May 29th 2008 12:26PM by Ryan Wilson (author feed)
Filed under: Chiefs, AFC WestWhen the Chiefs used their second first-round pick on Branden Albert, it was with the understanding that the Virginia guard would eventually make his way to tackle. The only question was how long would it take for him transition one position to his left.

Well, according to new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, the answer is simple: the minute Kansas City drafted Albert he became an NFL left tackle. Last month, Gailey explained how things were going to be. “He sat me down and told me, ‘You’re going to play left tackle for us,’” Albert said Wednesday. “He was real stern about it. He said, ‘You’re going to play. You’re going to get it.’ “You’ve got to trust him. You’ve got to go with it.” Gailey’s offense features a power running game and play-action passes; last year, the Chiefs ranked 11th in the NFL in passes attempted, something Gailey would like to get away from. (It’s probably worth mentioning that Kansas City didn’t set out to wing the ball all over the field, but when you routinely find yourself down early in a game, the offense becomes one-dimensional.)

A power running game is contingent on a cohesive offensive line and a capable running back. With Larry Johnson returning to form and the addition of Jamaal Charles, the running game looks set; the offensive line is currently another matter.

But Gailey aims to remedy that in training camp. Whether it actually happens is another issue, but if nothing else, Gailey has a solid track record as an offensive coordinator, which is something Mike Solari couldn’t say. It’s not a lot, but after a four-win 2007 season, it’ll have to do.