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Tuesday, August 18: Afternoon Practice

Practice No. 21 of the Kansas City Chiefs Summer Training Camp began with a bright blue sunny sky, with only a few clouds. The temperature was 76 degrees with a dewpoint of 50, and the humidity was at 40 percent. There was a nice, consistent breeze around nine miles-per-hour headed towards the west.

There were a limited amount of fans who attended the Kansas City Chiefs 21st practice today. At a record low for this year’s camp, around 50 people lined the south fence to watch the last few drills of camp.

Defense

Linebacker Zach Thomas was again the only inactive defensive player at practice this afternoon.

During the team’s warm-up run, linebacker Mike Vrabel looked to linebacker Zach Thomas, who was working out in “No Man’s Land.” Vrabel hollered, “They got (quarterback Brett) Favre, but we got Zach Thomas. (Screw) ‘em!” Vrabel was talking about the Minnesota Vikings who just acquired the veteran quarterback.

Safety Jon McGraw was able to knock down a Matt Gutierrez pass near the sideline during the 7-on-7 drill.

During 11-on-11, quarterback Matt Cassel had an intended pass to receiver Devard Darling. Safety Mike Brown and linebacker Mike Vrabel were able to team up to make a good defense stop. Brown came over Darling’s right side and swatted the ball down. Vrabel came from Darling’s left side.

Seeing time with the first-string defense team were defensive ends Alfonso Boone and Glenn Dorsey, linebackers Mike Vrabel, Derrick Johnson, Corey Mays and Tamba Hali, cornerbacks Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr and safeties Bernard Pollard and Jarrad Page. Rookie defensive ends Tyson Jackson and Alex Magee saw time in place of Boone and Dorsey with the first team, as well.

During 11-on-11, cornerback Brandon Flowers intercepted a pass from quarterback Matt Cassel. From the sidelines, Flowers’ defensive teammates yelled, “I see you, B. Flo.”

While the offensive and defensive lines worked together one-on-one, defensive end Alex Magee jumped offsides and had to run to the fence on the south end of field 2 and back again as a result.

During 11-on-11, defensive end Wallace Gilberry read the offense’s play very well. Quarterback Matt Cassel was looking to throw the ball to running back Jamaal Charles on the right side. Gilberry prevented the play, and Cassel was forced to throw the ball away.

Linebacker Vince Redd sacked quarterback Brodie Croyle during 11-on-11. From the sidelines, Redd’s defensive teammates were fired up, yelling, “I see you, 9-8.”

Cornerback Brandon Flowers spoke with media after this afternoon’s practice. Flowers was talking about the painted footballs he has in his display case at home. The balls represent important milestones Flowers reached last year in his rookie season. One of the balls is painted to show Flowers’ first interception. The pick came on a throw from then New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre. Favre recently joined the Minnesota Vikings, who the Chiefs face in their second preseason game on Friday. Flowers said that he “loves to play against Favre.” He said he is looking forward to getting another shot against the veteran quarterback this week. Flowers also commented on the Chiefs defensive line and how hard they are working. Flowers said he can really tell the linemen put a lot of effort in over the offseason. Flowers said the team’s loss against the Houston Texans on Aug. 15 is just more motivation to work harder. “The loss made us turn it up another notch,” Flowers said.

A few members of the media interviewed Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard after practice today on the north end of the practice fields. He was asked about their next preseason game on Friday against the Minnesota Vikings and what he thought about quarterback Brett Favre. Pollard mentioned that he did not find out about Favre being on the Vikings until right before practice today. Pollard said, “Favre always throws in the tight spots on the field, and Minnesota is getting a great player.” He then stated that having a guy like Favre in the NFL is not a distraction. “Even though he is almost 40, he wants to play, so let him play,” stated Pollard.

Offense

Running back Kolby Smith, guard Tavares Washington and quarterback Tyler Thigpen did not participate in practice this afternoon from the offensive side of the ball.

Quarterback Matt Gutierrez struggled hitting his receivers in stride today. Multiple times, the receivers were having to stop and catch the ball.

