Direckshun
07-31-2007, 08:00 PM
Well over 500 pictures: http://www.uwrf.edu/chiefs/photogallery/070731pm/index.html
Update of the session by UW-RF:
Tuesday, July 31, 2007: Training Camp News
The eyes of 72 fans were on Ramer Field today as the team practiced within the stadium. With a temperature of 89 degrees, most Chiefs fans sought the shelter of shaded seats in or under the bleachers. A blustering wind from the south-southwest at 12 miles per hour, gusting to 17 miles per hour, assisted in cooling down the crowd. Humidity was at 36 percent, and the dew point was 58.
Offense
Special teams got practice started with punt drills on Ramer Field. The crew also ran a 2-on-1 drill with two defenders on one ball carrier. Taking off from two vertical lines on the 30-yard line, two defenders closed in on a ball carrier coming up field from the end zone. After stretches and line drills, the offense took over Ramer Field for drills broken up by position. Quarterbacks got took directions from Dick Curl, assistant head coach and quarterbacks, who pointed every which way he wanted the quarterbacks to move with the balls. Curl had a little fun with quarterback Brodie Croyle and had him switching directions and shuffling forward, to the side, back, forward, and to the side again. Wide receivers practiced getting around a defender by a change of direction, coming back for the pass and running the corner to receive a short-range pass from assistant coaches. Running backs and fullbacks took hand-offs from quarterback Jeff Terrell from the 5-yard line. They ran from the end zone up middle field for 10 yards. Using blocking pads, tight ends and offensive linemen ran through one-on-ones.
The offense made good use of Ramer Field, taking up both sides for much of practice. A 7-on-7 drill was ran midway through practice as the line went to work on through one-on-one blocking. In an interesting drill that paired wide receivers against defensive backs, tight ends against safeties and full backs and running backs against linebackers, the offense and defense practiced pass coverage, beating the defender, receiving, and reading each others moves all at once.
Quarterback Brodie Croyle took 26 reps between two sessions of 11-on-11. There were no hits during the drill. Croyle worked in the red zone during the first session for four reps. Before the second rep, Head Coach Herm Edwards called a delay of game penalty on the offense. That session, Croyle threw an interception on a short range pass to the right corner of the end zone that was taken by cornerback Benny Sapp. The pass was intended for wide receiver Chris Hannon. The third rep, Croyle threw an eight-yard pass to the middle; tight end Keith Willis could not hang on to the ball as it bounced out of his hands. Croyle also had a 10-yard throw mid-field to Willis and a left 5-yard outlet to running back Kolby Smith from the 7-yard line.
During the second session, Croyle started the drill with an incomplete to tight end Kris Wilson. Linebacker Derrick Johnson got his fingertips on the pass and as the ball was tipped in the air, it hit the ground before any one could cover it. Struggling throughout practice, the offensive line had trouble competing against the rush. Defensive end Tamba Hali would have earned a sack on Croyle during the second take had it been live play. The defense also won the next rep when defensive end Jared Allen slapped down a dump pass to the middle. Next Coyle threw a 12-yard pass wide to the right of tight end Keith Willis. Running back Kolby Smith had four carriers (three to the left and one to the right) during the second session. Getting one pass each were wide receivers Rod Gardner, Chris Hannon, and Jeff Webb, and tight ends Mike Pinkard and Willis. Running back Samie Parker received three passes and fullback Greg Hanoian had one carry through the middle and received one left outlet. Quarterback Casey Printers ran 11 reps. On the fourth, wide receiver Ean Randolph could not hang on to a 45-yard pass to the left side line. Printers had one throw away to the right side line. Quarterback Jeff Terrell took seven snaps. Running back Marcus O’Keith fumbled on the second rep after a 10-yard run to the left; the ball popped out of his arms.
Defense
In the morning practice, safety Bernard Pollard dislocated his finger, but that did not slow him down one bit this afternoon. Pollard strolled on the practice field at about 4:09 p.m., shortly after his team. This showed a lot of character considering this was a light practice that a lot of veterans were not present at. Many players were not practicing, including cornerbacks Patrick Surtain and Ty Law because they are veterans and need to give the younger guys more reps.
In an interview after the practice, safety Jared Page talked about how he was excited to be opposite side of Pollard. About Pollard, Page says, “He works hard, he’s a heavy hitter.” In the morning practice Page got yelled at for not following his assignment, because he was trying too hard. In response he said, “It's hard to pull back sometimes. At the safety position you can’t try and make plays; you have to wait till the play comes to you and then go after it.”
The defense met the offense on Ramer Field after the drills to work on some 7-on-7, 11-on-11, and coverage drills. The team practiced their red zone defense working inside the 10-yard line. The players were not wearing any type of padding so the hits were limited, but the coaches were all over the players to hustle. The sideline vocals were lead, as usual, by Defensive Line Coach Tim Krumrie and Head Coach Herm Edwards. They both shouted, “Run to the ball; have quickness; go to the whistle!”
The best play of the day was made by cornerback Benny Sapp. He was able to jump in front of wide receiver Chris Hannon to intercept the ball thrown by quarterback Brodie Croyle. The pass was a fade route to the back of the end zone that Sapp held on to making a great play.
Linebacker Donnie Edwards had a standout practice, showing everyone why the Chiefs signed him. Edwards was on top of the ball all practice and knocked the ball out of the air a few times. The linebackers as a whole performed well in a drill where they were covering the running backs, tight ends, and fullbacks. Linebacker William Kershaw was on tight end Kris Wilson on a pass by Croyle. According to NFL.com, Kershaw is third on the depth chart among right outside linebackers; anything positive that he can do to get some playing time if one of the starters goes down will have to be proven in camp.
The defense were given a chance to get more looks at young quarterback Brodie Croyle since quarterback Damon Huard did not take any reps. Croyle worked on rolling out of the pocket and throwing the ball while he was running. The defensive did not put a lot of pressure on him while he was outside of the pocket, but when he stayed in the pocket, the defensive ends were able to cause some trouble. Defensive end Jared Allen was able to come around the end and deflect the ball into the air, nearly causing an interception. In this practice, the star players made the big plays.
Special Teams
On the windiest day of practice it is fitting that kicker Justin Medlock had his worst practice. Medlock went 3-6, the longest being 47 yards. He missed a few times from the left hash mark. When the ball struck the post, the players and fans made groaned audibly and Medlock had to kick the ball again. There no rush on this drill, but Medlock still had some trouble.
Fans
John and Julie Gerstberger from Rib Lake, Wis., stood as close to the field as ropes would allow today. The pair both had cameras in tow. “I like to get pictures of the whole team. I have books of pictures of camp from years past,” said John. “Instead of autographs, I like to get my picture taken with coaches and players.” John has been fortunate enough to get pictures snapped with former head coaches Dick Vermeil and Gunther Cunningham, as well as current head coach Herm Edwards and President Carl Peterson. “I wait year round for this vacation. I take my vacation watching the Chiefs in River Falls,” said John.
Kathy Hale, from St. Joseph, Mo., is here in River Falls for her fifth Chiefs camp. Hale, also a season ticket holder with her husband Jim, loves to be in close proximity to the players, as well as the opportunity for autographs. Kathy has received autographs this summer from players such as defensive ends Jared Allen and Tambi Hali, Head Coach Herm Edwards, and Chiefs President Carl Peterson. Some of Kathy’s favorite players include safety Bernard Pollard and linebacker Donnie Edwards.
This is the first time at camp for Jason Ruddke and his son Jack, 8. The Ruddkes are from Kansas City, Mo., and were present today at this morning’s Kids Days. Jack, who was wearing a Chief’s tattoo on his hand, loved being able to meet Chiefs mascot KC Wolf and University of Wisconsin- River Falls mascot Freddy the Falcon. Jack also loved getting his face painted and playing mini-golf with the other little Chiefs fans.
A season ticket holder since 1981, Bob Danley of Blue Springs, Mo., has been dressing up since 1997 as “the Pope” of the Kansas City Chiefs. Danley has a hearse, which he brings to most games complete with a casket in back; he even brings fans for rides. The costume and hearse is a symbol of “burying the other team and as the Pope, I administer their last rights,” said Danley. “I grew up with the Chiefs, it’s a tradition. I did it with my dad, and I hope to one day soon do it with my own kids.” Danley and his wife, Angela, along with family friends Kathy and Russ Pierce, from Salina, Kan., stage conversion ceremonies with Raiders fans while tailgating in the parking lot of Arrowhead Stadium. Bob and Angela's daughters, Abbey, 6, and Libby, 4, were participants in this morning's Kid's Day festivities. "My favorite part of Kid's Day was getting my face painted," said Libby. "I really like KC Wolf."
Leonard Watts of Kansas City has been a Chiefs season ticket holder for the last 32 years. Here with his wife, Liz, and their grandkids, Mimi Miller, 15, and her sister Kiki, 9, are all enjoying their time in Wisconsin while watching their all-time favorite team, the Kansas City Chiefs. Leonard has been keeping up with the Chiefs since they were called the Dallas Texans, and has no intention of stopping anytime soon. The four are confident in their favorite team. Leonard believes he has the secret to a great season for the Chiefs: “Tell [Head Coach] Herm Edwards if he wants to win a Super Bowl, get in contact with me.”
Drew Martin, a senior at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls was at camp today with his Big Brothers – Big Sisters organization little brother, Josh Rudesill, 12, of River Falls.. The two decided to stop by the Chiefs' practice for about 30 minutes to see a professional team in action. Rudesill’s favorite position is anything on the defensive line. “I like defense; I like to knock people over,” said Rudesill. Both Martin and Rudesill may be back on Saturday’s game when the Chiefs practice with the Vikings.
Cindy McHenry of Greenfield, Wis., came to Chiefs camp today with husband Howard and nephew Anthony Hatton, 15, of Columbia, Mo. Cindy calls herself a “displaced Chiefs fan in the middle of Packer country.” She counts her favorite member of the Chiefs as Defensive Coordinator Gunther Cunningham. “I love his fiery attitude and his motivational spirit,” says Cindy. “He’s just different; I love his energy.” The McHenry's have been coming to Chiefs camp for the past eight years, and are season ticket holders. They flew nephew Anthony up to Chiefs camp so he could have the opportunity to watch a professional team in action. Anthony is a wide receiver on the football team at Hickman High School. “I’d like to play professional football when I grow up, in particular for the Chiefs,” said Anthony. Cindy revealed that Anthony was in for a surprise: Defensive tackle DeMarcus ‘Tank’ Tyler promised to give up his gloves for him after today’s practice.
Extra, Extra...
Just before practice began, the security alarm on a black Lexus in the parking lot screeched, startling the entire crowd assembled along the rail. It turned out that there was no attempted theft; the alarm was tripped by the owner by mistake.
Since linebacker Nate Harris, tight end Jason Dunn, and running back Priest Holmes, are all currently not dressing in pads, they are working on the side with Strength and Conditioning Coach Cedric Smith. All three of the men worked on hurdles with Smith to increase their leg strength and balance. In this drill, the players lifted each foot over the hurdles, but facing the hurdles from the side. Running back Michael Bennett, tight end Tony Gonzalez and wide receiver Eddie Kennison were also among those who did not suit up.
Signing autographs after practice today were safety Greg Wesley, tight ends Tony Gonzalez and Jason Dunn, wide receiver Brad Ekwerekwu, quarterback BrodieCroyle, tackle George Batiste, and defensive end Jared Allen.
Quarterback Damon Huard met with the press after practice today to discuss the quarterback competition. Huard seemed to echo what he has been saying from day one; that competition is nothing new and it is all a part of being an NFL player. Huard explained that he and fellow quarterback Brodie Croyle have a good relationship and compete to make each other and the Chiefs better. Huard expressed that if he lost the job, he would only be okay with it under one circumstance: “I wouldn’t have trouble if I knew I did my very best.” Explaining how his experiences as a back-up quarterback behind some of the NFL’s most historic coaches and players is something that has helped him to grow as a player. Huard said that he is proud to be a Chief and is blessed to have gotten two Super Bowl rings despite never taking a snap in either game. As far as his control over the coaches' decision, Huard expressed he can only play with everything he is capable of, and the rest is out of his hands. Although he would like to be able to lead an offense of his own, he said, “This is football - you never know how this game unfolds, but you always prepare to play. When an opportunity comes, you step in and make the most of it.”
