(I wrote this in 15 minutes...I do it for free...sorry in advance for the grammar...not that serious for me)
Who is Alex Smith?
Since 2005 up until a week ago I could care less to answer that question. He was a QB that San Francisco allowed to be pursued by the Dolphins...who ended up taking Tannehill instead. He was a QB that took his team to the front door of the Super Bowl, and a back-up to a QB that kicked the door in the next season.
Did you ever really want Alex Smith last year...did Miami...did San Fran? The answer is no...two teams passed...not for Manning, not for RG3, not for Luck...two teams passed for Tannehill and Kaepernick. Up until a week ago...how badly did you want Alex Smith?
San Fran and Miami worked Smith out, was up close and personal...the Chiefs made this choice at a time when they could have no contact. Smith was never an Eagle...he was never a Packer...if this choice is that important...get him in a room.
Sure Reid has contacts...but why choose a QB...a QB two teams passed on...without checking it out for yourself?
The stats lie...sure Smith's %'s and rating increased under Harbaugh...but his usage decreased. The two years under Harbaugh...San Fran ranked 31st in the NFL in pass attempts. San Fran was defined by defense and the power game.
The thing that bothers me about this situation. Reid's offense is dependent on the Quarterback to make plays. Even under Harbaugh...while Smith's rating increased...the TD's, the yardage really didn't. All indications do not point to an improved QB...points to an improved scheme to mask the QB.
The biggest issue with Smith is the lack of understanding where the numbers come from. The INT's decreased...the rating rose...but the sacks he took nearly doubled. This particular change is reflected in the rating...he didn't improve as a passer...he simply stopped making mistakes.
Make no mistake...we didn't get a good QB...we got the same QB by and large that was on the open market that few were clamoring for. We got a QB that has learned how to not make mistakes, in an offense that didn't ask him to throw much. That situation has changed...and it's important.
This isn't a brilliant move by Dorsey and Reid...it's a safe one. The film has been out for years...there is no re-writing Alex Smith's history. He's marginally better than we've had, and he's a vet with success...but he's not special.
People act like I'm not supposed to question...but in my heart...this move isn't one I can grip. I hope it works out, but I think it's a safe move...not the best move for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Thoughts on the 40
As a free safety I think I ran full speed on average twice a game. I was a 6'2" 210 pound kid with a 4.5 playing small college football...so naturally there was little need to ever run at full speed. The irony as a safety...the slower you play the better off you are.
It sounds blasphemes when any football player says they don't go full speed...but it's not. When playing with 10 other guys...you have to understand fits. You have to understand space in coverage, when to pass off routes. None of those situations call for full speed.
I learned that the hard way...over pursuing, vacating zones too quickly, taking shortcuts with footwork (rounding). In time the slower I played the better football player I became. Taking time in my read steps, keeping my balance, cleaning up my footwork for breaks.
The majority of runs are going to end after 5 yards...majority of passes will end in 10...the game isn't played 40 yards at a time. That's my contention with 40 yard times...it's a track and field measurement...it rarely serves as an adequate football measurement.
For the wide receivers on a 9 and the corners that defend them...it has a place along with other examples. But generally the game is played low...for the corners to the line...the gains are made before the ball is in the air or the QB hands off the ball. Those gains are made when you are playing low.
A 40 has two key phases...an acceleration phase (drive phase), and a deceleration phase. When a player gets crouched it mirrors the crouches taken in football. That crouch lengthens the quad, giving it a full range of motion (quad is dominant muscle in football)...it's important for explosion (squat, jump). So that part of the 40 can be applied to the game.
The other phase (majority of 40) isn't a football measurement...it isn't even a speed measurement. In a sprint after the first phase at the start that is largely quad dominant...deceleration happens. An athlete's ability to decrease the degree of acceleration is paramount.
Athletes do this by turning their hips, streamlining their motion, and making their stride more efficient. This particular motion...that happens with all runners in the 40...is largely non-existent in the game of football for most positions.
Most of football is played in that drive phase...the hips are rarely turned and typically players are taught to turn hips on contact. That's my fundamental problem with the 40 being an adequate football measurement...because it measures a motion that few football players will ever use.
