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Monday, August 10: Afternoon Practice

The afternoon practice started with “perfect football weather,” said a Chiefs fan. It was 80 degrees with a partly sunny sky, and the sun was peaking out every once in awhile. The dewpoint was 60 with the humidity at 50 percent. The wind was headed to the west-southwest with a speed of five miles-per-hour. Practice ended minutes before it began drizzling.

The 14th Kansas City Chiefs practice was held under the sweltering summer sun, but was still attended by nearly 100 people.

Fans

Chiefs fans Mike Randolf, his son Patrick and friend Joe LaMontagne from Madison, Wis. are in town for their fifth consecutive training camp. Joe stated that he is a Packer fan, but Joe is a huge Chiefs fan because he grew up watching them since he is originally from Kansas City. Patrick will be a freshman at the University of Missouri as a journalism major, and LaMontagne will be a freshman at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash. Mike said he enjoys seeing a little bit of everything when watching practice, but then stated he likes to watch the linemen more than the backs. Even though the Chiefs may be at St. Joe, Mo. next year, the group still plans to visit the Chiefs training camp next summer and continue the tradition.

Steve Meckle and his daughters Lauren (16) and Ashleigh (14) from Hastings, Minn. decided to come to River Falls for their second Kansas City Chiefs Summer Training Camp. Also along with them is Jill Whipple (15) of Hastings, Minn. for her first camp. The Meckles have some relatives in Missouri, and the girls said that it makes them jealous that they are able to go to camp and their relatives are not. Ashleigh’s favorite player is quarterback Matt Cassel because, “He made New England look good. He’s even better than (quarterback) Tom Brady!” Jill mentioned that she does not know much about football, but even though she isn’t that educated about football, she still enjoys watching it.

Brothers Briar (15) and Jacob Teep (13) of River Falls rode to training camp on their bicycles to watch practice. It is only their first year watching the Chiefs at camp, but they have been to every practice since camp began on Aug. 1 except for on Family Fun Day. Briar stated, “It is a really cool experience, and I like getting their autographs.” He also mentioned that he thinks it is different watching the players in person than on the television because they look smaller in person. Jacob said that they have different personalities. For example, on TV, some players seem a little stuck up or cocky during interviews, but in person they are nicer and more genuine.

Tailgating in the Ramer Field parking lot this afternoon were Gary and Jackie Smith of Kansas City, Mo. “We absolutely love coming up here,” Jackie said.  “Everyone is so nice, and the weather here is so much cooler than in Kansas City.” The Smiths own a landscaping business in Missouri, but take time off each year to come watch their favorite sports team. “My hired help takes care of business for the week while we get away,” Gary explained. “It’s a nice little break for us, and we have really enjoyed coming to River Falls over the years.”

Few people can say that they have been to Chiefs camp every single year that it was held in River Falls. Tom Jackson is one of the few, however, and he was out watching practice again this afternoon. “I remember watching all of the old coaches,” Jackson said thoughtfully. “I was here through (Marty) Schottenheimer, (Gunther) Cunningham, (Dick) Vermeil and (Herm) Edwards. I’m looking forward to seeing what (Todd) Haley can accomplish with our guys!” Jackson will continue to attend Chiefs camp after they stop coming to River Falls. “I will miss getting up here. About the only thing that will be better by having camp in Missouri is the drive.”

The 14th Kansas City Chiefs practice took place under a hot summer sky and was attended by mother and son, Pam and Jason High from Lee Summit, Mo.  The two arrived in River Falls this morning and are planning on doing some touring of the Minesota and Wisconsin area while they are here for four days. “This is our first time coming to the Summer Training Camp," said Pam, "and not to mention, it’s also our first time being in Minnesota or Wisconsin.” The Highs are looking forward to having the Chiefs move down to St. Joe, Mo. because the practices will be closer to home for them. As far as the new coaching staff goes, Pam said, “I read an article about the change, and he (Head Coach Todd Haley) seems determined to make things happen." Along with the change in coaching staff, the new players are keeping Jason optimistic about the season to come. “We watch all the games from home and I’m looking forward to seeing what the new guys can do. I would have to say my favorite player right now is (quarterback) Matt Cassel, but (quarterback) Tyler Thigpen is pretty great too,” said Jason.

A mother and her two sons attended this afternoon's practice. Carmen, Alex and Garrett Buell enjoyed the practice from the south end of the field and were on a one-day trip from Waterford, Wis. This is the family’s ninth year of attending training camp. “There are only two players left on the roster since we started coming here," commented Alex. "Now I’m a big fan of (running back) Larry Johnson and used to like (former tight end) Tony Gonzalez. However, after last year, something needed to change, and I think that the newest additions, players and coaches can do that.” The family is sad to think that the Chiefs might be practicing in St. Joe, Mo. next year and don't really think they will be able to attend as much. “The atmosphere won't be the same as it is here. I like how we can get so close to the players while we’re here, and it’s not such a circus,” said Garrett.

