Camp update 8/6/05 evening practice

[beer bacon]

Saturday, Aug. 6 , 2005 Evening
K.C. Chiefs Training Camp Daily Updates

This evening's practice started at about 7:30 p.m. and the temperature was a comfortable 80 degrees The dew point was 55 degrees and there was a three mile per hour wind blowing from the southwest. About 3,000 fans attended the Family Fun Night event. Coca Cola Bottling Company of RedWing/River Falls is the sponsor of Family Fun Night.

Defense

Additional players not dressed today included safety Jerome Woods, defensive end Khari Long, defensive tackle Montique Sharpe, defensive end Carlos Hall, defensive tackle Junior Siavii and linebackers Quinton Caver, Mike Maslowski and Shawn Barber.

If you didn't think the Chiefs were serious about revamping their defense, you should have seen it tonight. Coach Dick Vermeil stated that the "defense is trying really hard to get better," and they proved it tonight. The intensity of the defense was skyrocketing, led by rookie Derrick Johnson. Johnson showed his presence on the field, by smashing into fullback Tony Richardson during 1-on-1 drills, which made the crowd go nuts.

Safety Greg Wesley is finally showing his potential, as he looks like the Greg Wesley of his rookie season in 2000. Wesley has made some of the biggest plays of camp to date, and some of them came tonight. During 7-on-7 drills, Wesley made a huge pick off of quarterback Trent Green's pass. Wesley almost picked off another pass, but he ran into fellow defensive player Benny Sapp, which caused him to lose the ball.

Also during 7-on-7 drills, linebacker Kris Griffin slapped fullback Robert Holcombe to the ground to stop his run. Cornerback Benny Sapp tackled running back Larry Johnson to the ground to stop Johnson's run.
The crowd seemed pleased with the aggressive defense on the field tonight. Between the interceptions and small scuffles on the field the crowd was heard yelling "that a way defense" several times.

Offense

A few injuries occurred on the night, with the biggest being tight end Tony Gonzalez. Gonzalez sprained the outside of his foot and limped off the field. The injury took place during 1-on-1 drills against the linebackers. Coach Dick Vermeil said that it was nothing serious, but was concerned because he has had this injury before.

Offensive tackle Kevin Sampson missed his first practice of the camp tonight. Sampson had a big toe injury that caused him not to play. Yesterday, his toe got stepped on, and the pain eventually kicked in this afternoon. Offensive tackle Jordan Black also missed his first practice of the summer. Black hurt his shoulder during this morning's practice, and took the night off. Tight end Kris Wilson additionally was out due to a groin injury, as well as running back Samkon Gado, wide receiver Freddie Mitchell, guards Will Shields and Peter Heyer, and tight end Jason Dunn.

The offense played with some high intensity tonight. Running back Larry Johnson continued to show off his impressive skills during practice, as he ran over linebacker Keyaron Fox for a touchdown. Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters was a key to the high tempo of practice. He helped raise the level of play for the entire offensive unit.

Fullback Tony Richardson also showed off his ability to never back down from a challenge, as he had a small scuffle on the field with linebacker Derrick Johnson.
Running back Priest Holmes had a very good practice tonight under the lights. In the first series of 11-on-11's, Holmes received a hand off from quarterback Trent Green and rambled 25-yards to the end zone. In 9-on-9's, Holmes took another hand off from Green to complete an outside run of 35-yards into the end zone. After each play the crowd went wild with excitement.

Wide receiver Craphonso Thorpe had an outstanding series in 7-on-7's tonight. Thorpe caught two passes from quarterback Todd Collins. The first pass was for 18-yards and the second was for 40.

Also in 7-on-7's, wide receiver Samie Parker made a great diving catch and overcame double coverage. Quarterback Trent Green passed the ball to Parker.

During 9-on-9 drills today there was a scuffle between offensive tackle Thomas Barnett and defensive tackle Darius Jones. There was a lot of pushing and shoving but it was cleared up within 30 seconds.

Defensive tackle Lional Dalton and guard/tackle John Welbourn also got into a scuffle at the beginning of practice. Dalton's helmet ended up on the ground and they were pushing for a little while before coaches broke it up.

In the final series of 11-on-11's new tight end Mike Kallfelz was wide open for a 25-yard pass from quarterback Trent Green.

"I believe the offense is going to be as explosive as it was last year," said wide receiver Samie Parker after practice tonight. "I don't see any change of pace that the offensive coordinator is making so I believe everything is going to be the same."
Veteran wide receivers Eddie Kennison and Dante Hall seemed to take rookie Craphonso Thorpe under their wings tonight. They kept motioning to him to turn his shoulders more when trying to dodge the corners and spoke to him several times during plays explaining different techniques.

