As the Kansas City Chiefs figure out exactly how to put all of the pieces together along the offensive line, it seems the Baltimore Ravens are trying to do the same. Unfortunately for the Ravens, the Chiefs are now playing from a position of strength with the addition of offensive tackle Jared Gaither while Baltimore is reportedly struggling with a lack of a real left tackle.
Gaither, if you'll remember, held down the position for the majority of 2008 and 2009 before he spent all of 2010 on Injured Reserve. Now the latest free agent signing of the Chiefs, Gaither was believed to be an extra with former first rounder Michael Oher sliding over from right tackle. Apparently, that's not been the case so far and it has the team scrambling for answers.
ESPN's James Walker says both sides of the offensive line have issues. "The tackles are really struggling. Michael Oher doesn't look to be a natural left tackle and Baltimore is searching for answers at right tackle. Center Matt Birk also is hurt in the middle. There are no easy answers to fix this group."
Oniel Cousins, a UTEP product, has slipped into the right tackle slot, but the verdict on his play so far has not been pleasant. Pair that with Oher's inability to switch to the opposite side, and you have a team that likely wishes for its former player back again. Of course, given Gaither's health concerns, the Ravens still couldn't feel completely secure with Gaither back at his old spot, but it would clearly be a step up from their current scenario.
As for the Chiefs, the addition of Gaither is a positive one that will pay dividends on some level, and perhaps it will completely solidify the very issues the Ravens are dealing with now.