Direckshun
07-30-2007, 07:50 PM
About 600 photos from UW-RF: http://www.uwrf.edu/chiefs/photogallery/070730pm/index.html
Summary of the day's events, per UW-RF:
Monday, July 30, 2007: Training Camp News
A temperature of 89 degrees awaited players, staff, and fans at Chiefs camp this afternoon. Light wind from the southwest at seven miles per hour did little to cool down spectators, but the humidity was only 38 percent. The dew point was 60. Some 157 fans assembled to watch the Chiefs practice.
Offense
Tight end Jason Dunn and running back Priest Holmes ran through drills with Strength and Conditioning Coach Cedric Smith in a separate section of the field today. Dunn and Holmes practiced cutting and gradually getting up to speed, along with some foot work.
The kick-off unit started practice again this evening with a drill that worked on the return. Kicker Justin Medlock took about a dozen live kicks. Cornerback Justin Phinisee and wide receivers Samie Parker and Ean Randolph appeared to be favorites to receive the ball. Cornerback Michael Bragg blew past running back Kolby Smith on a 40-yard return down the right side. Smith was not happy to have let Bragg get by him and clapped his hands together as if he were trying to fire himself up.
For the second time during camp, the Chiefs ran threw a mock field goal drill. Kicker Justin Medlock made 5-6 against no rush. The defense went as far as to put their arms in the air as Medlock took kicks from the 20, 30, and 40-yard lines. His miss was from the 40-yard right hash mark and was wide, going to the left of the goal post.
The 11-on-11 drill was broken up into four sessions in live play. Quarterback Brodie Croyle was 16-18. He had an incomplete on a 28-yard pass across the right field that went too high for wide receiver Samie Parker, and another on an attempted flat-dump pass to Parker on the left side that was deflected by safety Bernard Pollard. Quarterback Damon Huard was 12-15. His errors came from a low 20-yard pass to running back Marcus O’Keith, thrown across the left side of the field to tight end Tony Gonzalez, and a tipped 13-yard pass by linebacker Keyaron Fox to right field that was intended for wide receiver Chris Hannon. Quarterbacks Casey Printers and Jeff Terrell were 5-7 and 4-5, respectively.
Many fans may believe that the offensive line is set, but at question is who will fill the right tackle position. Tackles Herb Taylor, Kevin Sampson, and Chris Terry are ones to watch for the spot. The line has been working through many one-on-one drills in man-to- man competition at every practice. Today’s practice was physical between the linemen and who are top contenders for the job will come down to live play.
Defense
This afternoon was the first time that defensive line Coach Tim Krumrie used the large orange ball in his work out. In this drill each defensive lineman would bend down on his knees and Krumrie would push the ball at the player. The player then would use all his force to push the ball back to the coach.
The defensive backs worked against the wide receivers in a passing/coverage drill. The quarterbacks practiced leading their wide receivers, while the defensive backs do all they can with out causing a penalty to knock the ball down. Cornerback Justin Phinisee made a very nice interception. The most attention was given to cornerback Dimitri Patterson, but it wasn't for a good reason. Wide receiver Titus Ryan did a curl route and made a quick turn causing Patterson to fall down. Patterson stayed on the ground slamming his hands on the grass repeatedly. Defensive backs coach David Gibbs yelled "get off the ground, get off the ground!"
One of the biggest plays made by the defense in practice today was when quarterback Damon Huard dropped back to pass in a 7-on-7 drill. He threw the ball to Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez hitting him in the hands. Gonzalez got hit in the back by cornerback Benny Sapp causing the ball to pop up in the air. Linebacker William Kershaw was right there to snatched the ball out of the air and took it the other way. This play got the biggest reaction out of the players watching on the sidelines.
The team started its 11-on-11 practice and things heated up. Defensive end Jared Allen and guard John Welbourn got in to a little pushing match after a play. Allen is a very aggressive player and can get on the nerves other players that get matched up against him.
Another play that highlighted the 11-on-11 practice was when Huard threw the ball to wide receiver Rod Gardner. Gardner was hustling on the play and complained that safety John McGraw was holding him up. Gardner showed his anger by raising his hand up from his waist area, which is the motion referee's make when they throw a flag. There are referees on the field, but they are their just to record offsides and players lined up wrong.
