Looking at OL in the Draft

[jap1]

Since the season has ended, I have been looking at the various personnel that we could target in the first and second rounds. In terms of OL, there are not many projected to be worthy of a first round pick that aren't LTs (which I don't think we will be looking at). All of the guards, according to a couple different websites, are rated as 2nd round picks. Same with C, and there are a couple RTs that could sneak into the end of the 1st round. Obviously, this may change after the Sr Bowl and the combine, but I doubt it is going to send anyone from 2nd round talent to mid first round. This means it will probably be unlikely for a OL to be a good value choice where we are picking.

With this in mind, I don't expect the team to be looking at OL in the first round. They very well may grab one in the 2nd and 3rd, as there are often pretty good OL prospects available then, with the exception being LT. I'm of the philosophy that you should always pick and OL or DL in the first three rounds every year. You have 8 positions to fill in the trenches, picking one every year allows you to have a good rotation and depth in the trenches (which we sorely lack).

I'm under the impression that this front office is very fond of the BPA strategy and using FA to fill in holes. I would expect to see us making a run at a top name LG, RT and/or multiple WRs in free agency.

[N TX Dave]

I agree with you thoughts I just don't see a mid 1st round OL, not too sure if there will be WR but one of the top ones may fall to 18 don't know, like you say until after the look sees we won't really know. I just don't know what is going to happen in the 1st round to many variables right now to know who will be a good pick at 18.

I don't know about top FA LG, RT and WRs, not sure how much money we will have to go after top tier. Maybe Alex will redo his deal to get more cap room to get better protection and WRs.

[matthewschiefs]

Dorsey is very big on the BPA drafting mindset.

I said last offseason what is going to be the deciding factor in if Dorsey works as a GM is going to be his drafting. If he turns out to be a good drafter he's going to be a very successful GM. If not then he will be sent packing soon.

This is a list of the current FA WRS Some might be retained by there teams and might never hit the market
http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/wide-receiver/ I could see Maclin seeing he has a history with Reid. But I hope we also see them draft a WR as well

[N TX Dave]

I would love to see Dez Bryant he is a monster hard to bring down and hands of glue, I have seen him make one handed catches falling out of bounds this year, he has made me say wow many times he is just a beast, but it will never happen Jerry will not let him out of Dallas.
I would not mine seeing Avant coming back and have time to work with Alex.
I heard Maclin said he wanted to stay in Philly.
I would not mind Cole Beasley to much he has good hands and is not afraid to go over the middle.

[Seek]

What is wrong with drafting another LT? I know it is too early to completely give up on Fisher, but he is struggling and if there is any way to improve the entire liny by drafting a better LT, and moving him either to RT or Guard where he may be better used for this team then why not. Yeah Yeah, I can already hear the complaints about him being in the right position at LT... I just don't see it, but will give him one more year but still think if there is a better option you take it.

[slc chief]

I know dorsey has final say but year after year reid led teams always either go o line or d line with his first pick

[Lewis_Chiefs]

It surely has to be wide receiver in the first round this year, we can't make the same mistakes as last year and not address the position.

Devante Parker
Jaelen Strong
Kevin White.

At least one of those should be available when we pick.

[jap1]

What is wrong with drafting another LT? I know it is too early to completely give up on Fisher, but he is struggling and if there is any way to improve the entire liny by drafting a better LT, and moving him either to RT or Guard where he may be better used for this team then why not. Yeah Yeah, I can already hear the complaints about him being in the right position at LT... I just don't see it, but will give him one more year but still think if there is a better option you take it.

I saw an article (or maybe it was a post in a forum?) that said when Dorsey was in GB, they had a habit of drafting LTs since they are generally the most athletic linemen and plugging them in wherever they fit on the line best. Like drafting a LT and the best guy gets to play LT, second best RT, 3rd LG, etc, etc. So it is not far fetched for them to draft a LT. I feel like it would be a waste though. Its too soon to give up on Fisher. I dont have high hopes for him to become an all-pro, but I think he can improve next year, and will also look less ****ty with a decent LG next to him.

