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Tuesday, August 4: Afternoon Practice

To start of the sixth practice, it was a bright, blue sky, and there were a few clouds in the sky with a temperature of 75 degrees. The dewpoint was 50, and humidity was 41 percent. A nice, slight breeze began a little after practice began at 6 miles-per-hour towards the north-northwest. Approximately 280 fans watched practice today.

Fans

Terri and Ray Jennings from Independence, Mo. came into town last night for an end-of-the-summer vacation to watch the Chiefs. Their sons Blake (17) and Dakota (15) are also accompanying them on vacation. Terri mentioned that they are anxious to see what the Chiefs look like because of all the changes and the “new team”. Blake and Dakota are looking forward to getting many autographs, including linebacker Zach Thomas, cornerback Brandon Flowers, cornerback Brandon Carr and linebacker Tamba Hali, just to name a few. Terri and Ray ended talking about how expensive it is to go to Arrowhead Stadium for just one game. Terri stated, “At about 80 dollars a ticket for four people, you’re looking at a little over $300.” Ray added, “…and its 25 dollars to park.” “After you take into consideration food, apparel and souvenirs,” Terri said, “It’s one expensive game day. On the other hand, we get to come to Summer Training Camp for four days, and it is much less expensive. Our hotel was 80 dollars a night, and gas was 50 dollars.”

Visiting from St. Joseph, Mo. are Betty, Tim, and Chris (27) Ashworth. They are here for their fourth consecutive year. When asked what he thinks about the practice schedule change from two-a-days to one practice/two practices alternating every day, Tim stated, “(Head Coach) Todd Haley knows what he is doing. It’ll take us awhile to get used to the change, though, because two practices a day gave us a better chance to watch and meet them.” The Ashworths said that they have enjoyed coming up to camp and get a chance to interact with the players. It will be nice if the Chiefs are at Missouri Western next year because it will literally be in the family's backyard, but they said that there would be an awful lot of people. Tim said, “River Falls has been an excellent host and good to Chiefs fans.”

Pat, Suellen, Lauren (14) and Connor (8) Shea from Kansas City, Mo. decided when they were visiting a friend in Lake City, Minn. that they were going to come to watch the Chiefs practice during Summer Training Camp. It is the first time the Shea family has been to camp in River Falls, and they're glad they came. Lauren was talking about how long she has been a Chiefs fan, and she mentioned that the first time she went to Arrowhead Stadium at age five, she was up on the big television screen. Suellen also talked about Len Dawson, former Chiefs quarterback from 1963-1975 and brought up a picture that her dad had purchased. The photo is of Dawson about to throw the ball, surrounded by defensive players. Suellen said that when her dad looked at the photo, it gave him the strength and courage he needed to get through a rough time. Her father emailed Dawson and told him about the photo. Dawson was touched and replied back, saying that if he ever wanted him to sign it, to let him know. Her father then told Dawson that his daughter, Suellen, lives right in Kansas City and he could send her the photo since he lived in Scottsdale, Ariz. The next thing you know, Suellen was in contact with Dawson to get the photo autographed for him.

Football fans Emerson (15), Wesley (13) and Eleanor (10 ½) Korum from Hudson, Wis. watched practice from the west fence by practice field one. They visited camp last year, and Emerson said that they are here for the experience and to see the team practice in person. Emerson said his favorite player is quarterback Matt Cassel. Wesley likes wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, and Eleanor said she likes defensive end Glenn Dorsey. Eleanor also said that last year Dorsey gave her a glove that he wore during practice, and he autographed it for her.

UWRF students Bret Nylen, Travis Spencer and Aaron Mcnamara were seen walking around camp this afternoon. Nylen, now a resident of River Falls, lived in Kansas City, Mo. for five years while he was in elementary school and has kept his loyalty of the Chiefs. “Having the Chiefs come to River Falls is one of the main things that convinced me to come to college here,” he said. “This is my fifth year coming to camp. I’m trying to get some autographs from (quarterback) Matt Cassel and (running back) Larry Johnson this year.”  Nylen played Pop Warner football when he lived in Kansas City and even got to play in Arrowhead Stadium twice in 1993. “Our football coach worked as a chef in one of the restaurants that is in the stadium, so he hooked us up,” Nylen explained. “The first autograph I ever got was from (former running back) Marcus Allen. He’s a really cool guy.”

