Chiefs Tuesday in Chiefs camp | Cassel ready to play; Berry involved in scuffle

**Tribal Warfare** · 08-10-2010, 11:13 PM

Tuesday in Chiefs camp | Cassel ready to play; Berry involved in scuffle

Cassel says he’s ready for preseason opener

Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel said Tuesday that he’d like to play the entirety of Friday’s preseason opener at Atlanta, adding that he’s eager to compete against defenders who aren’t his teammates.

“Everybody, to a man here, is ready to start hitting somebody else, start sweating against somebody else,” Cassel said. “It’ll be fun to get out there and be a good challenge for us.

“In these games, you never know how much you’re going to play, and so I’m preparing to play the whole game if I have to.”

Projected starters are typically limited to a handful of plays in the first preseason game. Coach Todd Haley hasn’t said how much he’ll play Cassel, saying earlier this week that he’ll make that decision later in the week.

Holmes praises Charles

Priest Holmes, the Chiefs’ career rushing leader, said Tuesday that Jamaal Charles possesses many of the skills it takes to achieve long-term success in the NFL — and perhaps enough to surpass Holmes’ team-record 6,070 career yards rushing.

“His upside is very high,” Holmes said. “He’s in a good situation. They always say that you’re as good as your last performance, and I think that what he has done is set a precedent of what he’s capable of doing.

“He has the breakaway speed that not all players have; he has the ability. If they cater to his running style and his ability, I think that’s where his success will really show.”

Holmes spent seven seasons with the Chiefs, rushing for at least 1,400 yards from 2001-03. A neck injury forced him to retire during the 2007 season. Larry Johnson came to within 55 yards of Holmes’ record before the Chiefs cut Johnson last year.

Charles, who like Holmes attended the University of Texas, rushed for 1,120 last season, his first as the Chiefs’ regular starter. Holmes said that if Charles maintains that pace and stays healthy, it’s reasonable to predict that he could threaten Holmes’ record.

“It’s definitely going to take some more years,” Holmes said. “I think he’ll have an opportunity.

“As far as having another fellow Texan be able to break the record or get close to the record, that’s always good business.”

Chiefs move practices indoors

The team announced Tuesday afternoon that it would hold two upcoming practices in the Griffon Indoor Complex to keep players out of the extreme heat in St. Joseph.

The Chiefs will practice twice today, with the morning practice held on the outdoor fields and the afternoon session moved indoors. The Chiefs will also practice indoors Monday morning. All indoor workouts are closed to the public.

What you need to know about …

THE OFFENSE
Dexter McCluster ran some plays from the tailback position Tuesday, adding yet another dimension to the rookie’s repertoire. He is listed as a wide receiver, and he’s also expected to return some kicks. … Cassel had to fall on a loose ball during red-zone work after center Rudy Niswanger snapped it too low, sending the ball between Cassel’s legs. … Tight end Jake O’Connell has looked far sharper this week than he has perhaps since the Chiefs drafted him last year. O’Connell, whose hands are normally unreliable, fought off three defenders in the end zone to make a tough catch.

THE DEFENSE
Rookie safety Eric Berry showed a rare side of himself late in Tuesday’s session, fighting with O’Connell. The normally mild-mannered Berry jumped on O’Connell’s back during 11-on-11 drills, and the two had to be separated. … Cornerback Javier Arenas, who was listed as the team’s starting kick and punt returner on its initial depth chart, bobbled a punt before recovering it during special-teams work. … Defensive end Tyson Jackson was the only player to jump offside during a situational drill that simulated a hard count.

INJURY REPORT
Tight end Tony Moeaki and cornerback Jackie Bates were in the conditioning area during practice. Guard Darryl Harris hasn’t participated since suffering a leg injury Friday.

DAILY BATTLE
Haley said Tuesday that the most tense position battle so far in camp is at weakside inside linebacker, between Demorrio Williams and Derrick Johnson. Williams was listed as the starter when the first depth chart was released Monday. Johnson has said he is determined to regain the starting job he lost during last year’s preseason.

TODAY’S SCHEDULE
The Chiefs will practice at 8:50 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The afternoon practice will be held indoors and therefore will be closed to the public.