Quarterback Todd Collins threw a beautiful pass to wide receiver Craphonso Thorpe during 7-on-7 drills tonight. Cornerback Eric Warfield provided textbook tight coverage.
Special Teams

Punter Nick Murphy was seen on the sidelines during practice tonight spinning a football on his finger as though it was a basketball. Oh, the life of a punter, hurry up and wait!

Fans

Brian Stewart and his sons Dalen, 2, and Garyn, 7, have been to training camp twice now this summer. "I got a call from my office last Saturday so we left that night at 11. I went to my office Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Wednesday night after work we got back in the car so we could be here for Family Fun Night," explained Stewart. "I asked Garyn a few weeks ago who two people are he'd like to meet in his lifetime and one of them was Priest Holmes, so we had to come back."

Kent and Susie Boyer were first in line to get autographs of the tight ends. The Boyers, who are on their first visit to see the Chiefs, got in line at 2:30 this afternoon, which chairs in tow. The couple, from Savannah, Mo., are big fans of tight end Tony Gonzalez and wide receiver Dante Hall. But they really like "Priesty" - running back Priest Holmes. They arrived on Thursday, and will be leaving on Sunday. Susie has been a Chiefs fan since 1968, and has season tickets, and can't wait to tailgate at Arrowhead this fall!

Sherry Moore of Independence, Mo., was here for her fourth year of training camp and her third year of Family Fun Night. Moore arrived on Thursday and will be leaving on Sunday. Among Moore's favorites are fullback Tony Richardson and tight end Tony Gonzalez.

J.C . and Rachel Mizener were having their honeymoon in River Falls and plan to attend all of the Chiefs events. This is the Mizener's first year up for training camp. They are from Cleveland, Ohio, and arrived on Thursday and are departing on Sunday. Tight end Tony Gonzalez and running back Priest Holmes were the two autographs they were hoping to receive.

Don and Judith Vogelsmeier from the Kansas City area attended Family Fun Night today. Don has been coming to camp for several years with three of his friends. While here, the first weekend of camp, they attend several practices and do a lot of golfing. However, Judith persuaded her husband to make the trip for the second time this summer so she could enjoy the Chiefs and golfing, too.

Extra, Extra…Read All About It!

Today after practice there was a ritual completed for rookie wide receivers Nathaniel Curry and Craphonso Thorpe. Curry and Thorpe were taped to the goal posts and drenched with water and Gatorade after practice. Some of the veterans taking part of the ritual were wide receivers John Booth, Samie Parker, Dante Hall and Jeris McIntyre. Guard Brian Waters and tight end Kris Wilson also participated.

Tight end Tony Gonzalez was the last one to leave the field today after the autograph session.

Chiefs Coach Dick Vermeil re-presented trophies to the top three place winners in the Punt, Pass & Kick competition held last Saturday. Thirteen of the 18 place winners returned to get their trophies. Vermeil shook hands and had a picture taken with each individual. A group picture was also taken. Kelly Simpson and Deb Nadeau represented Fed Ex Ground and Fed Ex Home Delivery, sponsors of the event. Vermeil also signed autographs for the trophy winners after the awards presentation.

Wide receiver John Booth was having left knee problems during practice tonight. Team trainers and doctors took a short look at it and placed his knee in a brace. Shortly after, Booth was seen doing some sprints and side-to-side footwork on the sidelines.

------------------------------------------------

I don't think they are finished updating for special teams. I will post that when it is updated.

[tommykat]

A few injuries occurred on the night, with the biggest being tight end Tony Gonzalez. Gonzalez sprained the outside of his foot and limped off the field. The injury took place during 1-on-1 drills against the linebackers. Coach Dick Vermeil said that it was nothing serious, but was concerned because he has had this injury before.

Great........... Gonzo is becoming a wuss and old fart... He can still come to Mama tho heehee

[Crush]

I can't wait to see DJ in action.

[TRR]

Originally Posted by tommykat

A few injuries occurred on the night, with the biggest being tight end Tony Gonzalez. Gonzalez sprained the outside of his foot and limped off the field. The injury took place during 1-on-1 drills against the linebackers. Coach Dick Vermeil said that it was nothing serious, but was concerned because he has had this injury before.

Great........... Gonzo is becoming a wuss and old fart... He can still come to Mama tho heehee

Tight end Tony Gonzalez was the last one to leave the field today after the autograph session.

[tommykat]

Originally Posted by TRR

Tight end Tony Gonzalez was the last one to leave the field today after the autograph session.

