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Saturday, August 1: Afternoon Practice

The second practice of the day kicked off with much warmer weather than the morning. It was partly sunny, and the wind was headed west-northwest at 10 miles-per-hour, but hardly any fans were still wrapped up in their blankets or sweatshirts. The temperature was 70 degrees with a dewpoint of 48 and humidity of 44 percent.

At the second 2009 Kansas City Chiefs practice, there were about 230 fans watching the team from three sides of the field. There were people in the stands, lined up in lawn chairs, scattered on fences and seated around the tailgate of their vehicles in the parking lot. During practices fans are encouraged to come and watch the team as they train for the upcoming season.

Offense

The Chiefs offense opened practice this afternoon running plays 11-0.  Quarterbacking the first team was Matt Cassel.  Cassel ended up taking the most snaps in the 11-0 drill.

Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe had the first dropped ball of the day in an 11-0 drill. It turned out to be a trend for the remainder of practice. Tight end Brad Cottam had two drops in a row when running routes against air about 20 minutes later. Rookie wide receiver Quinten Lawerence had a drop in one-on-one drills. Wide receiver Mark Bradley had a drop in the 7-on-7 drills. Head Coach Todd Haley had commented earlier in the day that he had seen too many drops in the morning session.

During a drill involving both offensive and defensive linemen, center Eric Ghiaciuc pushed defensive tackle Tank Tyler over. The crowd, including both offensive and defensive players, let out some “oooh’s” after the play. Ghiaciuc offered to help Tyler up, but Tyler declined the hand and sprinted back to complete the drill. The offfensive line was looking strong again when tackle Cameron Goldberg knocked linebacker Tamba Hali over pretty handedly. Hali got back up and continued to battle toward the quarterback.

During 11-on-11, quarterback Matt Cassel completed two back-to-back passes to wide receiver Dwayne Bowe before completing another pass to tight end Brad Cottam. Next, Cassel threw an incomplete pass, just a little too far, to wide reciever Bobby Engram. Later, quarterback Brodie Croyle completed a pass to wide receiver Jeff Webb and handoffs to running backs Jamaal Charles and Javarris Williams.

During the individual position split, the tight ends were working on some blocking. When Brad Cottam got over-extended, trying to make a block, Tight End Coach Bob Bicknell made a crack about Cottam’s height. “I know it’s hard for you. You are tall. You are, like, 11-feet tall.” Cottam is listed at 6-7.

Running back Jamaal Charles coughed up the first fumble of training camp during 11-on-11. This seemed to make Head Coach Todd Haley irate. Haley made the entire team take a jog. When they returned from the jog, Haley said, “We don’t go through the motions! If you want to go through the motions you’ll be (freaking) 2-14 again!” to some defensive players as they jogged by.

Wide receiver Devard Darling made a stumbling sideline catch during 11-on-11 that got some “ooh’s” and “ahh’s” from the crowd.  Later, in the same drill, wide receiver Terrance Copper got drilled as he was coming across the middle and still managed to hold on to the ball.

Head Coach Todd Haley got on quarterback Brodie Croyle during the 7-on-7 pass skelly when Croyle was too slow getting his unit to the line. “Offense! Let’s go. Quicker! That is too slow, Brodie!”

In an interview after practice, wide receiver Dwayne Bowe stated that the offense was making some great improvements in practice. According to Bowe, quarterback Matt Cassel is “a great leader. He doesn’t let anybody fail. If you fall down, he is right there to pick you back up.” Bowe also commented on how the coaches wanted him and Cassel to get together early and often to get comfortable with each other and work on their game. “We’ve done that, and it’s working well,” he said. When asked about the pressure of continuing to produce at a high level, especially with the departure of All-Pro tight end Tony Gonzales, Bowe replied, “Nah…I don’t call it pressure. I call it fun!” The Chiefs added veteran Bobby Engram to their wide receivers roster this year, and Bowe is rooming with him during camp. It was obvious in Bowe’s comments that he looks up to Engram and has already been learning a lot from him over the past few weeks.

