Is Eric Fisher Improving?
Sep 28, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Jeff Allen (71), center Mitch Morse (61), offensive tackle Eric Fisher (72) and guard Ben Grubbs (66) watch the final minutes of the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Wow that was bad!! The apparently talented Kansas City Chiefs labor at 1-3 through four tough weeks, and quite frankly, look like they want to lose at times. The defense, which had been tipped to be the number one defense in the NFL at the start of the season, has been downright shocking. Special teams, something that has usually been a major positive, have been frustrating with the amount of penalties conceded and the offense… well, do I really have to say how bad they’ve been? Chiefs Kingdom is rightfully angry. It is clear to see in the tone of our articles here at Arrowhead Addict that things are not going well. Well, here may be one positive: Eric Fisher.
The offensive line on Sunday was horrific. In fact, the offensive line is horrific full stop. Jah Reid struggled Week 1 up against J.J. Watt at right tackle. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is nearly as bad as Mike McGlynn, and that is pretty much the worst comparison I can give him, and Zach Fulton is not much better. Donald Stephenson is better than Fulton and LDT, especially in the running game, but still struggles in pass protection. Ben Grubbs looks like an elite level guard in comparison to the rest of the line, although he looks more like an average NFL lineman right now.
The final piece of the Chiefs offensive line is current right tackle Eric Fisher. Fisher has been heavily criticized in recent times for allegedly ‘chickening’ out of facing Watt, which Andy Reid quickly labelled “ridiculous”. Reid played in his place against the Texans, but Fisher has since regained his starting role at right tackle in the last two weeks. Now in his crucial third year, Fisher needs to work hard to avoid the ‘bust’ label this year, and early signs are quietly positive.
The Chiefs offensive line has been nothing short of utterly atrocious this year. They conceded a total of five sacks against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday and have somehow managed to allow 19 sacks this year. 19!!!! That is five more than any other team. That is so bad it is genuinely impressive. Compare that to the Chiefs’ opponents who have allowed two sacks, and it is clear to see why Dalton and his offense are rolling, and Smith is struggling behind his porous line.
Fisher, however, has been significantly improved in comparison to the last two seasons. Fisher was solid if not spectacular against the Packers on Monday Night Football, although once again, the offensive line as a whole was dreadful. On Sunday against the Bengals, Fisher was much-improved, and looks to be finally realizing the potential of being the first-overall pick. While in pass protection, in 57 total snaps, Fisher allowed only two quarterback hurries. That is outstanding. His lack of strength was again exposed in creating running lanes, although he was still significantly better than Fulton, so there is still plenty of room for improvement. However, things are certainly looking up for Fisher, and while the offensive line is in a dark, dark place, Fisher may well be a little glimmer of light.
What do you think, Addicts? Are you ready to label Eric Fisher a bust, or have you seen glimpses of improvement from the first-overall pick? Let me know in the comments, and as always… GO CHIEFS!!