Chiefs Teicher: Albert shaping up at tackle for Chiefs - Page 4

**Tribal Warfare** · 08-28-2010, 11:59 PM

Albert shaping up at tackle for Chiefs
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

When the 2009 season mercifully ended, Branden Albert was like everyone else and unsure whether he would be the Chiefs’ left tackle when they gathered again.

Albert was still trying to establish himself as a quality player at his position, a premium one because it protects the back side of quarterback Matt Cassel and battles each week against the NFL’s best pass rushers.

Albert decided shortly after season’s end that he would prepare as if he would have to battle to keep his job. That decision might have persuaded the Chiefs not to draft a left tackle.

In any case, it was an extremely quiet preseason for Albert until Friday night’s game against Philadelphia. Albert was penalized once for holding and another time for a false start.

Still, the Chiefs are encouraged by what they’ve seen from Albert. He ties that to his offseason decision.

“I really wasn’t thinking about what else would happen,” Albert said. “My thing was not to make the same mistake I did last offseason by getting out of shape. That’s what I was worried about. If I had done what I did last year, it would have been a big step back.

“I didn’t worry about what else was going on. I wanted to control what I could control and that was to come into the offseason in the best shape possible.”

In last year’s new world of coach Todd Haley, smaller was deemed to be better for a lot of Chiefs players and Albert was one of them. He had trouble getting to his prescribed weight of 316 pounds and then had trouble dealing with his new, slimmed-down body.

The result was a difficult season. Albert was among the league leaders in sacks allowed, sparking thoughts the Chiefs would look for a new left tackle with the fifth pick in the draft and then move Albert to right tackle or guard, where he played at Virginia.

Two things stopped the Chiefs — aside from the fact they fell in love with Tennessee safety Eric Berry. Albert improved toward the end of last season and attacked the offseason with a vengeance.

“I’ve felt that about Branden going back to last year, from the conditioning aspect to buying in to the thought process to believing what he was told, that he could be a better player if he was in better condition and at a certain weight,” Haley said.

“He went through an adjustment period of dealing with his new body. He stayed in shape when the season ended. He came into this offseason with a baseline of where he needed to be and then he built on it. He’s gotten stronger, he’s gotten quicker, he’s got better stamina.”

Veteran left guard Brian Waters last year was Albert’s biggest — and seemingly sometimes only — fan. He vigorously defended Albert, saying that given time, Albert could become a franchise left tackle for years.

Waters hoped the Chiefs wouldn’t draft a left tackle.

“I didn’t think it was necessary, to be honest with you,” Waters said. “He has the ability to be as good there is in this game. We had a lot of other pressing needs that were definitely more important than that one.

“I know how hard he works. He wants to be great. That’s one thing about him. His work ethic and his concentration in the classroom and on the field match what he wants out of life as far as being a football player. A lot of guys say they want it but they don’t want to put in the work and handle all the details. He’s one of those guys who if you give him something he did wrong, he’s going to work all week to fix that.

“He’s not one of those guys who thinks he has all the answers, which a lot of times those high draft picks … these days you don’t even need to be a high draft pick. He listens, takes everything in.”

The Chiefs were hopeful about Albert’s progress when camp started but unsure. So far, he’s been what they hoped.

“He’s got (Tamba Hali) lining up across from him every single day,” Haley said. “When Tamba brings in it like he’s bringing it in a game … he isn’t calling off the dogs very often. I see a good battle between Branden and Tamba on a consistent basis.

“He’s got good competition and that makes the game a little easier for him. He’s just got to keep it going.”

The Chiefs gave Albert a vote of confidence when they opted to pass on the chance to draft a left tackle, but Albert isn’t necessarily looking at it that way.

“I won’t say that,” Albert said. “I’ll just say that what I’ve done in the offseason showed people what I needed to show them.

“I’m not going to say I’m a better player. Let me go through the season first. I’ve started off on a good foot by staying in shape in the offseason and doing what I had to do. From January to March, I think I did a good job. We’ll see how everything plays out during the season.”