[Coach]

It surely has to be wide receiver in the first round this year, we can't make the same mistakes as last year and not address the position.

Devante Parker
Jaelen Strong
Kevin White.

At least one of those should be available when we pick.

I agree, there is no bigger position of need on this team than WR. Especially if we release Bowe as I expect we will on June 1. There will be a good WR available in the middle of Rd 1 and it is our biggest position of need. Sadly, more needed than even OL.

[Seek]

I can see the Chiefs taking Tyler Lockett in the second.

[Stevie Ray]

With this in mind, I don't expect the team to be looking at OL in the first round.

I sure hope not.

I'm still not sure that the O-line, from a pure talent standpoint, is as big a problem as most perceive. Despite the number of rushing attempts being down for the Chiefs, they still finished in the top 10 in rushing yards, and top 5 in terms of yards per carry. I think the problems with pass protection have more to do with the QB, but I digress ......

With the exception of LT, I've never felt like throwing high draft picks at the O-line is the way to fix the problem. In fact, I'd say it's unnecessary. Of all the skills needed to be a good NFL football player, blocking is by far the simplest - and there are plenty of good blockers that can be had in later rounds or even guys that go undrafted.

Just look around the league and count the number of late round picks and undrafted free agents that comprise many of the good offensive lines. There is no shortage in the NFL of guys that are good blockers.

[N TX Dave]

Well you could look at the Cowboys their starting OL has the last three years first round picks and many in Dallas are saying that the OL improvement has caused the big improvement of Romo and his stats. His ratings have been in the 90's except 102 one year but this year it is 113. Also Murray lead the league in rushing by almost 500 yards.

[Stevie Ray]

Well you could look at the Cowboys their starting OL has the last three years first round picks and many in Dallas are saying that the OL improvement has caused the big improvement of Romo and his stats. His ratings have been in the 90's except 102 one year but this year it is 113. Also Murray lead the league in rushing by almost 500 yards.

Fair point, but there are specific examples that can be referenced to support any position. I'm speaking to a bigger picture than any one team.

[N TX Dave]

I am just saying that one size does not fit all is all. There are different ways to do things, sure there are pro bowl OL that went undrafted but there are many others that went in the 1st round. If there is a great LT at 18th pick and is the best player on the board I would not mind picking him. Eric Fisher is not the best LT in the league what is wrong with drafting competition if he is BPA, he could push Fisher to RT or LG and take over LT or at worst be a good RT or LG himself.

I am just saying if a great OL falls that is the BPA why not draft him? In the last 4 years draft there have been 26 OL drafted in the first round or 20% of all draft picks.

Also both Reid and Dorsey like to draft trenches (OL/DL) in the first round so don't be surprised if they do draft OL. I don't care one way or the other.

[Eydugstr]

Well you could look at the Cowboys their starting OL has the last three years first round picks and many in Dallas are saying that the OL improvement has caused the big improvement of Romo and his stats. His ratings have been in the 90's except 102 one year but this year it is 113. Also Murray lead the league in rushing by almost 500 yards.

Re-quoted for truth. Jones built a monster team around Romo. They did the same thing around Aikman, too.

If Dorsey & Reid decided to focus on the lines, I wouldn't complain, but WR is our biggest team need. If Dorsey follows a BPA mindset a lot of mock drafts go right out the window, though.

[Stevie Ray]

If there is a great LT at 18th pick and is the best player on the board I would not mind picking him. I'm just saying if a great OL falls that is the BPA why not draft him?

I agree - as I stated, LT is the undoubted exception -- and if an O-lineman is absolutely the BPA on your board; by all means take him.

I'm just not so convinced that the talent along the Chiefs' O-line is as bad as it's being made out to be. Even if it is; good blockers are relatively easy to come by. For instance - roughly 50% of the starting offensive linemen for the 12 playoff teams this year were drafted in the 4th round or later. 12 of the 60 were undrafted.

I just don't think the Chiefs should over-extend themselves for O-line help - whether in the draft or free agency (not to say that anyone is suggesting otherwise).

[Stevie Ray]

Re-quoted for truth. Jones built a monster team around Romo.