Update of the session by UW-RF:
Tuesday, July 31, 2007: Training Camp News
The eyes of 72 fans were on Ramer Field today as the team practiced within the stadium. With a temperature of 89 degrees, most Chiefs fans sought the shelter of shaded seats in or under the bleachers. A blustering wind from the south-southwest at 12 miles per hour, gusting to 17 miles per hour, assisted in cooling down the crowd. Humidity was at 36 percent, and the dew point was 58.
Offense
Special teams got practice started with punt drills on Ramer Field. The crew also ran a 2-on-1 drill with two defenders on one ball carrier. Taking off from two vertical lines on the 30-yard line, two defenders closed in on a ball carrier coming up field from the end zone. After stretches and line drills, the offense took over Ramer Field for drills broken up by position. Quarterbacks got took directions from Dick Curl, assistant head coach and quarterbacks, who pointed every which way he wanted the quarterbacks to move with the balls. Curl had a little fun with quarterback Brodie Croyle and had him switching directions and shuffling forward, to the side, back, forward, and to the side again. Wide receivers practiced getting around a defender by a change of direction, coming back for the pass and running the corner to receive a short-range pass from assistant coaches. Running backs and fullbacks took hand-offs from quarterback Jeff Terrell from the 5-yard line. They ran from the end zone up middle field for 10 yards. Using blocking pads, tight ends and offensive linemen ran through one-on-ones.
The offense made good use of Ramer Field, taking up both sides for much of practice. A 7-on-7 drill was ran midway through practice as the line went to work on through one-on-one blocking. In an interesting drill that paired wide receivers against defensive backs, tight ends against safeties and full backs and running backs against linebackers, the offense and defense practiced pass coverage, beating the defender, receiving, and reading each others moves all at once.
Quarterback Brodie Croyle took 26 reps between two sessions of 11-on-11. There were no hits during the drill. Croyle worked in the red zone during the first session for four reps. Before the second rep, Head Coach Herm Edwards called a delay of game penalty on the offense. That session, Croyle threw an interception on a short range pass to the right corner of the end zone that was taken by cornerback Benny Sapp. The pass was intended for wide receiver Chris Hannon. The third rep, Croyle threw an eight-yard pass to the middle; tight end Keith Willis could not hang on to the ball as it bounced out of his hands. Croyle also had a 10-yard throw mid-field to Willis and a left 5-yard outlet to running back Kolby Smith from the 7-yard line.
During the second session, Croyle started the drill with an incomplete to tight end Kris Wilson. Linebacker Derrick Johnson got his fingertips on the pass and as the ball was tipped in the air, it hit the ground before any one could cover it. Struggling throughout practice, the offensive line had trouble competing against the rush. Defensive end Tamba Hali would have earned a sack on Croyle during the second take had it been live play. The defense also won the next rep when defensive end Jared Allen slapped down a dump pass to the middle. Next Coyle threw a 12-yard pass wide to the right of tight end Keith Willis. Running back Kolby Smith had four carriers (three to the left and one to the right) during the second session. Getting one pass each were wide receivers Rod Gardner, Chris Hannon, and Jeff Webb, and tight ends Mike Pinkard and Willis. Running back Samie Parker received three passes and fullback Greg Hanoian had one carry through the middle and received one left outlet. Quarterback Casey Printers ran 11 reps. On the fourth, wide receiver Ean Randolph could not hang on to a 45-yard pass to the left side line. Printers had one throw away to the right side line. Quarterback Jeff Terrell took seven snaps. Running back Marcus O’Keith fumbled on the second rep after a 10-yard run to the left; the ball popped out of his arms.
Defense
In the morning practice, safety Bernard Pollard dislocated his finger, but that did not slow him down one bit this afternoon. Pollard strolled on the practice field at about 4:09 p.m., shortly after his team. This showed a lot of character considering this was a light practice that a lot of veterans were not present at. Many players were not practicing, including cornerbacks Patrick Surtain and Ty Law because they are veterans and need to give the younger guys more reps.