It sounds blasphemes when any football player says they don't go full speed...but it's not. When playing with 10 other guys...you have to understand fits. You have to understand space in coverage, when to pass off routes. None of those situations call for full speed.
I learned that the hard way...over pursuing, vacating zones too quickly, taking shortcuts with footwork (rounding). In time the slower I played the better football player I became. Taking time in my read steps, keeping my balance, cleaning up my footwork for breaks.
The majority of runs are going to end after 5 yards...majority of passes will end in 10...the game isn't played 40 yards at a time. That's my contention with 40 yard times...it's a track and field measurement...it rarely serves as an adequate football measurement.
For the wide receivers on a 9 and the corners that defend them...it has a place along with other examples. But generally the game is played low...for the corners to the line...the gains are made before the ball is in the air or the QB hands off the ball. Those gains are made when you are playing low.
A 40 has two key phases...an acceleration phase (drive phase), and a deceleration phase. When a player gets crouched it mirrors the crouches taken in football. That crouch lengthens the quad, giving it a full range of motion (quad is dominant muscle in football)...it's important for explosion (squat, jump). So that part of the 40 can be applied to the game.
The other phase (majority of 40) isn't a football measurement...it isn't even a speed measurement. In a sprint after the first phase at the start that is largely quad dominant...deceleration happens. An athlete's ability to decrease the degree of acceleration is paramount.
Athletes do this by turning their hips, streamlining their motion, and making their stride more efficient. This particular motion...that happens with all runners in the 40...is largely non-existent in the game of football for most positions.
Most of football is played in that drive phase...the hips are rarely turned and typically players are taught to turn hips on contact. That's my fundamental problem with the 40 being an adequate football measurement...because it measures a motion that few football players will ever use.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Chiefs Offensive Line Thoughts
My breakdown on the offensive line from last season...what I think of them now...and how they will translate to the new system. Thanks for reading.
Branden Albert
With Albert it's a catch-22...as great as he is as a pass blocker...he's limited as a run blocker. Albert is an athlete that happens to play Left Tackle...and it translates to one hell of a pass protector. You would be hard pressed to find a LT with the range that Albert has.
The issue has always been his versatility as a run blocker, namely his power in the running game. In terms of setting an edge for the outside run it's mediocre along with his ability to reach and sustain blocks. Albert has a tendency to get washed as a run blocker when action is to his side...doesn't get beat but rarely establishes base...his block is typically moving down line of scrimmage.
With Albert the Chiefs are getting a truly premier pass blocker, while getting a mediocre run blocker. With Andy Reid in the fold that is something to consider...while I believe a Jake Long/Luke Joeckel may be better overall...I don't see either being better in space. The dilemma w/ Albert will be scheme...and although I see Albert as the inferior run blocker...I can still envision him being a better fit for Reid.
Eric Winston
From a purely physical standpoint there is little difference between Winston and former Chief Barry Richardson...both are limited in that department. Neither were overwhelmingly powerful nor athletic enough to match the speed of opposing defensive ends. What separates Winston from some of the RT's at the bottom of NFL is his technique.
Winston is great at using his hands to engage...keeps hands engaged...and use his footwork to keep between man and ball. Unlike Albert who has the range to execute several different blocks...Winston is limited in space. Also unlike Albert who has issues sealing the edge...Winston has no problem at that. Part of what makes Winston a good player is how clean his edges are in the run game.
Another contrast with Branden Albert is Winston's skill set translating to Reid's system...of all the O-lineman I believe Winston will have the most difficult adjustment. Under Daboll's system Winston was afforded help...with Reid and his use of WR's that will create more situations where Winston will be isolated in space.
Jon Asomoah
It's not saying a lot, but after Jamaal Charles I see Asomoah being are 2nd best player on offense. Last season the Chiefs featured Asomoah as a primary lead blocker on many running plays. Asomoah is the lone player that can block for power in-line and still execute at a very high level on blocks in space.
Last season I would find myself watching Asomoah and just remember being in awe of his ability. That doesn't happen often...that an interior lineman gives me pause. Wether climbing to the 2nd level...pulling to lead on a run outside of the hashes...driving a defender off the ball...Asomoah can do it all.