Three attractive young ladies spoke to reporters today about their reasons for coming to Chiefs camp. Nikki Jo Zeleny said excitedly and without shame, “I’m here looking for my future husband!” Katherine Baisden had to add “I’m watching Brodie Croyle (quarterback.) He is fine!” Fellow observer, Angie Dieringer agreed with her friends, stating, “Yeah, we are out here looking at boys. But it’s really quiet around here! You guys need to turn on some Jock Jams or something and get this place rockin’!” All three ladies are students at UWRF and enjoy the opportunity to watch the professional athletes at work. “I like (quarterback) Matt Cassel,” Zeleny added late in the interview. “He should come talk to me after practice.”

Defense

Cornerback DeJuan Morgan, linebackers Zach Thomas, Demorrio Williams and Weston Dacus were not suited in full pads this afternoon. The players spent the duration of practice on field 3, working out on stationary bikes. Later, at about 4:05 p.m., linebacker Corey Smith left practice, took off his jersey and gear and spent the last 20 minutes on the exercise bikes.

Defensive end Glenn Dorsey saw his first action at practice today. Dorsey had been spending time during practices working out on field 3. In addition to Dorsey, linebacker Derrick Johnson was back at practice, as well. Johnson had missed the last few practices, opting to work out instead.

The defensive line worked on a drill that required the three linemen to run through dummies, perfecting different routes and scenarios. Defensive end Alfonso Boone said to Defensive Line Coach Tim Krumrie after completing one round of the drill, “Scared of Ron (Edwards), huh?” Krumrie had apparently moved out of the way of 315-pound defensive tackle Ron Edwards. Krumrie kind of laughed and said, “Well, the big mother (freaker) hit me.” Newly returned defensive end Glenn Dorsey did not participate in this drill.

The defensive line worked one-on-one versus each other during a drill that allowed them to “lock up” the offensive linemen standing between them and the quarterback. The players who were on defense during the drill had to close their eyes and feel which way the offense was moving. The linemen then had to work accordingly to try to bust past the offender.

The defensive backs and wide receivers ran a drill that worked on the running and covering different pass routes. During the drill, cornerback Maurice Legget got a compliment from the sidelines. “That’s good feet,” one of the coaches told him. Eventually, quarterback Ingle Martin joined the drill, making it live-paced. Martin overthrew wide receiver Mark Bradley in the endzone. Cornerback Travis Daniels was trailing on the coverage. Later, Martin had a completion to newly acquired receiver Amani Toomer. Toomer ran up the right sideline and cut to the middle with Leggett on the cover. Rookie cornerback Donald Washington was getting frustrated with himself during the drill. Defensive Coordinator Clancy Pendergast reassured the 102nd overall Draft selection that he had to keep his head up. “That ain’t bad, though,” Pendergast said.

During the 7-on-7 team running session linebacker Tamba Hali came flying around the back edge and stuffed running back Jackie Battle for no gain.

The hit of the day was put on by linebacker Derrick Johnson. Johnson came flying through the line and smoked running back Larry Johnson in the backfield. The crowd erupted after the collision, and Derrick Johnson was pumped up.

After practice, defensive end Glenn Dorsey spent some extra time with Defensive Line Coach Tim Krumrie at getting off the line of scrimmage and hand placement.

Linebacker Derrick Johnson spoke with reporters after practice. The fifth-year veteran said that he really loves the new scheme the defense is working on implementing. “I feel like I’m fitting right in [with the new scheme],” Johnson said. “I think we’re looking good.” Johnson said that right now the defense is working on getting their base defense down right now. When asked about how many plays Defensive Coordinator Clancy Pendergast brought with him, Johnson said, “He’s got a good amount of good plays.” Johnson had been sitting out most of the practices thus far, so when asked what it was like for him to get on the field, he said, “I needed to get my feet wet.” Johnson had a big hit against running back Larry Johnson during the team’s 11-on-11 drill at the end of practice. “What a way [to get my feet wet] on LJ.” The intensity of training camp has been pretty high so far, and Johnson said there’s practically no time to just stand around. “We’re always moving,” he said. “If someone’s standing, something’s wrong,” he added with a laugh.

Today marked the first day that defensive end Glenn Dorsey practiced with the rest of the team in full pads after failing to pass Head Coach Todd Haley’s strenuous physical test on the first day of camp. “I’m taking it one play at a time,” Dorsey told reporters before leaving the field. “It’s going to take a little time to get back into the full swing of things. My left leg is sore, so when I wake up tomorrow, I’m going to get some treatment.” When asked about how he is adjusting to the switch from defensive tackle to defensive end, Dorsey replied, “It’s going really well, man. The techniques don’t change at all, and I think it’s working out fine. I’m close to the weight I want to be at, too.”