Wide receiver Jeff Webb stopped by to talk to reporters after practice. “I feel great,” the fourth-year player out of San Diego State said. “I'm looking forward to the opportunity.” He said his confidence is up, and he is gelling well with quarterback Matt Cassel. Cassel and Webb worked out at USC together during the off-season. “The starting job is all I want. I am not aiming any higher or lower,” Webb responded when asked how the competition is going.

Defense

The defense was already working on some drills before 4:20 p.m. The defense was working on drills that involved using five garbage bins to represent the offensive line. Linebacker Monty Biesel  was running the drill from the middle spot. Biesel was hollering and pointing in several directions, encouraging and leading his team. The quarterbacks were present at this time as well, throwing some balls back and forth between fields 1 and 2. All participants in this afternoon’s practice showed up in their shells.

Linebacker Derrick Johnson had left the morning practice about 45 minutes in and spent the remainder of practice riding the stationary bike. During the afternoon practice, Johnson was not suited up; he was wearing a pair of grey sweatpants with his jersey. He worked out with the other players not suited up during practice. It was defensive end Glenn Dorsey, linebacker Demorrio Williams, defensive tackle Ron Edwards and defensive end Dion Gales who were again not suited up during this afternoon’s practice. Throughout practice, these players rode stationary bikes, worked with exercise balls and pulled dummies 20 yards. Dorsey had his left shin in a sleeve after showing up to lunch on Friday with it iced.

During a kick off drill, safeties Jon McGraw and Bernard Pollard and cornerback Ricardo Colclough spent time as first-string.

During a drill involving the defensive linemen, end Alfonso Boone and tackle Tank Tyler had to rerun a drill because Defensive Line Coach Tim Krumrie was not pleased with how they did it the first time. When they ran the drill the second time, Krumrie told them he was watching their stances.

The defensive backs battled one-on-one against one another to work on pass coverage routes. After it was his turn, safety Jon McGraw had to do push-ups.

Defensive Line Coach Tim Krumrie demonstrated on defensive tackle Tank Tyler how to “press on the line.” After the demonstration, Krumrie asked defensive end Alfonso Boone if he could see the difference. Boone said he could. During the remainder of the drill, Krumrie could be heard hollering, “Press, press. Knock him back!”

While working with the defensive linemen during a drill, defensive end Wallace Gilberry had a trainer help him tape up his knee braces. Another trainer would help Gilberry with the braces again later during practice. When Defensive Line Coach Tim Krumrie grew annoyed with how long Gilberry was taking, adjusting his brace, Krumrie asked, “Got the braces on? Come on, man. Let’s get those (freaking) things on.”

The defensive backs and the linebackers eventually came together to practice a drill, and the defensive line moved to work with the offensive line. When the horn sounded at 5: 27 p.m. the linebackers moved to work with the running backs, the defensive backs worked with the wide receivers and tight ends and the defensive and offensive linemen continued to work together.

While the defensive backs ran 3-on-3 drills with the wide receivers and tight ends, Defensive Coordinator Clancy Pendergast opted to utilize the nickel scheme. “Don’t be shy,” he said when he asked for another safety to volunteer. Later, when Pendergast was looking for another safety, he said, “Give me another victim. Let’s go.” Eventually, Pendergast asked safety Jarrad Page to step in. The first group to face-off during the 3-on-3 drill included: cornerbacks Maurice Leggett and Brandon Carr and safety Bernard Pollard squaring off against wide recievers Terrance Cooper and Quinten Lawrence and tight end Tony Curtis.

The offensive and defensive linemen ran a drill in which one defensive player would try to bust past the blocking offender to get to the hypothetical quarterback. During the drill, Defensive Line Coach Tim Krumrie hollered at rookie defensive end Alex Magee when he didn’t get back fast enough. “When that whistle blows, you fight your butt off him,” Krumrie said. “What the (heck) ya waiting for? Get back. It’s not that (dang) hard.” Later, defensive tackle Tank Tyler made a good showing during the drill, and Krumrie complimented him, saying, “That’s a good run.”

