Breaking Down the Chiefs and Jaguars Tape - O-Line

by Bewsaf on Nov 10, 2009 2:16 PM CST Comment 46 comments

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1-7)

JACKSONVILLE JAGS (4-4)

From the FanPosts -Joel

A priority of the Kansas City Chiefs for the past 6 games has been improving the offensive line play. Though Pioli cannot be accused of not making moves to help the blocking situation, the line's inconsistent run blocking and at times horrid pass blocking have continued to be weaknesses.

This game, things start to look as if baby steps are being made on the offensive line. This post will again attempt to expose the players performances by evaluating the execution of each player on every offensive play... the film never lies.

Observations after reviewing the film:

In the Jaguars game the tight ends were used very little in pass protection;Haley opting to use them more in patterns. Maybe Haley sees more progress on the O-line and he is going to the next step...or maybe he sees how poorly the TEs pass block.
Two weekends ago I made the comment that after reviewing the film it looked like the tight end blocking was poor. In the Jacksonville game many running plays went opposite of the tight end. A lot of times by design and sometimes due to reads.
During the Jaguars game, Albert and Alleman were the two lineman most susceptible to stunts and confusion.
Alleman could block the guy in front of him in the Jacksonville game. He had trouble with pass blocking, picking up stunts, and getting to blocks on the second level during run plays.
This week I put all blitz assignment failures in the PB Double column.
Albert looked awkward at LT. I have no points of evidence...only a general impression. Maybe this is due to being his first game back.

Here are the grades from first three quarters against the Jacksonville Jaguars:

Jacksonville Jaguars

PLAYER	RB SOLO	RB DOUBLE	SECOND LEVEL	PB SOLO	PB DOUBLE	Driven
Albert	80%	--	50%	90%	83%	--
Waters	94%	100%	66%	100%	90%	--
Niswanger	91%	100%	33%	84%	95%	3
Alleman	90%	100%	33%	88%	66%	1
O'Callaghan	92%	100%	50%	92%	90%	3
Ryan	4 for 4	--	--	1 for 1	--	1
Pope	1 for 2	1 for 1	--	--	--	--

TOP GRADE

pics

source

Here's how it works:

Each offensive lineman was given a "+" for doing their job or a "-" for failing to do their job on each play.
These pluses and minuses were grouped into the type of block they were asked to do, e.g., a run block solo (RB Solo), a run block double team (RB Double), or a pass block solo (PB Solo), etc.
A "D", for "driven", was assigned every time a player was manhandled during a pass or run play.
The quality of the lineman's play is represented as a percentage below. The higher the percentage the better the lineman did.
I tried to be very strict...I think Haley would want it that way.
One important note, some plays were unclear as to who exactly did not do their job, e.g., a defensive tackle going unblocked at the line of scrimmage. Was it the centers fault? The guards fault? In these cases it was clear that a mistake was made and the player that looked to be most at fault was assigned the blame.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.

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Comments

thanks for the work!

interesting that you said Alleman didn’t do well in space or on the 2nd level, but someone else commented on an earlier post that he was the best at that…

TE blocking is still a mystery to me… they don’t seem to have any good blockers, but they NEED to have someone back there picking up the blitz and the pass rush OUTSIDE the tackles.

* "I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"
* the LB corps may become the biggest strength of the Chiefs in 2009
* The OL is NOT as bad as you think it is... give it time, and you'll see improvement this season

by stagdsp on Nov 10, 2009 2:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I don't remember him getting to a lot of second level blocks

In fact, I saw him chasing his second level guy a few times. I counted him down for that. Not getting there is just as bad…at least in my book.

Bewsaf

by Bewsaf on Nov 10, 2009 2:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Man it's good to see Ryan O'Callghan doing well

I think he was a good pickup for this team. Alleman might have struggled some but I think he’s better than Goff. And we had better not start Niswanger next season at C because he just ain’t cutting the mustard.

by Soria's Unibrow on Nov 10, 2009 2:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah, rec'd

Thanks for the hard work!

by Soria's Unibrow on Nov 10, 2009 2:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Winning begins with Attitude - Haley and Pioli will be winners in KC!

I'll forever be a Chiefs fan! Only God himself could take that away from me, but when I get to my great reward, I'll rejoin two bigger fans, my Mom and Dad.

by Lanier63 on Nov 10, 2009 3:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think Alleman needs more games to get a good eval.

Blitz pickups are as much knowing the guy next to you as it is keeping your head up and being ready for a stunt.

Bewsaf

by Bewsaf on Nov 10, 2009 2:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah... again, that goes to the scheme as well

I think these guys are struggling with all of the different protections, and the unexpected blitzer… at least much more than they struggle blocking the guy in front of them.

