Chiefs O-Line analysis - Page 9

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)

Titty Meat · 03-21-2010, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Kyle Calloway doesn't suck.

He won't be half the player Tony Washington will be.

aturnis · 03-21-2010, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billay

Yea lets draft the guy who sucks more.

rated higher than sister ****er on nfldraftcountdown.

aturnis · 03-21-2010, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billay

He won't be half the player Tony Washington will be.

So you like workout warriors. Good to know.

aturnis · 03-21-2010, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

He's not really an answer, either.

If we used a 5th on him I'd be OK with it. Nothing higher though.

You wouldn't use a 4th rounder to finish 2010's o-line? A good pass blocker and a road grader. Yet EVERYONE here wanted a piece of ole Barry Richardson in the 3rd.

milkman · 03-21-2010, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Kyle Calloway doesn't suck.

I agree with mecca, who said in another thread, that Calloway is just another O'Callaghan.

I wouldn't spend a pick as high as the fifth round on Ryan Calloway.

And yes, I said "Ryan" on purpose.

milkman · 03-21-2010, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aturnis

You wouldn't use a 4th rounder to finish 2010's o-line? A good pass blocker and a road grader. Yet EVERYONE here wanted a piece of ole Barry Richardson in the 3rd.

Barry Richardson has the talent and athletic ability to be a damn good RT.

He just seems to lack the motivation and desire to achieve his potential.

**DaneMcCloud** · 03-21-2010, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

Barry Richardson has the talent and athletic ability to be a damn good RT.

He just seems to lack the motivation and desire to achieve his potential.

We chatted about this before but I still feel his best position is left tackle, after having started 40 games for Clemson and filling in this past year.

For the Chiefs, I think it's a bit of the square peg/round hole syndrome.

**SAUTO** · 03-21-2010, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

We chatted about this before but I still feel his best position is left tackle, after having started 40 games for Clemson and filling in this past year.

For the Chiefs, I think it's a bit of the square peg/round hole syndrome.

i think he s an option at either spot. let him and albert fight it out best lt win
Posted via Mobile Device

milkman · 03-21-2010, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

We chatted about this before but I still feel his best position is left tackle, after having started 40 games for Clemson and filling in this past year.

For the Chiefs, I think it's a bit of the square peg/round hole syndrome.

At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter what we think.

First, I think that Albert has far more potential than Richardson at LT, but I think Richardson has some real talent to work with.

I also think that Richardson has more upside as a RT than Albert.
He isn't as long and lean as Albert, and has the frame to add 15 lbs or so without affecting the athletic ability he possesses, which could serve him well as both a run blocker as well as in pass protect.

I also watched Richardson closely at RT last year in the preseason and he played better than any of teh guys we trotted out there all season, including O'Callagahn.

But we saw that this staff does have some sacred cows in Niswanger and Goff.
And as soon as O'Callaghan became familiar with the system, he was trotted out there as the starter, and he proved to be the exact kind of player I said he was when I melted down after the final preseason roster cuts and waiver pickups.

**DaneMcCloud** · 03-21-2010, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter what we think.

First, I think that Albert has far more potential than Richardson at LT, but I think Richardson has some real talent to work with.

I also think that Richardson has more upside as a RT than Albert.
He isn't as long and lean as Albert, and has the frame to add 15 lbs or so without affecting the athletic ability he possesses, which could serve him well as both a run blocker as well as in pass protect.

I also watched Richardson closely at RT last year in the preseason and he played better than any of teh guys we trotted out there all season, including O'Callagahn.

But we saw that this staff does have some sacred cows in Niswanger and Goff.
And as soon as O'Callaghan became familiar with the system, he was trotted out there as the starter, and he proved to be the exact kind of player I said he was when I melted down after the final preseason roster cuts and waiver pickups.

I agree with everything you've stated, as I have in the past.

From my POV, Richardson has looked "smoother" at left tackle than right. If he can translate that to the right side, he'll be a 10 year starter.

If not, he may end up catching on elsewhere as a left tackle. But there's no doubt he's an NFL caliber lineman.

Titty Meat · 03-21-2010, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aturnis

So you like workout warriors. Good to know.

This is a dumbass statement. Was he a workout warrior when LSU offered him a scholarship?

**SAUTO** · 03-21-2010, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billay

This is a dumbass statement. Was he a workout warrior when LSU offered him a scholarship?

what does that have to do with anything, did gholston have a scholorship?
Posted via Mobile Device

Titty Meat · 03-21-2010, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

what does that have to do with anything, did gholston have a scholorship?
Posted via Mobile Device

Certainly you know the difference between a 1st round pick and a 4th round pick. Oh no you don't you're a ****ing idiot.

**SAUTO** · 03-21-2010, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billay

Certainly you know the difference between a 1st round pick and a 4th round pick. Oh no you don't you're a ****ing idiot.

wow ok, says a lot about you that you are continually pimping a guy who ****ed his sister, and iirc got her pregnant. par for the course with you billy
Posted via Mobile Device

Deberg_1990 · 03-21-2010, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

But we saw that this staff does have some sacred cows in Niswanger and Goff.

heh..yea, im still baffled at the love they felt for these two last year? Any insight into that??

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

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode