ESPN - Chiefs Camp Preview

C-Mac · 07-20-2006, 10:40 PM

Chiefs camp previewBy Keith Kidd
Scouts Inc.

Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp
Site: Wisconsin-River Falls
Location: River Falls, Wis.
Start date: July 28 (rookies, vets)
2005 Record: 10-6

Expanded NFL Training Camp Coverage

Three Burning Questions
Can Larry Johnson pick up where he left off in 2006?
Larry Johnson put on one of the biggest displays in NFL history last season. He replaced Priest Holmes in the middle of the season, and proved to everyone why the Chiefs made him their top pick in 2003. He was nearly unstoppable, averaging 150.1 yards rushing and scoring 16 touchdowns in nine starts. He also contributed 343 yards and a touchdown as a receiver out of the backfield. Can he do it again over a 16-game season? Johnson is a big back who can get downhill and explode past defenders in open space. He has a knack for making big plays and seems to get stronger late in the game. The biggest concern for the Chiefs will be to not overuse him over the course of the season.

Camp battle to watch
Lenny Walls vs. Julian Battle

Battle

Walls
One of the major battles in training camp will take place at right cornerback. With the release of last year's starter, RC Eric Warfield, the starting job opposite shutdown corner Patrick Surtain is up for grabs. New secondary coach David Gibbs recommended that the Chiefs sign former Denver Broncos player Lenny Walls, who played for Gibbs in Denver a few years back. Walls played in only seven games in 2005, before being placed on season-ending injured reserve. He is one of the tallest corners in the league and is somewhat of a tweener between corner and safety. However, he could fit the role of a good Cover 2 corner based on his physical style. Julian Battle missed all of the 2005 season with a ruptured Achilles injury. He is a former third-round pick in 2003 with good cover skills, but he is still raw and needs refinement in his technique from a press alignment. Another player who could get in the mix is backup nickel corner Benny Sapp. Nevertheless, look for Walls to win the battle at DC, unless the Chiefs can win the Ty Law sweepstakes in late July.
Can the Chiefs' secondary improve its play?
In 2005, the Chiefs finished 30th in the league in pass defense, allowing 229.9 yards per game. They have done very little in the offseason to improve this area, other than adding Lenny Walls. They did draft SS Bernard Pollard in the second round, DC Marcus Maxey in the fifth and SS Jarrad Page in the seventh. DC Patrick Surtain is the best player in the Chiefs' secondary. He has good cover skills, reactionary quickness and tackling ability. However, the biggest concern in the secondary is the play of their safeties in coverage. SS Sammy Knight has outstanding instincts and is still effective against the run, but is a liability downfield in coverage. FS Greg Wesley led the team in interceptions last season with six, but he doesn't always seem to be in the right position in coverage and gives up a lot of big plays down the field. What does all this mean? Look for head coach Herman Edwards and defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham to design coverage schemes that don't put their safeties in bad positions. They will utilize a lot of Cover 2 schemes in matchup zones, along with a lot of Cover 4 principles when reacting and reading downfield routes.

Can Derrick Johnson step up and lead this defense?
Derrick Johnson finished second on the team in total tackles (95) last season, behind MLB Kawika Mitchell (105). Is he ready to lead this defense in 2006? Johnson is an explosive young playmaker who should flourish in his second season as the starting LOLB. He is a very good athlete for the position. He has good closing speed to the ball, instincts and leadership qualities. Another year in Cunningham's defensive system should afford him even more opportunities to make plays. He has the ability to be an impact player on a defense in need of playmakers. Look for Johnson to have a great year in 2006.

The player under the microscope
While they have a few players that fall under this category, it has to be Larry Johnson. Johnson was so impressive last season, he has become a popular pick to win the MVP this season. With the strong supporting cast in Kansas City and the same offensive system in place, look for Johnson to have a very impressive season, as he leads this explosive Chiefs offense in 2006. The Chiefs are an aging team and the door is slowly closing.

Breakout player
WR Samie Parker finished third on the team in receptions in 2005 with 36. He missed four games early in the season, but really looked impressive catching the ball late in the year in some big games for the Chiefs. He has some explosive playmaking skills and, with the opposition focusing on TE Tony Gonzalez and Larry Johnson, Parker should get plenty of opportunities to have a breakout year in 2006.

