Direckshun
07-29-2007, 01:13 PM
Pics: http://www.uwrf.edu/chiefs/photogallery/070729am/index.html
Sunday, July 29, 2007: Training Camp News
Some 226 fans played a game of musical fields at Chiefs camp today. Many were puzzled as to why sprinklers were on and lawn mowers were still moving over the practice fields at 9:30 a.m., and the players had yet to appear. It soon became apparent that a scheduling switch had been made, and that special teams would be practicing on Ramer Field; the crowd moved en masse to the stadium bleachers. Head Coach Herm Edwards took the field at 9:52 a.m. Shortly thereafter, at 10:01 a.m. the Chiefs started their third day of practices in River Falls. Today is the first time they have practiced inside the Ramer Field stadium since getting to River Falls. A regular practice will take place this afternoon at approximately 3:15 p.m.
The morning began feeling crisp with a temperature of 76 degrees, which rose to 81 degrees at the end of practice. The wind was from the southwest at six miles per hour, humidity was at 48 percent, and the dew point was 59.
Special Teams
The original practice plan for today was to have special teams practice in the afternoon and a regular practice this morning. But the practices were switched around.
Special teams are units where rookie draft choices and free agents can make a team and start at NFL career. That's the case with the Chiefs as special teams Coach Mike Priefer put the team through about an hour workout.
Practice started with cornerback Benny Sapp, wide receiver Ean Randolph, wide receiver Jeff Webb and wide receiver Chris Hannon taking kick returns. In an interview after practice Coach Mike Priefer commented that Webb is a likely candidate for the starting job as the kick returner, along with Sapp. Last year Webb returned seven kicks for 24.1-yard average, and Sapp had one return for 21-yards.
Today's practice emphasized the importance of fundamentals. "Listen to me," said special teams Coach Mike Priefer, "work on our technique," as players got ready for a punt return drill using a Juggs machine. The Chiefs focused on punt returns specifics like how to block for ball carriers on the run. When working on kick offs players worked on lane assignments and defensive coverage. The kick return crew upset Priefer when running its first drill. "It's the second day we've done this. We can't have mistakes like this. It's not good enough," he stressed, "if I can't trust you with the block, I can't play you."
To distinguish between who was on the coverage team and who was on the return team, the coverage team put yellow covers over their helmets. With a mix of red and white jerseys running down the field the yellow helmet covers were useful.
A group of players worked from 25 yards to the end zone getting through blocks and going for tackles. Lined up in two vertical lines players took off one by one from the 25 and ran 10 yards to teammates holding blocking pads. From there they ran and located a return man and imitated going for the tackle. Defensive end Claude McBride hustled through the drill and received compliments by teammates. Wide receiver Chris Hannon, fullback Greg Hanoian, tight end Michael Allan, defensive end Montez Murphy and linebacker Brian Crum were other stand out participants in the drill.
Rookie defensive linemen Claude McBride and DeMarcus Tyler were members of the second kick-off coverage unit. They displayed their abilities during practice as two contenders for limited roster spots. McBride's speed and Tyler's strength would be a valuable aide to the Chiefs on special teams.
Working on the coverage for the punt the Chiefs lined up on the 20. Punter Dustin Colquitt received snaps from long snapper Jean-Philippe Darche. Colquitt punted seven times. He got a few practice reps punting from the back of the end zone. Practicing this drill is important because in certain situations the punter isn't allowed as much space as he is use to, forcing him to get rid of the ball as fast as possible. Colquitt punted the ball very well in these drills, averaging about 45-yards on two kicks.
Handling punt returns during practice were wide receiver Titus Ryan, wide receiver Samie Parker, wide receiver Ean Randolph and cornerback Justin Phinisee. In the interview after Coach Priefer said, "It's a three man race right now between Parker, Randolph and Phinisee." He also commented that he liked Randolph's quick first step and speed. Priefer said, "We should keep our eye on Ryan and he will continue to get looks."
In a punt return drill Dustin Colquitt punted and the coverage team would try to get to the returner before he caught the ball. On one return Justin Phinisee was fielding the ball, but the punt was short and he couldn't get to it in time. He ran towards it, but realized he would never make it so he pulled up and met the coverage man and blocked him. Coach Herm Edwards yelled, "Let them (return team) know its short so they can get out of the way; don't worry about blocking him, the ball could hit you in the hip."
