good thing — you’d rather have it that way than the other way — he wants to go attack and he’ll over settle, but he’ll learn just to kind of calm himself down a little bit.” Guard Geoff Schwartz also noted that Fisher has been targeted because of his draft status and the presence of established veteran Branden Albert on the opposite side. “You’ve got to think, the Eagles and any other team, really, they’re gonna come after that guy,” said Schwartz, a six-year veteran. “Are they gonna come after B.A., or are they come after Fish? They’re gonna come after the young cat. So, that’s the way it is. He knows that, we know that.” Fisher still managed to make a few impressive plays Thursday. He had a textbook reach block that sprung running back Jamaal Charles for a 3-yard score in the second half, and also drove a linebacker 12 yards downfield on another second-half run. “There’s definitely different things you see in there that give you hope,” Schwartz said. “Really, some of his issues have been pass blocking and that just comes with time, knowing space, knowing angles, stuff like that. There’s no worry … we’re 3-0.” Second-year tackle Donald Stephenson hopes the Chiefs’ overall record helps Fisher shrug off his individual defeats, which he found to be the key for surviving as a rookie. “Because you know it’s going to happen,” said Stephenson, who played in 16 games and started seven last season. “The first thing the vets told me was it’s not college — you’re going to get your butt whupped, sometimes. It’s how you handle it and how you respond. That’s what I tried to do, I just kept my head up and brought it the next game, next play.” Stephenson and Schwartz said that’s exactly what Fisher has done, as well. “Everybody struggles that rookie year, and he’s handling it pretty good,” Stephenson said. “He’s always in here working on days off, watching extra film … he’s already acting like a vet. That’s going to pay off for him. The effort is there.” Fisher seems to understand that for most, the journey toward becoming a good NFL player is not an easy process. “Everyone makes mistakes in this game,” Fisher said. “I look at the film, I look at my assignments and I learn from those mistakes and do my best to not make them again. “Everyday, I’m going to be a stronger player.”
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09-24-2013, 02:03 PM	#16
-King- ▓▓▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▓▓ Join Date: Jan 2009 Casino cash: $-1434257	Gotta start running more in the first half. Bill Maas pointed out that it doesn't do a rookie tackle any favors if his first step on every play is backwards. Posted via Mobile Device
Posts: 65,479

09-24-2013, 02:03 PM	#17
MTG#10 Mammoth penis Join Date: May 2006 Location: Springfield Casino cash: $7014386	Im not worried. I wasn't happy about the pick but I have a really good feeling this kid is going to go beast mode in the near future.
Posts: 11,437

09-24-2013, 02:04 PM	#18
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $9152208	drafting OL is safe, they can play well right away __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
Posts: 51,585

09-24-2013, 02:29 PM	#21
gblowfish Be Kind To Your Pets Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Glorious Independence, MO Casino cash: $16886178 VARSITY	NYG have some nasty DE's, so I worry about Fisher on Sunday. But.... G-Men have a rookie tackle too, and Hali and Houston will abuse him as well. So, that could be a wash.
Posts: 41,016

09-24-2013, 02:34 PM	#23
gblowfish Be Kind To Your Pets Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Glorious Independence, MO Casino cash: $16886178 VARSITY	Fisher has a good work ethic. I think he's going to be fine, once he figures it out. It's a big jump from Central Michigan to the NFL. Even last week, he played much better in the second half. So we'll see. I just hope he doesn't get Smith killed.
Posts: 41,016

09-24-2013, 02:42 PM	#26
jettio MVP Join Date: Sep 2002 Casino cash: $4504930	I think this O-line might do a better job overall if they got to do more runblocking early in the game. They have been great in the 4th quarter of the last 2 games running the ball on clock draining drives. Seems to me they would not be on their heels so much on passing plays early in the game, if they had a chance to hit their opponents with some run blocking early. __________________ Where Ignorance is Bliss, 'Tis Folly to be Wise. __
Posts: 11,043

09-24-2013, 02:47 PM	#30
Dayze Resident Glue Sniffer Join Date: Nov 2003 Casino cash: $1729358	folded arms guy gets me every time. __________________ Life is 99% inspiration, 1% Perspiration, and 1% Attention to Detial. RIP & Godspeed: Saccoppo Lonewolf Ed Fire Me Boy
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