Comeback player of the year
Kyle Turley hasn't played the last two seasons due to a back alignment. Turley was a solid starting RT for the Saints and Rams. If fully recovered from the back injury he suffered in St. Louis, he should easily win the starting RT position from incumbents Jordan Black, Chris Bober and Kevin Sampson. Turley is an intense competitor and a relentless run blocker. He is also capable of holding his own as a pass blocker when isolated on an island. He is still working hard on his strength and weight.

Offensive philosophy
Offensive line coach Mike Solari replaces Al Saunders as the new offensive coordinator in 2006. The Chiefs finished last season as the top offense in the NFL, averaging 387 yards per game. Solari is expected to keep the same offensive philosophy in place, with its multiple shifts and motions to keep defenses off balance. The Chiefs will rely on their standard 21, 12 personnel groupings on early downs, while spreading the field and utilizing three-wide packages in multiple formations in sub situations. Under Saunders, Solari was responsible for implementing Kansas City's game plans that revolved around the running game. Also, look for Solari to incorporate a little more West Coast flavor into the passing game. Edwards is a big believer in running the ball to set up the play-action passing game. With most of the same offensive personnel returning from a year ago, look for the Chiefs to be the same explosive unit on offensive.

Defensive philosophy
Cunningham returns to a unit that finished 25th in the league in total defense, allowing 328.1 yards per game. However, the Chiefs did show improvement, finishing 16th in points allowed and seventh against the run. Cunningham is an aggressive play caller who relies on a lot of maximum pressure packages and zone blitz schemes, while playing a lot of single-safety and two-man under coverage schemes on the back end. Edwards' philosophy on defense is much more conservative than Cunningham's. Edwards has worked hard this offseason with Cunningham, with the emphasis being on teaching the proper techniques required to play in the Chiefs' new multiple defensive systems. The Chiefs will now rely more on an aggressive attacking approach, with their front four hitting upfield gaps, while playing a lot more Cover 2 on the back end in coverage. But there are still major problems in the secondary that must be corrected if the Chiefs are to make a move in the AFC West race.

Author Keith Kidd spent 14 years in NFL front offices, including key roles in the personnel departments of the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots.

**Bowser** · 07-20-2006, 10:46 PM

More of a "west coast flavor" to the offense?

This guy needs to be kneed in the groin for that comment alone.

Halfcan · 07-20-2006, 11:03 PM

Spicy McHaggis · 07-20-2006, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowser

More of a "west coast flavor" to the offense?

They're feeding the O-Line this?

el borracho · 07-21-2006, 12:22 AM

"Defensive philosophy
Cunningham is an aggressive play caller who relies on a lot of maximum pressure packages and zone blitz schemes, while playing a lot of single-safety and two-man under coverage schemes on the back end. Edwards' philosophy on defense is much more conservative than Cunningham's. Edwards has worked hard this offseason with Cunningham, with the emphasis being on teaching the proper techniques required to play in the Chiefs' new multiple defensive systems. The Chiefs will now rely more on an aggressive attacking approach, with their front four hitting upfield gaps, while playing a lot more Cover 2 on the back end in coverage. But there are still major problems in the secondary that must be corrected if the Chiefs are to make a move in the AFC West race."

I'm getting confused. What defense(s) will the Chiefs be running this year and how will they be different than Cunningham's defenses in the past?

thepascalblaze · 07-21-2006, 02:08 AM

Roaf returns + LJ is record hoilder

Samie hopefully won't be the same, with clutch catches followed by costly fumbles...

Put LJ under the scope... but be prepared to back up, but will he keep the pill in the clutch... possesion during key times was not mentioned...

NO FUMBLES!!!

I have bad nightmare/premonitions of a fumble ending our season...

take head

**DaKCMan AP** · 07-21-2006, 08:48 AM

I don't see a position battle for the starting CB position. It's Walls' job. There's more of a battle for the backup spot between Battle, Hodge and Maxey. Sapp will play nickel.

JBucc · 07-21-2006, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by el borracho

I'm getting confused. What defense(s) will the Chiefs be running this year and how will they be different than Cunningham's defenses in the past?

I think it's going to be more Gunther agressive blitzing style up front and more Herm convervative cover 2 in the back. If I were a donko I'd call it the mullet D.

StcChief · 07-21-2006, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBucc

I think it's going to be more Gunther agressive blitzing style up front and more Herm convervative cover 2 in the back. If I were a donko I'd call it the mullet D.

Call it what you want if it works, I'm all for it.

