Chiefs O-Line analysis - Page 4

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)

**SAUTO** · 03-20-2010, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billay

It was the o-lines fault for not winnning a super bowl? Dumbass.

did i say that? just IMO its not too smart to compare situations with a team that constantly under achieves. if you want playoff disappointment do what the chargers have done
Posted via Mobile Device

Titty Meat · 03-20-2010, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

did i say that? just IMO its not too smart to compare situations with a team that constantly under achieves. if you want playoff disappointment do what the chargers have done
Posted via Mobile Device

Name the first round picks on the Colts, Giants, and Saints o-line when they won super bowls.

milkman · 03-20-2010, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coogs

I need some help here. It is hell getting old, and not remembering things as clearly as in my younnger days. What was Alberts injury? I know his rookie year he had a leg in training camp, and then an elbow during the season, but I can not remember his injury from last season.

Not sure.

He might be alluding to that problem Albert had with with feeling a loss of energy and weak after the quick weight loss.

FAX · 03-20-2010, 11:23 AM

I thought Albert had a knee or ankle or something ... in pre-season. Remember?

EDIT: ... or in an early season game. Smith came in ... remember?

FAX

**SAUTO** · 03-20-2010, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billay

Name the first round picks on the Colts, Giants, and Saints o-line when they won super bowls.

are you actually trying to say that a team CANT win with first round picks on the o line?

and to your earlier post i find it amusing that you call me a dumbass after you waded into this thread talking shit BEFORE actually you know READING THE ARTICLE
Posted via Mobile Device

**SAUTO** · 03-20-2010, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FAX

I thought Albert had a knee or ankle or something ... in pre-season. Remember?

FAX

i initially thought it was an ankle, but im not sure
Posted via Mobile Device

**DaneMcCloud** · 03-20-2010, 11:29 AM

The Chiefs need to come away with good center and right tackle prospects in the draft if they truly want their offensive line to improve.

The good thing about Lilja's contract is that it's small, so that doesn't necessarily dictate that he'll be the starter. Hopefully, a younger guy (Brown) emerges this season.

**Rausch** · 03-20-2010, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

The Chiefs need to come away with good center and right tackle prospects in the draft if they truly want their offensive line to improve.

The good thing about Lilja's contract is that it's small, so that doesn't necessarily dictate that he'll be the starter. Hopefully, a younger guy (Brown) emerges this season.

Exactly.

We've added talent and we need more. This is a good start. A foundation...

**SAUTO** · 03-20-2010, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rausch

Exactly.

We've added talent and we need more. This is a good start. A foundation...

heres hoping they look for younger guys to groom... but maybe we have options in brown and harris
Posted via Mobile Device

DBOSHO · 03-20-2010, 11:42 AM

What is a zone blocking scheme and how does it differ from the blocking scheme that we run?

FAX · 03-20-2010, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBOSHO

What is a zone blocking scheme and how does it differ from the blocking scheme that we run?

In a zone system, the linemen block an "area" rather than a specific "man". They just try to clear an area. Honestly, I think we've been running both depending on the play call.

FAX

DBOSHO · 03-20-2010, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FAX

In a zone system, the linemen block an "area" rather than a specific "man". They just try to clear an area. Honestly, I think we've been running both depending on the play call.

FAX

Hmmmm

thanks FAX

Wilson8 · 03-20-2010, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FAX

I thought Albert had a knee or ankle or something ... in pre-season. Remember?

EDIT: ... or in an early season game. Smith came in ... remember?

FAX

In 2009 the injury was an ankle for week 6 and 7.

In 2008 it was a dislocated elbow.

FAX · 03-20-2010, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBOSHO

Hmmmm

thanks FAX

I've been told (although I don't know how accurate this is) that, generally, in a "zone" blocking system, you need more athletic linemen. That's why the goats brought in Wiegmann. He is/was very good in space. Whereas, in a "man" scheme, the linemen don't have to be quite as mobile.

FAX

Titty Meat · 03-20-2010, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

are you actually trying to say that a team CANT win with first round picks on the o line?

and to your earlier post i find it amusing that you call me a dumbass after you waded into this thread talking shit BEFORE actually you know READING THE ARTICLE
Posted via Mobile Device

I'm saying there are impact players at 5. You can draft a guy like cousin ****er in the later rounds who will be just as good as the shit drafted in the top 10 it will just take more time.

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

03-20-2010, 11:23 AM	#49
FAX testing ... 1, 2, 3 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Tennessee Casino cash: $6753759	I thought Albert had a knee or ankle or something ... in pre-season. Remember? EDIT: ... or in an early season game. Smith came in ... remember? FAX
Posts: 44,492

03-20-2010, 11:29 AM	#52
DaneMcCloud Supporter Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hollywood, CA Casino cash: $10053648	The Chiefs need to come away with good center and right tackle prospects in the draft if they truly want their offensive line to improve. The good thing about Lilja's contract is that it's small, so that doesn't necessarily dictate that he'll be the starter. Hopefully, a younger guy (Brown) emerges this season.
Posts: 88,960

03-20-2010, 11:42 AM	#55
DBOSHO trap champ Join Date: Mar 2009 Casino cash: $10004900	What is a zone blocking scheme and how does it differ from the blocking scheme that we run? __________________ Orginator of the group repost
Posts: 5,445