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The biggest lightning rod in Kansas City sports continues to be Chiefs QB Matt Cassel, but after today's performance the discussion should turn to the lack of pressure on Cassel coming from his two back-ups. Ricky Stanzi and Brady Quinn struggled mightily in Saturday's afternoon practice. Cassel was sharp and showed why he is the unquestioned starter under center entering 2012. Stanzi showed his age during drills that pitted the QBs, RBs and WRs up against the linebackers and secondary. The former Iowa signal caller didn't show the ability to look off defenders, leading to his receivers being blanketed by the defense. Brady Quinn accuracy and touch was off on this particular afternoon. Whether it was over-throwing receivers or standing in the pocket too long, his day was one to forget.

Linebacker Justin Houston was nowhere to be found, and the speculation is he was out ill. Andy Studebaker ran with the first team defense in his absence. Staying on the defensive side of the ball, coach Romeo Crennel wasn't taking it easy on his lineman and secondary personal in the second day of practice. The first-year head coach let Stanford Routt know his feet have to be quicker if he plans on keeping his role as the starting cornerback opposite Brandon Flowers. Despite riding his players hard early in camp, Glenn Dorsey and Dexter McCluster had nothing but positive things to say about the man at the helm of the 2012 Chiefs. Both players praising Crennel's ability to get the best of them without demeaning words or incessant yelling, a far cry from the 2011 Chiefs under Todd Haley.

Sunday's practice will be the first time we see the team in pads. 3:20 start and open to the public.

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