Special Teams

On the south end of field 3, long snapper Tanner Purdum, punter Dustin Colquitt and kicker Ryan Succop spent time working on field goals. Succop was hitting the goals from about the 30-yard line.

The specialists had a great day of camp as punter, Dustin Colquittand kicker, Ryan Succop, showed their accuracy today. Succop was kicking the ball very long and straight today, but was given little attention on the field because of the excitement in camp over newly signed players Amani Toomer (wide receiver) and Vince Redd (linebacker). Colquitt was clutch while practicing downing the ball inside the 20-yard line. He had four balls land inside the 10, with two of them coming to rest just inside the 5-yard line, and one even gently bounced to about a foot from the goal line.

Extra, extra...

Among the players signing autographs for fans after practice were: rookie defensive end Alex Magee, defensive tackle Derek Lokey and defensive end Bobby Greenwood.

Larry Johnson and the rest of the running back squad taped rookie running back Javarris Williams to a goal post after most of the team was off the field today. After securing him to the pole, four to five of the players, including Johnson, dumped bottles of Gatorade onto Williams’ head and back. After teasing him for a good three or four minutes, Williams broke out of the tape and took his jersey off to dry out. All of the players were laughing and having a good time with the prank.

Offense

The quarterbacks spent some time on the north end of field 2, throwing balls at the target screen. The quarterbacks, rolling to the right, had to aim for the middle target. Brodie Croyle went 1-4, hitting on his last throw. Ingle Martin also went 1-4, connecting on his third attempt. Tyler Thigpen was able to hit the target on his first throw, and ended the drill from the right at 1-3. Matt Cassel went 1-5. The target was moved to the other side, and the quarterbacks practiced rolling back, to the left. Croyle went 2-3 as did Cassel. Thigpen and Martin both finished 1-2.

During 7-on-7, the team practiced the drill in situations. In a first-and-ten situation, quarterback Matt Cassel had a completion to wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. Bowe was tackled pretty immediately by cornerback Brandon Carr. After the end of the play, Bowe neglected to accelerate through. Head Coach Todd Haley wasn’t impressed. “I want more finish, Dwayne,” he hollered. “Finish down the field.” On third-and-four, wide receiver Devard Darling made a good cut across the middle of the field and caught a nicely thrown Cassel pass. Coaches cheered from the sidelines, saying things like, “There ya go, Devard.” During another first-and-ten situation, quarterback Tyler Thigpen threw a short ball to receiver Terrance Cooper. Cooper came back and was able to make the falling grab. Haley liked what he saw. “That’s the way to come back to it,” he said. On second-and-five, Thigpen completed a play to running back Dantrell Savage. Savage was cleaned up quickly by linebacker Pierre Walters. After quarterback Ingle Martin hit a wide open tight end Tom Crabtree on first-and-ten, Haley shouted, “Come on, D. Pick it up, pick it up. Get a stop.” The next play, however, was far from a stop. On second-and-five, Martin connected with fullback Jed Collins. Linebacker Corey Mays was not impressed, hollering, “Why the (freak) was he so wide open?” Haley didn’t appreciate Mays’ question, and said, “Quit (yelling) at each other and figure it out.” In a second-and-ten situation, newly signed linebacker Vince Redd picked off quarterback Brodie Croyle. Also newly signed, receiver Amani Toomer didn’t make much of an effort to stop Redd after the interception. “Come on, Amani,” Haley said. “Chase it. You might be the guy who gets the ball out.” The last play of the drill was in a third-and-five situation, and Cassel looked to pass to running back Jamaal Charles. Charles slipped and missed the pass.

On the north end of field 2, the quarterbacks aimed to both corners of the endzone, looking to hit a target from the 30-yard line. Tyler Thigpen was able to hit the target, but not make it in the bin, from both the right side and the left side. Ingle Martin was only able to hit the target after the ball bounced in front of it. Children along the west fence of field 3 were excitedly giving the play-by-play to each other about the drill.

First sighting of the Chiefs new wide receiver Amani Toomer was at the Jugs machine catching some balls prior to practice. Toomer just signed with the Chiefs today. For the first hour or so of practice, Toomer was hanging around Wide Receivers Coach Dedric Ward, trying to pick up the new offense. He will be wearing number 13. Toomer made his presence felt in the teams 11-on-11 drill. He went up and nabbed a pass from quarterback Ingle Martin that was a little high and behind him.