Linebackers Tamba Hali and Mike Vrabel joined the offensive and defensive linemen’s drill about half-way through. Linebacker Pierre Walters left the drill when the other two arrived and joined the rest of the team, running a separate drill. Eventually Vrabel was sent back to join the rest of the team, as well.

During 11-on-11, players seeing time with the first-string base defense included: defensive ends Alfonso Boone and rookie Alex Magee, defensive tackle Tank Tyler, linebackers Tamba Hali, Mike Vrabel, Monty Beisel, and Zach Thomas, cornerbacks Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr and safeties Jarrad Page and Bernard Pollard. Replacing Thomas in the nickel defense was cornerback Maurice Leggett.

Safety Jon McGraw had what would have been a good tackle had the team been in full pads instead of shells during 11-on-11 this afternoon. McGraw read the route of wide receiver Rodney Wright well on a pass from quarterback Brodie Croyle. Later, linebacker Weston Dacus showed huge coverage on wide receiver Jeff Webb on a pass from quarterback Matt Cassel.

The running backs and linebackers got together and did some one-on-one blitz pickup blocking. Linebacker Zach Thomas got the defense off to a good start. Thomas landed a huge hit on running back Mike Cox, picking him up and throwing him down like it was nothing. The defense appeared to completely dominate the drill.

Rookie cornerback Donald Washington met with reporters after practice. Washington said the biggest adjustments from college to NFL football were "speed and tempo." When asked what was the hardest thing about the first day of practice, Washington said that there isn’t one thing he can pick. “One thing isn’t harder than the next,” he said. “It’s all of equal importance.” A naturally gifted athlete, Washington said that his ability wasn’t what was going to get him on the team. “Ability’s not the issue. I’ve got to get better each day, fight each day, compete each day,” the 6-1 cornerback said. When posed with the question about whether or not he thought he deserved a better spot in the NFL Draft than the 102nd spot overall that he received, Washington showed maturity, saying, “I’m just a football player.” Washington said he isn’t sure if he would play the nickelback position with the Chiefs this year. “I just want to make the roster,” he said. “That’s the No. 1 thing.”

Following practice, linebacker Zach Thomas spoke with reporters about his thoughts on the preseason and upcoming season. “I still love to play the game," Thomas said, "and the fact that I played for Miami for so long, it feels good to turn this team around. As a linebacker, it is our job to communicate with everyone and keep them all together.” When Thomas came to the Chiefs, after seeing their season last year, he was worried that he would see a lot of unmotivated players, but he was glad to see that was not the case. “With the new coaching staff and general manager, I am seeing a lot of respect from both the coaches for the players and the players for the coaches, and that is really important in making a difference in a team.” Upon joining the Chiefs team, Thomas said he was prepared. “I was ready to go," he said, "I’m grateful for this opportunity, and as camp begins, it always gives us a little bounce in our step, but we need to take it day-by-day because one injury or accident can change the whole season.”

Special Teams

Punter Dustin Colquitt spent about five minutes kicking footballs from the 30-yard line on field 2 toward the goal post on the south end of the field. Kicker Ryan Succop was shagging the balls and throwing them back to long snapper Tanner Purdum who would return them to Colquitt. Each of Colquitt’s punts were landing on the 20-yard line, making each worth about 50 yards.

After practice, wide receivers Taurus Johnson, Quinten Lawrence and Rodney Wright and cornerback Londen Fryar took some passes off the Jugs machine. No balls were dropped during the additional drill.

Extra, extra...

At 4:56 p.m. the horn sounded, signaling that it was time to start warm-ups and stretching.

Head Coach Todd Haley lined all the players up after the 11-on-11 drills and had them run sprints on field 1. “I want three good ones,” he said. “Make sure we’re running hard.” The team was split into three groups to run the sprints. The first group consisted of offensive and defensive linemen plus quarterback Ingle Martin. The second heat included all linebackers, wide recivers, tight ends and quarterbacks Tyler Thigpen and Brodie Croyle. The last heat of sprints was run by a group consisting of the defensive backs, running backs and quarterback Matt Cassel. After the sprints, Haley had the team cool down with some stretching.

