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Monday, August 3: Afternoon Practice

The fifth practice had the most beautiful weather yet. There was not a cloud in the sky, and it was 80 degrees and sunny at 4:30 p.m. A nice breeze was brought on occasionally by a wind at a speed of 6 miles-per-hour to the north-northwest. The humidity was only at 46 percent with a dewpoint of 58.

There were around 160 people at the fifth Kansas City Chiefs practice. More fans seem to attend the morning practices, but there are still enough people to support their team and cheer on the great plays.

Offense

Quarterback Ingle Martin was the first player on the field today and walked out in shells. The rest of the quarterbacks were not far behind. So far, after the morning practices, the team has come out in shells for the following afternoon practice.

Center Rudy Niswanger was out getting some reps, snapping the shotgun to Offensive Line Assistant Coach Joe D’Alessandris before practice. Niswanger was working on picking up his block after the snap.

Tight ends Tony Curtis and Brad Cottam were held out of the afternoon practice. Cottam had missed this morning's practice as well, and Curtis didn't even come out onto the field during the first practice of the day. This afternoon, Curtis had his left ankle taped, and he was walking with a tiny limp. Running back Kolby Smith missed practice again this afternoon, but worked with trainers on field 3. Smith hasn't practiced yet during training camp. Guard Wade Smith left practice after just a few minutes, and made his way to the training area, as well. He didn't return the rest of the afternoon to practice.

While the rest of the team was over working on special teams, tackle Branden Albert was by himself working on his pass protection footwork. A few minutes later rookie tackle Colin Brown wandered over and asked for some tips.

There were two notable drops in pracctice today. In the team's 6-0 drill, where all six receivers get a ball thrown, wide receivers Taurus Johnson and Lawerence Quinten each had a drop. During the same drill, quarterback Matt Cassel had a beautiful throw to the left corner of the endzone to hit wide receiver Terrence Copper for a touchdown.

The linebackers and running backs got together again for some pass protection blocking. Head Coach Todd Haley made it known that running backs asked for this drill when he said, "They wanted a second chance!” This drill was run once on Saturday, and the linebackers dominated the drill. Today, the running backs had a better showing. A lot more, obvious effort was put forth by the offense.

Quarterback Matt Cassel started the 7-on-7 drill again today. Cassel’s first pass was nearly caught on a great dive by tight end Sean Ryan, but it fell incomplete. Cassel’s next two passes were intended for wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. The first was caught, but the second was deflected by cornerback Brandon Flowers. After two straight completions, Cassel had one of the worst throws of camp thus far. He hit cornerback Brandon Carr in the leg on a seam route intended for receiver Devard Darling. Cassel came back in later and hit Bowe with two short routes. Cassel finished the drill 5-8.

Quarterback Tyler Thigpen, who has looked pretty sharp in 7-on-7 in the first three practices, missed the target with his first two passes. Both sailed high and over the head of wide receiver Terrance Copper. The first of the passes was intercepted by cornerback Maurice Leggett. Thigpen completed his next four passes. When Thigpen came back in, he completed 1-3 and finished 5-9. Quarterback Brodie Croyle completed 3-4. The lone incompletion was a leaping catch by receiver Jeff Webb, but Webb was only able to get one foot down.

During the 11-on-11 situation drill, the entire seemed pretty fired up and excited. On the drill’s first first-and-ten situation, quarterback Matt Cassel handed the ball off to running back Larry Johnson , who ran to the left. On second-and-three, Cassel handed the ball off to Johnson again. Johnson was able to gain some yardage with the blocking help of tight end Sean Ryan. Coaches hollered, “Nice job, Sean!” from the sidelines. On third-and-three, Cassel sent a ball flying to wide receiver Dwayne Bowe who was on the left side. On the next first-and-ten, Cassel had a good handoff to running back Jackie Battle, who gained quite a few yards to the right. The next situation was second-and-nine, and Cassel completed a pass to wide receiver Rodney Wright. On third-and-nine, Cassel overshot receiver Devard Darling, and was lucky to avoid the pick from cornerback Maurice Leggett. Head Coach Todd Haley was impressed with Leggett’s hustle, shouting, “Nice job, Leggett!” On the next first-and-ten, quarterback Tyler Thigpen intended a pass for wide receiver Terrance Cooper, but the ball fell short, and cornerback Ricardo Colclough nearly picked it off. Thigpen would go on to complete plays to Johnson, running back Jarvarris Williams, Cooper and Wright. Quarterback Brodie Croyle rolled right on a first-and-ten situation, passing the ball to fullback Jed Collins. It was a well-thrown ball, but Collins let it slip right through his hands. Luckily, tight end Jake O’Connell was able to make the completion. Croyle had other completions to running back Dantrell Savage and Wright, who make a soaring reception to end the drill.