Form follows function.

JimNasium · 07-21-2006, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBucc

I think it's going to be more Gunther agressive blitzing style up front and more Herm convervative cover 2 in the back. If I were a donko I'd call it the mullet D.

So we end up with the "reverse mullet" defensive scheme?

07-20-2006, 10:40 PM
C-Mac Lurker Extraordinaire Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Wally World Casino cash: $2303699	ESPN - Chiefs Camp Preview Chiefs camp previewBy Keith Kidd Scouts Inc. Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp Site: Wisconsin-River Falls Location: River Falls, Wis. Start date: July 28 (rookies, vets) 2005 Record: 10-6 Expanded NFL Training Camp Coverage Three Burning Questions Can Larry Johnson pick up where he left off in 2006? Larry Johnson put on one of the biggest displays in NFL history last season. He replaced Priest Holmes in the middle of the season, and proved to everyone why the Chiefs made him their top pick in 2003. He was nearly unstoppable, averaging 150.1 yards rushing and scoring 16 touchdowns in nine starts. He also contributed 343 yards and a touchdown as a receiver out of the backfield. Can he do it again over a 16-game season? Johnson is a big back who can get downhill and explode past defenders in open space. He has a knack for making big plays and seems to get stronger late in the game. The biggest concern for the Chiefs will be to not overuse him over the course of the season. Camp battle to watch Lenny Walls vs. Julian Battle Battle Walls One of the major battles in training camp will take place at right cornerback. With the release of last year's starter, RC Eric Warfield, the starting job opposite shutdown corner Patrick Surtain is up for grabs. New secondary coach David Gibbs recommended that the Chiefs sign former Denver Broncos player Lenny Walls, who played for Gibbs in Denver a few years back. Walls played in only seven games in 2005, before being placed on season-ending injured reserve. He is one of the tallest corners in the league and is somewhat of a tweener between corner and safety. However, he could fit the role of a good Cover 2 corner based on his physical style. Julian Battle missed all of the 2005 season with a ruptured Achilles injury. He is a former third-round pick in 2003 with good cover skills, but he is still raw and needs refinement in his technique from a press alignment. Another player who could get in the mix is backup nickel corner Benny Sapp. Nevertheless, look for Walls to win the battle at DC, unless the Chiefs can win the Ty Law sweepstakes in late July. Can the Chiefs' secondary improve its play? In 2005, the Chiefs finished 30th in the league in pass defense, allowing 229.9 yards per game. They have done very little in the offseason to improve this area, other than adding Lenny Walls. They did draft SS Bernard Pollard in the second round, DC Marcus Maxey in the fifth and SS Jarrad Page in the seventh. DC Patrick Surtain is the best player in the Chiefs' secondary. He has good cover skills, reactionary quickness and tackling ability. However, the biggest concern in the secondary is the play of their safeties in coverage. SS Sammy Knight has outstanding instincts and is still effective against the run, but is a liability downfield in coverage. FS Greg Wesley led the team in interceptions last season with six, but he doesn't always seem to be in the right position in coverage and gives up a lot of big plays down the field. What does all this mean? Look for head coach Herman Edwards and defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham to design coverage schemes that don't put their safeties in bad positions. They will utilize a lot of Cover 2 schemes in matchup zones, along with a lot of Cover 4 principles when reacting and reading downfield routes. Can Derrick Johnson step up and lead this defense? Derrick Johnson finished second on the team in total tackles (95) last season, behind MLB Kawika Mitchell (105). Is he ready to lead this defense in 2006? Johnson is an explosive young playmaker who should flourish in his second season as the starting LOLB. He is a very good athlete for the position. He has good closing speed to the ball, instincts and leadership qualities. Another year in Cunningham's defensive system should afford him even more opportunities to make plays. He has the ability to be an impact player on a defense in need of playmakers. Look for Johnson to have a great year in 2006. The player under the microscope While they have a few players that fall under this category, it has to be Larry Johnson. Johnson was so impressive last season, he has become a popular pick to win the MVP this season. With the strong supporting cast in Kansas City and the same offensive system in place, look for Johnson to have a very impressive season, as he leads this explosive Chiefs offense in 2006. The Chiefs are an aging team and the door is slowly closing. Breakout player WR Samie Parker finished third on the team in receptions in 2005 with 36. He missed four games early in the season, but really looked impressive catching the ball late in the year in some big games for the Chiefs. He has some explosive playmaking skills and, with the opposition focusing on TE Tony Gonzalez and Larry Johnson, Parker should get plenty of opportunities to have a breakout year in 2006. Comeback player of the year Kyle Turley hasn't played the last two seasons due to a back alignment. Turley was a solid starting RT for the Saints and Rams. If fully recovered from the back injury he suffered in St. Louis, he should easily win the starting RT position from incumbents Jordan Black, Chris Bober and Kevin Sampson. Turley is an intense competitor and a relentless run blocker. He is also capable of holding his own as a pass blocker when isolated on an island. He is still working hard on his strength and weight. Offensive philosophy Offensive line coach Mike Solari replaces Al Saunders as the new offensive coordinator in 2006. The Chiefs finished last season as the top offense in the NFL, averaging 387 yards per game. Solari is expected to keep the same offensive philosophy in place, with its multiple shifts and motions to keep defenses off balance. The Chiefs will rely on their standard 21, 12 personnel groupings on early downs, while spreading the field and utilizing three-wide packages in multiple formations in sub situations. Under Saunders, Solari was responsible for implementing Kansas City's game plans that revolved around the running game. Also, look for Solari to incorporate a little more West Coast flavor into the passing game. Edwards is a big believer in running the ball to set up the play-action passing game. With most of the same offensive personnel returning from a year ago, look for the Chiefs to be the same explosive unit on offensive. Defensive philosophy Cunningham returns to a unit that finished 25th in the league in total defense, allowing 328.1 yards per game. However, the Chiefs did show improvement, finishing 16th in points allowed and seventh against the run. Cunningham is an aggressive play caller who relies on a lot of maximum pressure packages and zone blitz schemes, while playing a lot of single-safety and two-man under coverage schemes on the back end. Edwards' philosophy on defense is much more conservative than Cunningham's. Edwards has worked hard this offseason with Cunningham, with the emphasis being on teaching the proper techniques required to play in the Chiefs' new multiple defensive systems. The Chiefs will now rely more on an aggressive attacking approach, with their front four hitting upfield gaps, while playing a lot more Cover 2 on the back end in coverage. But there are still major problems in the secondary that must be corrected if the Chiefs are to make a move in the AFC West race. Author Keith Kidd spent 14 years in NFL front offices, including key roles in the personnel departments of the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots.
Posts: 5,632