The team met for their final huddle at 6:36 p.m.

After practice, members of the offensive line signed autographs for excited fans. Amongst the players putting smiles on fans’ faces were tackles Colin Brown, Cameron Goldberg, and Barry Richardson; guards Brian De La Puente and Wade Smith and center Rudy Niswanger.

General Manager Scott Pioli was on the field for the entire practice, as he was in the morning practice as well.  He spent a large portion of the individual position workouts watching the Chiefs offensive line.

Fans

Wayne Wood and Craig Doss of Park Rapids, Minn., were visiting training camp for the very first time on Saturday. Both are hardcore Chiefs fans and were disappointed that they had not taken the time to check out camp in years past. “I’m in heaven right now!” Wood stated. Doss added that Chiefs camp in River Falls was “better than Christmas!” The men had the opportunity to get pictures and autographs with running backs Larry Johnson, Jamaal Charles and Javarris Williams. “We are very excited that L.J. looks so happy this year. He is clearly impressed with the new additions to the coaching staff and happy about their commitment to winning. This could be our year!” Wood commented. Both men made it very clear that they hope that the Chiefs will hold training camp in River Falls again in the future.

A small group of fans from Eldon, Mo., was spending their day relaxed in lawn chairs and enjoying some specialty beers. Among them were, Mike Raynor, Doug Herbert, Mike Herbert, Jay Dunham and Terry King. The Chiefs fans were here on their summer vacations and for Raynor and the Herbert brothers this is their fifth year traveling to Chiefs camp. “I’m really bummed out," said Doug Herbert, "to see the team move down to Kansas for its camp. I think there will be too many people and when we come up here, we know that we’re surrounded by the truly dedicated fans.” For King, this is his second year coming to the camp, and he says that he enjoys the people in this area. “Everyone is so nice and the town is just great,” he said. Though the group doesn’t have one favorite player in particular, they are interested to see how quarterback Matt Cassel and the offensive line handle the changes made by the new coaching staff. Mike Herbert commented, “The practice seems more aggressive with the new management.” As the conversations went on a loud “Go Chiefs!” was heard from Dunham. In addition to all the comments about their love for the Chiefs, Doug Herbert also wanted to say that he loves his wife Cheryl. “She is a beautiful, wonderful person," and he hopes that she is missing him back home.

One fan seen at the Kansas City Chiefs practice has been so devoted to the Chiefs training camp that she has received the nickname “Mother Mary” due to her knowledge of football and Chiefs facts. Mary Menges, from Missouri has been a Chiefs fan since 1962. Menges and her family have been coming to Summer Training Camp for seven years and use this time as a family vacation. Much like the many other fans, “Mother Mary” is sad to see the Chiefs leave River Falls and will miss making the trip up here to see the team, but she understands that the new practice field will bring the team closer to their fan base. “When the decision to practice in River Falls was made, I think it was a great one. The climate is so much better and it gets the players away from the distractions of home,” says Menges. In addition to herself, Menges comes to the camp with her two children Matthias and Kate along with her husband Jim. “I have two dear friends in Missouri who are from Wisconsin and wanted to be here. Bill Whitmar and Debbie Burnette are also Chiefs fans and have been converted from Packer fans since their move,” commented Menges.

Former Kansas City Chiefs Security Guard Howard McHenry from Milwaukee, Wis., attended the second practice with his nephew Anthony Hatton from Columbia, Mo. The two were enjoying the game from the bleachers and noticed a few changes in the team from years past. McHenry said, “There is a big turnover in the players this year, but I’m happy to have the new ones as well. The team should be okay with their defense, but we’ll have to see how the receiving goes.” As for Hatton, a freshman at the University of Missouri, he said, “I’m still adapting to all of this, but I think the Chiefs are gong to be decent this year.”