Tackle Branden Albert participated in a brief interview after practice this afternoon. When asked about the differences in camp this year versus other years, Albert commented, “The guys are more physical this year. Everybody is working hard out there.” At one point, Albert was asked what he was working on personally to improve his own skills on the football field. “I’m working a lot on my technique,” he responded. “I’m trying to hold my own and not have to lean on other guys for support so much.” Media members were interested to know what Albert thought about the offensive line this year after adding some veteran players to the group. “Right now we are just trying to gel and get comfortable together," he said. "We are working hard to do our job and help the team win.”

Receiver Bobby Engram answered questions for the press today while walking off the practice field. “We are working very hard as a team right now,” he said. “We have to work hard in order to improve.” When asked about playing with the Chiefs this year, Engram responded, “I love it!  It’s a blessing to be playing another year, and I’m excited to help this team rebuild and succeed.” One reporter asked what it was like playing for new Head Coach Todd Haley. “I’m very excited to be a part of Todd’s offense. I’ve played against him, when he was with Arizona, and he knows what he’s doing.  He has everyone on our receiving crew working hard.”  Other questions were asked about Engram’s fellow receivers and how they are playing together as a group.  “They’re great, man.  Dwayne (Bowe) is a phenomenal talent, and he’s working really hard on being consistant.  Mark (Bradley) and (Jeff) Webb are really great guys as well.  Everyone is working hard right now.”  Engram also commented on the cornerbacks that have been playing against the wide receivers during camp.  “We have some quick, athletic corners, and they work pretty hard out there.  They know the position well.”  He also spoke a little about the physical aspect of going through camp saying, “It’s not easy to put in the work, but once we do it can help the team win.  It’s also harder as you get older,” he added.  “I have to ice up and drink a lot to stay hydrated after practice, as well as do some extra weight work to keep up. Just don’t call me old when you’re writing all this!” he said jokingly with the press, while grinning.

Defense

Linebackers Derrick Johnson and Demorrio Williams and defensive end Glenn Dorsey did not practice this afternoon. Williams and Dorsey have to see action during training camp thus far. Joining the trainers and his teammates on field 3 during this afternoon's practice was cornerback DaJuan Morgan. Morgan didn't see any practice time during the second practice today.

The defense started this afternoon’s practice just like they have in every other practice thus far; they ran a drill using five garbage bins to represent the offensive line. After the familiar drill, a yellow band was placed on the north 20-yard line of field 2, and the entire defensive squad got together to work on getting off the line of scrimmage quickly. The players would get off the line and then run toward the northeast end of the field.

After working together on drills, the defensive split. The defensive backs moved to the south end of field 2 and worked on interception drills. A member of the coaching staff threw a ball a little far for the backs, and the players were supposed to accelerate to and intercept the ball.

The defensive line worked on hitting the single sled. Equipment Assistant Kyle Crumbaugh stepped in to aid in the drill. Crumbaugh stood to the left of the sled. After the defensive linemen hit and threw the sled, representing the offensive blocker, out of the way, they ran at Crumbaugh who was pretending to be carrying the ball as a running back.

Head Coach Todd Haley spent a solid amount of time watching the defensive linemen during practice today. This was the first time Haley had ventured over to watch the line run drills.

At 5:33 p.m. the horn sounded, and the entire team met at field 2 to run 11-on-11 drills. Quarterback Matt Cassel handed the ball off to running back Larry Johnson who was immediately stopped by linebackers Mike Vrabel and Zach Thomas. The big stop got hoots and hollers from the defensive sidelines. Later, Cassel faked a handoff to Johnson, but looked up field for a receiver. Cornerback Brandon Flowers was all over the play defensively, knocking the ball down, almost making the interception. Defensive players along the east sideline where the play went down were pretty convinced Flowers had made the pick. Later during the drill, Head Coach Todd Haley gave linebacker Weston Dacus an earful after Dacus brought down the ball carrier by his jersey.