That SEEMS more correctable… learning the protection, thinking less, reacting more

by stagdsp on Nov 10, 2009 2:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

After watching the film

I started to wonder about the hot reads. I don’t see them happening. Maybe it is the new system that no one has a handle on yet…the QB…the recievers. I don’t know.

Bewsaf

by Bewsaf on Nov 10, 2009 2:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah... when that blitz comes, they have to be ready

Watch Indy… they are AMAZING at handling blitzes.
Peyton recognizes them, calls em out, the RBs pick up the blitzers, the receivers run the quick route, and peyton delivers it QUICK

The Chiefs should study their film closely, and take notes

by stagdsp on Nov 10, 2009 2:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Part of it could be on Rudy since he's the one making line calls

Another reason he should be replaced.

by Soria's Unibrow on Nov 10, 2009 2:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

I think O’Call is solid. Not spectacular, but solid… same for Alleman, and probably Ndukwe too

Goff and Rudy shouldn’t be starting this year, much less next season…
Rudy seems like a Wade Smith type utility guy… not a starting Center
Goff seems like a retirement kind of player

by stagdsp on Nov 10, 2009 2:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Play calling

Anyone else feel like Haley calls plays like he has no confidence that he has any level of talent to pull anything off? If he waits until he has all of the perfect pieces together to be aggressive, he’ll be waiting a long time. Late in the game they moved the ball with some uncharacteristic aggressive play calling. It worked. Granted they aren’t blessed with a lot of talent, but instilling a little faith in the players to pull off an occasional play goes a long way in breeding confidence. Turn them loose more and see what you have. What have you got to lose at this point?

by Dobberville on Nov 10, 2009 2:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ya...

How about copy and paste the plays from the end of the last game, to the beginning of the next. See how aggressive calling works early in games.

by dragon6172 on Nov 10, 2009 2:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly, that's just what I was thinking

I loved seeing us go right after the Jags last week when our backs were against the wall. Everyone, from the players to Coach Haley, needs to start acting like they’ve got a pair! Call some trick plays, wing the ball deep, go for it on fourth downs. If we are outclassed on the field every week in talent we’ll just have to beat them with our minds and our hearts!

by Soria's Unibrow on Nov 10, 2009 2:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think...

we, or the Chiefs, are getting a very simple offense. With all the new guys coming in…how can you not make it simple. I think that lends itself to some bland play calling.

Bewsaf

by Bewsaf on Nov 10, 2009 2:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

excellent work, Bewsaf, and TY ... only one thing could make it even better ...

… if you could do it BEFORE each game so they have time to correct problems BEFORE they actually go out and play

I realize that’s asking a lot of you, but … I have FAITH in you, you ARE THE MAN!

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisiton!

by upamtn on Nov 10, 2009 2:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

1st play next week...

a 5 yard loss. (bet the odds are with me)

Bewsaf

by Bewsaf on Nov 10, 2009 2:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I haven't heard anypone talk about Goff

not starting until this thread. Alleman was a step up in my opinion. Was Goff hurt or just demoted?

by TonyG88 on Nov 10, 2009 3:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Alleman did start, goff was nursing a shoulder injury

but, Alleman was briefly injured, Goff came in for a couple plays, then Alleman came back

I think he IS a step up, and I hope he keeps playing

by stagdsp on Nov 10, 2009 3:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Man that guy was so right...

We are soooo going after Waters now…Leave Brian Alooooooone!!!!!

Don't forget to be an AP-vangelist...Tell A Friend...

by woodman212 on Nov 10, 2009 3:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It’s great to see Waters is still playing at a high level. His professionalism and pride are incredible.

by Ryan in Nixa on Nov 10, 2009 3:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Is O'Cal the answer for us at RT

that would be huge if we can have 1 fewer hole to fill on the roster.
Going into the draft and FA if we can get away with only needing a LT & C would be great.
(ie moving Albert to LG his natural position) Is this the situation we are in or am I still drinking Koolaid?

by Your_Moms_Boyfriend on Nov 10, 2009 3:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think O'Cal is the starter at RT next year

LT and C are on the list, but another lineman is needed, RT or RG unless the coaches think Ndukwe, Alleman, or Brown is the answer at RG, and where does Waters go?

If Richardson can improve and push O’Cal at RT we may have a solid line next year, why didn’t we pick up Collins in the fourth, and Justice in the 6th last year, we’d probably have a fairly solid line this year.

by mcclanahanman on Nov 10, 2009 3:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

HOPE SO!!!

IF O’Call can keep playing well, and Waters stays for another year…

there could be THREE pieces of a GOOD Offensive line

(Regardless of where Albert plays)

I think Alleman, Ndukwe and Brown could all be good pieces of a line, or at least solid depth.