A group of friends from Kansas City attended the Chiefs afternoon practice today. Brian Haines, Bill Graham, Jim Jones and Gene Sesser all stood along the east side bleachers to get a better look at the offensive line. Haines has been coming to camp for over 15 years and is sad to see that it won’t be in River Falls for much longer. “I’ve been coming here for so long that I’ve see the practices change as the coaches and players are changing. This year (Head Coach Todd) Haley seems to be a little more tough on the guys than (former coach) Herm (Edwards) was,” said Haines. Other than the training camp, the four also come to this area to golf and do other outdoors things. “We’re looking for a good place to go fishing,” said Graham. Though the guys will be going to St. Joe, Mo. to watch the camp in years to come, they are still going to miss the River Falls area.

Defense

Linebackers Zach Thomas, Demorrio Williams and Monty Beisel and cornerback DaJuan Morgan were not active in this afternoon’s practice. The players spent their time on field 3, working out.

The defensive line worked on their typical drill on the single sled. Equipment Assistant Kyle Crumbaugh helped out with the drill again. Usually Crumbaugh stands to one side of the sled, and the players charge him after disengaging the dummy. This time, however, Defensive Line Coach Tim Krumrie had Crumbaugh stand directly behind the sled, and as the linemen disengaged, Crumbaugh chose a side. Krumrie said that this strategy would help the men get off the blocker quicker and reach the ball carrier more accurately. Rookie defensive end Tyson Jackson appeared to struggle a little with the drill. He was the only player that had to go more than once during both of his attempts on the sled. “Lock it out,” Krumrie kept telling the rookie. Fellow rookie defensive end Alex Magee seemed to have a good afternoon in the drill. After button his chin strap as Krumrie ordered, Magee received a compliment from the coach. “That’s the way to strike, Alex,” Krumrie commended.

During 7-on-7, Defensive Line Coach Tim Krumrie hollered at second-year defensive end Glenn Dorsey. “Stop skating, Glenn,” Krumrie said. “Drive his (butt) up the field.” Krumrie was frustrated after Dorsey had let the offensive blocker knock him to his knees. Also during the drill, linebacker Turk McBride got his left wrist taped by a trainer.
Cornerback Maurice Leggett continued to be the exclusive nickelback during today’s practice.

During the offensive line and defensive line’s familiar match-up during a blocking drill, tackle Cameron Goldberg ripped defensive end Tyson Jackson to the ground. Jackson then spent several rotations working one-on-one with a coach near the sidelines before Defensive Line Coach Tim Krumrie called him back over. Jackson’s second showing was much better. Also during the drill, defensive end Glenn Dorsey jumped offsides, swore loudly and had to run.
The team’s 11-on-11 drill was primarily defensively controlled. Quarterback Brodie Croyle threw an interception to cornerback Ricardo Colclough, and Croyle’s next play was a pass that got deflected by Colclough. From the sidelines, cornerback Donald Washington hollered, “I see you, 2-0!” The defense was fired up. Later, quarterback Tyler Thigpen threw an interception to cornerback Ricky Price. The team then moved their 11-on-11 drill to field 2. Quarterback Matt Cassel threw a ball down the left sideline to wide receiver Devard Darling. After Darling was met with two defenders, he fumbled the ball as he fell to the ground. Luckily, it rolled out of bounds before it could be recovered. It was at this moment that a fan said, “You can tell the defense is winning.” Not long after, another Cassel pass was defended by cornerback Brandon Flowers who swatted the ball out of the air. Later, Cassel had a completion to running back Javarris Williams. Safety Jarrad Page had an impressive, strong hit on the running back however, and the ball popped out. Croyle would throw an easily catachable ball to tight end Jake O’Connell, but O’Connell was unable to make the grab; the ball soared through the tight end’s hands. Defensive end Glenn Dorsey would have had a sack on Croyle, and linebacker Turk McBride showed good pressure on Croyle as well. At the end of the drill, the defensive sideline was roaring.

The defensive line ran extra drills today after the rest of the team was off of the practice fields. From about 6:40 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., players ran drills hitting dummies and getting off the line of scrimmage. At 7:00 p.m., after most of the players were excused, defensive tackle Tank Tyler, rookie defensive end Tyson Jackson and linebacker Tamba Hali stayed even later to work some one-on-one drills with coaches.

After practice in an interview, safety Jarrad Page said that everyone is working really hard, and that this is one of the toughest training camps they have had. “After a week you get used to it. Your legs become somewhat normal again. It’s intense,” stated Page.

Safety Bernard Pollard talked about the upcoming preseason game against the Houston Texans today, saying, “I’m excited to hit somebody! It’s so hard during camp because coaches are always telling us to let up and not hit somebody full strength. Defensively, I want to make turnovers, and although interceptions are nice, I’m a contact guy.  wanna hit you and strip the ball out.” When asked about the Chiefs defense in general, Pollard said, “We can always get better. We need to know each other on and off the field, and we are getting there. We want to lead the league in many defensive categories, so we have to continue to work hard as a team.”

