From 810's website (
http://www.810whb.com/article/1263):
Notes from Nate Bukaty at Tuesday’s Chiefs practice:
Just one practice for the Chiefs on Tuesday, so the intensity level was high. Once again, the defense seemed to get the better of the offense. It was one of the warmer days in camp thus far, and Todd Haley liked the way his team handled the heat.
The competition for the backup quarterback spot continues. On Monday, Brodie Croyle worked with the second team, while Tyler Thigpen practiced with the third string. This morning, the Chiefs released an updated depth chart, which listed Croyle as the backup. But in Tuesday’s practice, Thigpen took all of the snaps with the second team. Neither guy is doing anything to take hold of the job, in my estimation. Croyle threw several picks on Monday, and Thigpen once again was wildly inconsistent on Tuesday.
Dwayne Bowe continues to find himself relegated to the second and third teams. Terrance Copper, Devard Darling, and Bobby Engram got most of the work with the starters. After practice, Haley singled out Copper, Engram and Amani Toomer as guys who’ve taken pride in catching passes in traffic and blocking.
Rodney Wright has also drawn public praise from Haley, but quite a bit of criticism on the field. Haley jumped on Wright, who is working as the first punt/kickoff returner, for dropping a punt. He also gave Wright an earful when he had a chance to make a great catch in the left corner of the end zone, but only got one foot in bounds. Wright had to spin his body around to adjust to the pass, but Haley didn’t see that as an excuse. “Body Control Rodney!” Haley screamed across the field. “Get your foot down! You’re spinning around like a ballerina!” Sometimes, it’s better to hear the coach jumping your case. That means he’s paying attention to what you’re doing on the field.
Larry Johnson had several open running lanes, when the Chiefs worked on the power running game. This looks to be the strength of the offense. However, it appears to me that the coaches still have little faith in Johnson’s pass blocking, as Jackie Battle and Jamaal Charles got almost all of the work in passing situations. Once, when Johnson was asked to stay in and block, he was predictably blown up by the linebacker.
Jovan Belcher continues to impress at middle linebacker. Haley complimented the rookie free agent after another big hit on a run up the middle. As I stated yesterday, Belcher is a raw project, but keep an eye on him as a guy who can help in special teams this year, and possibly develop into something more than that down the road.
Haley continues to hammer away at his team about importance of situational awareness. Right before the ball was snapped on a third and three, Haley blew the whistle. “Hey D-J!” He yelled at linebacker Derrick Johnson, “what’s the down and distance?” Johnson didn’t respond fast enough for Haley’s liking. “You always have to be aware fellas! You always have to be aware!”
The Chiefs are back to two-a-days on Wednesday. Check back in for a full recap.