I read that......... You've not been here long enough to understand "Gonzo" can come to Mama? Sheesh.....lol

[Chiefs Pantalones]

I'm actually glad that some of our starters are banged up. You may ask why and think I'm crazy, but I don't want the vets to play that much, or if possible, at all. I'm tired of season players go down in meaningless games, so if they don't play that much or at all during the preseason we can have them in the regular season. Hopefully Gonzo milks this injury until Saturday so he won't have to play on Friday against the Vikings.

[Pitt Gorilla]

I understand the need for intensity, but I don't want to see anyone get hurt, especially a good vet like T-Rich. Start the season already...

[morphius]

Originally Posted by Vanilla Thunder

I'm actually glad that some of our starters are banged up. You may ask why and think I'm crazy, but I don't want the vets to play that much, or if possible, at all. I'm tired of season players go down in meaningless games, so if they don't play that much or at all during the preseason we can have them in the regular season. Hopefully Gonzo milks this injury until Saturday so he won't have to play on Friday against the Vikings.

The problem is that if they don't play they will not really be in sync for the home opener. Its a real catch 22.

[Chiefs Pantalones]

Originally Posted by morphius

The problem is that if they don't play they will not really be in sync for the home opener. Its a real catch 22.

I think they'll still be in sync. This offense is a well-oiled machine.

If any side of the ball needs to get in sync, it's the D. They are younger and should play some in the preseason.

Oh well...it won't happen anyway, just pray no injuries occur during these meaningless games.

[DJay23]

Originally Posted by Vanilla Thunder

I'm actually glad that some of our starters are banged up. You may ask why and think I'm crazy, but I don't want the vets to play that much, or if possible, at all. I'm tired of season players go down in meaningless games, so if they don't play that much or at all during the preseason we can have them in the regular season.

Didn't we try that with the offensive players last year and saw a drop of performance from prior years for a few games?

[Chiefs Pantalones]

Originally Posted by DJay23

Didn't we try that with the offensive players last year and saw a drop of performance from prior years for a few games?

Actually, yes, it did. Did you know that DV is only practicing his A-team once a day this year, as opposed to the regular last year? We don't know yet how he's going to play the starters in the preseason. But so far we do know that he is taking it easy on them in training camp. How will that effect their play once the regular season starts? We'll find out.

[DJay23]

Originally Posted by beer bacon

Quarterback Todd Collins threw a beautiful pass to wide receiver Craphonso Thorpe during 7-on-7 drills tonight. Cornerback Eric Warfield provided textbook tight coverage.

Do little nuggets like this bother anyone else? Was the pass completed? Did Warfield make a play to knock it away?

[Coogs]

Originally Posted by beer bacon

If you didn't think the Chiefs were serious about revamping their defense, you should have seen it tonight. Coach Dick Vermeil stated that the "defense is trying really hard to get better," and they proved it tonight. The intensity of the defense was skyrocketing, led by rookie Derrick Johnson.

....

Running back Priest Holmes had a very good practice tonight under the lights. In the first series of 11-on-11's, Holmes received a hand off from quarterback Trent Green and rambled 25-yards to the end zone. In 9-on-9's, Holmes took another hand off from Green to complete an outside run of 35-yards into the end zone. After each play the crowd went wild with excitement.

Wide receiver Craphonso Thorpe had an outstanding series in 7-on-7's tonight. Thorpe caught two passes from quarterback Todd Collins. The first pass was for 18-yards and the second was for 40.

In the final series of 11-on-11's new tight end Mike Kallfelz was wide open for a 25-yard pass from quarterback Trent Green.

I realize camp is kind of a Catch 22 situation... you want the offense to do well, but you also want the defense to make a stand. It seems to me as if the offense is making quite a few "big" plays each and every practice. I can't decide if I should be pumped that the offense is still humming along, or be a bit concerned that the defense seems to still be giving up several big plays. I'm hoping the first paragraph is correct, and the defense is proving they are getting better.

[DTLB58]

Originally Posted by DJay23

Do little nuggets like this bother anyone else? Was the pass completed? Did Warfield make a play to knock it away?

I was sitting pretty close to this play.

The pass was complete, Warfeild was close but not that close basically the rookie burned the veteran. It was a very nice play for the offense. They made a lot of those Saturday night.

And FYI, Todd Collins looks MUCH better than ever before.

Thorpe lighting it up and putting the pressure on.

This is exciting stuff.

Thorpe could start ? !!!

Good drafting by Carl.

I still would have liked a 2nd rounder too. Maybe trade next years for D-end Roth or a CB. There were some good players in the second this year that could have helped immediately.