ChiefsPlanet - Chiefs ****The Official 2009 Training Camp Update Thread****

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Practice Update 9/1 A.M.
September 1, 2009 - | Comments (12)

From the Truman Sports Complex

On the first day of September, Todd Haley was just as demanding on his team as he was on the first day of August.

In the last segment of Tuesday’s practice, Haley was unhappy with the effort of his second-team offense and defense as they worked the two-minute drill. Just one play away from the end of practice an agitated Haley made them start the segment again.

“This was a Friday-type polish (practice) and we expect everything to be perfect,” Haley said. “It wasn’t there today.”

The offensive pace of practice was faster in Haley’s second day as coordinator, but not fast enough for him.

“When I get offensive minded I think up tempo, practice should pick up, we should be fast out of the huddle and up to the line, the ball should get snapped fairly quickly; that’s what I expect,” said Haley. “Was it there today like I want it? No, but between yesterday and today I was encouraged. There are some new things for the guys to learn.”

Otherwise it was a practice with a lot of special teams work getting ready for Thursday’s pre-season finale in St. Louis. The team will have a short walkthrough practice on Wednesday before heading to the ‘Lou. Haley announced that Brodie Croyle will start at quarterback for the Chiefs against the Rams. How long he plays will depend on how effective the offense is with him directing the attack.

“We are going to play it by ear,” said Haley. “We need to get better and this is a chance to get better. We are going to have to see how it goes.”

Other news and notes from the practice:

– The Chiefs were not releasing their cuts to 75 yet, but we know that DE Alfonso Boone is one of the five as he was released. It also figures that WR Devard Darling will head to the injured-reserve list with his knee injury. Missing from practice were veteran WR Amani Toomer and rookie OT Cameron Goldberg, an indication they too have been sent to the waiver wire.

– There were 11 players on the roster not taking part in the practice: Boone, Goldberg, Toomer, Darling and Cassel were not on the field. Working in the rehab area were: ILB Zach Thomas, FS Jarrad Page, SS Bernard Pollard, TE Jake O’Connell, CB Brandon Flowers and RB Kolby Smith.

– Rookie CB Donald Washington is running with the first team defense at the LCB spot in place of Flowers. It looks like he’ll get the start against St. Louis. The first team safeties in practice were Jon McGraw and Mike Brown. ILB Demorrio Williams continues to run with the first team defense at ILB next to Corey Mays, with Derrick Johnson working second team.

– In the practice, OLB Mike Vrabel picked off Thigpen, while Brown had a pair of interceptions, getting both Thigpen and Matt Gutierrez.

– Another noticeable no-show at practice was GM Scott Pioli.