Coach Mike Priefer then gathered the first unit and set up a drill where they first practiced busting through the wedge, and then practiced going around the wedge. Punter Dustin Colquitt, kicker Jason Medlock and long snapper Jean-Philippe Darche acted as the wedge holding large foam pads. Priefer's advice during the drill was, "If I expose my chest and I'm a smaller guy I could be hurt." While practicing going around the wedge wide receiver Ean Randolph handled the ball and followed the wedge through the hole. This drill didn't have any contact, but was important so the coverage team could recognize different angles.
The practice concluded with a drill from the 30 yard line to the end zone. Two Chiefs applied pressure to return men trying to work up field. The object was for players to "squeeze" in on the runner and get a feel working with one another. Fullback Boomer Grigsby was quick to apply pressure and gave his opponent no where to go, many from the sidelines could be heard saying, "Way to go Boomer." Safeties Chad Williams and Marlon Fair let running back Marcus O'Keith bust threw the middle. Williams and Fair were heckled by teammates to get on it.
In the interview at the end of practice media members asked if it was bad that Medlock didn't have any competition in camp. Priefer answered, "I told him (Medlock) as soon as he got here that he is competing against all NFL kickers that don't have a job ."
Fans
Jonathan Watterson, 18, came to camp today slightly disappointed not to be on the field, but excited just to be in the presence of the Chiefs’ players and staff. Watterson previously interviewed with Equipment Manager Mike Davidson, but Davidson’s workforce was already jam-packed. “I was really hoping to come up here and help out the Kansas City Chiefs out with their training camp, but Mike was already fully staffed,” said Watterson. “Hopefully I’ll be able to help them in the future in any way that I possibly can. When I see the red and white and gold uniforms out there on the field, it just really pumps me up.” When asked what specifically he wanted to do with the Chiefs, Watterson replied, “I think that everybody wants to be the head coach. I’d love to be on the field, coaching, or in any kind of positions. I would love to be a quality control coach to work with game planning, charting opponents’ strengths and weaknesses and their tendencies, and I’d love to be a scout. I just want my career to be in professional football, and more specifically with the Kansas City Chiefs.” Already a junior in college at Evangel University in Springfield, Mo., Watterson is reaching for the stars. “My ultimate goal is to be in the Professional Football Hall of Fame someday, and that’s what I’m working towards. I believe that you need to set unreachable goals in order to make them reachable.”
Darla Beckmann and husband Todd from Grantsburg, Wis., visited camp for the 17th year in a row. “My husband and I have been at camp every year since it started in River Falls. We used to live in River Falls and so we’d come to practices a lot,” said Darla. “But now since we live in Grantsburg, we only get out here once or twice.” While other fans may sit idly in the stands, the Beckmanns find it more productive to multitask while they watch practice. “We come and we get in our exercise. I bring my bike and Todd walks,” said Darla.
Originally from Russia, it's by pure accident that Igor Yevdokimov became a Kansas City Chiefs fan. Now living in Louisville, Ky., Yevdokimov went to his first NFL football game nearly 10 years ago. Not knowing the rules or anything about the team that would soon become his favorite, Yevdokimov became a die-hard Chiefs fan. Attending the game with Yevdokimov was a friend who supported the Buffalo Bills, so Yevdokimov decided to cheer for the other team. From there, history was made and that is why Yevdokimov is in River Falls watching his favorite team on the road to becoming Super Bowl XVII champs.
Nicole and Everett Haynes from St. Louis, Mo., were present today at this morning's practice. Nicole,originally from River Falls, has attended practice a few times, while Everett experienced his first. The Haynes both like being able to watch the players close up and are excited to see Head Coach Herm Edwards. Everett’s favorite players include running back Priest Holmes, tight end Tony Gonzalez, and running back Larry Johnson.
Dave Newman, a former University of Wisconsin-River Falls student and Falcon sports information employee, was at morning practice today. Newman, who is now a sports editor in New Richmond, used to cover several sports as a UWRF student including football, basketball and baseball. Newman has also been working for New Richmond for 19 years and has been covering Chiefs training camp for 17. He said it has been great seeing all the players through the years including quarterback Joe Montana, running back Marcus Allen, linebacker Derrick Thomas, and his favorite former Head Coach Dick Vermeil.
Volunteering at morning camp today was Kathy Conway from Prescott, Wis. Conway, in her first year of volunteering at Chiefs camp, was guarding the gate leading to Ramer Field. Conway said that she loves the people she is working with and the Chiefs fans. She also mentioned that she likes watching quarterback Brodie Croyle.