Sheffield out of hospital

The Chiefs confirmed Saturday that linebacker Cameron Sheffield, who was injured in Friday’s preseason game against Philadelphia, has been released from the hospital.

Sheffield, who suffered a neck injury on what appeared to be a helmet-to-helmet hit while making a tackle, was immobilized and carried off the field. He has movement in all of his extremities, the Chiefs said.

Sheffield was a fifth-round pick from Troy in this year’s draft.

Mr. Laz · 08-29-2010, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coach

The flea-flicker was on Albert as much as it is on Cassel. Albert didn't knock his guy down when he should had. The link that I am providing will show it, or at least I hope so.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v3...3.mp4&newest=1

How dare you say that Brandon Albert is the worse LT to ever play the game/Chiefzilla

ChiefsCountry · 08-29-2010, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

I really think sometimes people bitch for the sake of bitching.

Blame the front office for not bringing great talent to the offensive line. But in terms of the coaching, Albert has most definitely progressed under Muir's watch and the run blocking has improved by leaps and bounds. And the pass protection went from swinging gate to giving Cassel more than enough time to make plays.

I don't blame Muir one bit for working with average talent (mostly) and for being asked to protect the QB who makes his offensive line significantly worse by poor decision making.

While Cassel makes the line look horrible, Albert hasn't progressed in his technique which is the biggest concern. Running game is better, but how much does Charles have to do with that?

chiefzilla1501 · 08-29-2010, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

i think you get upset and insulted and make things up.

logic test for you:

a. brandon albert had his worst game of the preseason
b. brandon albert is a bad player

Do comments A) and B) mean the same thing?

I didn't realize that when I said "people" that that was only a reference to you.

Laz = all people
Therefore,
I = Laz

Hmm... I get how logic works. This is fun.

chiefzilla1501 · 08-29-2010, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

How dare you say that Brandon Albert is the worse LT to ever play the game/Chiefzilla

"not nearly as bad" = "worst"

Pot --> kettle --> black

More fun logic games.

Marcellus · 08-29-2010, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

While Cassel makes the line look horrible, Albert hasn't progressed in his technique which is the biggest concern. Running game is better, but how much does Charles have to do with that?

Seriously, does it matter as long as it is good?

Why bitch about something that isn't really an issue? Bitch about NT or Cassel shitting himself under pressure (which you will) or lack of Government understanding towards spending tax $.

Why bitch about a non issue?

Mr. Laz · 08-29-2010, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

I didn't realize that when I said "people" that that was only a reference to you.

Laz = all people
Therefore,
I = Laz

Hmm... I get how logic works. This is fun.

hey ... you quoted me to start this off

if you aren't including me, then don't quote me

chiefzilla1501 · 08-29-2010, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

While Cassel makes the line look horrible, Albert hasn't progressed in his technique which is the biggest concern. Running game is better, but how much does Charles have to do with that?

Albert's technique is markedly better. He just doesn't do it as consistently as he should. Like I said, he went from 0 LT experience to being serviceable in year 1. Learned an entirely new blocking scheme with totally different technique in year 2 and went from swinging gate to decent not great by the end of the year. Unlike Cassel, we've seen progress from Albert which is all I can hope for. In terms of the running game, Albert, Lilja and Wiegmann have all been very good at blocking at the second level. Again, Albert still makes some small mistakes, but for the most part has been solid in this part of the game.

He's got to improve his consistency and in some cases, it seems to be more of a recognition of when to use one technique over the other. That should hopefully improve over time. But this preseason, he hasn't been dominated by any means by any pass rushers, and he's made a lot more good blocks on running plays than he's made mistakes. So I just think when people suggest that he's not progressing or getting better, I think they're generalizing the offensive line shortcomings on the Left Tackle only because it's the most prominent position on the line.

chiefzilla1501 · 08-29-2010, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

hey ... you quoted me to start this off

if you aren't including me, then don't quote me

Here was my exact post:
"When you see what you want to see, yes.
http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2010/8...aking-down-the

This guy for Arrowhead Pride has been breaking down the o-line tape play by play. Albert has not been nearly as bad as some people want to make him out to be."

