Chiefs O-Line analysis - Page 12

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)

milkman · 03-21-2010, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aturnis

Sure bet that's fact. Just like the Colts wanted to go bigger right?

We'll see about your comparison. I'm pretty sure you only feel that way b/c he is from Iowa though.

I've never argued that point on Lilja, so just shut the hell up.

The motivation issues were always the sticking point on Richardson in every ****ing scouting report going into that draft, and Herman ****ing Edwards made mention of those reports when the Chiefs selected him, if I recall correctly.

aturnis · 03-21-2010, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

The fact that this guy thinks that drafting Calloway in the fourth round tells me he's as clueless as Clathan in a whorehouse.

Really. A right tackle who is physical and as consistent as they come. Solid against the pass and punishing against the run. Not to mention his versatility to play 3 line positions. Fact is, he may be gone before he ever even gets to our 4th rounder. The only hope he falls is that he got himself an O'dub a summer or two ago. Something a large percentage of rural farm kids can say for themselves, so for me, it's a non issue. You are crack smokers. Bet you maybe watch 2 Iowa games as well.

aturnis · 03-21-2010, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

I've never argued that point on Lilja, so just shut the hell up.

The motivation issues were always the sticking point on Richardson in every ****ing scouting report going into that draft, and Herman ****ing Edwards made mention of those reports when the Chiefs selected him, if I recall correctly.

Sorry just using you and your comrades dirty tactics against you. Yes, I do recall the desire issue very well. Just not convinced that that's it. How much motivation will it take him to stand up and get in someones way? He doesn't even get vertical by the time he's blow by.

milkman · 03-21-2010, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aturnis

Really. A right tackle who is physical and as consistent as they come. Solid against the pass and punishing against the run. Not to mention his versatility to play 3 line positions. Fact is, he may be gone before he ever even gets to our 4th rounder. The only hope he falls is that he got himself an O'dub a summer or two ago. Something a large percentage of rural farm kids can say for themselves, so for me, it's a non issue. You are crack smokers. Bet you maybe watch 2 Iowa games as well.

I don't have to watch a lot of games to see that Bulaga has slow feet, though I believe I saw at least parts of five games.

milkman · 03-21-2010, 08:38 PM

And ftr, Richardson has appeared in 16 games, at both LT and RT, in two years with the Chiefs and has not given up a sack, which in no way supports your claim that he can't even get out of his stance before he gets blown by.

You, my friend, are full of shit.

aturnis · 03-21-2010, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

And ftr, Richardson has appeared in 16 games, at both LT and RT, in two years with the Chiefs and has not given up a sack, which in no way supports your claim that he can't even get out of his stance before he gets blown by.

You, my friend, are full of shit.

I'll give you that. Last year he played 77 passing snaps. Gave up 2 hits, 2 pressures and 1 penalty. No sacks though, you are right. He didn't grade out to well though, maybe better than No'Cal, but that's not the point I'm arguing either.

I hope you are right. I really do, I would really like to see a good offense again. It's just not the way I see it playing out. We can only hope though.

aturnis · 03-21-2010, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

I don't have to watch a lot of games to see that Bulaga has slow feet, though I believe I saw at least parts of five games.

Who said anything about Bulaga. I really hope the Chiefs don't draft him. I liked Bulaga's replacement while he was out early the year better anyway. Riley Reiff is a rs fresh who stepped in and owned that LT position while Bulaga was down.

Chiefaholic · 03-21-2010, 09:04 PM

I'm all for drafting OL in the draft, just not before the 3rd round. Our first three picks need to address playmakers who have the ability to change the outcome of a game. There'll be plenty of starter qualith C's and G's that will be available in the 3rd to 5th rounds. I'de draft Center at 3 to take Weig's spot in the very near future (possibly midseason). Then look for a guard to replace Waters in the next year or two in the 4th. If Brown lives up to his potential we'll have quality depth at the position unless Lilja doesn't pan out. Then in the 5th surely there'll be a RT on the board (possibly swap out with the guard in the 4th)

milkman · 03-21-2010, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aturnis

Who said anything about Bulaga. I really hope the Chiefs don't draft him. I liked Bulaga's replacement while he was out early the year better anyway. Riley Reiff is a rs fresh who stepped in and owned that LT position while Bulaga was down.

