Sept. 21, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL; Chiefs offensive tackle Eric Fisher (72) during a game against the Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The question surrounding Chiefs left tackle Eric Fisher’s performance arrives on a virtual weekly basis.
But as coach Andy Reid said on Sept. 22, the day after Week 3’s win against the Miami Dolphins, getting picked No. 1 overall comes with scrutiny.
Reid found himself answering another question about Fisher following Week 4’s Monday night win against the New England Patriots.
“He’s just gotten better and better and better,” Reid said on Sept. 30. “Every week gets a little bit better.
Fast forward another week after Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers and the Chiefs coaching staff is starting to sound like a broken record.
“Eric’s gotten better every week that he’s been here,” offensive line coach Andy Heck said Tuesday.
The Chiefs moved Fisher, the top pick of the 2013 NFL Draft, from right tackle to his naturel spot on the left side of the offensive line. But he struggled during the preseason as he regained strength in his shoulder following offseason surgery.
That was then; this is now as the Chiefs enter the Week 6 bye.
Fisher has quietly played well through five regular-season games and continues to garner praise from the coaches as the second-year pro settles in.
“I think he’s becoming more and more comfortable with our concepts and what his assignments are,” Heck said. “So he’s cutting it loose and playing a little more confidently. When he does that, you can see his athleticism shine through.”
Heck adds Fisher has “fantastic feet,” and possesses the ability to bend when engaged, no easy task considering Fisher stands 6-7 and weighs 315 pounds.
“His body at times can get into really awkward positions,” Heck said, “but he’s able to recover and still go make a play.”
Fisher gained weight during the offseason from his 2013 rookie playing weight of between 295 to 300 pounds.
There’s apparently room, however, should the 23-year-old Fisher choose to put on additional weight as his career development progresses.
“He’s got a tremendous frame,” Heck said. “He’s so tall and lean and young. That will come with age. He’s still got a ways to go to develop strength wise.”