In an interview after the practice, safety Jared Page talked about how he was excited to be opposite side of Pollard. About Pollard, Page says, “He works hard, he’s a heavy hitter.” In the morning practice Page got yelled at for not following his assignment, because he was trying too hard. In response he said, “It's hard to pull back sometimes. At the safety position you can’t try and make plays; you have to wait till the play comes to you and then go after it.”
The defense met the offense on Ramer Field after the drills to work on some 7-on-7, 11-on-11, and coverage drills. The team practiced their red zone defense working inside the 10-yard line. The players were not wearing any type of padding so the hits were limited, but the coaches were all over the players to hustle. The sideline vocals were lead, as usual, by Defensive Line Coach Tim Krumrie and Head Coach Herm Edwards. They both shouted, “Run to the ball; have quickness; go to the whistle!”
The best play of the day was made by cornerback Benny Sapp. He was able to jump in front of wide receiver Chris Hannon to intercept the ball thrown by quarterback Brodie Croyle. The pass was a fade route to the back of the end zone that Sapp held on to making a great play.
Linebacker Donnie Edwards had a standout practice, showing everyone why the Chiefs signed him. Edwards was on top of the ball all practice and knocked the ball out of the air a few times. The linebackers as a whole performed well in a drill where they were covering the running backs, tight ends, and fullbacks. Linebacker William Kershaw was on tight end Kris Wilson on a pass by Croyle. According to NFL.com, Kershaw is third on the depth chart among right outside linebackers; anything positive that he can do to get some playing time if one of the starters goes down will have to be proven in camp.
The defense were given a chance to get more looks at young quarterback Brodie Croyle since quarterback Damon Huard did not take any reps. Croyle worked on rolling out of the pocket and throwing the ball while he was running. The defensive did not put a lot of pressure on him while he was outside of the pocket, but when he stayed in the pocket, the defensive ends were able to cause some trouble. Defensive end Jared Allen was able to come around the end and deflect the ball into the air, nearly causing an interception. In this practice, the star players made the big plays.
Special Teams
On the windiest day of practice it is fitting that kicker Justin Medlock had his worst practice. Medlock went 3-6, the longest being 47 yards. He missed a few times from the left hash mark. When the ball struck the post, the players and fans made groaned audibly and Medlock had to kick the ball again. There no rush on this drill, but Medlock still had some trouble.
Fans
John and Julie Gerstberger from Rib Lake, Wis., stood as close to the field as ropes would allow today. The pair both had cameras in tow. “I like to get pictures of the whole team. I have books of pictures of camp from years past,” said John. “Instead of autographs, I like to get my picture taken with coaches and players.” John has been fortunate enough to get pictures snapped with former head coaches Dick Vermeil and Gunther Cunningham, as well as current head coach Herm Edwards and President Carl Peterson. “I wait year round for this vacation. I take my vacation watching the Chiefs in River Falls,” said John.
Kathy Hale, from St. Joseph, Mo., is here in River Falls for her fifth Chiefs camp. Hale, also a season ticket holder with her husband Jim, loves to be in close proximity to the players, as well as the opportunity for autographs. Kathy has received autographs this summer from players such as defensive ends Jared Allen and Tambi Hali, Head Coach Herm Edwards, and Chiefs President Carl Peterson. Some of Kathy’s favorite players include safety Bernard Pollard and linebacker Donnie Edwards.
This is the first time at camp for Jason Ruddke and his son Jack, 8. The Ruddkes are from Kansas City, Mo., and were present today at this morning’s Kids Days. Jack, who was wearing a Chief’s tattoo on his hand, loved being able to meet Chiefs mascot KC Wolf and University of Wisconsin- River Falls mascot Freddy the Falcon. Jack also loved getting his face painted and playing mini-golf with the other little Chiefs fans.
A season ticket holder since 1981, Bob Danley of Blue Springs, Mo., has been dressing up since 1997 as “the Pope” of the Kansas City Chiefs. Danley has a hearse, which he brings to most games complete with a casket in back; he even brings fans for rides. The costume and hearse is a symbol of “burying the other team and as the Pope, I administer their last rights,” said Danley. “I grew up with the Chiefs, it’s a tradition. I did it with my dad, and I hope to one day soon do it with my own kids.” Danley and his wife, Angela, along with family friends Kathy and Russ Pierce, from Salina, Kan., stage conversion ceremonies with Raiders fans while tailgating in the parking lot of Arrowhead Stadium. Bob and Angela's daughters, Abbey, 6, and Libby, 4, were participants in this morning's Kid's Day festivities. "My favorite part of Kid's Day was getting my face painted," said Libby. "I really like KC Wolf."