Mohill: Mountain
Cabin:: Mansion

philfree · 08-29-2010, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

My opinion is based on his play on the field.

What we get from this article is that he committed to maintaining weight and keeping in shape.

What we don't get from this article, or from his play on the field, is anything that suggests he committed to improving his technique.

There's nothing saying he hasn't committed either and it would be easy to think that he has indeed committed to improving his play because he did show up in the condition Haley wanted him in.

IMO he's probably working his ass off but he's still struggling with the techniques. He is improving slightly. If he keeps it up he might be a solid LT someday. I'd like to think all at once the light is gonna come on and he's gonna be the player we want him to be. I'd like to think that but I'm struggling with that technique.

PhilFree

**DaneMcCloud** · 08-29-2010, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

Seriously, does it matter as long as it is good?

Why bitch about something that isn't really an issue? Bitch about NT or Cassel shitting himself under pressure (which you will) or lack of Government understanding towards spending tax $.

Why bitch about a non issue?

The running game has not been "good" without Jamaal Charles in these games. It's been average at best. The yards per carry between Charles and Jones is HUGE.

The Chiefs offensive line is NOT good. They're not even average right now. The pass blocking is well below average and the run blocking is average at best. Charles makes the line look better, Cassel makes the line look worse.

Niswanger and Weigman are not long-term answers, neither are Waters or O'Callaghan. Richardson is below average at right tackle. AND there is no depth. Asamoah does not appear ready to be a consistent 16 game starter at this point and Albert has not progressed as expected.

I'm shocked to be typing this but Ryan Lilja has been the best offensive lineman this preseason and Albert isn't even a close second.

**SAUTO** · 08-29-2010, 02:48 PM

but mccluster averaged 6 against philly too, dane.
Posted via Mobile Device

**DaneMcCloud** · 08-29-2010, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

but mccluster averaged 6 against philly too, dane.
Posted via Mobile Device

That's not going to occur very often, especially with the pounding he takes. He's going to need to learn how to better manage the hits he takes or the guy won't last 2 years in the league.

**SAUTO** · 08-29-2010, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

That's not going to occur very often, especially with the pounding he takes. He's going to need to learn how to better manage the hits he takes or the guy won't last 2 years in the league.

i have the feeling hes gonna be all right. but i have nothing to really back it up, just a feeling.
Posted via Mobile Device

**SAUTO** · 08-29-2010, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

That's not going to occur very often, especially with the pounding he takes. He's going to need to learn how to better manage the hits he takes or the guy won't last 2 years in the league.

i have the feeling hes gonna be all right. but i have nothing to really back it up, just a feeling.

please dont scream at me now....
Posted via Mobile Device

milkman · 08-29-2010, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philfree

There's nothing saying he hasn't committed either and it would be easy to think that he has indeed committed to improving his play because he did show up in the condition Haley wanted him in.

IMO he's probably working his ass off but he's still struggling with the techniques. He is improving slightly. If he keeps it up he might be a solid LT someday. I'd like to think all at once the light is gonna come on and he's gonna be the player we want him to be. I'd like to think that but I'm struggling with that technique.

PhilFree

Phil, no one wants to see Albert succeed more than me.

I have been on his bandwagon as a LT on this forum, or hell, anywhere, longer than anyone.

I was the first one anywhere, on here, the media, anywhere, that suggested he had the athletic ability to play LT.

If there's one guy who I want to succeed, it's Albert.

But I'm not going to close my eyes to the fact that he has not progressed from the end of last season.

That either suggests that he didn't work on improving his technique, or that he simply is not getting it.

I'd actually rather the former than the latter.

