Kansas City Chiefs Camp Wrap-Up

I didn’t get a chance to attend the Chief’s last practice on Wednesday afternoon because of tornado warnings throughout River Falls. The practice was moved inside and wasn’t open for any (media or fans) observations. This was disappointing because I really would have liked to see the players practice once more before their Friday preseason game versus the Minnesota Vikings. Instead of dwelling on that note, I figured I’d speak about and wrap-up another great and the last year of Chief’s training camp at River Falls.

Offense: Todd Haley openly says that the quarterback competition is open. For those who saw Cassel versus the Texan’s defense, that wasn’t just a bad game for him. He has been performing this way since his arrival at camp. I’m not trying to downplay his talent. When he throws (distance and accuracy-wise) he is by far the best option. I cannot stress enough how impressed I was by Tyler Thigpen and Brodie Croyle in game-time situations. And if this is a fair competition like the coach says, by camp and the first game’s indications… Cassel’s not winning. In order to solidify himself as starter, Cassel needs to step it up a notch and pull away from the other two. Training camp is an excellent opportunity for the young stars to prove themselves and make the roster. Rodney Wright is a prime example of this ideal. Wright had days where he showed his weaknesses and inexperienced mistakes. However, if Wright doesn’t make this roster then competition means nothing to Todd Haley. Rodney has earned his way onto this team, whether it be on special teams or as a wide receiver. You will not believe this man’s hands and speed. While we are on the subject of wide receivers, let’s not forget Dwayne Bowe. I’m not trying to break anyone’s hopes, but I can tell you that I am no longer a fan. Every single day in camp Bowe made spectacular catches. He was the most athletic receiver and made superstar catches. In all other areas of effort and work, Bowe failed. Bowe always stood in back when the team stretched. Whenever he had a chance he was jawing off to the coaches. Whenever he made any type of catch that he thought was impressive, he played to the crowd and bumped his chest. When the team did one stretch, Bowe did a different. When Bowe dropped a pass or was yelled at, he pouted. I rarely saw the effort that players such as Rodney Wright, Jon McGraw or Bernard Pollard put in. If you think you’re above the team, you are in it solely for yourself. I hope Bowe gets it now because of his benching for parts of last week’s game, but from camp indications… we’ll see.

Defense: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… this defense is going to turn some heads this season. I get the feeling that people underestimate the talent of these players. Yes, Zach Thomas is getting older and Mike Vrabel was shipped here as a tag-along. Neither of them play as if they have been in the league longer than a few years. They haven’t lost a step and they still play with the tenacity that they possessed years ago. Along with these veterans, you have Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali. Hali is the type of guy who is first on the field and last to come off. In fact he has been, I’ve witnessed it day-after-day. Johnson started off working his way off the conditioning crew and once he joined the rest of the team he had an immediate impact. Johnson is the reason the run was shut-down. This interesting crew will be the heart of this defense. At safety, Mike Brown made some really neat interceptions and blocks. His inconsistency is what will keep him mainly on the bench. Bernard Pollard’s plays weren’t always flashy, but he did his job. He wanted more work in camp, often asking for it when he felt coaches weren’t giving him enough. Everyone wants a player like that on their team. He’s vocal and loud, but also a leader and that’s exactly what this team needs. Another leader that stood out to me was Glenn Dorsey. I saw Tyson Jackson nestled up against Dorsey whenever he could and for very good reason. One day during the autograph signing after practice, Dorsey and Jackson even joked about their close relationship. Jackson is a huge monster of player with exceptionally quick feet and hands. But, he’s had some competition behind him that’s pushed him to the level he’s currently at. 3rd round pick Alex Magee has opened himself up and taken in every comment the coaches have made. Magee didn’t get many first-team snaps, but did impress whenever he stepped foot onto the line. When the quarterback was “sacked” you can bet that Magee was somewhere nearby.

Special Teams: Ryan Succop was almost perfect on his field-goals. However, I didn’t see enough to judge adequately. He seems like he will be a competent fit in his first year, nothing special. Dustin Colquitt was a little bit shakier in his punting. When he was on, his punts were outstanding. When he was off, his punts lacked hang time, distance and were absolutely pathetic. I would expect Quinten Lawrence to win the job of returner, simply because no one else has really stood out. If Rodney can hang on and stop bobbling the catch then he could be another option.

Predictions: Todd Haley’s routine each day was unusual to me. There were times I didn’t think he pushed the players hard enough.  Haley and this team need a year to come together and grow. Under the new leadership of Todd Haley and Matt Cassel, the team is having growing and learning struggles. I expect the defense, baring injuries, to impress and be the heart of the team. I can’t say how I think the offense will turn out. With each preseason game they grow as a unit. But, with Dwayne Bowe’s attitude there could be major problems. Has anyone bought into the trade rumors? Yes, he’s a unique talent. Yes, he’s got issues. The question is can he sort them out and play football without the attitude? For the team’s sake, I hope so. Give Tyson Jackson some time to work his way up in the order of the outstanding defensive lineman the team has. He has shown highlights of why he was the 3rd player chosen in the draft. And yes, he will be something special and a solid player for years to come. Looking at the schedule, I expect the Chief’s to win 9-10 games this year. I know a Super bowl is more the ideal, but be realistic. This team needs time. Don’t give up on them. You have some very special players that I am jealous of here in Minnesota.