Personally, I don't think the Cowboys are a monster team, but that's beside the point.

I remember how much different they looked, particularly on offense, when Romo was out with his back issues.

[N TX Dave]

I'm just not so convinced that the talent along the Chiefs' O-line is as bad as it's being made out to be. Even if it is; good blockers are relatively easy to come by. For instance - roughly 50% of the starting offensive linemen for the 12 playoff teams this year were drafted in the 4th round or later. 12 of the 60 were undrafted.

I just don't think the Chiefs should over-extend themselves for O-line help - whether in the draft or free agency (not to say that anyone is suggesting otherwise).

First off I agree that they should not over-extend themselves but according to most ranking the Chiefs OL was not good even for run blocking.

Football Outsiders have the Chiefs OL rated as the 7th best for rushing and 28th for passing.

According to Fantasy Automatic the OL is 32nd overall rated at -46.6 Pass Blocking 31 and Run Blocking 31.

Even NFL Stats has the Chiefs ranked 26th in rushing can not find passing rating but sure it is lower.

According to Pro Football Focus the Chiefs 30. Kansas City Chiefs (20th)PB: 24th, RB: 32nd, PEN: 1st
Stud: The only man earning a positive grade this year is center Rodney Hudson. He’s the veteran of this group and it’s most reliable player.
Dud: Perhaps it’s time to start worrying about Eric Fisher? Switched to the left side he’s still allowing too much pressure and has yet to step up in the run game. To justify that first overall pick he needs to really step it up.
Summary: It was always likely to be a bumpy road after losing Branden Albert, Jon Asomoah and Geoff Schwartz and so it has proved. Will have to suck up the fact they’ve got youngsters gaining experience, while knowing journeymen Mike McGlynn and Ryan Harris are not long-term answers.

[matthewschiefs]

I don't think it's a lack of talent on the O line that's was the issue.

They are a very young group. Young O lines are more often then not inconsistent. They would be looking fine in some games and then suddenly seem to fall a part for a while. That's not a talent thing. It's a side effect of having a very young line.

People forget that the Chiefs were the 2nd youngest team in the NFL this past season. Young teams are not finished products yet. Like I've said wih Kelce,DAT,Wilson there is still some growing as players to be done. That is also the case with the O line. They are trying to build talent on the offensive side of the ball with young guys. Patience is something that has to be shown.

[N TX Dave]

I don't think it's a lack of talent on the O line that's was the issue.

They are a very young group. Young O lines are more often then not inconsistent. They would be looking fine in some games and then suddenly seem to fall a part for a while. That's not a talent thing. It's a side effect of having a very young line.

People forget that the Chiefs were the 2nd youngest team in the NFL this past season. Young teams are not finished products yet. Like I've said wih Kelce,DAT,Wilson there is still some growing as players to be done. That is also the case with the O line. They are trying to build talent on the offensive side of the ball with young guys. Patience is something that has to be shown.

I think they looked good against average and lower DL and teams that did not send extra people and looked like open doors against better DL that blitzes because they were young and did not know who to take and who to pass off but that was only part of it because they did have a couple of veteran OL. I have not looked at film or anything to verify that but I bet if you do you will find that. Look at the teams we had a hard time with Steelers, Cardinals, even Raiders, Seahawks and Broncos they all have a good pass rush with blitzing.

[jap1]

I think they looked good against average and lower DL and teams that did not send extra people and looked like open doors against better DL that blitzes because they were young and did not know who to take and who to pass off but that was only part of it because they did have a couple of veteran OL. I have not looked at film or anything to verify that but I bet if you do you will find that. Look at the teams we had a hard time with Steelers, Cardinals, even Raiders, Seahawks and Broncos they all have a good pass rush with blitzing.

Actually, a lot of teams did not have to blitz us get pressure. I think it was in the Steelers game that like 4 of the sacks came with only 4 rushers, one of the others came with 3 rushers. The numbers may not be correct, but the point was that they were getting pressure without blitzing, making it that much harder for Alex to find open WRs.


