Chiefs Mid-Season Report Cards: Offensive Line
Sep 19, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Branden Albert (76) during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Chiefs defeated the Eagles 26-16. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Branden Albert, LT
Games Started: 9 of 9
Penalties/Yardage: 7 accepted penalties for 45 yards
Sacks Allowed: 4
Mid-Season Grade: C+
Branden Albert was the 13th best tackle coming into this season according to Pro Football Focus. In 2012, Albert only allowed 1 sack in 11 games that he started. But that’s just the thing, the amount of games he started. Albert was in a contract season last year and had a hard time staying on the field. In a year that was considered a wasted season, some could say that Albert was a bright spot on this team with the way he played when he was healthy. This is what created the need to keep Albert a Chief this past off season. General manager, John Dorsey, felt the same by his decision to tag him with the one year franchise tender that would pay Albert $9.9 million this season- a number that makes him one of the highest payed at his position.
So far this season, Albert has had his ups and downs. Early in the year, it seemed like every game he was leaving the field a little banged up in the middle of games. With all the penalties, and minor injuries that seem to occur, Albert likely won’t be getting the big money he was asking for this past off season. I have a hard time seeing Albert being a Chief next season, especially because they used a number one overall pick replace him.
With all this said, Albert is a respected leader on this team, and, is the oldest starting player along the offensive front. Albert seems to get strong later in games, especially when the Chiefs are looking to run the ball and chew up the clock. But because of the lousy penalties, and him giving up the 4 sacks, I only gave him a C+. Albert needs to step his game up in order for the Chiefs continued success. Next up for him is all world pass rusher, Von Miller, and the Denver Broncos. He’ll also be facing Robert Mathis in late December so his improvement will be crucial moving forward.