Reid is fortunate to have him and I see him playing a big role in Andy Reid's system because of his ability to make blocks in space. I can see Asomoah being a vital cog in the screen game as well as the horizontal running game. Asomoah is a player that can play in any system at an equally effective level...can't say that for any other Chiefs lineman. He will continue to excel under Reid.
Ryan Lilja
I thought Ryan Lilja turned in his best performance as a Chief this past year...but still there is a lot left to be desired. Lilja on the inside is similar to what Winston is to the outside. Physically Lilja is limited, but somewhat makes up for his physical limitations with good hands, decent leverage, and great footwork.
Lilja's main issue has always been power...his ability to sustain blocks is solid...but even when engaged loses ground and can't drive a block. In terms of range...even at guard...rarely got asked to leave the LOS. In 2011 while exclusively at guard...most of the double teams were on his block (indicating that team recognized power deficiency).
If he does return he gives the Chiefs a serviceable option...but an upgradeable one at either the C/G spots. In Reid's syster (or any system) he offers no real advantage...not athletic enough to play in space, not strong enough at the LOS.
Rodney Hudson
At this point I view Hudson as a disappointment. In limited time he hasn't shown that he is a better alternative than Wiegman, Lilja, or even Darryl Harris (in his brief stint at C in 2011)...I could argue he has been a worse alternative. The door isn't closed on Hudson, and he can be better than all of them...but I can't see it being significantly better at C position.
Hudson is not physical, nor is he really athletic...but he has displayed great use of hands. The issue with Hudson is sustaining blocks...he can engage defensive lineman, but they don't stay engaged. At this point he hasn't displayed the average to below-average strength shown by the aforementioned Centers that have manned the spot over the past few years.
The key with Hudson will be the offseason and becoming stronger at the point of attack. The technique is solid and it's NFL ready...rivals the technique of veterans Lilja/Wiegeman. In Reid's system Hudson will be able to get away with some of his issues...but he can't get around not getting stronger at the point of attack.
Donald Stephenson
The talk that will surround Stephenson will be Russell Wilson for a long time...but the silver lining...Stephenson is a solid player in his own right. In the absence of Albert the Chiefs didn't miss much...which speaks to Stephenson's athletic ability. In many ways he is similar to Albert...a great athlete playing LT...moreso than a traditional LT.
Albert is a premier pass blocker and Stephenson isn't there...but Stephenson is more explosive out of his stance than Albert in the run game. While Albert sustained blocks better...Stephenson did flash good range in space similar to Albert. Wilson was a steal...but in Stephenson...Chiefs got a good athlete at a very critical position.
Stephenson will be a better fit with Reid than he was under Daboll. The things that I talked about with Albert rings true with Stephenson. Stephenson has ample range to execute a lot of blocks in space. Save the Dwight Freeney game...Stephenson has shown that he can be isolated v. the speed rush. Given Reid's preference to use more pass catchers...lineman that can operate in space will be critical.
Jeff Allen
I wasn't very high on Jeff Allen during the draft, but he proved to be valuable towards the end of the year when the injuries piled up. What surprised me with Allen was his range as a blocker. He showed the ability to be isolated at times in space at LT...and also showed decent range in space.
The issue with Allen was he got beat terribly against the bull rush in some games...and also missed his fair share of blocking assignments. It was too early for Allen to be thrust into the line-up where he displayed questionable leverage. But he looked much better when moved outside and matched up vs. speed...adequate in that regard.
Allen shares a theme with many of the Chiefs offensive lineman...lacks power at LOS...much better in space. Daboll called for a lot of power in his scheme...Reid will depend more on range. This should benefit Allen moving forward...but similar to Hudson...must increase power and improve leverage at LOS.
Overview
My criticism for several years is the Chiefs inability to address power on the offensive line. As a whole it's a good pass blocking unit...and good run blocking unit in space outside the tackle. Part of the problem with Chiefs inability to score...is out inability to drive block at the LOS. Currently Asomoah is the only consistent player we have in that department.
The positive is collectively Reid's system is a better compliment to the skills of the offensive line than Daboll's was. Reid's system will put the lineman in space and won't require as many blocks that are reliant on power...rather technique and athleticism. But a critical issue is still interior power...ability to covert 3rd and short also in the red zone.