So, yeah… I think a starting C could be all they need (w/Albert and waters in place)
OR
IF they draft a LT and move Albert… they still need a Center (unless Waters moves)

either way 1 or 2 new starters COULD make all the difference

by stagdsp on Nov 10, 2009 3:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

and what about our needs at...

lb, wr, te, rb, dt, kr/pr and s? This is a 2 more year project. Imagine in 2 more years what we could have! Patience is hard for us fans but I truly think it will pay off. Not sure Haley will be there. If he is he needs a better D-coach.

Mr J
KC Chiefs Fan

by Mr J on Nov 10, 2009 3:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

patience

yes, it’s difficult… but this line will come together at some point, and I don’t get the sense that the organization is as panicked as the fans are. They know it needs to improve, but they also know they have some of the pieces in place of a good line.

With other needs, like you mentioned, they Can’t afford to spend ALL the draftpicks on OL… but, they also can’t afford NOT to address the OL with at least 1 or 2 picks

by stagdsp on Nov 10, 2009 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We get Berry or Okung with the first pick (if they are even available)

Then maybe a wr/kr/pr or a dt in the 2nd
go for a ol or C in the 3rd
fill in the gaps with the rest
Hopefully we can snag a FA or 2 in the process.

by Ren on Nov 10, 2009 4:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, that's pretty close to what I'm thinking

Ideally…
Berry
Cody
O’Dowd

then, best available

by stagdsp on Nov 10, 2009 4:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

but, be prepared for Okung and Berry to be off the board...

and consider McClain, ILB as a possibility in round 1
then a Black/Fox/Young OT in the 2nd, or Nate Allen, FS…

either way, there should be plenty of good talent there in the 2nd… but a Center is a must! as early as the 2nd-2nd round pick, as late as the 4th round…

by stagdsp on Nov 10, 2009 4:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm still thinkin Mays and Berry aren't options

Next year we’ll pursue Hampton, Wilfork and Seymour I’m sure, pushing our #1 towards OL, unless Suh is available, look at pioli’s history he builds in the trenches. I have a feeling our #1 will be in the trenches and our first second will be too.

Second second round pick will probably be WR with Pioli’s history and Haley’s unhappiness with our WR’s we’ll probably go this route.

C will come in round 3-5. If we take a LT in the draft Look for waters to be shopped for a later round pick. If Seymour is signed look for Dorsey to be shopped. Bowe may be shopped right along with him.

You don’t think they muffed this season so they could keep building high with their own players do you, out with the old and in with the new……. Calling for a Mulligan.

TE will most likely be Watson or Crumpler next year.

Could you imagine 2 1st round picks and 3-4 seconds? That would fill a lot of holes on the roster. Especially if they bring 4 or 5 vets, like hampton, or wilfork, at NT and seymour DE so they can shop Dorsey, watson or crumpler I know crumpler is showing signs of being old but he’s better than what we have on board today, a big bruising downhill back like white or that guy from cincinatti (Johnson?), another Vet ILB or 2.

Our draft board would be a DE, LT, C, WR, CB, S, OLB

Next year a shaky foundation to a very good team, we’ll have the core but will be a few injuries away from being horrible again, but 2 to 3 yrs from now we’ll get it done consistantly.

by mcclanahanman on Nov 10, 2009 4:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cedric Benson

Don’t see him leaving Cincy any time soon.

No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.

by hmills110 on Nov 10, 2009 10:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Once they land a NT (or Smith or Edwards step up),

I think Dorsey will be a good guy to have. I can see KC possibly adding another 3-4 DE, but not likely. Definitely don’t see lightning striking twice with another 1st rounder spent on d-line, right away.

It’s looking like a left tackle might be a priority. If so, that can easily be the #1 pick.

At the midway point in the season, it’s still hard to say who, if anybody, will emerge on the o-line from the current roster. Chiefs had a late infusion of some pretty good talent in a year when a couple Pioli-connection teams were aggressive on o-line, and he swooped in August/September on some possibly very good leavings.

O’Callaghan might be quicker for left tackle and Albert might be more physical for right tackle. I’d mull that one over a bit. Quicker might be better at left tackle, where you see more ‘tweeners comin’ FAST.

Chiefs need a S who can cover. Let someone else go after Mays, whom Cunningham would love (LB/S ‘tweener with straight-line speed). If left tackle isn’t the object in the 1st, then the best DB available would be my vote. Chiefs’re goin’ big at LB and DL. Need greasy-quick to round out the secondary.