Cornerback Ricardo Colclough, the defensive star of today’s practice, spoke to reporters for a few minutes following practice. Colclough said that it is very important to get a chance to work with all the new guys. “[The new guys] gotta get the feel,” he said.  He also talked about the camaraderie that is needed to run a successful defense. “You need that (the camaraderie) to be a great unit. All the great defenses have that,” the veteran of six years said.

Extra, extra...

At 4:30 p.m., the horn sounded, and the defense began the familiar drill that involved garbage bins representing the offensive line. Linebacker Tamba Hali wasn’t quite suited up in time. He ran across field 2 with his pads unsnapped and his jersey not on. Hali didn’t step in during the first rotation of the drill. He had to get dressed and tie his shoes first.

Two fans at practice today hung up a sign that read, “Brodie Fans 4 Life.”  The sign was referring to quarterback Brodie Croyle. Later in practice Head Coach Todd Haley made a comment about it following a Croyle interception. “They took your banner down, Brodie,” Haley joked.

After practice, linebackers Mike Vrabel, Monty Beisel, Derrick Johnson and Corey Mays were some of the players signing autographs for eager fans along the west fence.

Chiefs Hall of Fame Offensive Lineman John Alt visited practice this afternoon. The only offensive lineman to play in more games for the Chiefs than Alt (179) was Jim Tyrer (180).  As a Chief, Alt started in 149 games, and shares a franchise record for playoff appearances with 10. He was an All-Pro in 1990, and also played in back-to-back Pro Bowls in ’92 and ’93. A first round draft choice out of Iowa in 1984, Alt was the third offensive lineman selected in that year’s draft. Alt played his entire career with the Chiefs. He currently is an assistant coach with the Cretin-Durham Hall football team in St. Paul, Minn.

Offense

During the teams one-on-air drill with tight ends only, Tom Crabtree made a sweet one-hand catch. Crabtree reached up with one hand and was able to corral the ball.

The team ran a drill which pitted three defensive backs against two wide receivers. Quarterback Matt Cassel was intercepted by safety Bernard Pollard during the session. Cassel did however make two big league throws. The first was down the left sideline to receiver Mark Bradley for a big gain. Later, Cassel found the seam between the two defenders and hit receiver Devard Darling in stride.

The quarterbacks spent some time throwing fade routes into buckets in the corner of the end zones. Quarterbacks Matt Cassel and Brodie Croyle were the only ones to successfully put it in the bucket. Out of 52 attempts, two were completed, and eight hit the barrel.

The offense did not have a very good session during the team’s 7-on-7 drill. Quarterback Matt Cassel’s first two passes were incomplete. Linebacker Derrick Johnson was able to knock down the first pass. After a first down completion to receiver Bobby Engram, running back Larry Johnson dropped the next pass. Head Coach Todd Haley yelled, “Catch it with your hand 2-7!” Cassel’s final pass was completed to rookie receiver Quinten Lawrence for a first down. Cassel was 2-5. Quarterback Brodie Croyle came in and threw three passes. The first was dropped by receiver Rodney Wright. Croyle would complete his next two passes to finish 2-3. Quarterback Tyler Thigpen came in and made the throw the drill. Thigpen found Wright in between three defensive backs for a first down. Thigpen punched it threw a window that was closing fast. Quarterback Matt Gutierrez made one throw and found tight end Tom Crabtree for a first down.

The team then moved down to the Red zone to work on some 7-on-7. After two completions quarterback Matt Cassel threw the ball out of the back of the end zone. Head Coach Todd Haley was pleased with the decision, saying, “That is OK, Matt.” Two plays later, after a teammate was heard saying, “Protect that field goal, Matt. Protect that field goal,” Cassel was picked off. Cornerback Brandon Carr was able to step in front of the ball. Cassel finished the drill 3-5. Quarterback Brodie Croyle then stepped in to take his reps. After two completions, Croyle was intercepted. Cornerback Ricardo Colclough came up with his first interception of the day. Had this been in a real game Colclough would have gone over 100 yards to the end zone. The last two plays of the session were touchdowns throw by quarterbacks Tyler Thigpen and Matt Gutierrez.  Thigpen was about to find receiver Quinten Lawrence for the score with his final pass. Gutierrez made the final throw of the drill and hit tight end Brad Cottam for six points.

Tight end Jake O’Connell made a great play in this afternoon’s practice. With a full extension dive, O’Connell hauled in a pass from quarterback Matt Cassel. Head Coach Todd Haley was fired up after the catch, shouting, “That’s the way 4-5. We need more guys like that [putting their body on the line], laying out to make catches like that.” Not to be out done, tight end Sean Ryan came up with another diving catch on the very next play.

After the afternoon practice today, tackle Herb Taylor took a few minutes to comment on the practices and the season at hand. “Well, this year isn’t too much different with (Head Coach Todd) Haley. However, he demands that we give it our all. Not that (former Head Coach) Herm (Edwards) didn’t demand that, but he really makes practice physical,” said Taylor. He also mentioned that all the guys need to stay competitive because they are all fighting for the job. As far as his size this year, Herb commented, “My goal weight is 300 pounds, and right now I’m at about 310, so I would be happy to get down and play at 300.”

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).