08-10-2010, 11:13 PM	Topic Starter
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $782813	Tuesday in Chiefs camp \| Cassel ready to play; Berry involved in scuffle Tuesday in Chiefs camp \| Cassel ready to play; Berry involved in scuffle Cassel says he’s ready for preseason opener Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel said Tuesday that he’d like to play the entirety of Friday’s preseason opener at Atlanta, adding that he’s eager to compete against defenders who aren’t his teammates. “Everybody, to a man here, is ready to start hitting somebody else, start sweating against somebody else,” Cassel said. “It’ll be fun to get out there and be a good challenge for us. “In these games, you never know how much you’re going to play, and so I’m preparing to play the whole game if I have to.” Projected starters are typically limited to a handful of plays in the first preseason game. Coach Todd Haley hasn’t said how much he’ll play Cassel, saying earlier this week that he’ll make that decision later in the week. Holmes praises Charles Priest Holmes, the Chiefs’ career rushing leader, said Tuesday that Jamaal Charles possesses many of the skills it takes to achieve long-term success in the NFL — and perhaps enough to surpass Holmes’ team-record 6,070 career yards rushing. “His upside is very high,” Holmes said. “He’s in a good situation. They always say that you’re as good as your last performance, and I think that what he has done is set a precedent of what he’s capable of doing. “He has the breakaway speed that not all players have; he has the ability. If they cater to his running style and his ability, I think that’s where his success will really show.” Holmes spent seven seasons with the Chiefs, rushing for at least 1,400 yards from 2001-03. A neck injury forced him to retire during the 2007 season. Larry Johnson came to within 55 yards of Holmes’ record before the Chiefs cut Johnson last year. Charles, who like Holmes attended the University of Texas, rushed for 1,120 last season, his first as the Chiefs’ regular starter. Holmes said that if Charles maintains that pace and stays healthy, it’s reasonable to predict that he could threaten Holmes’ record. “It’s definitely going to take some more years,” Holmes said. “I think he’ll have an opportunity. “As far as having another fellow Texan be able to break the record or get close to the record, that’s always good business.” Chiefs move practices indoors The team announced Tuesday afternoon that it would hold two upcoming practices in the Griffon Indoor Complex to keep players out of the extreme heat in St. Joseph. The Chiefs will practice twice today, with the morning practice held on the outdoor fields and the afternoon session moved indoors. The Chiefs will also practice indoors Monday morning. All indoor workouts are closed to the public. What you need to know about … THE OFFENSE Dexter McCluster ran some plays from the tailback position Tuesday, adding yet another dimension to the rookie’s repertoire. He is listed as a wide receiver, and he’s also expected to return some kicks. … Cassel had to fall on a loose ball during red-zone work after center Rudy Niswanger snapped it too low, sending the ball between Cassel’s legs. … Tight end Jake O’Connell has looked far sharper this week than he has perhaps since the Chiefs drafted him last year. O’Connell, whose hands are normally unreliable, fought off three defenders in the end zone to make a tough catch. THE DEFENSE Rookie safety Eric Berry showed a rare side of himself late in Tuesday’s session, fighting with O’Connell. The normally mild-mannered Berry jumped on O’Connell’s back during 11-on-11 drills, and the two had to be separated. … Cornerback Javier Arenas, who was listed as the team’s starting kick and punt returner on its initial depth chart, bobbled a punt before recovering it during special-teams work. … Defensive end Tyson Jackson was the only player to jump offside during a situational drill that simulated a hard count. INJURY REPORT Tight end Tony Moeaki and cornerback Jackie Bates were in the conditioning area during practice. Guard Darryl Harris hasn’t participated since suffering a leg injury Friday. DAILY BATTLE Haley said Tuesday that the most tense position battle so far in camp is at weakside inside linebacker, between Demorrio Williams and Derrick Johnson. Williams was listed as the starter when the first depth chart was released Monday. Johnson has said he is determined to regain the starting job he lost during last year’s preseason. TODAY’S SCHEDULE The Chiefs will practice at 8:50 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The afternoon practice will be held indoors and therefore will be closed to the public.
Posts: 42,127