No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.

by hmills110 on Nov 10, 2009 10:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My thoughts exactly

I webeat Buff, cleveland and one other team, we’ll have 4 wins. No way Berry or Okung are there. Then what? I’m a planner, not trying to do a mock draft but…
I honestly would love to trade down and acquire another pick. 4 picks in the first 2 rounds and 2-3 free agents gets mem all tingly all over.

Mr J
KC Chiefs Fan

by Mr J on Nov 10, 2009 4:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

if we beat...

Mr J
KC Chiefs Fan

by Mr J on Nov 10, 2009 4:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think we are going to draft in that territory where no one trades up to.

but agree 2 middle 1sts would definitely help better than one top 5 pick :)

We Will kick at least 4 Teams Asses in 09
And Succop will be the Key in two of them.
" Think and talk positive football off the field." Hank Stram

by Steve_Chiefs on Nov 10, 2009 6:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's hard to count any wins against ANYbody, at this point, although...

… I think they’re finding more and more things that they CAN do.

But yeah, it’s shapin’ up like no-man’s land, again, in terms of draft position.

No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.

by hmills110 on Nov 10, 2009 11:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Alleman

Hopefully this guy keeps it up. I am surprised he got the nod at RG over Ndukwe, but I guess Haley is solid on converting Ndukwe to RT — oh well. Hopefully he strings together a few solid weeks and makes Goff expendable.

Pass blocking remains a weak point all around. We have got to improve somehow. It is looking more and more like Albert needs to be playing guard.

by Nick Britt on Nov 10, 2009 6:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I agree...

Ndukwe hasn’t seen any practice time at G, at least not that I’ve heard of.

I think that he could make the transition back to G next season, (maybe along with Albert)
Or, he could just be the backup RT for the foreseeable future.

Remember, Colin Brown also came in as a RT, but worked at RG… so I think the Chiefs have a lot of options at those positions in 2010… even before they draft a couple more

by stagdsp on Nov 10, 2009 6:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think we have three guys we can hang our hat on at the end of the day

Albert, Waters, O’Callaghan. I don’t know where the chiefs will have them play next year but I think we can feel good that we don’t have to replace those three guys.

Bewsaf

by Bewsaf on Nov 10, 2009 6:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wonder what's up w/ Ndukwe.

Like maybe he’s just penciled-in at RT. Kinda wonder if he’s been nicked-up. I suspect nicks might be why all three of the more recent o-line additions were available in the first place.

I wouldn’t mind seeing O’Callaghan AND Ndukwe playing tackle at the same time, with 6 linemen. Just go big.

No question. Otis Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame.

by hmills110 on Nov 10, 2009 11:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

guessing he isnt picking up the blocking scheme...being that it might be different than what he had last year.

by MountainManMike on Nov 11, 2009 2:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Question

If we are looking for Zone-Block O-lineman in the collegiate ranks.
Do we look at specific teams or specific schemes.

Say a Spread Offense Okalahoma State or a USC pro style O that might run ZB schemes?

We Will kick at least 4 Teams Asses in 09
And Succop will be the Key in two of them.
" Think and talk positive football off the field." Hank Stram

by Steve_Chiefs on Nov 10, 2009 6:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

great question

looks like most teams use some form of zone blocking, at least at times…
West Virginia
Michigan
Notre Dame
Minnesota
LSU
Auburn
Alabama

Really, I think you’d just want a more mobile blocker, someone who is smart enough to recognize protections, etc.

the huge “maulers” aren’t usually the right guys for ZB, from what little I know about it.

for the record, it sounds like:
Charles Brown, the LT from USC is considered the best fit for ZB in the pros. 6’5" 292
Okung is considered the best all around LT in the draft, and is pretty lean, 6’5, 302
Bruce Campbell from Maryland is 6’6 302, bench press 490 pounds and a 4.8 forty… Wow.
I also like Ciron Black, LSU 6’5" 322 and Selvish Capers 6’5" 298

by stagdsp on Nov 10, 2009 7:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

A mock ranking of tackles from someone else "Mockingthedraft"

Tackles
1. Russell Okung Oklahoma St.
2. Bryan Bulaga Iowa*** Medical issues might be a concern
3. Anthony Davis Rutgers***
4. Bruce Campbell Maryland*** Underclassmen *
5. Charles Brown USC
6. Trent Williams Oklahoma Sliding some
7. Gabe Carimini Wisconsin*
8. Selvish Capers West Virginia
9. Ciron Black LSU
10. Lee Ziemba Auburn***
11. Joseph Barksdale LSU***
12. Nate Solder Colorado***
13. Sam Young Notre Dame
14. Tony Washington Abilene Christian
15. Jason Fox Miami
16. Adam Ulatoski Texas
17. Kyle Calloway Iowa
18. Chris Scott Tennessee
19. Ed Wang Virginia Tech
20. Michael Tepper California