Several members of the New Richmond High School football team were watching practice this morning, including defensive end Drew Land, offensive line Colin Davison, offensive tackles Brandon Wienke and Jared Frui, and their friend Justin O’Flanagan. The team, which starts football camp Aug. 6 in New Richmond, was catching a glimpse of their favorite player linebacker Derrick Johnson, and looking forward to getting some autographs after practice.
Extra, Extra...
The more than 20 fans wearing attire stamped with No. 31 in the hopes of catching a glimpse of their favorite running back were not disappointed today. The stadium erupted in cheers as the formerly injured Priest Holmes took the field for the first time. Fans could be heard shouting, "Priest, good to see you man!" and "We love you number 31!" Clad in a visor, cleats, athletic shorts, and his practice jersey, Holmes acknowledged the crowd with a wave and stood on the sidelines for a few minutes watching his teammates.
More than two-thirds of those assembled in the stands moved back to the practice fields to watch Holmes do drills with Strength and Conditioning Coach Cedric Smith and teammates linebacker David Hicks and cornerback Dimitri Patterson. Holmes, Hicks, and Patterson ran several 100-yard sprints. Holmes showed no sign of injury, leading the pack during sprints at least three times. The group did various other exercises, including grapevines and lunges. Linebacker Nate Harris and tight end Jason Dunn could also be seen working on strength and conditioning on the practice fields.
Over 120 fans were ready and waiting after practice in hopes of getting their favorite Chiefs player to sign an autograph or take a picture. There were many players who stuck around after practice to make some of their biggest fans happy: Will Poole, Bernard Pollard, Justin Medlock, Jean-Philippe Darche, Boomer Grigsby, Kendrell Bell, Marcus O'Keith, Michael Bennett, Dustin Colquitt, Jeff Webb, Justin Phinisee, Brad Ekwerekwu, Michael Allan, and Mike Pinkard. Many people asked if running back Priest Holmes would be signing autographs today and it is almost certain that he will not.
Jamie Bisch, a student and defensive back football player for UWRF has been working with the Chiefs this summer as an equipment assistant. Bisch, a senior at UWRF, was holding helmets from fullback Boomer Grigsby, wide receiver Ean Randolph, tight end Michael Allan, and cornerback Will Poole after practice today.
Sunday, July 29, 2007: Training Camp News
Some 226 fans played a game of musical fields at Chiefs camp today. Many were puzzled as to why sprinklers were on and lawn mowers were still moving over the practice fields at 9:30 a.m., and the players had yet to appear. It soon became apparent that a scheduling switch had been made, and that special teams would be practicing on Ramer Field; the crowd moved en masse to the stadium bleachers. Head Coach Herm Edwards took the field at 9:52 a.m. Shortly thereafter, at 10:01 a.m. the Chiefs started their third day of practices in River Falls. Today is the first time they have practiced inside the Ramer Field stadium since getting to River Falls. A regular practice will take place this afternoon at approximately 3:15 p.m.
The morning began feeling crisp with a temperature of 76 degrees, which rose to 81 degrees at the end of practice. The wind was from the southwest at six miles per hour, humidity was at 48 percent, and the dew point was 59.
Special Teams
The original practice plan for today was to have special teams practice in the afternoon and a regular practice this morning. But the practices were switched around.
Special teams are units where rookie draft choices and free agents can make a team and start at NFL career. That's the case with the Chiefs as special teams Coach Mike Priefer put the team through about an hour workout.
Practice started with cornerback Benny Sapp, wide receiver Ean Randolph, wide receiver Jeff Webb and wide receiver Chris Hannon taking kick returns. In an interview after practice Coach Mike Priefer commented that Webb is a likely candidate for the starting job as the kick returner, along with Sapp. Last year Webb returned seven kicks for 24.1-yard average, and Sapp had one return for 21-yards.
Today's practice emphasized the importance of fundamentals. "Listen to me," said special teams Coach Mike Priefer, "work on our technique," as players got ready for a punt return drill using a Juggs machine. The Chiefs focused on punt returns specifics like how to block for ball carriers on the run. When working on kick offs players worked on lane assignments and defensive coverage. The kick return crew upset Priefer when running its first drill. "It's the second day we've done this. We can't have mistakes like this. It's not good enough," he stressed, "if I can't trust you with the block, I can't play you."
To distinguish between who was on the coverage team and who was on the return team, the coverage team put yellow covers over their helmets. With a mix of red and white jerseys running down the field the yellow helmet covers were useful.