Mean't Calloway.

Mecca · 03-21-2010, 09:11 PM

Kyle Calloway is like a 5th rounder, mid 5th rounder.

aturnis · 03-21-2010, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefaholic

I'm all for drafting OL in the draft, just not before the 3rd round. Our first three picks need to address playmakers who have the ability to change the outcome of a game. There'll be plenty of starter qualith C's and G's that will be available in the 3rd to 5th rounds. I'de draft Center at 3 to take Weig's spot in the very near future (possibly midseason). Then look for a guard to replace Waters in the next year or two in the 4th. If Brown lives up to his potential we'll have quality depth at the position unless Lilja doesn't pan out. Then in the 5th surely there'll be a RT on the board (possibly swap out with the guard in the 4th)

I think the switch to zone blocking helps Brown quite a bit. There is a reason he wasn't on the previous regimes scouting radar. He played in a spread. I'm sure the new regime knew in which direction they were heading at all times.

aturnis · 03-21-2010, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mecca

Kyle Calloway is like a 5th rounder, mid 5th rounder.

Then I'll take him there. The only reason I can see him falling that low is b/c of the OWI and deep defensive draft though.

Titty Meat · 03-21-2010, 09:22 PM

So aturnis you're whole reasoning for Calloway being better than Washington is because you've seen Calloway play?

Fairplay · 03-21-2010, 09:33 PM

So this thread has been up all day.

What is the conicencious of what you got out of all the participants of your article suggest?

aturnis · 03-21-2010, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billay

So aturnis you're whole reasoning for Calloway being better than Washington is because you've seen Calloway play?

No my whole reason for other people know not what they are talking about is they haven't seen him play and don't like the idea of an Iowa olineman partly b/c Iowa isn't sexy, and now moreso than ever b/c of the Ferentz/Pioli connection. If he's taken, it'll be a good ole boys connection pick and not a solid one.

Washington was considered a 3rd or 4th round pick just last month, but you climb on that "potential" bandwagon.

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

03-21-2010, 08:38 PM	#170
milkman Dumbass! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Leading the Marty bashing Casino cash: $10029395	And ftr, Richardson has appeared in 16 games, at both LT and RT, in two years with the Chiefs and has not given up a sack, which in no way supports your claim that he can't even get out of his stance before he gets blown by. You, my friend, are full of shit. __________________
Posts: 70,769

03-21-2010, 09:04 PM	#173
Chiefaholic Veteran Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $500027	I'm all for drafting OL in the draft, just not before the 3rd round. Our first three picks need to address playmakers who have the ability to change the outcome of a game. There'll be plenty of starter qualith C's and G's that will be available in the 3rd to 5th rounds. I'de draft Center at 3 to take Weig's spot in the very near future (possibly midseason). Then look for a guard to replace Waters in the next year or two in the 4th. If Brown lives up to his potential we'll have quality depth at the position unless Lilja doesn't pan out. Then in the 5th surely there'll be a RT on the board (possibly swap out with the guard in the 4th) __________________
Posts: 4,832

03-21-2010, 09:11 PM	#175
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-682950	Kyle Calloway is like a 5th rounder, mid 5th rounder.
Posts: 115,363

03-21-2010, 09:22 PM	#178
Titty Meat Inmem 2.0 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: My house Casino cash: $-1152442	So aturnis you're whole reasoning for Calloway being better than Washington is because you've seen Calloway play?
Posts: 78,142

03-21-2010, 09:33 PM	#179
Fairplay A certain set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: texas Casino cash: $10026683 VARSITY	So this thread has been up all day. What is the conicencious of what you got out of all the participants of your article suggest?
Posts: 25,265