Dec 22, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) is helped up by offensive tackle Eric Fisher (72) after being sacked by the Indianapolis Colts in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Indianapolis won the game 23-7. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
NUMBER: 3
How did the offensive line fair this preseason? In four games they allowed 13 sacks, six quarterback hits, and 33 hurries.
The offensive line could very well be the biggest weakness to the Chiefs, but that weakness could also be overblown by reading into meaningless games. Of the 13 sacks allowed by the Chiefs this preseason, only three were given up by offensive linemen projected to start on Sunday. One each by Eric Fisher, Zach Fulton, and Jeff Allen. If you wish to add another sack to Fulton’s tally for the Minnesota game then I’d be fine with that addition.
It is easy to see a sack and then immediately blame the offensive line. However all sacks are not created equal. Sometime it is Knile Davis failing to pick up an assignment (allowed one sack), or Demetrius Harris having no clue what he is supposed to be doing (allowed one sack), or quarterbacks holding onto the ball too long (Daniel 2, Smith, 1, Murray 1).
Everyone must be on the same page, quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends, wide receivers included, in order for a pass play to work. And sometimes, the opposition just calls a better play than you. That’s just part of the game.