[Ben Baldwin] Run block and pass protection composite ratings – Seems to fly in the face of the eye test.

9 comments

1. There’s a disconnect somewhere..we supposedly have this great run blocking O-Line but we can barely get more than 4 yards on any run. Some of it is definitely running back talent but that run blocking unit is probably underused cos our run scheme sucks. 

   Pass pro is less drastic. The left tackle makes the line look worse than it is. Also a 74 % score compared to a 98% score for Denver feels accurate. We might be too 6 but the gap between 1st and 6th is bigger than the gap between 6th and 11th. 

2. Composite doesn’t quite make sense, as pass protection is a weak link system.  Pff has trey smith graded TERRIBLE as a terrible pass blocker for this game.  The composite should be heavily weighted by the worst grade.

3. I think our issue has almost always been, even years before this, when we need our O-Line to show up they either don’t, or they shit the bed.

   We have an insane win rate on the run, but for some reason can barely squeak out 4 yards a carry.

   We have great protection for the pass, yet mahomes is constantly running for his life. Be it due to “happy feet” or something else.

   The reason we have a high success rate on either is because we only do short plays. We do quick up the middle runs, or quick out routes/slants/screens. The moment we need more out of our line they’re not there. Specifically, the tackles, but even the middle guys aren’t perfect sometimes.

4. Every fan thinks their O-line sucks. It’s easier to blame the faceless fat guys in front than your franchise QB.

   Pat isn’t getting the ball out very quickly, and isn’t quite as escapable in the pocket as he has been in the past.

   It’s just hard for casual viewers to understand who is to blame for most sacks.

5. Chiefs have 4 great linemen and one position that is a turnstile. But in pass protection, in practice, you are only as strong as your weakest link. Therefore, it doesn’t matter how the other 4 positions grade when the Left Tackle position is in need of help constantly, snap after snap. They have to fix it, fast.

6. I think it looks worse because we have so many routes that we run to spots and sit. When they aren’t open, we are immediately in scramble mode. But that’s a big part of our offense.

   The second to last drive of the Buffalo game, the Chiefs moved the pocket, ran more crossing patterns and when they got it out quick it was often a slant.

   The majority of games they 3 step drop to get rid of it quick. They also run a ton of screens. These have been consistently pretty effective.

   However, I think they need to run more playaction with extra blockers staying in. They need to chip or keep the back in to block more often. They put the tackles on an island a lot. We don’t win a lot of routes early, so we have more pressure because of that. We need to keep the pocket moving, throw playaction to pull in the LBers and consider leaving more guys in on pass protection and leak them out later.

7. We’re on pace to have the fewest pressures against Mahomes since 2019, yet at the same time the pressure leading to sack ratio is currently the highest it’s ever been in Mahomes time here i read on Twitter the other day in a conversation between Seth Keysor and a KC Star writer.

   I’m no football expert, but it seems to me to be like most things caused by several factors, including poor play and decisions from Mahomes, who I know for some it’s apparently taboo to criticize. He’s not free of blame. Personally, I think he’s holding on to the ball too long at times when the opportunity is there to throw it, and unfortunately, his deep ball has been lackluster. On the latter I’m optimistic that the more he works with and throws to Worthy that should correct itself.

8. Remember when the Patriots fired Bill for being a bad GM, then instead of rebuilding kept the team 99% the same, just with a rookie QB.

   Then they hired a guy with 5 years total of coaching experiance to replace an all time great.

9. For me it perfectly matches the eye test. I see a team that consistently picks up 3 or 4 yards on the ground with almost no plays where we’re going backwards (I feel kind of spoiled when I watch our opponents unable to run against us). And when I look at our pass protection I’ve definitely been jealous of the time that Jordan Love has (I watch a lot of Packers) and definitely not jealous of Burrow.