A group of players worked from 25 yards to the end zone getting through blocks and going for tackles. Lined up in two vertical lines players took off one by one from the 25 and ran 10 yards to teammates holding blocking pads. From there they ran and located a return man and imitated going for the tackle. Defensive end Claude McBride hustled through the drill and received compliments by teammates. Wide receiver Chris Hannon, fullback Greg Hanoian, tight end Michael Allan, defensive end Montez Murphy and linebacker Brian Crum were other stand out participants in the drill.
Rookie defensive linemen Claude McBride and DeMarcus Tyler were members of the second kick-off coverage unit. They displayed their abilities during practice as two contenders for limited roster spots. McBride's speed and Tyler's strength would be a valuable aide to the Chiefs on special teams.
Working on the coverage for the punt the Chiefs lined up on the 20. Punter Dustin Colquitt received snaps from long snapper Jean-Philippe Darche. Colquitt punted seven times. He got a few practice reps punting from the back of the end zone. Practicing this drill is important because in certain situations the punter isn't allowed as much space as he is use to, forcing him to get rid of the ball as fast as possible. Colquitt punted the ball very well in these drills, averaging about 45-yards on two kicks.
Handling punt returns during practice were wide receiver Titus Ryan, wide receiver Samie Parker, wide receiver Ean Randolph and cornerback Justin Phinisee. In the interview after Coach Priefer said, "It's a three man race right now between Parker, Randolph and Phinisee." He also commented that he liked Randolph's quick first step and speed. Priefer said, "We should keep our eye on Ryan and he will continue to get looks."
In a punt return drill Dustin Colquitt punted and the coverage team would try to get to the returner before he caught the ball. On one return Justin Phinisee was fielding the ball, but the punt was short and he couldn't get to it in time. He ran towards it, but realized he would never make it so he pulled up and met the coverage man and blocked him. Coach Herm Edwards yelled, "Let them (return team) know its short so they can get out of the way; don't worry about blocking him, the ball could hit you in the hip."
Coach Mike Priefer then gathered the first unit and set up a drill where they first practiced busting through the wedge, and then practiced going around the wedge. Punter Dustin Colquitt, kicker Jason Medlock and long snapper Jean-Philippe Darche acted as the wedge holding large foam pads. Priefer's advice during the drill was, "If I expose my chest and I'm a smaller guy I could be hurt." While practicing going around the wedge wide receiver Ean Randolph handled the ball and followed the wedge through the hole. This drill didn't have any contact, but was important so the coverage team could recognize different angles.
The practice concluded with a drill from the 30 yard line to the end zone. Two Chiefs applied pressure to return men trying to work up field. The object was for players to "squeeze" in on the runner and get a feel working with one another. Fullback Boomer Grigsby was quick to apply pressure and gave his opponent no where to go, many from the sidelines could be heard saying, "Way to go Boomer." Safeties Chad Williams and Marlon Fair let running back Marcus O'Keith bust threw the middle. Williams and Fair were heckled by teammates to get on it.
In the interview at the end of practice media members asked if it was bad that Medlock didn't have any competition in camp. Priefer answered, "I told him (Medlock) as soon as he got here that he is competing against all NFL kickers that don't have a job ."
Fans
Jonathan Watterson, 18, came to camp today slightly disappointed not to be on the field, but excited just to be in the presence of the Chiefs’ players and staff. Watterson previously interviewed with Equipment Manager Mike Davidson, but Davidson’s workforce was already jam-packed. “I was really hoping to come up here and help out the Kansas City Chiefs out with their training camp, but Mike was already fully staffed,” said Watterson. “Hopefully I’ll be able to help them in the future in any way that I possibly can. When I see the red and white and gold uniforms out there on the field, it just really pumps me up.” When asked what specifically he wanted to do with the Chiefs, Watterson replied, “I think that everybody wants to be the head coach. I’d love to be on the field, coaching, or in any kind of positions. I would love to be a quality control coach to work with game planning, charting opponents’ strengths and weaknesses and their tendencies, and I’d love to be a scout. I just want my career to be in professional football, and more specifically with the Kansas City Chiefs.” Already a junior in college at Evangel University in Springfield, Mo., Watterson is reaching for the stars. “My ultimate goal is to be in the Professional Football Hall of Fame someday, and that’s what I’m working towards. I believe that you need to set unreachable goals in order to make them reachable.”