The offensive and defensive lines got together on the north end of field 2 to work on blocking and protecting the quarterback, as well as breaking these blocks to pressure the quarterback. Defensive ends Alfonso Boone and Dion Gales and defensive tackle Derek Lokey jumped offsides during the drill on separate occasions. Defensive Line Coach Tim Krumrie made the men run down and back from the north 10-yard line. Also during the drill, guard Darryl Harris lost his helmet.

Defensive tackle Tank Tyler spoke with media briefly after practice. He said that he is aware of the work he has to do at training camp. “I have to be in the best shape I can to man my position. I have to be at the best of my ability.” Last year when he arrived at camp, Tyler was 315 pounds. He managed to work his way to 305 by the end of camp. This year, Tyler says he’s at 303. “Not everyone’s got to be 340 [on the defensive line],” he said. “It’s all about leverage.” When asked how he felt about the intensity of practices thus far, Tyler said he understands why Head Coach Todd Haley has them working so hard. “The conditioning is all about bettering us,” he said.

Special Teams

During the team’s 2-minute drill at the end of practice, kicker Ryan Succop was rushed onto the field with time expiring to kick a 50-plus yard field goal. Succop drilled it and sent the sideline into cheers.

For the second time during this afternoon’s practice, special teams got together to work on kickoffs. This gave both the offensive and defensive lines a breather. During the drill, the players went 3-on-3, working on blocking “over the top.”

Fans

Debbie and Terry Hiatt from Warrensburg, Mo. traveled to River Falls for their sixth consecutive training camp. They found out about the Kansas City Chiefs Summer Training Camp in 2002 from a few of their friends when they told the Hiatts about their experience. Debbie mentioned that their friends were watching television one day and heard information about the camp. They said something along the lines of, "wouldn’t that be neat to go to?" The next morning, they drove up to River Falls to watch the Chiefs. The Hiatts have met up with their friends at camp for a few years and have yet to see them this year. Debbie also stated, “It will not be the same if the Chiefs have its training camp in Missouri. The true fans come here, and it’s nice to see what’s going on with the team.”

Fans Leonard and Liz Watts from Kansas City, Mo. watched practice from the bleachers by field 1 right by the information gazebo. Liz mentioned they have been season ticketholders for 35 years, and Leonard has been a fan of the Chiefs ever since they were the Dallas Texans Texas. Her favorite Chiefs player of all time is former linebacker, Derrick Thomas. Leonard shared his knowledge of the team and had very interesting stories to tell. He then stated that the team has changed over the years, but it has been for the better and they are “…not afraid of putting the ball up in the air. (General Manager) Scott Pioli comes from a winning program, and he has them on the right track. Even if it isn’t substantial, they are still making progress.”

Along the wooden fence by practice field 2 were football fans from Hudson, Wis. Mike Buzicky and his two sons Chase (8) and Lake (6) watched practice, returning for their second time to training camp. Mike mentioned, “We were here once before a few years back, and the boys enjoyed it. Every time we pass through River Falls, the boys ask when they get to go again.” When asked who their favorite players were, the boys were both shy, but Lake said that his favorite player was tight end Tony Gonzalez, even though he is not with the Chiefs anymore. Mike added that his favorite player is quarterback Matt Cassel, and he is hoping for a strong building year for the Chiefs.

Watching from a distance were husband and wife Natalie and Ian Sticht from River Falls. They have lived in town for a few years now and enjoy the community. Ian said that his favorite part about football is the hitting aspect because of the interesting interactions between players.

