ChiefsPlanet - Saturday, July 29, 2006

I haven't seen any of these posted yet, might as well kick off our annual ritual...

http://www.uwrf.edu/chiefs/prev_upda...07-29-06am.htm

Saturday, July 29, 2006, Morning
K.C. Chiefs Training Camp Daily Updates

The Chiefs took the field at 8:45 a.m., opening with special teams drills. The temperature read 78 degrees to open practice, much cooler than the exhausting temperatures yesterday. The humidity was still high at 79 percent, with a dew point of 72 percent. The winds were coming from the ESE at 8 mph., which countered the high humidity a bit.

Offense
The entire offensive core gathered on field three with the brawny offensive linemen using their power to attack the sleds while another group ran routes and patterns. Offensive coordinator Mike Solari's discontent with the hustle of the players could be easily overheard by the crowd when he assertively reminded the players: "Don't walk!"

During 7-on-7 drills, quarterback Trent Green worked primarily with wide receivers Eddie Kennison, Craphonso Thorpe, Jeris McIntyre, Sammie Parker, running backs Larry Johnson and Dee Brown, tight end Kris Wilson and fullback Ronnie Cruz, indicating some of the probable focal points of the offense this year.

Players absent from individual position work included tight ends Tony Gonzalez and Jason Dunn and guard Will Shields. All graced the field, but none practiced. The quarterbacks, punters and kickers worked on footwork and agility, while the wide receivers ran patterns to the left. Center Johnathan Ingram, guard Tyler Lenda, center Rudy Niswanger and guard Steve Franklin all coalesced to work on the sleds, while the rest of the offensive line practicing blocking schemes.

Quarterback coach Terry Shea provided advice for long snapper/tight end Kendall Gammon saying, "Split those defenders 83." Gammon showed off his catching skills today and his versatility at tight end with the absence of Gonzalez and Dunn.

During 11-on-11's quarterback Trent Green took a high percentage of the snaps again. He connected with tight end Robert Docherty and wide receiver Sammie Parker on a number of throws. Running back Larry Johnson was still finding the holes in the defense, proving that he will be the focus of the rushing attack once again this year. Kennison and Parker assumed the two starting wide receiver spots for the greater part of the drill. Following the drills, Green, pleased with the rotation, gave Kennison and Johnson high-fives.

Wide receiver Dante Hall made an impressive run on a reverse at the end of an 11-on-11 drill. Just before that quarterback Trent Green linked up with wide receiver Eddie Kennison on an out pattern.
The level of energy on the field escalated since yesterday, but the productivity of the back-up quarterbacks was not as evident. Quarterback Damon Huard was picked off by cornerback Julian Battle and one of quarterback Casey Printer's throws ended up the arms of safety Greg Wesley. Quarterback Brodie Croyle had a pass blocked by defensive end Clint Mitchell and had trouble finding his receivers.

Defense
The linebacker crew worked on drop back drills in which they backpedaled 10 yards, paused, and then ran forward to catch a ball thrown by linebacker coach Don Blackmon.

The secondary practiced on the tackling dummy where they worked for about 10 minutes. Cornerback Ty Law was absent but is expected to be in camp and practicing tomorrow. Safety William Bartee and corner Alphonso Hodge were away from their secondary unit and were working without pads with strength and conditioning coach Jeff Hurd.

Defensive lineman worded on tackling dummies most of practice. They were also challenged by a unique drill ran by line coach Tim Krumrie. Krumrie slid protective pads over his arms as players took turns coming at him and batting at the sleeves. End Tamba Hali and tackle James Reed showed immense efforts as they grunted their way through the drill. Reed has been a workhorse so far in camp.

In 11-on-11 drills the players seemed grittier than in the first practice. The offense opened with a hand-off to running back Larry Johnson and safety Greg Wesley made the stop. Wesley made his presence known shortly after when he intercepted quarterback Casey Printers' throw. The ball was tipped by cornerback Lenny Walls.

Few mistakes were made throughout the day. Rookie safety Jarrad Page made about the only error when he misjudged quarterback Trent Green's pass and dropped an easy interception.

The pace of practice seemed to be much more upbeat compared to Friday. Practice concluded and everyone left with a good feeling, as players seemed to pick up the energy.

Special Teams
Coffee must have been the drink of choice at breakfast this morning for both the players and coaches. The entire faction, fully caffeinated and energized, stepped up the intensity performing much more solidly than yesterday. Special teams coach Mike Priefer jumpstarted his unit by commanding the players to "get off the block" and "compete a little bit." Formations and drills seemed to be a mirror image of yesterday's warm-up with the addition of three-point stances. Though air was cooler than yesterday, linebacker Boomer Grigsby showed off this midriff during the entire special teams session.

Coach Herm Edwards

Coach Herm Edwards spoke of how he planned to take care of players in the heat, especially when the team practices in full pads in the afternoon. "Guys we put on the sidelines today are the guys that are practicing in the afternoon," said Edwards. "We have to protect the players, especially when they are older. I don't think I have to worry about guys like (guard) Will Shields practicing."

Edwards expected corner Ty Law to be in camp tomorrow.

Guard Brian Waters was mangled in a crowd during 11-on-11's, and the trainers rushed the field. He sprained an ankle. Edwards said the ankle will be looked at and x-rayed at the hospital.