Added source: http://espn.go.com/blog/kansas-city-chiefs/post/_/id/9833/steelers-didnt-really-have-to-try-in-order-to-sack-smith

[N TX Dave]

The more teams did not have top blitz us to get pressure that means our OL was not very good. Okay the Steelers did not have to blitz to beat our OL and that was game 15 and the OL should have improved by then if not they need replaced or at least good competition brought in via FA or draft.

[70 chiefsfan70]

But by week 17, teams have enough film that exposes us, they know our weakness and strength. They know we have a weak Ol and a QB that cant throw pass 10 yards accurately, and also that he is not likely to consider a wr open unless the closest defender is 5 or more yards away. Smith does not have a fast ball. Or WRs are terrible, Bowe included, I consider Bowe way below average.

The thing is, it wouldn't make any difference if we had the best 5 front in the league, Smith still cant throw deep and I don't see him suddenly thowing balls into tight coverage. Add great Wrs and I still don't think you will see a lot of wr touchdowns. With the running game we had this year, it shows us our OL isn't that bad period!!!! Teams knew we would run and they still couldn't stop us. Defenses have Smiths number.

[70 chiefsfan70]

That kind of came out wrong, but my point is, adding three first round Ol picks will do very little to improve our passing game. Giving Smith 5 or 6 seconds to pass isn't going to result in many points. he still can NOT throw deep. With Smith at QB, we won't win playoff games without adding to the run game and working on our defense. We can win with Smith as long as the defense doesn't allow more then 17 points.

[mdchiefsfan74]

Good news, Winston is entering the draft. Not that anyone had doubts be he more than likely will go high leaving an additional OL or WR of the board for KC!

[Seek]

Good news, Winston is entering the draft. Not that anyone had doubts be he more than likely will go high leaving an additional OL or WR of the board for KC!

Whoa, For a second I thought you were going to suggest going after him.

[Justin5772002]

But by week 17, teams have enough film that exposes us, they know our weakness and strength. They know we have a weak Ol and a QB that cant throw pass 10 yards accurately, and also that he is not likely to consider a wr open unless the closest defender is 5 or more yards away. Smith does not have a fast ball. Or WRs are terrible, Bowe included, I consider Bowe way below average.

The thing is, it wouldn't make any difference if we had the best 5 front in the league, Smith still cant throw deep and I don't see him suddenly thowing balls into tight coverage. Add great Wrs and I still don't think you will see a lot of wr touchdowns. With the running game we had this year, it shows us our OL isn't that bad period!!!! Teams knew we would run and they still couldn't stop us. Defenses have Smiths number.
Of course that came out wrong. There's no way to say that right. Do you have complete amnesia? The 2nd half of all of last season there were plenty of long balls thrown by Alex. For people to come out saying that must mean you either didn't watch or forgot what happened.. Quit talking from your emotions. Last season the argue meant was we couldn't win shoot outs and our offense proved to be able to, it was our defense that was Inepth. Why Alex didn't air it out this season is the mystery everyone is trying to solve, but to come here saying he cannot do it is complete bs.

[mdchiefsfan74]

Whoa, For a second I thought you were going to suggest going after him.

Lol..no way! His off field drama is enough to keep me away. I'm not huge on Smith but I think he has potential. Plus it could be Cassel. I feel like Winston could be like Manziel, who in my eyes could care less if he wins or loses.

[70 chiefsfan70]

Of course that came out wrong. There's no way to say that right. complet Do you have e amnesia? The 2nd half of all of last season there were plenty of long balls thrown by Alex. For people to come out saying that must mean you either didn't watch or forgot what happened.. Quit talking from your emotions. Last season the argue meant was we couldn't win shoot outs and our offense proved to be able to, it was our defense that was Inepth. Why Alex didn't air it out this season is the mystery everyone is trying to solve, but to come here saying he cannot do it is complete bs.

Nope!! No amnesia!

I do remember 9 and 0 start and then losing 6 out of our last 8 games including that playoff loss to the Colts where we blew a 38 to 10 lead. It doesn't appear the those "plenty of long balls thrown by Alex" got us a lot of wins. Maybe its you that's talking from motions.