As great as Jamaal is...we still have issues with situational football because of the limited skill sets collectively on the line...namely lack of power on the offensive line. Much of these issues should be masked in Reid's system, but if not fixed will still be an achilles heal for the team.
Branden Albert
With Albert it's a catch-22...as great as he is as a pass blocker...he's limited as a run blocker. Albert is an athlete that happens to play Left Tackle...and it translates to one hell of a pass protector. You would be hard pressed to find a LT with the range that Albert has.
The issue has always been his versatility as a run blocker, namely his power in the running game. In terms of setting an edge for the outside run it's mediocre along with his ability to reach and sustain blocks. Albert has a tendency to get washed as a run blocker when action is to his side...doesn't get beat but rarely establishes base...his block is typically moving down line of scrimmage.
With Albert the Chiefs are getting a truly premier pass blocker, while getting a mediocre run blocker. With Andy Reid in the fold that is something to consider...while I believe a Jake Long/Luke Joeckel may be better overall...I don't see either being better in space. The dilemma w/ Albert will be scheme...and although I see Albert as the inferior run blocker...I can still envision him being a better fit for Reid.
Eric Winston
From a purely physical standpoint there is little difference between Winston and former Chief Barry Richardson...both are limited in that department. Neither were overwhelmingly powerful nor athletic enough to match the speed of opposing defensive ends. What separates Winston from some of the RT's at the bottom of NFL is his technique.
Winston is great at using his hands to engage...keeps hands engaged...and use his footwork to keep between man and ball. Unlike Albert who has the range to execute several different blocks...Winston is limited in space. Also unlike Albert who has issues sealing the edge...Winston has no problem at that. Part of what makes Winston a good player is how clean his edges are in the run game.
Another contrast with Branden Albert is Winston's skill set translating to Reid's system...of all the O-lineman I believe Winston will have the most difficult adjustment. Under Daboll's system Winston was afforded help...with Reid and his use of WR's that will create more situations where Winston will be isolated in space.
Jon Asomoah
It's not saying a lot, but after Jamaal Charles I see Asomoah being are 2nd best player on offense. Last season the Chiefs featured Asomoah as a primary lead blocker on many running plays. Asomoah is the lone player that can block for power in-line and still execute at a very high level on blocks in space.
Last season I would find myself watching Asomoah and just remember being in awe of his ability. That doesn't happen often...that an interior lineman gives me pause. Wether climbing to the 2nd level...pulling to lead on a run outside of the hashes...driving a defender off the ball...Asomoah can do it all.
Reid is fortunate to have him and I see him playing a big role in Andy Reid's system because of his ability to make blocks in space. I can see Asomoah being a vital cog in the screen game as well as the horizontal running game. Asomoah is a player that can play in any system at an equally effective level...can't say that for any other Chiefs lineman. He will continue to excel under Reid.
Ryan Lilja
I thought Ryan Lilja turned in his best performance as a Chief this past year...but still there is a lot left to be desired. Lilja on the inside is similar to what Winston is to the outside. Physically Lilja is limited, but somewhat makes up for his physical limitations with good hands, decent leverage, and great footwork.
Lilja's main issue has always been power...his ability to sustain blocks is solid...but even when engaged loses ground and can't drive a block. In terms of range...even at guard...rarely got asked to leave the LOS. In 2011 while exclusively at guard...most of the double teams were on his block (indicating that team recognized power deficiency).
If he does return he gives the Chiefs a serviceable option...but an upgradeable one at either the C/G spots. In Reid's syster (or any system) he offers no real advantage...not athletic enough to play in space, not strong enough at the LOS.
Rodney Hudson
At this point I view Hudson as a disappointment. In limited time he hasn't shown that he is a better alternative than Wiegman, Lilja, or even Darryl Harris (in his brief stint at C in 2011)...I could argue he has been a worse alternative. The door isn't closed on Hudson, and he can be better than all of them...but I can't see it being significantly better at C position.
Hudson is not physical, nor is he really athletic...but he has displayed great use of hands. The issue with Hudson is sustaining blocks...he can engage defensive lineman, but they don't stay engaged. At this point he hasn't displayed the average to below-average strength shown by the aforementioned Centers that have manned the spot over the past few years.
