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Saturday, July 29, 2006, Morning
K.C. Chiefs Training Camp Daily Updates

The Chiefs took the field at 8:45 a.m., opening with special teams drills. The temperature read 78 degrees to open practice, much cooler than the exhausting temperatures yesterday, mostly because of cloudy skies. The humidity was still high at 79 percent, with a dew point of 72 percent. The winds were coming from the ESE at 8 mph., which countered the high humidity a bit.

Offense

The entire offensive core gathered on field three with the brawny offensive linemen using their power to attack the sleds while another group ran routes and patterns. Offensive coordinator Mike Solari's discontent with the hustle of the players could be easily overheard by the crowd when he assertively reminded the players: "Don't walk!"

During 7-on-7 drills, quarterback Trent Green worked primarily with wide receivers Eddie Kennison, Craphonso Thorpe, Jeris McIntyre, Samie Parker, running backs Larry Johnson and Dee Brown, tight end Kris Wilson and fullback Ronnie Cruz, indicating some of the probable focal points of the offense this year.

Players absent from individual position work included tight ends Tony Gonzalez and Jason Dunn and guard Will Shields. All graced the field, but none practiced. The quarterbacks, punters and kickers worked on footwork and agility, while the wide receivers ran patterns to the left. Center Johnathan Ingram, guard Tyler Lenda, center Rudy Niswanger and guard Steve Franklin all coalesced to work on the sleds, while the rest of the offensive line practicing blocking schemes.

Quarterback coach Terry Shea provided advice for long snapper/tight end Kendall Gammon saying, "Split those defenders 83." Gammon showed off his catching skills today and his versatility at tight end with the absence of Gonzalez and Dunn.

During 11-on-11's quarterback Trent Green took a high percentage of the snaps again. He connected with tight end Robert Docherty and wide receiver Samie Parker on a number of throws. Running back Larry Johnson was still finding the holes in the defense, proving that he will be the focus of the rushing attack once again this year. Kennison and Parker assumed the two starting wide receiver spots for the greater part of the drill. Following the drills, Green, pleased with the rotation, gave Kennison and Johnson high-fives.

The level of energy on the field escalated since yesterday, but the productivity of the back-up quarterbacks was not as evident. Quarterback Damon Huard was picked off by cornerback Julian Battle and one of quarterback Casey Printer's throws ended up the arms of safety Greg Wesley. Quarterback Brodie Croyle had a pass blocked by defensive end Clint Mitchell and had trouble finding his receivers.

Defense

The linebacker crew worked on drop back drills in which they backpedaled 10 yards, paused, and then ran forward to catch a ball thrown by linebacker coach Don Blackmon.   

The secondary practiced on the tackling dummy where they worked for about 10 minutes. Cornerback Ty Law was absent but is expected to be in camp and practicing tomorrow. Safety William Bartee and corner Alphonso Hodge were away from their secondary unit and were working without pads with strength and conditioning coach Jeff Hurd.  

Defensive lineman worded on tackling dummies most of practice. They were also challenged by a unique drill ran by line coach Tim Krumrie. Krumrie slid protective pads over his arms as players took turns coming at him and batting at the sleeves. End Tamba Hali and tackle James Reed showed immense efforts as they grunted their way through the drill. Reed has been a workhorse so far in camp.  

In 11-on-11 drills the players seemed grittier than in the first practice. The offense opened with a hand-off to running back Larry Johnson and safety Greg Wesley made the stop. Wesley made his presence known shortly after when he intercepted quarterback Casey Printers' throw. The ball was tipped by cornerback Lenny Walls.

Few mistakes were made throughout the day. Rookie safety Jarrad Page made about the only error when he misjudged quarterback Trent Green's pass and dropped an easy interception.

The pace of practice seemed to be much more upbeat compared to Friday. Practice concluded and everyone left with a good feeling, as players seemed to pick up the energy.

Special Teams
Coffee must have been the drink of choice at breakfast this morning for both the players and coaches. The entire faction, fully caffeinated and energized, stepped up the intensity performing much more solidly than yesterday. Special teams coach Mike Priefer jumpstarted his unit by commanding the players to "get off the block" and "compete a little bit." Formations and drills seemed to be a mirror image of yesterday's warm-up with the addition of three-point stances. Though air was cooler than yesterday, linebacker Boomer Grigsby showed off this midriff during the entire special teams session.

Coach Herm Edwards

Coach Herm Edwards spoke of how he planned to take care of players in the heat, especially when the team practices in full pads in the afternoon. "Guys we put on the sidelines today are the guys that are practicing in the afternoon," said Edwards. "We have to protect the players, especially when they are older. I don't think I have to worry about guys like (guard) Will Shields practicing."