Good QBs find ways to win games and that speaks or itself. I sure you wont find this type of discussion on a Seahawks, Pats, or Broncos forum.

[matthewschiefs]

Good news, Winston is entering the draft. Not that anyone had doubts be he more than likely will go high leaving an additional OL or WR of the board for KC!

I don't know about that. I mean Manzel fell and he looks like an angle to some of the stuff Winston is in the news for. He will have to keep his name out of the news for anything bad and that's just something he hasn't been able to do

[Justin5772002]

Nope!! No amnesia!

I do remember 9 and 0 start and then losing 6 out of our last 8 games including that playoff loss to the Colts where we blew a 38 to 10 lead. It doesn't appear the those "plenty of long balls thrown by Alex" got us a lot of wins. Maybe its you that's talking from motions.

Good QBs find ways to win games and that speaks or itself. I sure you wont find this type of discussion on a Seahawks, Pats, or Broncos forum.
Those plenty of long balls scored us a lot of points, but one Houston and Hali went down our defense collapsed. So you actually think that playoff loss was Alex Smith's fault?

[70 chiefsfan70]

I give Alex Smith and the offense some blame for that, because really they played very poorly after thy got that lead. Obviously th defense collapsed with out the pass rushers. but smith is the qb aka leader and therefore deserves blame.

[N TX Dave]

Yes it was Alex's fault he did not go out and take Houston's spot so he did not get any sacks. So it was Alex's fault and he only lead the team to score 44 points and not score 124 points to seal the win.

[70 chiefsfan70]

I detect sarcasm.....

Alex played a very good first half, but played poorly in the second half, you could say the defense lost the game for us, but they were also the reason we had a big lead, The defense forced 4 turnovers. Alex fumbled the ball and turned it over, that turnover resulted in a Colts td. so 44 points would have been enough to win had Alex not fumbled. Alex played poorly in second half. The only second half td pass came from a turnover where Alex started the drive on the Colts 18 yard line. That being said he had the best first half that I have seen him play. http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=340104011

[Seek]

I detect sarcasm.....

Alex played a very good first half, but played poorly in the second half, you could say the defense lost the game for us, but they were also the reason we had a big lead, The defense forced 4 turnovers. Alex fumbled the ball and turned it over, that turnover resulted in a Colts td. so 44 points would have been enough to win had Alex not fumbled. Alex played poorly in second half. The only second half td pass came from a turnover where Alex started the drive on the Colts 18 yard line. That being said he had the best first half that I have seen him play. http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=340104011

They also had ZERO running backs in the second half. Both Charles and Davis were hurt in this game. Hard to move the ball with no running game. Alex was awesome in this game. I don't think you realize how horrible the offensive line played this game. Alex was under a lot of pressure and made a lot of plays. If there is any game to complain about Alex, this is the very last one I would look at.

Alex did not LOSE the play off game. You can still say he is to blame some, but only because it is a team sport and he is part of the team. He did his part in this game.

[70 chiefsfan70]

And IF you would have read my post you would have read where I wrote that Alex played the "best that I have ever seen him play" I only threw this game in because it was in the second half of the season. I don't pick and choose which game and stat I use.

The Chiefs had a ton of thing against them in this game, there is no denying that. But to put all the blame on everyone but the qb is just immature. Alex fumbled the ball and it resulted in a colts td. that's all on him. The colts could NOT HAVE WON without this turnover.

[Seek]

Again, even though you say it is the best game he played, your are Holding Blame to him for a specific incident. Again, there was no running game. The Colts were sending everyone against a very poor offensive line. Did Alex Fumble the ball untouched losing the game or did the offensive line not block their guy when Alex was trusting they did causing him to fumble. Was his receiver failing to get open forcing him to hold it to long. Was Alex holding trying to make a play that normlly he wouldn't have because he knew the defense was blowing the lead. If there was any running threat, would the Colts have called the same defense they did.

As stated before, they didn't lose that game because of Alex. It was a team lost, but the biggest problem from that game was getting beat for quickly and often with long throws from Luck. Lack of a pass rush and poor saftey play was a huge reason for that. I think the Chiefs were beat more times deep in that game alone than all of this year combined. Not the fault of Alex Smith.