08-28-2010, 11:59 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3007187	Teicher: Albert shaping up at tackle for Chiefs Albert shaping up at tackle for Chiefs By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star When the 2009 season mercifully ended, Branden Albert was like everyone else and unsure whether he would be the Chiefs’ left tackle when they gathered again. Albert was still trying to establish himself as a quality player at his position, a premium one because it protects the back side of quarterback Matt Cassel and battles each week against the NFL’s best pass rushers. Albert decided shortly after season’s end that he would prepare as if he would have to battle to keep his job. That decision might have persuaded the Chiefs not to draft a left tackle. In any case, it was an extremely quiet preseason for Albert until Friday night’s game against Philadelphia. Albert was penalized once for holding and another time for a false start. Still, the Chiefs are encouraged by what they’ve seen from Albert. He ties that to his offseason decision. “I really wasn’t thinking about what else would happen,” Albert said. “My thing was not to make the same mistake I did last offseason by getting out of shape. That’s what I was worried about. If I had done what I did last year, it would have been a big step back. “I didn’t worry about what else was going on. I wanted to control what I could control and that was to come into the offseason in the best shape possible.” In last year’s new world of coach Todd Haley, smaller was deemed to be better for a lot of Chiefs players and Albert was one of them. He had trouble getting to his prescribed weight of 316 pounds and then had trouble dealing with his new, slimmed-down body. The result was a difficult season. Albert was among the league leaders in sacks allowed, sparking thoughts the Chiefs would look for a new left tackle with the fifth pick in the draft and then move Albert to right tackle or guard, where he played at Virginia. Two things stopped the Chiefs — aside from the fact they fell in love with Tennessee safety Eric Berry. Albert improved toward the end of last season and attacked the offseason with a vengeance. “I’ve felt that about Branden going back to last year, from the conditioning aspect to buying in to the thought process to believing what he was told, that he could be a better player if he was in better condition and at a certain weight,” Haley said. “He went through an adjustment period of dealing with his new body. He stayed in shape when the season ended. He came into this offseason with a baseline of where he needed to be and then he built on it. He’s gotten stronger, he’s gotten quicker, he’s got better stamina.” Veteran left guard Brian Waters last year was Albert’s biggest — and seemingly sometimes only — fan. He vigorously defended Albert, saying that given time, Albert could become a franchise left tackle for years. Waters hoped the Chiefs wouldn’t draft a left tackle. “I didn’t think it was necessary, to be honest with you,” Waters said. “He has the ability to be as good there is in this game. We had a lot of other pressing needs that were definitely more important than that one. “I know how hard he works. He wants to be great. That’s one thing about him. His work ethic and his concentration in the classroom and on the field match what he wants out of life as far as being a football player. A lot of guys say they want it but they don’t want to put in the work and handle all the details. He’s one of those guys who if you give him something he did wrong, he’s going to work all week to fix that. “He’s not one of those guys who thinks he has all the answers, which a lot of times those high draft picks … these days you don’t even need to be a high draft pick. He listens, takes everything in.” The Chiefs were hopeful about Albert’s progress when camp started but unsure. So far, he’s been what they hoped. “He’s got (Tamba Hali) lining up across from him every single day,” Haley said. “When Tamba brings in it like he’s bringing it in a game … he isn’t calling off the dogs very often. I see a good battle between Branden and Tamba on a consistent basis. “He’s got good competition and that makes the game a little easier for him. He’s just got to keep it going.” The Chiefs gave Albert a vote of confidence when they opted to pass on the chance to draft a left tackle, but Albert isn’t necessarily looking at it that way. “I won’t say that,” Albert said. “I’ll just say that what I’ve done in the offseason showed people what I needed to show them. “I’m not going to say I’m a better player. Let me go through the season first. I’ve started off on a good foot by staying in shape in the offseason and doing what I had to do. From January to March, I think I did a good job. We’ll see how everything plays out during the season.” Sheffield out of hospital The Chiefs confirmed Saturday that linebacker Cameron Sheffield, who was injured in Friday’s preseason game against Philadelphia, has been released from the hospital. Sheffield, who suffered a neck injury on what appeared to be a helmet-to-helmet hit while making a tackle, was immobilized and carried off the field. He has movement in all of his extremities, the Chiefs said. Sheffield was a fifth-round pick from Troy in this year’s draft.
Posts: 43,454

08-29-2010, 02:48 PM	#56
SAUTO Shit Join Date: Jun 2008 Casino cash: $10039067	but mccluster averaged 6 against philly too, dane. Posted via Mobile Device
Posts: 55,715