The other outstanding play of the day would have been a game changing play, and was completely an individual effort. Safety Bernard Pollard rushed quarterback Brodie Croyle breaking through the line with his hands high in the air. Pollard jumped and tipped Croyle's pass attempt to the right side. Pollard was able to stay with the ball and make the interception on the play.
The defensive backs worked a lot of their nickel formations. When Coach David Gibbs called for the nickel unit, cornerback Justin Phinisee would join the unit. Phinisee is playing his first year with the Chiefs, and can play any position in the secondary. He is competing with a lot of other talented players for a roster spot.
The 7-on-7 moved to the red zone area, but most of the passing plays weren't aimed for the end zone, just quick out passes. The red zone defense needs work from last season when it ranked 23rd.
Defensive tackle Alfonso Boone hurt his left hand on a play. As he stood on the sideline taking off his tape and glove three trainers came over to take a look at his injury. They looked at his hand for about five minutes and then one of them followed him in the locker room ending his practice for the day.
Special Teams
Punter Dustin Colquitt worked on his punting form with two Chiefs staff members near the end of afternoon practice. One of the staff members fired the ball to Colquitt, who caught it and dropped it, stopping just short of the kick. The tosses to him were varied, including several only a few inches off of the ground.
Fans
Fresh from the Packers' training camp in De Pere, Wis., Vicki Mullins, Chad Bryse, and Doug Olund with daughter Nikki, all of Hudson, Wis., were taking in a little Chiefs action in River Falls today before heading home. Mullins, originally from Kansas City, was excited to be out there cheering on her team. Mullins is also one of the many volunteers that help make the training camp possible.
Colin Edwards, 8, of Hudson, Wis., kept cool while sitting in the shade enjoying a frozen lemonade from the concession stand. Edwards' favorite player is fullback Boomer Grigsby. “I want a mohawk just like him, but my mom said no,” said Edwards. This is his second time coming to the Chiefs' Summer Training Camp and he is hoping to get an autograph from as many players as he can.
Katie Nelson, a senior at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, was at afternoon practice today. This is the first time Nelson has ever been to a Chiefs practice, and said she had a great time. Aside from the heat, Nelson enjoyed watching her favorite players, including tight end Tony Gonzalez, and quarterback Brodie Croyle. Nelson also plans to attend Family Fun Night on Aug. 8, and hopes to receive these players’ autographs.
Aaron Bistram, from Grantsburg, Wis., was enjoying his first time at Chiefs camp. He mentioned that it is exciting watching the players and being able to hear Head Coach Herm Edwards’ calls. Some of Bistram’s favorite Chiefs players include running backs Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson, tight end Tony Gonzalez, and linebacker Derrick Johnson.
Kelly and Ann Sheridan, from Olathe, Kan., were having a great time relaxing under umbrellas in the shade. The mother and daughter have been coming to camp for seven years, and had to leave Ann’s husband, Tim, at home this summer due to work. Kelly and Ann love coming to River Falls for Chiefs camp each summer because “it is usually not as hot as Kansas, and the people are very accommodating.” Kelly, whose all-time favorite player is running back Larry Johnson, hopes that he will be back with the team soon. The Sheridans are also both fans of tight end Tony Gonzalez and running back Priest Holmes.
Todd and Teresa Green from Papillion, Neb., came back to Chiefs camp today after a 10-year hiatus. “I became a Chiefs fan when I was little because my dad took me to games,” said Todd. “When Teresa and I hooked up she was kind of a half-Miami Dolphins fan and half Chiefs fan, and I converted her.” Teresa named her favorite player as defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson, as they both count Oklahoma as their alma mater. She even had a special jersey made with his name and number, which Wilkerson signed yesterday. The Greens were able to take in more Wisconsin entertainment on their vacation before coming to camp. “It ended up being good timing because we were up here for the Jimmy Buffet concert in East Troy, Wisconsin,” said Todd.
Extra, Extra...