The key with Hudson will be the offseason and becoming stronger at the point of attack. The technique is solid and it's NFL ready...rivals the technique of veterans Lilja/Wiegeman. In Reid's system Hudson will be able to get away with some of his issues...but he can't get around not getting stronger at the point of attack.
Donald Stephenson
The talk that will surround Stephenson will be Russell Wilson for a long time...but the silver lining...Stephenson is a solid player in his own right. In the absence of Albert the Chiefs didn't miss much...which speaks to Stephenson's athletic ability. In many ways he is similar to Albert...a great athlete playing LT...moreso than a traditional LT.
Albert is a premier pass blocker and Stephenson isn't there...but Stephenson is more explosive out of his stance than Albert in the run game. While Albert sustained blocks better...Stephenson did flash good range in space similar to Albert. Wilson was a steal...but in Stephenson...Chiefs got a good athlete at a very critical position.
Stephenson will be a better fit with Reid than he was under Daboll. The things that I talked about with Albert rings true with Stephenson. Stephenson has ample range to execute a lot of blocks in space. Save the Dwight Freeney game...Stephenson has shown that he can be isolated v. the speed rush. Given Reid's preference to use more pass catchers...lineman that can operate in space will be critical.
Jeff Allen
I wasn't very high on Jeff Allen during the draft, but he proved to be valuable towards the end of the year when the injuries piled up. What surprised me with Allen was his range as a blocker. He showed the ability to be isolated at times in space at LT...and also showed decent range in space.
The issue with Allen was he got beat terribly against the bull rush in some games...and also missed his fair share of blocking assignments. It was too early for Allen to be thrust into the line-up where he displayed questionable leverage. But he looked much better when moved outside and matched up vs. speed...adequate in that regard.
Allen shares a theme with many of the Chiefs offensive lineman...lacks power at LOS...much better in space. Daboll called for a lot of power in his scheme...Reid will depend more on range. This should benefit Allen moving forward...but similar to Hudson...must increase power and improve leverage at LOS.
Overview
My criticism for several years is the Chiefs inability to address power on the offensive line. As a whole it's a good pass blocking unit...and good run blocking unit in space outside the tackle. Part of the problem with Chiefs inability to score...is out inability to drive block at the LOS. Currently Asomoah is the only consistent player we have in that department.
The positive is collectively Reid's system is a better compliment to the skills of the offensive line than Daboll's was. Reid's system will put the lineman in space and won't require as many blocks that are reliant on power...rather technique and athleticism. But a critical issue is still interior power...ability to covert 3rd and short also in the red zone.
As great as Jamaal is...we still have issues with situational football because of the limited skill sets collectively on the line...namely lack of power on the offensive line. Much of these issues should be masked in Reid's system, but if not fixed will still be an achilles heal for the team.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Common Sense
This is about politics/guns not sports.
I hate talking about politics because I usually end up in a bad mood. It's not the government that makes me angry...it's the apathy, the ignorance of my family, my friends, my co-workers, and myself. The recent gun control debate is one that tears at me every single time it comes up.
The last time I shot a rifle was 5 years ago at a range in North Carolina. I wouldn't consider myself a gun enthusiast, but I have no issue with them. I have issues with the senseless violence, and I recognize guns play a huge role...but I'm not innocent, few of us are.
America has a gun culture...but it's not the video games fault, not entirely the fault of people committing acts of violence daily, and certainly not the fault of proponents of the 2nd amendment.
Over 200 years ago much of his country was relegated to the eastern Atlantic coastline. Through the gun we established this land, through bondage we established part of our currency, by war we expanded our borders and protected our interest abroad. This is where a gun culture begins.
The gun culture in America doesn't trace it's roots to Sandy Brook...there was a gun culture in the Battle of Westport, a gun culture during Quantrill's raid, a gun culture when Missourians expelled Mormon's from the state, a gun culture that gave us the property that we consider ours.
The questions shouldn't focus on the next idiot with the gun and how to protect ourselves from them. The questions are far more tougher than that...because the answer resides within ourselves.
The United States has a military budget nearly 4 times greater than Russia (2nd in defense spending), and nearly 8 times greater than China (3rd in defense spending). Statistics show America is one of the more violent civilized countries...but how can we not be?