Darla Beckmann and husband Todd from Grantsburg, Wis., visited camp for the 17th year in a row. “My husband and I have been at camp every year since it started in River Falls. We used to live in River Falls and so we’d come to practices a lot,” said Darla. “But now since we live in Grantsburg, we only get out here once or twice.” While other fans may sit idly in the stands, the Beckmanns find it more productive to multitask while they watch practice. “We come and we get in our exercise. I bring my bike and Todd walks,” said Darla.
Originally from Russia, it's by pure accident that Igor Yevdokimov became a Kansas City Chiefs fan. Now living in Louisville, Ky., Yevdokimov went to his first NFL football game nearly 10 years ago. Not knowing the rules or anything about the team that would soon become his favorite, Yevdokimov became a die-hard Chiefs fan. Attending the game with Yevdokimov was a friend who supported the Buffalo Bills, so Yevdokimov decided to cheer for the other team. From there, history was made and that is why Yevdokimov is in River Falls watching his favorite team on the road to becoming Super Bowl XVII champs.
Nicole and Everett Haynes from St. Louis, Mo., were present today at this morning's practice. Nicole,originally from River Falls, has attended practice a few times, while Everett experienced his first. The Haynes both like being able to watch the players close up and are excited to see Head Coach Herm Edwards. Everett’s favorite players include running back Priest Holmes, tight end Tony Gonzalez, and running back Larry Johnson.
Dave Newman, a former University of Wisconsin-River Falls student and Falcon sports information employee, was at morning practice today. Newman, who is now a sports editor in New Richmond, used to cover several sports as a UWRF student including football, basketball and baseball. Newman has also been working for New Richmond for 19 years and has been covering Chiefs training camp for 17. He said it has been great seeing all the players through the years including quarterback Joe Montana, running back Marcus Allen, linebacker Derrick Thomas, and his favorite former Head Coach Dick Vermeil.
Volunteering at morning camp today was Kathy Conway from Prescott, Wis. Conway, in her first year of volunteering at Chiefs camp, was guarding the gate leading to Ramer Field. Conway said that she loves the people she is working with and the Chiefs fans. She also mentioned that she likes watching quarterback Brodie Croyle.
Several members of the New Richmond High School football team were watching practice this morning, including defensive end Drew Land, offensive line Colin Davison, offensive tackles Brandon Wienke and Jared Frui, and their friend Justin O’Flanagan. The team, which starts football camp Aug. 6 in New Richmond, was catching a glimpse of their favorite player linebacker Derrick Johnson, and looking forward to getting some autographs after practice.
Extra, Extra...
The more than 20 fans wearing attire stamped with No. 31 in the hopes of catching a glimpse of their favorite running back were not disappointed today. The stadium erupted in cheers as the formerly injured Priest Holmes took the field for the first time. Fans could be heard shouting, "Priest, good to see you man!" and "We love you number 31!" Clad in a visor, cleats, athletic shorts, and his practice jersey, Holmes acknowledged the crowd with a wave and stood on the sidelines for a few minutes watching his teammates.
More than two-thirds of those assembled in the stands moved back to the practice fields to watch Holmes do drills with Strength and Conditioning Coach Cedric Smith and teammates linebacker David Hicks and cornerback Dimitri Patterson. Holmes, Hicks, and Patterson ran several 100-yard sprints. Holmes showed no sign of injury, leading the pack during sprints at least three times. The group did various other exercises, including grapevines and lunges. Linebacker Nate Harris and tight end Jason Dunn could also be seen working on strength and conditioning on the practice fields.
Over 120 fans were ready and waiting after practice in hopes of getting their favorite Chiefs player to sign an autograph or take a picture. There were many players who stuck around after practice to make some of their biggest fans happy: Will Poole, Bernard Pollard, Justin Medlock, Jean-Philippe Darche, Boomer Grigsby, Kendrell Bell, Marcus O'Keith, Michael Bennett, Dustin Colquitt, Jeff Webb, Justin Phinisee, Brad Ekwerekwu, Michael Allan, and Mike Pinkard. Many people asked if running back Priest Holmes would be signing autographs today and it is almost certain that he will not.
Jamie Bisch, a student and defensive back football player for UWRF has been working with the Chiefs this summer as an equipment assistant. Bisch, a senior at UWRF, was holding helmets from fullback Boomer Grigsby, wide receiver Ean Randolph, tight end Michael Allan, and cornerback Will Poole after practice today.