Head Coach Todd Haley was a little disappointed with the pace of the 6-on-0 drill the quarterbacks and wide receivers were running. Haley yelled to his quarterbacks that the drill needed to be quicker.

Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe spent some time with the first-team today. Head Coach Todd Haley commented in his press conference that he felt like Bowe was making good progress. Later in the day, Bowe made a catch while falling in traffic in the end zone. Haley was very pleased with the catch, saying, “That’s the way Bowe. That’s the way to compete for the football!”

Quarterback Brodie Croyle had a pass to running back Jamaal Charles during 11-on-11. During the play, tight end Jake O’Connell had a nice block that allowed Charles to bust through the defense and gain several yards.

During 11-on-11, quarterback Matt Gutierrez hit a wide-open receiver Amani Toomer. Toomer was flashing across the center of the field and continued up the left sideline. Defensive Coordinator Clancy Pendergast talked with safety Ricky Price after the play, addressing why the coverage was missed.

Between quarterback Brodie Croyle and guard Wade Smith, the ball was fumbled on the snap. Defensive end Wallace Gilberry was quick to jump on the loose ball. Head Coach Todd Haley was not pleased with the offense’s turnover. Later, Croyle was not quick enough on the release and was sacked. Haley had had enough and asked Offensive Coordinator Chan Gailey to make a switch. “Chan, put 15 in there,” Haley said. After the switch, Haley said to Croyle, “Come on, Brodie. We’ve got to be able to count on you.” After practice, Haley simply said that Croyle had committed a few errors in some consecutive plays. Haley refused to give any details about said errors.

Quarterback Brodie Croyle was able to make a pass into the bin during the quarterback’s throwing drill. The bin was in the northwest corner of the north end zone on field 1. Croyle was rolling to the left.

In a hurry-up drill, the offense bogged down just short of the first down. Kicker Ryan Succop was called the field to attempt a 52-yard field goa into the windl. He drained it.

Special Teams

Kicker Ryan Succop went 3-3 on field goals. He hit from 34, 37 and 39 yards.

Head Coach Todd Haley has said that the Chiefs return game leaves something to be desired. He said that he plans to throw in several different players in the return position throughout the remaining time at camp. Today’s returners included: running backs Jackie Battle, Jamaal Charles and Javarris Williams.

Extra, extra...

During the team’s conditioning period, full back Jed Collins was called out by Head Coach Todd Haley. “Jed isn’t running. You’ve got two [extra],” he yelled. The team then ran two more.

Former NFL General Manager Charlie Casserly was at practice today. Casserly currently works for NFL Network and CBS Sports. Casserly was the General Manager for the Washington Redskins and Houston Texans.

After practice, defensive end Glenn Dorsey and defensive tackle Tank Tyler signed autographs for eager fans.

Fans

Steve and Sally Brooks of Kansas City, Mo., were among the spectators at Ramer Field today as Chiefs practice started. The Brooks brought their two children, Connor (9) and Samantha (7), and are enjoying their family vacation in Wisconsin. “We went to the Mall of America yesterday,” Sally said.  The kids loved the amusement park they have there. It’s a huge place!” As the children played in the background, Steve spoke about the upcoming preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings this Friday, saying “I don't know. (Quarterback) Brett Favre was supposed to sign with the Vikings today, and if he does we will have to use a whole new game plan I think. That team is going to be scary with him at quarterback! Our defense will have its work cut out.”

Gale “Pete” A. Pettee of Centerville, Minn., has been a familiar face around Chiefs camp this season. Pete designs and sells sport plaques of all kinds and has been featuring Chiefs plaques that are shaped like an arrowhead and light up from within. Many of his designs can be seen at businesses in downtown River Falls, as local business owners have been eager to purchase and display logos, signs and other items that support the Chiefs and their fans. Football plaques are not the only kinds that Pete offers, however, and he had a few others on display in his van. Baseball, NASCAR, hockey, golf and NBA plaques are also hot sellers, and he has even created some for college sports teams. Pete will be following the team to Kansas City and will have items available for fans to purchase, some of which have been autographed by many Chiefs players. Pete can be reached by telephone at (651) 210-9502 to answer any questions. 