Someone's paying the price in blood somewhere...1000 years from now history won't remember much...but they will remember this military. How does the greatest military machine happen...what acts had to transpire to establish that dominance?
That's the issue with gun control...how do you mass produce death and not have any blood on your hands? How do you produce weapons but not have them? This is the crux of the issue with gun control.
We had a Federal Weapons ban...not much is different from New York's recent one, or Obama's. All 3 proposed cosmetic changes...to make it look less "scary". Functionally nothing changes...the weapons just shoot the same.
The rest of it was to make people feel better...but the weapons will still be made, function the same, and be added to the millions in circulation. No punishment is greater than the punishment for murder...throwing in a few gun violations shouldn't make you feel safer.
We have to press for real solutions, that will require us to look at the real problems. It's not use, it's production. It's our desire to secure interest, to grow. You can't live by the sword without dying from it a little. You can't ask people to go to war, and not want a warrior to return.
The gun issue is like every other issue...the truth hurts. The truth is how many really want to be free? Freedom isn't safety and security...freedom is far more tougher and complex. It's a freedom that people seem to easy to relinquish.
I'm no gun enthusiast...but I am a freedom enthusiast. I'm a man that believes in this country, and not it's government. I believe in personal freedom, expression, liberty, defense...that's the essence of this country...that I can do it my way. I'll always stand up for that, and do it my way.
I hate talking about politics because I usually end up in a bad mood. It's not the government that makes me angry...it's the apathy, the ignorance of my family, my friends, my co-workers, and myself. The recent gun control debate is one that tears at me every single time it comes up.
The last time I shot a rifle was 5 years ago at a range in North Carolina. I wouldn't consider myself a gun enthusiast, but I have no issue with them. I have issues with the senseless violence, and I recognize guns play a huge role...but I'm not innocent, few of us are.
America has a gun culture...but it's not the video games fault, not entirely the fault of people committing acts of violence daily, and certainly not the fault of proponents of the 2nd amendment.
Over 200 years ago much of his country was relegated to the eastern Atlantic coastline. Through the gun we established this land, through bondage we established part of our currency, by war we expanded our borders and protected our interest abroad. This is where a gun culture begins.
The gun culture in America doesn't trace it's roots to Sandy Brook...there was a gun culture in the Battle of Westport, a gun culture during Quantrill's raid, a gun culture when Missourians expelled Mormon's from the state, a gun culture that gave us the property that we consider ours.
The questions shouldn't focus on the next idiot with the gun and how to protect ourselves from them. The questions are far more tougher than that...because the answer resides within ourselves.
The United States has a military budget nearly 4 times greater than Russia (2nd in defense spending), and nearly 8 times greater than China (3rd in defense spending). Statistics show America is one of the more violent civilized countries...but how can we not be?
Someone's paying the price in blood somewhere...1000 years from now history won't remember much...but they will remember this military. How does the greatest military machine happen...what acts had to transpire to establish that dominance?
That's the issue with gun control...how do you mass produce death and not have any blood on your hands? How do you produce weapons but not have them? This is the crux of the issue with gun control.
We had a Federal Weapons ban...not much is different from New York's recent one, or Obama's. All 3 proposed cosmetic changes...to make it look less "scary". Functionally nothing changes...the weapons just shoot the same.
The rest of it was to make people feel better...but the weapons will still be made, function the same, and be added to the millions in circulation. No punishment is greater than the punishment for murder...throwing in a few gun violations shouldn't make you feel safer.
We have to press for real solutions, that will require us to look at the real problems. It's not use, it's production. It's our desire to secure interest, to grow. You can't live by the sword without dying from it a little. You can't ask people to go to war, and not want a warrior to return.
The gun issue is like every other issue...the truth hurts. The truth is how many really want to be free? Freedom isn't safety and security...freedom is far more tougher and complex. It's a freedom that people seem to easy to relinquish.
I'm no gun enthusiast...but I am a freedom enthusiast. I'm a man that believes in this country, and not it's government. I believe in personal freedom, expression, liberty, defense...that's the essence of this country...that I can do it my way. I'll always stand up for that, and do it my way.
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