UWRF student Laura Wojchik from Amery, Wis., staffed a popular place this afternoon: the Falcon Foods ice cream stand. Wojchik, a marketing communications major, counts working for Falcon Foods, the on-campus cheese, meat, and ice cream supplier, as her summer job. She assists in marketing, selling, and even making the ice cream. “Today’s best-selling flavor has been cookie dough,” said Wojchik. “Ice cream is selling so fast we’re going to have to make more on Wednesday.” Also on sale at Falcon Foods are beef sticks, water, and cheese curds ready for the deep fryer. “People ask me what cheese curds are all the time,” said Wojchik. She stays cool in her stand with the help of a fan, and of course, a little ice cream now and then.
Working the sleds after practice today was fullbacks Boomer Grigsby, Greg Hanoian, Gilbert Harris, and tight end Kris Wilson. Wide receivers Brad Ekwerekwu, Chris Hannon, and Brent Little took the opportunity to catch passes from the Juggs machine.
Quarterback Brodie Croyle took the podium after practice for a six minute interview with the press. He approached the stand and asked if it was okay to set his foot up on the podium step. The Alabama alum said that his experience with the attention of fans during his tenure as a collegiate athlete has helped him with the spotlight in the NFL. When asked what the difference between a first-year and a second-year quarterback Croyle explained, “It’s a huge difference. I actually get to play this year.” He later went on to say that he did not expect to be competing for a starting spot so soon into his career but was excited for the opportunity to do so. Croyle shared that his preparation for this summer’s training camp was no different then last year. Going into last year’s training camp, Croyle said he knew he was the number three. Croyle believes the coaches have not made any decisions regarding this year's starting quarterback yet. “They won’t make a decision I wouldn’t think until the end of pre-season,” said Croyle. He was quick to say that you can feel like a team is yours, but you cannot call the team yours until you prove to them on Sundays that you are going to make plays and win games for it. Croyle also explained that he still has to work on some things like getting up the ball quicker and not forcing things. “That’s what training camp is for: to get better and improve on the things I need to improve on,” he said. The session ended with a few questions on the quarterback’s recent wedding. He said he has not experienced life a married man yet because he has been at training camp; the only difference is he “has to wear a ring.”
After most players left the field, a few got in some extra work on the Juggs machine catching punts. Wide receivers Titus Ryan and Ean Randolph, along with cornerback Justin Phinisee took reps for about 15 minutes.
Summary of the day's events, per UW-RF:
Monday, July 30, 2007: Training Camp News
A temperature of 89 degrees awaited players, staff, and fans at Chiefs camp this afternoon. Light wind from the southwest at seven miles per hour did little to cool down spectators, but the humidity was only 38 percent. The dew point was 60. Some 157 fans assembled to watch the Chiefs practice.
Offense
Tight end Jason Dunn and running back Priest Holmes ran through drills with Strength and Conditioning Coach Cedric Smith in a separate section of the field today. Dunn and Holmes practiced cutting and gradually getting up to speed, along with some foot work.
The kick-off unit started practice again this evening with a drill that worked on the return. Kicker Justin Medlock took about a dozen live kicks. Cornerback Justin Phinisee and wide receivers Samie Parker and Ean Randolph appeared to be favorites to receive the ball. Cornerback Michael Bragg blew past running back Kolby Smith on a 40-yard return down the right side. Smith was not happy to have let Bragg get by him and clapped his hands together as if he were trying to fire himself up.
For the second time during camp, the Chiefs ran threw a mock field goal drill. Kicker Justin Medlock made 5-6 against no rush. The defense went as far as to put their arms in the air as Medlock took kicks from the 20, 30, and 40-yard lines. His miss was from the 40-yard right hash mark and was wide, going to the left of the goal post.
The 11-on-11 drill was broken up into four sessions in live play. Quarterback Brodie Croyle was 16-18. He had an incomplete on a 28-yard pass across the right field that went too high for wide receiver Samie Parker, and another on an attempted flat-dump pass to Parker on the left side that was deflected by safety Bernard Pollard. Quarterback Damon Huard was 12-15. His errors came from a low 20-yard pass to running back Marcus O’Keith, thrown across the left side of the field to tight end Tony Gonzalez, and a tipped 13-yard pass by linebacker Keyaron Fox to right field that was intended for wide receiver Chris Hannon. Quarterbacks Casey Printers and Jeff Terrell were 5-7 and 4-5, respectively.