Waiting for the Chiefs second practice to begin were Kansas City fans Scott Sidwell, Frank Carroll and Lisa Carroll. Decked out in their Chiefs gear, including lawn chairs, were six other family members and friends accompanying them. Frank mentioned that he thought “…it will be a promising year. They not only have new coaches and new players, but the players also have a new attitude which is a much more fan-based attitude.”

Milton Henry from Kansas City, Kan. watched practice with his two-year-old son Jayden. Also visiting Summer Training Camp with him are his wife LuLa and daughter Kayla (19). When asked if he has a favorite player, Milton said he likes, “Number 56, Derrick Johnson (linebacker).” Milton then pointed out he enjoys watching all the defensive players.

Walking in to find a seat to watch the team practice were Chris Short and his seven-year-old son Sterling from West Des Moines, Iowa. Chris has been coming up to Summer Training Camp almost every year since 1996. He also added that they go camping instead of staying at a hotel like most visitors do, and he will miss having Summer Training Camp in River Falls next year if the Chiefs do not return. “It is much more quaint, more personable and cooler here, but if the camp is in Missouri, more hometown fans will be able to go." Sterling said his favorite Chiefs player is wide receiver Dwayne Bowe because "he is good at catching."

Watching the practice from the bleachers was Scott Reynolds from Kansas City. He mentioned he and his family come up every year. This year they spend seven days in the north woods and then three days in River Falls for Summer Training Camp. When commenting about the changes with the Chiefs staff, Reynolds stated, “It was time for a change, a good change. I am going to miss River Falls, though. I have always enjoyed it. River Falls is a great town.”

Barry Peraino from St. Louis, writer of homeofthechiefs.com, Ty Rowton from Kansas City, also known as the “X Factor”, Chuck Rowton from Scott City, Kan. and Aaron Haferkamp from St. Louis were noticed walking into the stands as the afternoon practice began. “I have been to 182 straight games, and the Chiefs have the greatest fans in all the land. I’m a die-hard fan,” stated Ty. He is also really excited about former Chief Derrick Thomas being inducted into the Hall of Fame; he even has “#58” tattooed on the left side of his chest. Peraino mentioned, “River Falls is too great of a city…another NFL team would have an interest right away if the Chiefs were to leave.” Ty added they would be extremely sad if this were the last summer the Chiefs would have camp in River Falls. Just in case, they are trying to savor every moment of it.

Fans Jen Schofield and Matt Fritz were spotted on their way out of the practice field area. They are both UW-River Falls alumni and enjoy watching the Chiefs. When asked if they will be back to watch more practices, Schofield mentioned this is unfortunately the only time she will be able to watch a practice due to her work schedule. “I am a die-hard fan and THIS is their Super Bowl year!” exclaimed the Missouri native.

Watching up from the Ramer Field stands were four Chiefs fans. Jim Ewing from Lake City, Iowa has attended all 19 Summer Training Camps at River Falls. Ewing met Tom Hook, who is from Houston, Texas, here last year at camp. Joining them were Stan Hoffman from Lidderdale, Iowa and Don Sievers from Houston, Texas. Ewing also mentioned that even though he did not have a Chiefs shirt on today (don’t worry, it was still red), the majority of the clothes he owns are some sort of Kansas City Chiefs apparel.

Also up in the Ramer Field bleachers was Russell Pierce from Salina, Kan. He was taking several pictures with his digital SLR camera of the players because he and his wife, Kathy, keep a diary of every summer at camp. He also said they take some of the photographs to players sometimes to get autographed, and then they hang them up in their basement.

2009 Staff

Students and staff covering the Chiefs this year.
Front, left to right: Amanda Kane (Fans, Seniors Day),
Renee Thony (Sidelines), Linda Abel (Fans, Kids' Days),
Jim Thies (Sports Information Director).
Back, left to right: Deb Toftness (Office Manager),
Kevin Harter (University Communications Director),
Steve Linzmeier (Sidelines), J. J. Mosher (Fans, Punt, Pass & Kick),
Jens Gunelson (Photographer). Not picture is
Brenda Bredahl (University Communications Writer/Editor).