A highly decorated van has been at the Kansas City Chiefs first few practices. The large vehicle is red with Kansas City Chiefs logos on the front and backsides, an interior flip down flat screen television, two recliners and a generator on the back. Fred Vance from Kansas City, Mo. and Richard Dunfield are co-owners on the van and have been driving it up to training camp for about five years. “It is a work in progress," Vance said, "Our fathers are in the racing industry and have helped us in detailing the van.” The two super fans use training camp as a guy’s getaway and enjoy traveling around the area as well. As far as the game goes, “the new coaching staff has a new mind set and things were never run this organized before. It's good to see that the coach is trying to make his players do well…change is good sometimes,” said Vance. The guys both enjoy taking the trip up to River Falls and are disappointed to see the team might be moving to Missouri for their camp next year. “I just feel terrible about it," explained Vance. "I probably won't attend. I’ll probably just save the money and go to a few away games throughout the season.”

The Kansas City Chiefs practices are attracting people of all ages. Jordan Lammer, 17, from River Falls and his cousin Josh Henning, 14, from Madison, Wis. attended the Chiefs fifth practice. The cousins both play football for their schools and enjoy watching the professional players that are in each of their positions. “We like to watch the guys and maybe learn some new techniques,” says Henning. Lammer has been coming to the practices since he was eight years old and is disappointed to hear that the team might be practicing in Missouri next year. “I understand that the move is good for them," he said, "but hopefully another team can come and practice here.”

Long-time devoted Chiefs fans, Jim and Ginny McKinney from Kansas City, Mo. attended the fifth Kansas City Chiefs practice, making this trip their fifth year. The couple is still getting used to the new players. “Right now, I don’t really have a favorite player. I guess I like watching them all,” said Jim. He also believes that the new coaching staff will do good things for the team and be able to bring them back around. “I’ve heard (Head Coach) Todd Haley is being really honest with the players, and I think that is important to their improvement,” commented Jim. Much like other fans, the couple will miss coming to River Falls for camp if the Chiefs do move down to Missouri next year. “We are on our vacation right now," Ginny said. "We just love the people and the town of River Falls. Also, when we come up here we visit my sister in New Richmond, Wis., so it’s just a great trip.” When asked if they will be attending the training camps in Missouri, both Jim and Ginny agreed that they might go to see it once but not like they do when they are here.

Jeffrey Johnson of Pepin, Wis. and Jordan McIntyre of Grand Forks, N.D. visited Chiefs camp for the first time today. Both are students at UWRF and are taking summer classes for the first time. McIntyre plays hockey for the UWRF Falcons and said, “I’m usually not around River Falls during the summer, so that is why I haven’t been to a Chiefs camp before now. I have always wanted to, but it’s a long trip from North Dakota.” Johnson added, “My story is similar, but I guess I’m a lot closer than Jordan. I’m a big sports fan, and even though I don’t cheer for the Chiefs, it’s cool to be around an NFL team like this.” Both men stated that they were multiple-sport athletes in high school and enjoyed being around the competitive sports atmosphere provided at camp. “It’s awesome to see professional athletes up close and personal,” McIntyre commented. “Especially in River Falls. It’s amazing that an NFL team comes to a small town like this to practice!”

Extra, extra...

Quarterback Ingle Martin tried to punt a few footballs that were left on the field after practice was over this afternoon.  One landed amusingly close to a group of media writers that were mingling around the press area, while the other was shanked wide left and didn’t stay in the air for more than a second.  Let’s be thankful that Martin is working on his throwing skills rather than his kicking abilities.

While walking back to the locker room after signing autographs, one fan yelled to linebacker Mike Vrabel, asking if the 13-year veteran would smile for a picture.  The big-hearted player promptly turned and gave a huge smile as the man took a few quick snapshots and yelled back his thanks.

A small scuffle broke out during the 11-on-11 drill. It was not clear how the disagreement got started, but there were both offensive and defensive players in the heap. Things like “Get off me!” could be heard. Head Coach Todd Haley was not pleased with the fight, and made the entire team run down and back from the 50-yard line. “We will not beat ourselves, men,” Haley shouted. “We will not beat ourselves!”

The entire team got a quick break between 5:51 p.m. and 5:54 p.m.

The team ran sprints and stretched at the end of practice. They took their final huddle at 6:39 p.m.

It was the linebackers turn to sign autographs for excited fans after practice this afternoon. Monty Beisel, Mike Vrabel, Zach Thomas, Pierre Walters, Corey Mays and Corey Smith were some of the players spotted along the fence.

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).