[70 chiefsfan70]

Again, even though you say it is the best game he played, your are Holding Blame to him for a specific incident. Again, there was no running game. The Colts were sending everyone against a very poor offensive line. Did Alex Fumble the ball untouched losing the game or did the offensive line not block their guy when Alex was trusting they did causing him to fumble. Was his receiver failing to get open forcing him to hold it to long. Was Alex holding trying to make a play that normlly he wouldn't have because he knew the defense was blowing the lead. If there was any running threat, would the Colts have called the same defense they did.

As stated before, they didn't lose that game because of Alex. It was a team lost, but the biggest problem from that game was getting beat for quickly and often with long throws from Luck. Lack of a pass rush and poor saftey play was a huge reason for that. I think the Chiefs were beat more times deep in that game alone than all of this year combined. Not the fault of Alex Smith.



Yes it was a team loss. Its easier to win a game then to loose it when you are up 38 to 10, The biggest blame lies on the coaches, second in line is the qb as he is or at least should be the team leader, right?

The Smith defenders always want to use the lack of a run game to make excuses for Alex but when we have the best run game in the league they use the OL and Wr. The truth is the run game is huge for the success of a qb as is OL and WR. Good Veteran QBs find a way to overcome these weaknesses, or at least find ways to win the close games. Smith has not shown that he can. He has had 9 seasons to show us.

You only want to talk about 1 game, I'm talking about 9 years.

[Seek]

Yes it was a team loss. Its easier to win a game then to loose it when you are up 38 to 10, The biggest blame lies on the coaches, second in line is the qb as he is or at least should be the team leader, right?

The Smith defenders always want to use the lack of a run game to make excuses for Alex but when we have the best run game in the league they use the OL and Wr. The truth is the run game is huge for the success of a qb as is OL and WR. Good Veteran QBs find a way to overcome these weaknesses, or at least find ways to win the close games. Smith has not shown that he can. He has had 9 seasons to show us.

You only want to talk about 1 game, I'm talking about 9 years.

I am not defending Smith in general. I am defending him in that one specific game. I was on the fence until that game, and the jumped on his side. Now, I am back on that fence. At this point in time, I am not sure if it is Alex or Andy Reid. Chase Daniel basically came out and had an Alex Smith type of game himself. I think Alex is doing what he is being asked to. I also think the Titans game was a sign of this. The Chiefs did come out throwing the ball around like it was the playoff game, and Alex got sacked, he got rushed and he threw interceptions and looked aweful. Andy came out after that game and said he didn't have the team prepared. The following week against the Donkies Alex threw for more yards than Peyton with dink and dunk game managing plays and was competitive. That style became the standard for the season that Anti Alex people are hating. Don't turn it over, take what you can get and kill the clock.

You know the team actually ended the season better than many predicted and had they not blown some games, they would have done very well, so I am not completely up in arms right now. However, the one missed pass to Albert Wilson for over 30 yards was a very poor throw and I think that one play may have had many people jump ship. I am not sure that is fair.

[jap1]

However, the one missed pass to Albert Wilson for over 30 yards was a very poor throw and I think that one play may have had many people jump ship. I am not sure that is fair.

This also happens to be the play where he was drilled in the abdomen while he was trying to follow through on his throw and lacerated his spleen because of poor OL play. Not defending Smith necessarily, just wanted to bring the discussion back to the original thread subject: the OL.

[Seek]

This also happens to be the play where he was drilled in the abdomen while he was trying to follow through on his throw and lacerated his spleen because of poor OL play. Not defending Smith necessarily, just wanted to bring the discussion back to the original thread subject: the OL.

I hadn't hurt that. Is that a fact, because Alex said after news of this happening that he wasn't really sure when it happened but that it just got worse after the game.

[Stevie Ray]

That kind of came out wrong, but my point is, adding three first round Ol picks will do very little to improve our passing game. Giving Smith 5 or 6 seconds to pass isn't going to result in many points. he still can NOT throw deep. With Smith at QB, we won't win playoff games without adding to the run game and working on our defense. We can win with Smith as long as the defense doesn't allow more then 17 points.

