Monday practice recap

[Hammock Parties]

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The Chiefs’ Monday practice wasn’t spirited or particularly energetic, but it was great to see the team practice on KC soil once again. With River Falls behind us for another year (more on that topic later), the Chiefs unveiled their new practice fields, indoor facility, weight room and locker rooms. Despite playing over the weekend, the Chiefs were focused and had no Wisconsin hangover today.

There has been a lot of talk in the offseason about the Chiefs’ chances to win more than four games this season. With a nine-game regular season losing streak in tow, a 1-1 preseason record and the prospects for a better 2008 season at every turn, this football team has already overcome a great deal.

Saturday night, though I wasn’t initially pleased by the lack of offensive punch, it was clear after talking with Head Coach Herm Edwards that the plan was simple - run the ball effectively on offense and build confidence with that portion of the offense.

The Chiefs did that, amassing 153 yards rushing. The game plan worked even though, as I stated, it was bland and boring. But it was effective. It became clear Saturday that Chan Gailey can draw up an attack his players are capable of executing.

Against the Bears, the focal point was the passing game, whereas against the Cardinals, it was the run. The fact that success was found in both areas in consecutive weeks is a good sign for the regular season.

Practice Notes:

LT Branden Albert - The rookie worked out on the side today with trainer. Albert was without a boot and didn’t appear to limp or be in any discomfort. I was told today that its 50/50 he’ll be in the lineup against the Patriots on opening day. If Albert can get back to the practice field next week, he has a chance. I doubt the Chiefs will play him against the Rams one week from Thursday, even if he’s good to go.

DB Coach David Gibbs - The Chiefs secondary coach was really getting on his reserve corners today. Outside of the big three - Patrick Surtain, Brandon Carr and Brandon Flowers - the Chiefs must find another corner who can play in dime packages. The backups really struggled against the Cardinals, though it should be pointed out that Arizona ran Matt Leinart with the starting offensive line in the third quarter. This might be one area the Chiefs look to upgrade when the cuts begin.

DL Coach Tim Krumrie - It took me until now to really understand his passion for the game. During my day with Herm Edwards two weeks ago, I sat in the defensive coaches meeting room as they broke down film. Krumrie was calm, quiet and you could hardly tell he was in the room. But on the practice field today, he was yelling and using his years of experience to motivate and teach his defensive linemen.

RB Dantrell Savage - He made the 53-man roster with his performance Saturday and in my opinion, he and fellow rookie Jamaal Charles will become an exciting tandem of kick returners. Savage is making the most of his time on the field and it’s amazing - especially when you consider he was one of the top two or three running backs at the Senior Bowl - that he slid out of the draft. After practice today Savage told reporters that he had four or five teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, who wanted to sign him. He felt that Kansas City was a better fit because it was more challenging. That speaks volumes.

DE Turk McBride - Another solid practice for the man who leads the preseason NFL in sacks. The more he plays the better he gets. McBride has really slimmed down and owes some of his development to former Chief Jared Allen, who took him under his wing a year ago and preached the importance of working hard in the offseason. It’s paid off for the Chiefs because McBride is now their starter at left defensive end.

LB Donnie Edwards - He is still out with a sore hamstring, but right now the Chiefs seem content on going into the season with DeMorrio Williams, Derrick Johnson and Pat Thomas as the starters. Though individually they are still working to learn the new wrinkles of the defense, they are clearly the fastest three linebackers in camp. I’m not sure what that means for Edwards but when he’s healthy that only means this group will be better.

DT Alfonso Boone - It’s good to see that the Chiefs have moved him back inside. Right now he’s going to be in about half of the plays on the interior of the defensive line. Boone was KC’s best interior lineman a year ago and he really isn’t a good fit outside. He, along with Tank Tyler, will rotate depending on down and distance.

WR Jeff Webb - He was running with the first team today when the Chiefs went to a three wide receiver set. That’s surprising considering how well Will Franklin has played. Speaking of the former Missouri star, he made a terrific catch over the middle in traffic when he knew he was about to be lit up by a cornerback, and that’s a great sign for his future. As far as Webb, the Chiefs are trying to give him a chance. What he does with it, and more importantly how well he plays against the Dolphins, could be a factor in his future roster position with the Chiefs.

IN OTHER NEWS:

It looks like we may have one more year of Chiefs training camp in River Falls, Wisconsin. A little birdie told me today that despite the fact the Chiefs have a brand new complex at Arrowhead, there’s a decent chance they return to the land of cheese for two-a-days next year. As you can tell, I’m not real thrilled and I hope that changes.

In Warpaint Illustrated News, we have secured a player show for this year and hope to announce it within the week. It will be different from last year’s show with Boomer Grigsby. Also, our Out of Bounds Podcast will return on Wednesday. Hall of Fame Linebacker Bobby Bell will be our co-host for the season. Stay tuned for an announcement on that.