Chiefs Chiefs’ Eric Fisher determined to bounce back after miserable half at Philadelphia - Page 5

**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.”

Deberg_1990 · 09-24-2013, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Well, look at the Top Ten or Twelve guys drafted this year. No one is impressing.

Mingo and Jordan have like 4 tackles and one sack each. The tackles are struggling. Tavon Austin is struggling. Cooper is out for the year. DJ Haden is crap.

The only guys, IMO, out of the top 15 or so guys that I would swap for Fisher, at this point, are Sheldon Richardson, Lotuleili and possibly Vacarro.

This might turn out to be the worst draft, at least the first round in a looooong time. Heh, Chiefs luck.

**RealSNR** · 09-24-2013, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Lotuleili is playing well, as is Vacarro.

Vacarro and Berry would have been sick.

And Poe-Richardson and/or Poe-Lotuleili wouldn't be too far behind.

Lol. With that hypothetical secondary, I don't fear the Broncos one bit. Cover 3 the shit out of Peyton and let our LBs do the rest of the work. That would be so sexy.

**ChiefGator** · 09-24-2013, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Laz

new coaching
new system
new group of Oline
young Oline
inexperience Oline

Oh sure, make excuses for them. They have had like 150 snaps together.. enough to be old pros.

**notorious** · 09-24-2013, 05:30 PM

He better turn into an All-Pro.

Eleazar · 09-24-2013, 05:30 PM

I liked what someone posted in another thread:

Re: Fisher - "NO MORE EXCUSES!"
Re: Geno Smith - "He's just a rookie!"

Pablo · 09-24-2013, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cochise

I liked what someone posted in another thread:

Re: Fisher - "NO MORE EXCUSES!"
Re: Geno Smith - "He's just a rookie!"

Yeah, that argument never gets flipped around.

Welcome to CP.

lcarus · 09-24-2013, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

This might turn out to be the worst draft, at least the first round in a looooong time. Heh, Chiefs luck.

Yeah, this. Just a shitty draft. Of course there will be guys that emerge as star players who came from this draft, but overall it was just the worst year to have the #1 pick. Possibly in my lifetime. At least that I can remember.

Ace Gunner · 09-24-2013, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

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

Albert had Brian Waters on one side and TE Brad Cottam on the outside helping him almost every ****ing snap of his rookie season with the Chiefs.

why do folks keep forgetting this.

Also, it's a changed league now, where the RT is seeing players that are pretty fast and beastly -- like, say, Justin ****ing Houston & JJ Watt.

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-24-2013, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

Lol. With that hypothetical secondary, I don't fear the Broncos one bit. Cover 3 the shit out of Peyton and let our LBs do the rest of the work. That would be so sexy.

We all knew they weren't going to take a QB. And I know it's early in Fisher's career and he had an injured finger, blah, blah, blah.

But I'd be remiss to mention that I'd be more comfortable with John Dorsey had he identified a better football player, out of the gates, than Fisher.

I (still) believe that a first round pick, especially the #1 overall, should contribute positively from Day One. From my POV, Fisher as failed to do so but guys like Richardson, Vacarro, Lotuleili and Hopkins have been difference makers immediately.

Dorsey's done a very good job of bringing in complimentary players in free agency but his draft record, to date, is poor.

Let's just hope that's not a harbinger of things to come.

lcarus · 09-24-2013, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

We all knew they weren't going to take a QB. And I know it's early in Fisher's career and he had an injured finger, blah, blah, blah.

But I'd be remiss to mention that I'd be more comfortable with John Dorsey had he identified a better football player, out of the gates, than Fisher.

I (still) believe that a first round pick, especially the #1 overall, should contribute positively from Day One. From my POV, Fisher as failed to do so but guys like Richardson, Vacarro, Lotuleili and Hopkins have been difference makers immediately.

Dorsey's done a very good job of bringing in complimentary players in free agency but his draft record, to date, is poor.

Let's just hope that's not a harbinger of things to come.

So at this point do you have any hope at all that Fisher could one day blossom into a Pro Bowl tackle?

Chiefs Pantalones · 09-24-2013, 05:36 PM

The same people that are saying Fisher is a bust are the same that were anointing RG3 and Kap great QBs after a year. Patience, brethren.

O.city · 09-24-2013, 05:37 PM

His only pick to play much this year so far is fisher. Dunno if that's good or bad.

jd1020 · 09-24-2013, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lcarus

So at this point do you have any hope at all that Fisher could one day blossom into a Pro Bowl tackle?

Will it matter if he does? Nope.

Terrible position to pick to improve your team, especially at #1. Look for someone who can block in the middle rounds.

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-24-2013, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lcarus

So at this point do you have any hope at all that Fisher could one day blossom into a Pro Bowl tackle?

Hope? Sure.

But the #1 overall guy should be in beast mode from Day One, not need a year in the weight room, learning technique, etc.

Pablo · 09-24-2013, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lcarus

So at this point do you have any hope at all that Fisher could one day blossom into a Pro Bowl tackle?

There's been absolutely nothing so far to show that he has that sort of potential. Not even really any dominating flashes so far.

Just a bunch of 'meh' mixed in with a healthy does of 'WTF' and 'shit'.

The book isn't written by any means; but there is no data to show that sort of optimism at this point.

09-24-2013, 01:16 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2997187	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, 05:30 PM	#64
notorious Supporter Join Date: May 2005 Location: Who knows? Casino cash: $-974116	He better turn into an All-Pro.
Posts: 88,588

09-24-2013, 05:30 PM	#65
Eleazar Beyond the Rapids Join Date: May 2003 Location: Langley, VA Casino cash: $-370000	I liked what someone posted in another thread: Re: Fisher - "NO MORE EXCUSES!" Re: Geno Smith - "He's just a rookie!"
Posts: 80,659

09-24-2013, 05:36 PM	#71
Chiefs Pantalones GO CHIEFS!!!!!! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $6868717	The same people that are saying Fisher is a bust are the same that were anointing RG3 and Kap great QBs after a year. Patience, brethren. __________________ Don't be fooled by my username, I'm white.
Posts: 26,653

09-24-2013, 05:37 PM	#72
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $-725936	His only pick to play much this year so far is fisher. Dunno if that's good or bad.
Posts: 84,240

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