Many people didn’t attend this afternoon's practice, but as usual, there were a few dedicated fans there to watch the ending days of camp. Ruth Bach and her daughter Carissa Bach from Eau Claire, Wis., along with their dog Cheyenne, attended the 21st practice making this their fourth year coming to Summer Training Camp. “We like to come here to get autographs and watch our favorite player (running back) Larry Johnson,” said Ruth. The two believe that the new coaching staff and players will be able to help the team with the season to come and are sad to see that the Chiefs will be practicing in Missouri from now on.

Father Derrick Torgerson and daughter Ally Torgerson from Hudson, Wis., were at the Chiefs afternoon practice today watching to see how the team is shaping up this year. “We are actually fans of the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers, but it is still fun to come here and see how the Chiefs start their season off,” said Derrick. Like many other residents of the St. Croix community, the two are sad to see the Chiefs leave the area, but understand that the location will be more convenient for the team and the fans in Missouri.

Traveling businessman, Phil Lehr from Harrisonville, Mo., stopped by the 21st Kansas City Chiefs practice today during his break to check out the team before the season begins. The 20-year season ticket holder has never been to Summer Training Camp before, but is looking forward to the Chiefs moving to St. Joe, Mo., to practice next year. As far as the new coaching staff and players are concerned, Lehr said, “It will be hard to say how well they will all do together this year. Anything will be an improvement from last season. However, after watching (Head Coach )Todd Haley in Arizona, I think he’ll be a good fit with (General Manager) Scott Pioli here." In a final comment, Lehr mentioned that he was enjoying the practice, but wished his son Dustin could be here to see it as well.

A football fan, who would like to remain anonymous, from Dallas, Texas came to watch practice with her two grandchildren from Dallas and two grandchildren from River Falls, who range from the ages of eight to 12 years old. It is their first time coming to the Chiefs Summer Training Camp, and they came because she thought her grandchildren might enjoy it because they play youth football. She ended by mentioning that her favorite part about watching football is watching the halftime show and seeing the bands play.

Mark Murtha of Hudson, Wis., was watching practice from the west end of the practice fields this afternoon. He said that he has already been over to watch the Chiefs practice a few times this summer and has been at camp at least once to watch the team for the last five years. Murtha then mentioned that he plans on bringing his two-year-old son, Logan Murtha, out to practice tomorrow. Mark used to play football for Hamline University as a defensive end from 1988 until 1992. His cousin, Lydon Murtha of Hutchinson, Minn., used to play for Nebraska and was picked up by the Detroit Lions this year. Lydon is currently at training camp in Detroit, Mich., and is hoping to play for the Lions as an offensive tackle.

Keith Kolpack and his son Peter Kolpack stopped by for a few minutes to watch practice today. Peter studied agriculture and biology education and graduated from UW-River Falls in December 2008. He said he watched the Chiefs practice a few times during the summer the last few years, but it was Keith’s first time at camp. Keith mentioned he had been to Ramer Field a few times to watch some Falcon football games, though, because Peter was a right tackle for the UW-River Falls football team.

Todd Haley Press Conference

Head Coach Todd Haley had his daily meeting with reporters following practice No. 21 from UW-River Falls.

Tackle Barry Richardson has been getting reps with the first team offensive line and Coach Haley was asked to comment on the second-year tackle. “I think Barry has a chance [to start],” Haley said. “He’s made progress daily. Not without some ups and downs, and it's not picture perfect by any means, but he has created some competition at the right tackle position.” Haley reiterated that the best players will play.

Haley avoided the question on whether he was worried about the quarterback play, saying that in order for the Chiefs to win, it's going to take some pretty good football. He did say, “...of course I am worried about the quarterback position,” but Haley managed to steer around the answer everyone was looking for. Haley was asked if quarterback Matt Cassel was the best quarterback in camp. The head coach would not answer that question currently.

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).