FEATURE STORIES

OFFENSIVE LINE HAS HIGH EXPECTATIONS

By Steve Linzmeier
University Communications

The Chiefs have “considerable expectations” for the offensive line heading into the new season according to Offensive Line Coach Bill Muir.

Muir said that he doesn’t see any reason why this shouldn’t be a strength of the team. And he has good reason.

The Kansas City Chiefs return four starters on the offensive line for the 2009 season. They also add 14-year veteran Mike Goff, who came over from San Diego in free agency.

Experience on the offensive line is one of the things that Muir stresses. “Offensive line play is all about experience. You need to be able to see what happens almost before it actually does.” 

Brian Waters, Damion McIntosh and Goff were held out of the first day of camp and Muir said that didn’t hurt the unit. “The NFL is about opportunities. When guys get held out the others get more exposure to the coaching staff.”  This was a good opportunity for a unit that after those three players, doesn’t have a whole lot of experience.

McIntosh still hasn’t practice as of Sunday.

For most of the off-season the Chiefs weren’t sure they would be getting back Pro-Bowl guard Brian Waters. When Waters reported to camp, after some off-season disputes, the coaching staff had to breathe a sigh of relief. The 10-year player from North Texas will solidify the line with his veteran presence, durability and Pro Bowl caliber talent. Six times in his career Waters has started all 16 games. 

Branden Albert will be starting his second year as the team’s starting left tackle. Albert started 15 games as a rookie in 2008. 

Rudy Niswanger will most likely retain his spot as the team’s starting center. When asked about the only change to the roster being the addition of Goff, Niswanger reiterated Muir’s belief in experience. “It’s not always about changing people. It’s about guys getting more experience.”

The Chiefs front five will be protecting a new quarterback this year. Matt Cassel will be the team’s starting quarterback. Cassel was asked if he was worried about getting sacked a lot this year. “It starts with me. I have to get rid of the ball quick and take the pressure off of them,” the fourth-year player from USC said Sunday. “But also, sacks are part of the game.”

Muir said that he has complete confidence in Cassel’s ability to get the ball out quickly. “If he wasn’t an experience quarterback it would be more of an issue. Matt understands timing and he has played in some pressure games.”