That's just it - QBs generally don't get 5 or 6 seconds to make a decision with the ball. Besides, it doesn't take nearly that long to run and throw a deep route.

On average, the Chiefs pressured and sacked the opposing QBs just about as much as Smith got in return. QBs just don't get a lot of time in the pocket, and WRs don't get a lot of separation. That's just the NFL. Good pocket passers identify matchups, make good pre and post-snap reads of the coverage, anticipate throws, make quick decisions, and even throw receivers open when necessary.


This is the area of Smith's greatest shortcoming, IMO. He holds the ball and waits for his target to clear before he makes a decision with the ball. He ends up panicking in the pocket, drops his eyes from downfield, and looks for somewhere to run. It's not very often that a QB is afforded the kind of time that Smith needs to be an effective downfield passer, and that's why he's never been very good at that aspect of quarterbacking.

Alex Smith has 9 NFL seasons under his belt. His production has never been any more than mediocre. He's always been sacked a ton and his receivers have always been relatively unproductive. It's long past time we stop blaming it on others. At some point the excuses have to stop.

[Stevie Ray]

Those plenty of long balls scored us a lot of points, but one Houston and Hali went down our defense collapsed. So you actually think that playoff loss was Alex Smith's fault?

I guess it depends on what you mean by "plenty" ....... because I distinctly remember being upset that we weren't pushing the ball up the field nearly enough. Besides, Smith's yards per attempt were higher in '14 than in '13, and his yards per completion were the same from last year to this year.

As for the playoff game - Of course it wasn't all on Smith, but he does bear some of the blame. It was the defense that helped the offense build the 1st half lead, but the offense did nothing in the 2nd half to help the defense protect the lead.

An offense helps its defense out by sustaining drives, moving the chains, managing the clock, and by continuing to put up points. The Chiefs' offense didn't do any of that well enough in the 2nd half.

If the defense is held to the standard of performing well for a whole 60 minutes, then so too does the offense. Why should the offense get to take the 2nd half off? [rhetorical question]

The sad truth is, both the offense and defense played a wonder half of football, and both played a terrible half of football. Team loss all the way - including Andy Reid and his coaching staff.

[doobs_05]

I guess it depends on what you mean by "plenty" ....... because I distinctly remember being upset that we weren't pushing the ball up the field nearly enough. Besides, Smith's yards per attempt were higher in '14 than in '13, and his yards per completion were the same from last year to this year.

As for the playoff game - Of course it wasn't all on Smith, but he does bear some of the blame. It was the defense that helped the offense build the 1st half lead, but the offense did nothing in the 2nd half to help the defense protect the lead.

An offense helps its defense out by sustaining drives, moving the chains, managing the clock, and by continuing to put up points. The Chiefs' offense didn't do any of that well enough in the 2nd half.

If the defense is held to the standard of performing well for a whole 60 minutes, then so too does the offense. Why should the offense get to take the 2nd half off? [rhetorical question]

The sad truth is, both the offense and defense played a wonder half of football, and both played a terrible half of football. Team loss all the way - including Andy Reid and his coaching staff.

Been saying that about the playoff game for sometime. You don't play the game to not lose, you play to win. The offense put up I think it was 13 points in the 2nd half (6 if you take away the TD with 13:44 left in the 3rd quarter)

[jap1]

I hadn't hurt that. Is that a fact, because Alex said after news of this happening that he wasn't really sure when it happened but that it just got worse after the game.

The trainers/team doctor said they were fairly sure it came on the hit to the abdomen he took in the 3rd quarter. They dont know for sure, but that is their best guess. It was really the only time in the game that he suffered a blow to the abdomen that could have cause the injury. People who watched the game film then noticed that was the play where he had the bad pass to Wilson.

[jap1]

I hadn't hurt that. Is that a fact, because Alex said after news of this happening that he wasn't really sure when it happened but that it just got worse after the game.

