Chief's Training Camp: Mid-Camp Report

It was 92 degrees when I stepped foot onto the UWRF campus for the 11th day of Chief’s practice this afternoon. The fans were scarce; I would assume it was a result of the heat. The players were not dressed in full pads, rather black shorts for bottoms. Practice started right on time at 4:30 p.m. with the usual play calling and coverage drills. For the first 15 minutes of practice, Ryan Succop worked on onside kicks. Succop was feeling out how hard or soft to kick the ball. It didn’t appear that he has had much experience doing this because he did look relatively unsure of himself.

When the second horn went off at 4:45 p.m., Succop was put on the spot. For the first time in camp, he would be attempting onside kicks in a game-like situation. Mark Bradley, Quinten Lawrence, Mike Cox and Derrick Johnson were a few of those who were working on the hands team. During this drill, defensive line coach Tim Krumrie stood with Tyson Jackson on the sidelines watching the action and working with him on arm positioning. The horn went off again at 4:56 p.m. It was then time for the conditioning and sprints portion of camp.

I’m starting to pick out and notice Tyson Jackson more every day. When the defensive line worked on their arm positioning and starts with the metal dummies, I saw one player who was clearly pushing harder and moving quicker than the rest. Today, it was Tyson Jackson.

5:20 p.m. rolled around and the quarterbacks started their long downfield passes to the receivers. Amani Toomer picked up his pace and reached out his long arms to bring in a 30+ yard pass. I saw no drops in this drill. After Amani’s incredible catch earlier, he had trouble reaching up to grab one from Tyler Thigpen during the 5:25 p.m. 7-on-7 scrimmage. Amani tipped it close for a grouping of cornerbacks to grab. He was lucky it wasn’t intercepted. I have seen reports saying Amani has been dominant in camp. I disagree. During the same drill, the coaches weren’t happy with Rodney Wright’s performance and made him run to the fence and back.

The 5:30 p.m. drill consisted of punting situations. Rodney Wright and Quinten Lawrence alternated as returners. Both are unexplainably speedy. They also both held on to the catch today. It’s anyone’s guess who’s going to be the primary return man on opening day. Dustin Colquitt’s second punt was terrible. It went about 20 yards with 6 seconds of hang time.

The defense dominated the 7-on-7 drill. Three big plays by the secondary resulted in the defense winning the battle. Jovan Belcher almost intercepted a pass thrown by Thigpen that was intended for Toomer. Matt Gutierrez threw a long ball to Taurus Johnson, but Jackie Bates reached around and ripped the ball out. Bernard Pollard broke up another Gutierrez pass, this time it was down the right sidelines and intended for Jed Collins. While this drill was happening, Dustin Colquitt was on the other field working on his punts, which from earlier indications, was absolutely needed.

At 5:58 p.m. it was time for red zone work. The drill consisted of an 11-on-11 scenario within the 10 yard line. Cassel handed off one play to Larry Johnson. Johnson tried to pop out around the right end; Mike Vrabel was waiting. Vrabel blocked the edge, which prompted a “good job Mike” from a defensive coach. Two plays later Jamaal Charles had more success on the right side. He sprinted along the edge for 10 yards before being stopped. On the very next play, Charles was at it again. Except this time he blasted straight through the inside. Tim Krumrie was not happy with his unit and screamed at them. His voice is becoming prominent in camp.

Tyson Jackson was yelled at to “stay!” when the first team offense was on the field. Cassel took the snap and threw a pass to Dwayne Bowe. Bowe was 10 yards down field when he grabbed the ball and was forced out of bounds. On the next play, Lawrence received a quick pass from Thigpen. Thigpen’s pass was underthrown but Lawrence came back to get it. He then took off, accentuating his speed for safety Mike Brown. 

Cassel had to jump a little to throw the ball over Tamba Hali’s fingers. The ball drifted swiftly into Mark Bradley’s hands for a 5 yard completion. Tyson Jackson was pushing Herb Taylor around like a rag doll during the drill. Jackson was agile on his feet and a definite threat on the left corner. Gutierrez threw another long bomb down the left side that was intended for Taurus Johnson. Jackie Bates sped up to catch Johnson and made a diving leap to break up the completion. Lawrence received a strong throw from Brodie Croyle near the end of practice. Croyle’s accuracy is impressive, even if the passes aren’t bombs downfield.

After practice ended, Tyson Jackson and Dion Gales spent extra time with Tim Krumrie hitting the metal dummy from a kneeling position. The four quarterbacks also stayed to run 10 yard sprints back and forth in the center of the field.

Biggest Position Battles and Who’s Winning Them:

Nickel Corner: Maurice Leggett vs. Donald Washington vs. Travis Daniels. I have a soft spot for Washington because he works the hardest out of the three. He seems to make the big plays and puts in the effort until the whistle blows. I think Haley will favor Daniels though.

Backup Quarterback: Tyler Thigpen vs. Brodie Croyle: The quarterbacks finally looked consistent and competent during today’s practice. There was less joking around and much more serious demeanor from all four quarterbacks. Tyler Thigpen has had his good days and Brodie Croyle has had his share as well. Cassel is solidly the starter, but in my eyes the remainder of camp and their performance this preseason will determine who is number two. Thigpen has the edge in my opinion.

Center: Eric Ghiaciuc vs. Rudy Niswanger: Rudy was last year’s starter and has been solid as the Chief’s starting center. Ghiaciuc was signed away from Bengals this offseason. Neither has stood out to me as having a definite advantage. Rudy has been solid, but last year’s letdowns leave one to wonder. I think Ghiaciuc will take the spot as starter because the team needs someone who can protect the quarterback from injury. This is especially important this season.

Safeties: Bernard Pollard vs. Jarrad Page vs. Mike Brown: The Chief’s brought Brown in to see what he had left in the tank. Brown has made some huge plays in camp and seems to still possess the energy needed at the starting safety position. Pollard will be a starter even with his loud attitude in camp. I can’t deny his superstar ability and the un-human plays I’ve seen him make. I think Brown might actually edge Jarrad Page out.

Injuries:

-While the rest of the team was stretching 30 minutes into practice, Corey Mays ran off the field. He returned a few minutes later after what I assume was a bathroom break.

-Wade Smith, DaJuan Morgan, Bobby Greenwood, Kolby Smith and Jake O’Connell were among the players who worked on conditioning alone today. Wade Smith walked around the field backwards with Strength and Conditioning coach, Cedric Smith.

-Monty Beisel sat out during the 7-on-7 drill to tape his foot.

-The team backed up to the 30 yard line at 6:08 p.m. Bernard Pollard came up limping on his left leg after tackling Jackie Battle for a short gain. He skipped off the sidelines and was replaced by Jon McGraw.

Highlights:

-For those who are into Dwayne Bowe’s fashion, I’d like to let you know that he was back to wearing his old long white socks today.

-In Bernard Pollard fashion news, Pollard was the only player dressed in long black tight pants.

-Ryan Succop and Dustin Colquitt were tossing the ball around for 15 minutes. I hate to point it out, but it seems like the Chiefs long snapper, kicker and punter really don’t have too much to do.