Edwards expected corner Ty Law to be in camp tomorrow.

Guard Brian Waters was mangled in a crowd during 11-on-11's, and the trainers rushed the field. He sprained an ankle. Edwards said the ankle will be looked at and x-rayed at the hospital.

Fans

Corey Thomas of Paola, Kan., brought son, Tanner, 8, and Jacob Hiatt, 14, up to camp last night for the first time ever. Some of their favorite players include tight end Tony Gonzalez, quarterback Trent Green and running back Larry Johnson. They follow the Chiefs very closely and plan on going to a few games this year. They aren’t big fans of the Raiders, Broncos or Chargers, so they think those games would be the most fun to watch. Corey is excited for Herm Edwards to be coach this year: “He has a strong defensive focus which will be great!” When asked how he thought the Chiefs would do this season Hiatt exclaimed, “Go Chiefs! They’re going to win the Super Bowl this year!”

There aren’t very many people who would make a three-day trip to River Falls on a motorcycle, but Jerry and Jackie Stearman were willing to take the challenge. The Stearmans rode their 2003 Honda GoldWing up from Excelsior, Mo., to see the new coach, Herm Edwards, up close. Jerry stated that former head coach, Dick Vermeil, was “too loose last year. They got in trouble. Discipline helps them stay focused.” Jerry is thrilled to see what Edwards has in store for the defense. In talking about the offense he said, “He’s not going to mess with something that works.”

Mike and Kayla Norman traveled to River Falls this summer from Overland Park, Kan., to watch their favorite NFL team up close and personal. This is their fourth year at the training camp and they are excited about new Head Coach Herm Edwards. Kayla is looking forward to seeing her favorite players including linebacker Derrick Johnson, running back Larry Johnson and wide receiver Dante Hall. Mike mentioned that he is curious to see how this year’s first round pick will affect the defense.  

Nichole Ahner, from Lee's Summit, Mo., is excited to be in River Falls this summer for her first experience at camp. She enjoys watching her favorite players including tight end Tony Gonzalez, quarterback Trent Green, and wide receiver Dante Hall. Ahner is disappointed to not see running back Priest Holmes on the practice field, but is excited to have Coach Herm Edwards leading the team this season.

Brian Reynolds has been coming to the Chiefs Summer Training Camp in River Falls for 14 years, and is carrying on the tradition by bringing sons Brandon, 11, and Nolan, 3, along for the experience. The Reynolds traveled from Lawrence, Kan., to see their favorite team in action and to celebrate Nolan’s third birthday, which is today. Brandon and Nolan are excited to see their favorite Chiefs players, which include running back Larry Johnson and wide receiver Dante Hall.

Tim Vandenhoy of Seymour, Wis., was at this morning’s practice early to watch new Head Coach Herm Edwards work his players. Celebrating his 28th wedding anniversary, Vandenhoy was able to escape his duties as a husband for a short time to attend the second day of practice. Vandenhoy’s favorite player is running back Priest Holmes, who he was unable to see this morning because the Chiefs placed him on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list last night due to on-going injuries to his neck and back. Vandenhoy thinks that Edwards will work wonders for the Chiefs’ defense, which has been sorely lacking for the last few years. “Being a defensive-oriented head coach with a high energy level, Herm will improve the defense a lot this year,” said Vandenhoy.

Sandy and Mark Thorn, of Kansas City, stopped by the Chiefs’ practice this morning on their way to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It worked out perfect for the couple, as they were able to take a break from their journey to stop and watch their hometown team practice. Their eyes, along with many other fans’, were locked on speedy kick-returner Dante Hall as he ran around the field. “Look at those legs on Dante. I didn’t even know we had those muscles in our legs,” said Sandy. Nicknamed “The Human Joystick,” Hall didn’t fail to impress fans this morning with his lightning fast speed and innate ability to start and stop on a dime and change direction. Much of that ability can be credited to his very strong legs. “Like a thoroughbred,” said Mark.

Students and staff covering the Chiefs this year include in front row, left to right: Sara Dehn (Senior Day), Amie Eller (Kids' Days), John Hepokoski (sidelines), Holly Sigler (photographs), Jude Harder (fans, Punt, Pass & Kick). Back, left to right: Mark Kinders (Public Affairs Director), Kat Krtnick (sidelines), Deb Toftness (Office Manager), Brenda Bredahl (Public Affairs Editor), Jim Thies (Sports Information Director), Jens Gunelson (University Photographer).

Chiefs fans! Make sure you tune in to the 2006 Daily Updates page on a regular basis. We will be posting sidelines and fans information after each practice while the Chiefs are in camp.