Here is a link to a gif showing the hit. It cuts off before you see the pass go incomplete, but you can see Wilson open deep.

https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/t6tz40mJLh3Ghy7GjXKmeX12moI=/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2883686/WarlikeRectangularBelugawhale.0.gif

[Seek]

Here is a link to a gif showing the hit. It cuts off before you see the pass go incomplete, but you can see Wilson open deep.

https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/t6tz40mJLh3Ghy7GjXKmeX12moI=/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2883686/WarlikeRectangularBelugawhale.0.gif

Thanks.. I thought he had more time but he made a pretty good read on that pretty quickly. Zach Fulton did very little to protect Alex there.

[jap1]

Thanks.. I thought he had more time but he made a pretty good read on that pretty quickly. Zach Fulton did very little to protect Alex there.

Oddly enough JC (who is generally good in run blocking) had a chance to block him and didnt do anything either.

[Justin5772002]

It was expected that our offense was going to struggle the first half of last year due to lack of chemistry between players and having to learn a new offense. After that everyone settled down and started playing great. What drastic change happened in the offseason? We let our entire offensive line walk. I know we were against the cap but that was the biggest mistake that could have happened. If we were going to blow up the line, why even keep Albert that first year anyway? We needed to blow it up before that season so we can build from what we are planning on keeping. Now we are going to blow it up a again cause our Oline sucks. I'm expecting this year 2015 to be another chase the wildcard year again because now the new line is going to have to gel also. I don't see us taking the division till 2016

[Stevie Ray]

It was expected that our offense was going to struggle the first half of last year due to lack of chemistry between players and having to learn a new offense.

It was the 2nd year of the same offense.


Now we are going to blow it up a again cause our Oline sucks. I'm expecting this year 2015 to be another chase the wildcard year again because now the new line is going to have to gel also. I don't see us taking the division till 2016

One of the things that foiled the plans for the O-line was Stephenson's suspension, and losing Jeff Allen to injury. Allen had to move to tackle to replace Stephenson, and then he immediately got hurt. If Allen is back and healthy, and Stephenson has his head on straight, the depth along the Chiefs O-line gets much better.

I'm not so sure that we're going to see a whole lot of turnover on the O-line next season. Getting Allen back will fill a void, and if Stephenson is motivated, he's the best LT on the team, IMO. Personally, I think Stephenson should be the starting LT and Fisher should be moved back to RT, or even inside to guard.

[jap1]

It was the 2nd year of the same offense.



One of the things that foiled the plans for the O-line was Stephenson's suspension, and losing Jeff Allen to injury. Allen had to move to tackle to replace Stephenson, and then he immediately got hurt. If Allen is back and healthy, and Stephenson has his head on straight, the depth along the Chiefs O-line gets much better.

I'm not so sure that we're going to see a whole lot of turnover on the O-line next season. Getting Allen back will fill a void, and if Stephenson is motivated, he's the best LT on the team, IMO. Personally, I think Stephenson should be the starting LT and Fisher should be moved back to RT, or even inside to guard.

I keep going back and forth in my head to whether we need to sign a starting LG or RT in free agency. On one hand, our OL sucked. On the other hand, we had a bunch of injuries and starting guys we never expected to be more than depth. I think the question is whether you stay with Stephenson at RT since he is a free agent, or if you go for someone else. With Allen, he was capable when he had Albert next to him. Good LTs make LGs look better, and vice versa. I think part of Fisher's struggles were due to the horrible play at LG, but even so he did not play well. It seems every year we have a top pick is a horrible year talent-wise (I don't know who else would have been a better pick now in hindsight).

[Frankenchief]

I think the question is whether you stay with Stephenson at RT since he is a free agent, or if you go for someone else.
Stephenson was OK before he was busted for roid. When he couldn't use it he sucked. There's a reason he never broke back into the starting lineup.

[Frankenchief]

I think the question is whether you stay with Stephenson at RT since he is a free agent, or if you go for someone else.
Stephenson was OK before he was busted for PED. When he couldn't use it he sucked. There's a reason he never broke back into the starting lineup. I wouldn't count on him at all.