“Tackle” is the word of the week in Kansas City

By Clayton Wendler  |   Tuesday, September 12, 2006  |  Comments( 1 )

Kansas City Chiefs
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For the first time in years, the Kansas City Chiefs don't suffer from a lack of tackling.

Instead, they're suffering from a lack of tackles.

Offensive tackles, that is.

With an injury to starter Kevin Sampson in the preseason, veteran Jordan Black was slated to start at right tackle against the Bengals on Sunday.

After watching Cincinnati dismantle Kansas City, 23-10, Chiefs fans aren't sure if Black, or anyone else, even suited up at right tackle.

The Bengals knocked starting quarterback Trent Green from the game in the course of racking up seven sacks. At least half of them came from Black's side of the offensive line.

Ironically, Bryan Robinson, who started at left defensive end for Cincinnati, failed to beat Black for a sack even once. But the Bengals moved around Justin Smith and Robert Geathers, and both of them beat Black at some point on Sunday. They combined for five sacks.

This is nothing new for Black. Last year he played both right and left tackle, at one point subbing for the injured Willie Roaf. According to Stats, Inc, he allowed eight sacks last season.

And speaking of sacks, the Chiefs managed to notch one of their own on Sunday. Jared Allen's sack and strip of Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer was one of the few bright spots on an otherwise wet and dreary day.

The defense played fairly well against one of the NFL's premier offensive teams. Chad Johnson was held out of the end zone and Rudi Johnson was held under 100 yards rushing.

The Bengals had just 236 yards of total offense. The Chiefs aren't used to losing when their defense turns in that kind of effort.

And looming next week is a road game against Kansas City's archrival, the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs haven't won in Denver since 2000.

Another stellar defensive performance would help the Chiefs immensely. The Broncos have routinely ripped Kansas City's defense for years now.

But regardless of how the defense plays, the Chiefs must protect their quarterback better. Denver is not shy when it comes to blitzing. Bronco defenders sacked Rams quarterback Marc Bulger three times on Sunday.

Last year, Trevor Pryce led an assault on Kansas City's offensive line in a 30-10 loss at Invesco Field. That game was pretty much a coming out party for Black's woefully inept play at offensive tackle.

Pryce is now a Raven, but Black remains a Chief.

Still, Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards was reluctant to place the blame on Black's shoulders.

"It's hard for me to hone in one guy," said Edwards. "I think when they put you in passing down situations, it's tough on tackles, especially when they're going to release four or five guys."

Today, most Chiefs fans are probably wishing that Black would be released.

Comments? Suggestions? Criticism? Contact C.E. Wendler at cwendler@realfootball365.com

Get more on the Kansas City Chiefs at RealFootball365.com
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