Many fans may believe that the offensive line is set, but at question is who will fill the right tackle position. Tackles Herb Taylor, Kevin Sampson, and Chris Terry are ones to watch for the spot. The line has been working through many one-on-one drills in man-to- man competition at every practice. Today’s practice was physical between the linemen and who are top contenders for the job will come down to live play.
Defense
This afternoon was the first time that defensive line Coach Tim Krumrie used the large orange ball in his work out. In this drill each defensive lineman would bend down on his knees and Krumrie would push the ball at the player. The player then would use all his force to push the ball back to the coach.
The defensive backs worked against the wide receivers in a passing/coverage drill. The quarterbacks practiced leading their wide receivers, while the defensive backs do all they can with out causing a penalty to knock the ball down. Cornerback Justin Phinisee made a very nice interception. The most attention was given to cornerback Dimitri Patterson, but it wasn't for a good reason. Wide receiver Titus Ryan did a curl route and made a quick turn causing Patterson to fall down. Patterson stayed on the ground slamming his hands on the grass repeatedly. Defensive backs coach David Gibbs yelled "get off the ground, get off the ground!"
One of the biggest plays made by the defense in practice today was when quarterback Damon Huard dropped back to pass in a 7-on-7 drill. He threw the ball to Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez hitting him in the hands. Gonzalez got hit in the back by cornerback Benny Sapp causing the ball to pop up in the air. Linebacker William Kershaw was right there to snatched the ball out of the air and took it the other way. This play got the biggest reaction out of the players watching on the sidelines.
The team started its 11-on-11 practice and things heated up. Defensive end Jared Allen and guard John Welbourn got in to a little pushing match after a play. Allen is a very aggressive player and can get on the nerves other players that get matched up against him.
Another play that highlighted the 11-on-11 practice was when Huard threw the ball to wide receiver Rod Gardner. Gardner was hustling on the play and complained that safety John McGraw was holding him up. Gardner showed his anger by raising his hand up from his waist area, which is the motion referee's make when they throw a flag. There are referees on the field, but they are their just to record offsides and players lined up wrong.
The other outstanding play of the day would have been a game changing play, and was completely an individual effort. Safety Bernard Pollard rushed quarterback Brodie Croyle breaking through the line with his hands high in the air. Pollard jumped and tipped Croyle's pass attempt to the right side. Pollard was able to stay with the ball and make the interception on the play.
The defensive backs worked a lot of their nickel formations. When Coach David Gibbs called for the nickel unit, cornerback Justin Phinisee would join the unit. Phinisee is playing his first year with the Chiefs, and can play any position in the secondary. He is competing with a lot of other talented players for a roster spot.
The 7-on-7 moved to the red zone area, but most of the passing plays weren't aimed for the end zone, just quick out passes. The red zone defense needs work from last season when it ranked 23rd.
Defensive tackle Alfonso Boone hurt his left hand on a play. As he stood on the sideline taking off his tape and glove three trainers came over to take a look at his injury. They looked at his hand for about five minutes and then one of them followed him in the locker room ending his practice for the day.
Special Teams
Punter Dustin Colquitt worked on his punting form with two Chiefs staff members near the end of afternoon practice. One of the staff members fired the ball to Colquitt, who caught it and dropped it, stopping just short of the kick. The tosses to him were varied, including several only a few inches off of the ground.
Fans
Fresh from the Packers' training camp in De Pere, Wis., Vicki Mullins, Chad Bryse, and Doug Olund with daughter Nikki, all of Hudson, Wis., were taking in a little Chiefs action in River Falls today before heading home. Mullins, originally from Kansas City, was excited to be out there cheering on her team. Mullins is also one of the many volunteers that help make the training camp possible.
Colin Edwards, 8, of Hudson, Wis., kept cool while sitting in the shade enjoying a frozen lemonade from the concession stand. Edwards' favorite player is fullback Boomer Grigsby. “I want a mohawk just like him, but my mom said no,” said Edwards. This is his second time coming to the Chiefs' Summer Training Camp and he is hoping to get an autograph from as many players as he can.
