Chiefs Chiefs’ Eric Fisher determined to bounce back after miserable half at Philadelphia - Page 9

**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.”

Marcellus · 09-24-2013, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Laz

So now you're for 'simply above average' at Quarterback?

I thought the idea was elite or nothing so you didn't end up 8-8?

you're so full of shit

Oops.

Chiefshrink · 09-24-2013, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Can you imagine what Von Miller is gonna do to Eric Fisher?

Might break Derrick Thomas' single game sack record.

It's looking that way.

Ebolapox · 09-24-2013, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TribalElder

Worst number 1 overall pick in franchise history

Also the best by default

buck buchanan is technically the best first overall pick in chiefs history. sorry.

Eleazar · 09-24-2013, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

Like Dane said, if Fisher needs all this time to become the great player he's supposed to be, then it wasn't worth it. Not at #1 overall.

Would we be singing this song if it'd been a QB at 1.1?

No... we'd be saying he needs a year or two before we even know what we have.

**BossChief** · 09-24-2013, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Laz

So now you're for 'simply above average' at Quarterback?

I thought the idea was elite or nothing so you didn't end up 8-8?

you're so full of shit

Andrew Lucks first 3 games:

1win 2losses
54% completion
846 yards passing
80 yards rushing
5td 4int

Geno Smiths first 3 games:

2wins 1loss
54% comp
801 passing
78 rushing
4td 6int

Eleazar · 09-24-2013, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Can you imagine what Von Miller is gonna do to Eric Fisher?

Is that guy still in the NFL?

What's he going to do to Fisher, smoke him up?

Pablo · 09-24-2013, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cochise

Would we be singing this song if it'd been a QB at 1.1?

No... we'd be saying he needs a year or two before we even know what we have.

Remember when the QB position was the same as the RT position?

Oh yeah, that's right.

What the **** kind of argument is that.

CoMoChief · 09-24-2013, 08:36 PM

Fisher needs to gain 15lbs of muscle and needs to play LT. It's clear he's playing the position backwards and it's effecting his leverage....that's why he constantly gets blown off of his feet so easily. I bet if he stepped right into the LT spot he'd me miles and miles better than what he is right now simply because that's the side he's been doing it for years.

Ace Gunner · 09-24-2013, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

And there's absolutely no way that Fisher is thinking, "Don't care! Results are all that matters! 3-0, bitches! I'm awesome!"

Some fans need to think a little bit more like Fisher.

what has happened to you. Here's the play -- Fisher seals off the edge blocking two defenders. Mayock comments on Fisher's block. what the **** has happened to you.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/kansas-cit...yard-touchdown

**BossChief** · 09-24-2013, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cochise

Is that guy still in the NFL?

What's he going to do to Fisher, smoke him up?

Yes

Eleazar · 09-24-2013, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pablo

Remember when the QB position was the same as the RT position?

Oh yeah, that's right.

What the **** kind of argument is that.

Why is it that picks we would have liked get 2 or more seasons of deference to 'develop', but picks we didn't like are busts if they don't perform immediately?

Ace Gunner · 09-24-2013, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snapplez

Jamaal's td against the eagles was all him and Sherman. Fisher got lucky that Barwin chose the wrong hole cause he would've gotten blown out of the play. Charles takes a quick instep to cut behind Fisher, Barwin reads it and reacts to make the tackle, and Charles immediately cuts back outside of Sherman to get the td. Fisher didn't do shit.

You're a ****ing idiot. That play was designed to block the edge with the RT and block the outside pursuit using FB. Elementary stretch play.

Eleazar · 09-24-2013, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoMoChief

Fisher needs to gain 15lbs of muscle and needs to play LT. It's clear he's playing the position backwards and it's effecting his leverage....that's why he constantly gets blown off of his feet so easily. I bet if he stepped right into the LT spot he'd me miles and miles better than what he is right now simply because that's the side he's been doing it for years.

Well then I think we're in luck, because Fisher will be playing LT next year.

**BossChief** · 09-24-2013, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cochise

Why is it that picks we would have liked get 2 or more seasons of deference to 'develop', but picks we didn't like are busts if they don't perform immediately?

Does this really need explained?

Seriously?

O.city · 09-24-2013, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cochise

Why is it that picks we would have liked get 2 or more seasons of deference to 'develop', but picks we didn't like are busts if they don't perform immediately?

No one is calling fisher a bust, he's played 3 games ffs. It will be at least 2 years before the guy is declared one thing or another.

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.”
Posts: 43,454

09-24-2013, 08:36 PM	#128
CoMoChief Mahomes Dynasty Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Parts Unknown Casino cash: $7672254	Fisher needs to gain 15lbs of muscle and needs to play LT. It's clear he's playing the position backwards and it's effecting his leverage....that's why he constantly gets blown off of his feet so easily. I bet if he stepped right into the LT spot he'd me miles and miles better than what he is right now simply because that's the side he's been doing it for years. __________________
Posts: 39,245

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