Leonard Watts of Kansas City has been a Chiefs season ticket holder for the last 32 years. Here with his wife, Liz, and their grandkids, Mimi Miller, 15, and her sister Kiki, 9, are all enjoying their time in Wisconsin while watching their all-time favorite team, the Kansas City Chiefs. Leonard has been keeping up with the Chiefs since they were called the Dallas Texans, and has no intention of stopping anytime soon. The four are confident in their favorite team. Leonard believes he has the secret to a great season for the Chiefs: “Tell [Head Coach] Herm Edwards if he wants to win a Super Bowl, get in contact with me.”
Drew Martin, a senior at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls was at camp today with his Big Brothers – Big Sisters organization little brother, Josh Rudesill, 12, of River Falls.. The two decided to stop by the Chiefs' practice for about 30 minutes to see a professional team in action. Rudesill’s favorite position is anything on the defensive line. “I like defense; I like to knock people over,” said Rudesill. Both Martin and Rudesill may be back on Saturday’s game when the Chiefs practice with the Vikings.
Cindy McHenry of Greenfield, Wis., came to Chiefs camp today with husband Howard and nephew Anthony Hatton, 15, of Columbia, Mo. Cindy calls herself a “displaced Chiefs fan in the middle of Packer country.” She counts her favorite member of the Chiefs as Defensive Coordinator Gunther Cunningham. “I love his fiery attitude and his motivational spirit,” says Cindy. “He’s just different; I love his energy.” The McHenry's have been coming to Chiefs camp for the past eight years, and are season ticket holders. They flew nephew Anthony up to Chiefs camp so he could have the opportunity to watch a professional team in action. Anthony is a wide receiver on the football team at Hickman High School. “I’d like to play professional football when I grow up, in particular for the Chiefs,” said Anthony. Cindy revealed that Anthony was in for a surprise: Defensive tackle DeMarcus ‘Tank’ Tyler promised to give up his gloves for him after today’s practice.
Extra, Extra...
Just before practice began, the security alarm on a black Lexus in the parking lot screeched, startling the entire crowd assembled along the rail. It turned out that there was no attempted theft; the alarm was tripped by the owner by mistake.
Since linebacker Nate Harris, tight end Jason Dunn, and running back Priest Holmes, are all currently not dressing in pads, they are working on the side with Strength and Conditioning Coach Cedric Smith. All three of the men worked on hurdles with Smith to increase their leg strength and balance. In this drill, the players lifted each foot over the hurdles, but facing the hurdles from the side. Running back Michael Bennett, tight end Tony Gonzalez and wide receiver Eddie Kennison were also among those who did not suit up.
Signing autographs after practice today were safety Greg Wesley, tight ends Tony Gonzalez and Jason Dunn, wide receiver Brad Ekwerekwu, quarterback BrodieCroyle, tackle George Batiste, and defensive end Jared Allen.
Quarterback Damon Huard met with the press after practice today to discuss the quarterback competition. Huard seemed to echo what he has been saying from day one; that competition is nothing new and it is all a part of being an NFL player. Huard explained that he and fellow quarterback Brodie Croyle have a good relationship and compete to make each other and the Chiefs better. Huard expressed that if he lost the job, he would only be okay with it under one circumstance: “I wouldn’t have trouble if I knew I did my very best.” Explaining how his experiences as a back-up quarterback behind some of the NFL’s most historic coaches and players is something that has helped him to grow as a player. Huard said that he is proud to be a Chief and is blessed to have gotten two Super Bowl rings despite never taking a snap in either game. As far as his control over the coaches' decision, Huard expressed he can only play with everything he is capable of, and the rest is out of his hands. Although he would like to be able to lead an offense of his own, he said, “This is football - you never know how this game unfolds, but you always prepare to play. When an opportunity comes, you step in and make the most of it.”