Tight ends Tony Curtis and Brad Cottam were absent from practice again. Running back Kolby Smith and guard Wade Smith spent another afternoon of practice on field 3, working out on exercise bikes and other equipment.

When the running backs and quarterbacks got together quarterback Tyler Thigpen yelled over to the running backs, “Come on, my nizzles!” That was echoed by quarterback Matt Cassel saying, “My dizzles!”

Quarterback Matt Cassel started the team in a slow clap before the 6-0 drill with the receivers. The fans then took over and made some noise. Wide receiver Bobby Engram yelled to the crowd, “Y’all give me some energy!”

Wide receiver Mark Bradley made a good catch on a ball thrown low from quarterback Brodie Croyle. When the ball left Croyle’s hand, he was disappointed, but was relieved when Bradley made the catch.  “Eh, my bad… nice catch!” said Croyle. Croyle has taken over most of the snaps with the second team.

During the teams field goal kicking session, tight end Sean Ryan wasn't on the field like he should have been. Linebacker Mike Vrabel noticed there were only 10 guys blocking and yelled, “No one’s there. Block that kick!” When Ryan came back on the field, Head Coach Todd Haley had a few words for him.“That is the (crap) we cannot do, Sean!” The kick wasn’t blocked. Two kicks later, the Chiefs defense did get a block.

The throw of day came during the team’s situational 11-on-11 scrimmage toward the end of practice. Quarterback Matt Cassel hit wide receiver Rodney Wright down the seam, in between the two safeties for a touchdown. Cassel was 3-4 in the scrimmage.His lone incompletion was a sack.

Quarterback Brodie Croyle hit tight end Sean Ryan for a score during the team’s goal line situation. Ryan leapt into the air and spiked the ball between his legs. Earlier in the drill, quarterback Matt Cassel found fullback Jed Collins for a touchdown. Cassel ran up and jumped on Collins. The goal line drill has been one of the team’s most intense practice sessions of camp thus far.

Todd Haley Press Conference

“We had two new players out there as you probably noticed,” said Head Coach Todd Haley when he opened his press conference. The Chiefs signed wide receiver Amani Toomer and linebacker Vince Redd. Toomer comes to the Chiefs after having spent the last 13 years in New York as a member of the Giants. Toomer is a guy who has played in some big games, including Super Bowls XXV and XLII and will give the Chiefs some more veteran leadership. Redd was waived by the New England Patriots. Haley said he was happy that both guys made some plays today. “We worked him (Toomer) out, and it looked like he had some gas in the tank, so we signed him,” Haley commented. He also mentioned that the Chiefs had been looking to go to 10 receivers on the roster.

Today was also the first day that defensive end Glenn Dorsey was available in full pads.  Haley was asked whether he thought Dorsey was in football shape. “[He’s] pretty close. [He’s] going to need a few days to get into football shape,” Haley said. He said that it doesn’t matter how hard you are working, but it always takes a few days when the pads come on. Dorsey was visibly exhausted after practice.

Haley said that he was happy to have linebacker Derrick Johnson back from “no man’s land.” Haley was referring to the area where the guys who are unable to practice have been working out, on field 3. “The play he made on the goal line was tremendous. If you can run and hit like that, you will be a big help to the defense,” Haley said about a hit Johnson had on running back Larry Johnson during the team’s 11-on-11 drill.

Linebacker Zach Thomas started practice, but after it appeared he would be unable to continue, was sent to the bikes. “It didn’t appear he was going to be able to go, so he was sent over to ‘no man’s land’,” Haley said.

Amani Toomer Press Conference

Wide receiver Amani Toomer met with the media following Head Coach Todd Haley’s post-practice press conference. Toomer was asked whether or not he worked out for any other teams. “No, I didn’t work out with any other teams,” the veteran said. “I just looked at the situation around here. It’s just a good situation for me to be in.” Toomer referred to quarterback Matt Cassel as a “great quarterback.”

Toomer said that he never considered retirement.“I was working out all the time. I just feel like a got a lot left, and I am just here to prove it.” He also said that he doesn’t feel any different from when he first came into the league.

Toomer was asked why he wasn’t out chasing another ring. “Who says I am not chasing a ring? Who says we can’t win one here?” the receiver replied. He commented on the fact that a team can go from 2-14 to the playoffs or even the Super Bowl in the NFL. “It is possible. It has happened.”  Toomer likes where the organization is headed with its new leadership.

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).