Katie Nelson, a senior at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, was at afternoon practice today. This is the first time Nelson has ever been to a Chiefs practice, and said she had a great time. Aside from the heat, Nelson enjoyed watching her favorite players, including tight end Tony Gonzalez, and quarterback Brodie Croyle. Nelson also plans to attend Family Fun Night on Aug. 8, and hopes to receive these players’ autographs.
Aaron Bistram, from Grantsburg, Wis., was enjoying his first time at Chiefs camp. He mentioned that it is exciting watching the players and being able to hear Head Coach Herm Edwards’ calls. Some of Bistram’s favorite Chiefs players include running backs Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson, tight end Tony Gonzalez, and linebacker Derrick Johnson.
Kelly and Ann Sheridan, from Olathe, Kan., were having a great time relaxing under umbrellas in the shade. The mother and daughter have been coming to camp for seven years, and had to leave Ann’s husband, Tim, at home this summer due to work. Kelly and Ann love coming to River Falls for Chiefs camp each summer because “it is usually not as hot as Kansas, and the people are very accommodating.” Kelly, whose all-time favorite player is running back Larry Johnson, hopes that he will be back with the team soon. The Sheridans are also both fans of tight end Tony Gonzalez and running back Priest Holmes.
Todd and Teresa Green from Papillion, Neb., came back to Chiefs camp today after a 10-year hiatus. “I became a Chiefs fan when I was little because my dad took me to games,” said Todd. “When Teresa and I hooked up she was kind of a half-Miami Dolphins fan and half Chiefs fan, and I converted her.” Teresa named her favorite player as defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson, as they both count Oklahoma as their alma mater. She even had a special jersey made with his name and number, which Wilkerson signed yesterday. The Greens were able to take in more Wisconsin entertainment on their vacation before coming to camp. “It ended up being good timing because we were up here for the Jimmy Buffet concert in East Troy, Wisconsin,” said Todd.
Extra, Extra...
UWRF student Laura Wojchik from Amery, Wis., staffed a popular place this afternoon: the Falcon Foods ice cream stand. Wojchik, a marketing communications major, counts working for Falcon Foods, the on-campus cheese, meat, and ice cream supplier, as her summer job. She assists in marketing, selling, and even making the ice cream. “Today’s best-selling flavor has been cookie dough,” said Wojchik. “Ice cream is selling so fast we’re going to have to make more on Wednesday.” Also on sale at Falcon Foods are beef sticks, water, and cheese curds ready for the deep fryer. “People ask me what cheese curds are all the time,” said Wojchik. She stays cool in her stand with the help of a fan, and of course, a little ice cream now and then.
Working the sleds after practice today was fullbacks Boomer Grigsby, Greg Hanoian, Gilbert Harris, and tight end Kris Wilson. Wide receivers Brad Ekwerekwu, Chris Hannon, and Brent Little took the opportunity to catch passes from the Juggs machine.
Quarterback Brodie Croyle took the podium after practice for a six minute interview with the press. He approached the stand and asked if it was okay to set his foot up on the podium step. The Alabama alum said that his experience with the attention of fans during his tenure as a collegiate athlete has helped him with the spotlight in the NFL. When asked what the difference between a first-year and a second-year quarterback Croyle explained, “It’s a huge difference. I actually get to play this year.” He later went on to say that he did not expect to be competing for a starting spot so soon into his career but was excited for the opportunity to do so. Croyle shared that his preparation for this summer’s training camp was no different then last year. Going into last year’s training camp, Croyle said he knew he was the number three. Croyle believes the coaches have not made any decisions regarding this year's starting quarterback yet. “They won’t make a decision I wouldn’t think until the end of pre-season,” said Croyle. He was quick to say that you can feel like a team is yours, but you cannot call the team yours until you prove to them on Sundays that you are going to make plays and win games for it. Croyle also explained that he still has to work on some things like getting up the ball quicker and not forcing things. “That’s what training camp is for: to get better and improve on the things I need to improve on,” he said. The session ended with a few questions on the quarterback’s recent wedding. He said he has not experienced life a married man yet because he has been at training camp; the only difference is he “has to wear a ring.”
After most players left the field, a few got in some extra work on the Juggs machine catching punts. Wide receivers Titus Ryan and Ean Randolph, along with cornerback Justin Phinisee took reps for about 15 minutes.