07-20-2006, 10:46 PM	#2
Bowser sorta mod-ish Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: KC North Casino cash: $3401616	More of a "west coast flavor" to the offense? This guy needs to be kneed in the groin for that comment alone.
Posts: 100,774

07-20-2006, 11:03 PM	#3
Halfcan In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $7327995	Yawn
Posts: 43,200

07-21-2006, 12:22 AM	#5
el borracho In Pat We Trust Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Albuquerque, NM Casino cash: $6339148	"Defensive philosophy Cunningham is an aggressive play caller who relies on a lot of maximum pressure packages and zone blitz schemes, while playing a lot of single-safety and two-man under coverage schemes on the back end. Edwards' philosophy on defense is much more conservative than Cunningham's. Edwards has worked hard this offseason with Cunningham, with the emphasis being on teaching the proper techniques required to play in the Chiefs' new multiple defensive systems. The Chiefs will now rely more on an aggressive attacking approach, with their front four hitting upfield gaps, while playing a lot more Cover 2 on the back end in coverage. But there are still major problems in the secondary that must be corrected if the Chiefs are to make a move in the AFC West race." I'm getting confused. What defense(s) will the Chiefs be running this year and how will they be different than Cunningham's defenses in the past?
Posts: 11,834

07-21-2006, 02:08 AM	#6
thepascalblaze Starter Join Date: Apr 2004 Casino cash: $10004900	Roaf returns + LJ is record hoilder Samie hopefully won't be the same, with clutch catches followed by costly fumbles... Put LJ under the scope... but be prepared to back up, but will he keep the pill in the clutch... possesion during key times was not mentioned... NO FUMBLES!!! I have bad nightmare/premonitions of a fumble ending our season... take head
Posts: 460

07-21-2006, 08:48 AM	#7
DaKCMan AP Beloved & Awesome CP Celebrity Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Florida Casino cash: $6724952	I don't see a position battle for the starting CB position. It's Walls' job. There's more of a battle for the backup spot between Battle, Hodge and Maxey. Sapp will play nickel. __________________
Posts: 35,695